PRAYERS for these TIMES

JESUS declared:

 John 15:16

King James Version

16 Ye have not chosen me, 

but I have chosen you, 

and ordained you, 

that ye should go and bring forth fruit, 

and that your fruit should remain: 

that whatsoever ye shall ask 

of the Father in my name, 

he may give it you.

What could be the best prayer, or prayers, in these chaotic times?

Would our prayers be answered?

What makes prayers get answered?

Here's where the HOLY SPIRIT led me today.

On the THREE best prayers for these times.

First, the prayer JESUS taught us:

Matthew 6:9-13

King James Version

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, 

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil: 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, 

and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Second, a call so we may know what to do:

Psalm 143:8

King James Version

8 Cause me to hear 

thy lovingkindness in the morning; 

for in thee do I trust: 

cause me to know the way 

wherein I should walk; 

for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Third, the prayer GOD delights in:

Psalm 143:10

King James Version

10 Teach me to do thy will; 

for thou art my God: 

thy spirit is good; lead me 

into the land of uprightness.

NOTE the THREE important calls from our hearts.

This is how we must live, work, and pray, in these times:

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:"

"cause me to know the way wherein I should walk;"

"Teach me to do thy will;"

That's what perfect obedience is.

JESUS was the BEST example of that.

Philippians 2:8

King James Version

8 And being found in fashion as a man, 

he humbled himself, 

and became obedient unto death, 

even the death of the cross.

He taught us all we need to be.

Remember, He is the Way:

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And His Way is the narrow way.

Matthew 7:13-14

King James Version

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: 

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, 

that leadeth to destruction, 

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, 

which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

It's how we become disciples of CHRIST.

John 13:35

King James Version

35 By this shall all men know 

that ye are my disciples, 

if ye have love one to another.

Matthew 16:24

King James Version

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross, and follow me.

Why does these matter?

Matthew 16:25-26

King James Version

25 For whosoever will save his life 

shall lose it: 

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake 

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, 

if he shall gain the whole world, 

and lose his own soul? 

or what shall a man give 

in exchange for his soul?

And with the LORD, is SURE victory.

Matthew 16:27

King James Version

27 For the Son of man shall come 

in the glory of his Father with his angels; 

and then he shall reward every man 

according to his works.

Pray to know GOD's will.

Have PURE adoration of heart.

Exodus 3:4-5

King James Version

4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, 

God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, 

and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: 

put off thy shoes from off thy feet, 

for the place whereon thou standest 

is holy ground.

It's the most important foundation of all.

Man's will, and desires, are strong.

But GOD's WORD, and WILL, remain.

Psalm 33:11

King James Version

11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, 

the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

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Merchandising MADNESS

 

2 Timothy 2:4

King James Version

4 No man that warreth 

entangleth himself 

with the affairs of this life; 

that he may please him 

who hath chosen him 

to be a soldier.

Which color?

For whom?

Would the price be right?

Why so many colors?

Why so many styles?

Why so many weaves?

Why so much to choose from?

Would this match their bathroom?

Would this match their kitchen?

And that's just towels, mind you.

We haven't gotten to many other items we use on a daily basis.

Whether for self, or gifts.

As you can imagine, we are drowning in choices.

The marketing and merchandising world has made sure of that.

They've kept us mighty busy making choices.

Our malls, and supermarket aisles, are flooded with goods of every kind, every color, every size, every purpose, every price.

Where Mom and Pop stores, and neighborhood groceries once stood, now, we are faced with a plethora of choices.

Which all keep growing more by the day.

They've even invented apps on our cellphones so we can shop even more.

For that's the idea, really.

That you spend your hard-earned money.

Willfully, even carelessly, and unthinkingly.

And buy stuff that are trending, probably useful, or useless, just so you buy, and someone gets that money.

Most everyone get caught up in merch madness.

What is "merchandising" but this:

"Merchandising is any practice which contributes to the sale of products ("merch" colloquially) to a retail consumer. At a retail in-store level, merchandising refers to displaying products that are for sale in a creative way that entices customers to purchase more items or products."

-- Wikipedia

That "creative", and "crafty" way for the merchandiser, can be a "confusing", and "crazy" way for the consumer.

"So much to choose from!" is the initial reaction.

So, they invent online stores, for convenience.

Now, there's less to view, or is it really?

Still, the fact remains stores want your money.

And they can deliver, too!

That makes people buy stuff they don't really use, or need, or the colors and sizes are wrong.

Surely you've heard many of that each day.

But what can an online stores really present?

It's all visual, this thing about "merchandising".

For this born again workman, I'd rather shop on site.

Meaning, I can see the goods for real.

I can touch it, "weigh" it, even smell it.

So I know what I'm getting.

And yes, I can even walk away from it.

This is the age of excess.

Too much to choose from.

It's as if the merch people have gone overboard.

Bombarding us with choices, and selections, covering our every "whim".

But it can turn off "purists".

The kind that wants a few, good things only.

That wants sturdy, and reliable stuff.

"Value for money", they say.

Or the kind that abhors store traps.

And knows the game for what it is.

You've got to be an entrepreneur, consumer, and born again watchman to realize all that.

Well, we've been, and are, all three.

We know the game.

And the bottomline is this:

Anything that keeps your eyes off GOD, 

has got to be the enemy's work.

When you keep your eye off GOD, you honor the little gods.

Which GOD abhors so much.

But warriors of the SPIRIT don't get distracted.

We focus on CHRIST alone.

We are guided by SPIRIT.

So, we buy what we need.

We don't get confused by all the choices.

We don't get caught up in "trappy" trends.

We don't compare our lives with the Joneses.

We live simple lives dedicated to GOD, and to you.

We're like cops.

Here to "protect, and serve" you.

Scripturally.

Spiritually.

Thus, we share GOD's WORD with you:

1 John 2:15-17

King James Version

15 Love not the world, 

neither the things that are in the world. 

If any man love the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: 

but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Be not confused.

Be saved.

Be not covetous.

Be simple.

Be not envious.

Be content.

Be not of the enemy.

Be of CHRIST.

That ought to veer you away from the creature and clamor, the glitter and glamor, of litter and clutter, and sin and Satan.

Galatians 5:16-26

King James Version

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, 

uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, 

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, 

revellings, and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit 

is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 

gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's 

have crucified the flesh 

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, 

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, 

envying one another.

NOTE: This article was on our mind last night.

But as with everything important, there was so much material.

So, we slept it off, confident SPIRIT will sort it all out in the morning.

Sure enough, He always does.

The "towel" image appealed to us right away.

In all its significance, and simplicity.

The verses were there last night.

But this morning, all came to form.

Easily, crucially, clearly.

There was no "clutter", or confusion.

Only CHRIST.

It's a lovely thing.

When GOD makes you "born again".

All become clear.

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CALL to ENDURANCE

 

2 Timothy 3:1-4

King James Version

3 This know also, 

that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, 

covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, 

disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, 

false accusers, incontinent, fierce, 

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, 

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Know this -- CHRIST's enemy will try to break your spirit.

He will do all he can to break down your defenses.

He's always on the lookout to break your resolve.

His intent?

To destroy each one of us.

ESPECIALLY believers.

He will look for that chink in your armor.

And when he finds it, expect infiltration, corruption, and destruction.

Thus said, we must always be awake, aware, and alert.

We must always watch, wake up, and worship.

We must always wear our ARMOR of GOD.

KNOW the enemy for who, and what he is:

Ephesians 6:12 

King James Version

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 

but against principalities, against powers, 

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, 

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

1 Peter 5:8-9 

King James Version

8 Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil, 

as a roaring lion, walketh about, 

seeking whom he may devour:

Our case is not isolated.

We all go through the same thing.

For the devil has many devices.

What can one do, then?

REMAIN in faith.

1 Peter 5:9 

King James Version

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, 

knowing that the same afflictions 

are accomplished in your brethren 

that are in the world.

BE born again.

John 3:3-7

King James Version

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born again, 

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, 

How can a man be born when he is old? 

can he enter the second time 

into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

ACCEPT JESUS as your personal Savior.

Acts 4:10-12

King James Version

10 Be it known unto you all, 

and to all the people of Israel, 

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 

whom ye crucified, 

whom God raised from the dead, 

even by him doth this man 

stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone 

which was set at nought of you builders, 

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven 

given among men, whereby we must be saved.

LOVE GOD with all your heart.

Matthew 22:37-38

King James Version

37 Jesus said unto him, 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first 

and great commandment.

RUN the race given you.

Hebrews 12:1-2

King James Version

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 

with so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight, 

and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 

and let us run with patience 

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and is set down at the right hand 

of the throne of God.

ENDURE to the end, as JESUS did.

He gave us these promises:

Matthew 24:13

King James Version

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, 

the same shall be saved.

John 6:39-40

King James Version

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again 

at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that every one which seeth the Son, 

and believeth on him, 

may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 14:2

King James Version

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: 

if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

FIND hope, love, joy, strength, and comfort from these verses:

Romans 5:1-2

King James Version

5 Therefore being justified by faith, 

we have peace with God 

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith 

into this grace wherein we stand, 

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:3-4

King James Version

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: 

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Romans 5:5-6

King James Version

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; 

because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts 

by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, 

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:8-9

King James Version

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, 

in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, 

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 8:22-25

King James Version

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth 

and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, 

which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, 

even we ourselves groan within ourselves, 

waiting for the adoption, 

to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: 

but hope that is seen is not hope: 

for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, 

then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 8:26-27

King James Version

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: 

for we know not what 

we should pray for as we ought: 

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us 

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts 

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, 

because he maketh intercession for the saints 

according to the will of God.

Romans 8:28-30

King James Version

28 And we know that all things 

work together for good to them that love God, 

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, 

he also did predestinate to be conformed 

to the image of his Son, 

that he might be the firstborn 

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, 

them he also called: 

and whom he called, them he also justified: 

and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Romans 8:31

King James Version

31 What shall we then say to these things? 

If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:33-35

King James Version

33 Who shall lay any thing 

to the charge of God's elect? 

It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? 

It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, 

who is even at the right hand of God, 

who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, 

or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:37-39

King James Version

37 Nay, in all these things 

we are more than conquerors 

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, 

nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, 

nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 

shall be able to separate us 

from the love of God, 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:12

King James Version

12 Rejoicing in hope; 

patient in tribulation; 

continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 15:1-3

King James Version

15 We then that are strong 

ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, 

and not to please ourselves.

2 Let every one of us please his neighbour 

for his good to edification.

3 For even Christ pleased not himself; 

but, as it is written, The reproaches of them 

that reproached thee 

fell on me.

Romans 15:4-6

King James Version

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime 

were written for our learning, 

that we through patience and comfort 

of the scriptures might have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you 

to be likeminded one toward another 

according to Christ Jesus:

6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth 

glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13

King James Version

13 There hath no temptation taken you 

but such as is common to man: 

but God is faithful, 

who will not suffer you to be tempted 

above that ye are able; 

but will with the temptation 

also make a way to escape, 

that ye may be able to bear it.

Colossians 1:9-15

King James Version

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, 

do not cease to pray for you, 

and to desire that ye might be filled 

with the knowledge of his will 

in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord 

unto all pleasing, 

being fruitful in every good work, 

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might, 

according to his glorious power, 

unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, 

which hath made us meet to be partakers 

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us 

from the power of darkness, 

and hath translated us 

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, 

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, 

the firstborn of every creature:

Hebrews 10:35-36

King James Version

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, 

which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, 

that, after ye have done the will of God, 

ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:37-39

King James Version

37 For yet a little while, 

and he that shall come will come, 

and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: 

but if any man draw back, 

my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them 

who draw back unto perdition; 

but of them that believe 

to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 12:1-3

King James Version

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 

with so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight, 

and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 

and let us run with patience 

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and is set down at the right hand 

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured 

such contradiction of sinners against himself, 

lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

James 1:2-4

King James Version

2 My brethren, count it all joy 

when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith 

worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, 

that ye may be perfect and entire, 

wanting nothing.

James 1:12

King James Version

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: 

for when he is tried, 

he shall receive the crown of life, 

which the Lord hath promised 

to them that love him.

James 5:10

King James Version

10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, 

who have spoken in the name of the Lord, 

for an example of suffering affliction, 

and of patience.

James 5:11

King James Version

11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. 

Ye have heard of the patience of Job, 

and have seen the end of the Lord; 

that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

The day we become born again, the HOLY SPIRIT begins to teach us.

He teaches us about JESUS.

In turn, JESUS teaches us about GOD.

Such is the TRIUNE GOD.

What is the "end", but the beginning of the end?

When JESUS comes for His church.

This, when the Rapture occurs.

We need to endure the madness of this world.

Until the Rapture happens.

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