Sometimes a man needs to take some quiet and think things through what he’s about to commit himself to.”
–Stephen Bly (Beneath a Dakota Cross)
“Although no violence is in my hands, and my prayer is pure.”
–Job 16:17 (NKJV)
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How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World
Key Verse: “We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.” –1 John 5:19 (NLT)
Two things that are vital in this crazy world in which we live. First, to know the will of God, which we do through the Word of God. Secondly, through prayer–conversing with God. Besides the Word of God, prayer is the most important thing to us as we journey through life. Jesus said that “men ought to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1, NKJV). In this world with its trials, tribulations and woes it is vital that we know the will of God.
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked Him.”
–1 John 5:14-15(NKJV)
It is vital that we pray, but also that we pray according to God’s will. To know God’s will we must be in the Word of God, studying it, meditating on it, contemplating it. Beware when you pray of fanaticism–that is, praying out of context; demanding of God and praying out of His will. There are many things in which God has already said, “NO!” Yet I know people who pray for those exact things.
Observe carefully what the Scripture says about prayer. Gather as much information as the Bible states–do not formulate prayer upon one set of Scripture. Gain knowledge, and insight then pray. The Scripture teaches that prayer is essential and vital to us; we are exhorted to do it. Jesus spent much time in prayer, therefore, if we want to be close to Him we should do the same. The nearer people are to God, the more they pray to Him–reasonably, rationally, and with faith. The God who determines the end determines the means as well–there are spiritual laws.
You shall hear of wars and rumors of war, there will be pestilence upon the land, famine shall come in one way or another. Therefore, believer, child of God, pray in accordance with His Word.