Freak, Part II

Let's face it. It is especially hard, even for a Jesus freak, to keep God in mind throughout the day. In these days and times it can be very difficult not to let our circumstances and daily trials interrupt our relationship with God and His Son. One of the things that always struck me about Jewish tradition was the fact that God was life and not just a small part of life.

God is pleased with His children when we remember Him. All of the Jewish songs, festivals, holidays, and rituals were to bring God into remembrance just as we Christians perform communion to bring Christ into remembrance. God does not like to be forgotten or passed over especially for earthly things or due to earthly crisis. It is clear when reading the Old Testament that this is one of God's requirements. Three that come to mind are love, remembrance, and obedience.

There is nothing (clearly) that God loves more than His children loving Him, remembering Him or acknowledging Him, and being obedient to Him. I look to Peter and Paul specifically, although they were Jewish, they were not bound by the law any longer. Jesus released them from the requirements of the law. Despite this, it is clear that Paul and Peter both kept to some of their Jewish traditions even after conversion to Christianity. I believe that Paul and Peter both kept the Jewish prayer times that they were accustomed to. Prayer is the lifeline for the Christian and an important part in investing and growing our relationship with God. We must remember to pray as often as we can throughout our daily lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.