Praise without ceasing

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

That boy praises without ceasing

Most recently, I was humbly rebuked by a tiny little 4 year old. I share my shame in that maybe you too will find a much needed rebuke as well. We should never think there is nothing to learn from these little ones. For most often if we will simply take the time to watch them, we can understand more what Jesus meant when He said: Mark 10:15 "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." Forget about what you thought religion was all about and come to Jesus and find out what following and living in to kingdom of the King of Kings is all about!

I do not want to go into a complete & comprehensive explanation of this verse, but an observation of an application. Many times, we make things more complicated than they need to be. So I don’t want to do that, or you will miss the simpleness of the Truth.

In December, we had some very dear close friends come for a visit. They have 3 boys all bundles of joy. The oldest kindergarten age, then the 4 year old and a 10 month old were a delight to have in our home. And we love the parents too. But as the children played, I noticed their carefree hearts. The oldest was not feeling well so he was quieter than normal. But the middle child is the one who had the rebuke for me.

He played for hours upon hours. From the time he got up until he crashed at night, he toddled around and played, making all sorts of things with his imagination. That doesn’t seem so abnormal. But what was different is that he sang the whole time. He never ceased to sing. He was not doing it for attention, for many of the times he played by himself. But he sang the entire day. I asked his father, “Does he ever stop?” He just laughed. I said “that boy Praise (prays) without ceasing” and I thought, if we could only “Praise without ceasing” like Scripture says to “Pray without ceasing”.

The context of that Scripture actually is both:
Rejoicing/thanksgiving
&
Praying

All rolled up into continues “Prayzing”

May we be like this little boy, and not let the cares of this world steal our joy!
May we praise God without ceasing!

laura