End Time Praying

Luke 18:1-8 is preceded by Jesus speaking about the Lord's return in chapter 17 and ends in verse 8 with a reference to the Lord's return. This then gives us the context of how we should be praying in the end times. Second Timothy 3:1-3 describes for us what the end times will look like. The description is frighteningly like today. So then here is a parable that can be applied to us today. "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" - Luke 18:1b. Lessons to consider from the Widow and unjust Judge: These are lessons in contrast!

• The Widow was a stranger - We are Children of God. See John 1:12 & Matthew 6:9-13.
• The Widow had no easy access to the judge - We have open access into His presence and may come at anytime to get the help we need. See Hebrews 4:14-16.
• The Widow had no friend at court to help her case on the docket - But when we pray, we have in Heaven a Savior who is our Advocate. See 1 John 2:1.
• The Widow had no promises that she could claim as she tried to convince the judge to hear her case - When we pray we can open our Bible and claim the promises of God. See Jeremiah 33:3.
• Perhaps the greatest contrast is that the Widow came to a court of law, but God's children come to a throne of Grace,"that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need".

Pray for America and Plead for God's Mercy for we surely NEED IT IN OUR DAY!

"Serve the Lord with Gladness"

What are we as believers to do in times like these? The psalmist encourages some specific actions that will bring honor to God and keep our focus in the right place.
Psalm 100
1. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Praise the Lord and singing unto Him. This is the outcome of a Spirit filled life. See Ephesians 5:18 & 19.
3. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Know, understand, accept that we are His creation. Further that we as believers become his children (John 1:12). This relationship is one of special care. We are the sheep of His pasture, recall David's rehearsal of this care in the 23rd Psalm.
4. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Thankfulness will keep your spirit sweet.
5. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. If you will focus on the Lord and remember his truth, mercy and goodness you will have reason to be thankful.