“…when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray…that they may be seen…But you, when you pray, go into your room, and shut your door, pray to your Father in secret…and your Father will reward you openly. “…don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do…for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! In this manner, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. YOUR KINGDOM COME. YOUR WILL BE DONE In (us as earthen vessels) earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:5-10)
We must know God’s vision for our lives. Many Christians’ have hopes and dreams but live without a clear picture of where they are going. Developing a clear vision is critical to leading us, in our lives, in a way that honors God and creates a positive godly influence. It will help us to clarify what is most important and avoid distractions that may side track us. The reality is we are living in THE LAST OF THE LAST DAYS, Jesus was approached by His disciples who said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3) The prophet Joel tells us this, “For behold, in those days and at that time, When I BRING BACK (This happened May 14th 1948 when Israel became a nation again after being scattered for nearly 2,000 years) the captives of JUDAH and JERUSALEM, I WILL ALSO GATHER ALL NATIONS, And bring them down to the VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also DIVIDED UP MY LAND.” (Joel 3:1-2) “In the distant future you (Gog of the land of Magog, Meshech and Tubal (Russia, Iran, Ethiopia, Central Africa)), will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have RETURNED FROM MANY LANDS to the mountains of Israel.” (Eze. 38:8)
Jesus says, “In the same way, when you see ALL THESE THINGS, you can know His return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, THIS GENERATION will not pass from the scene until ALL THESE THINGS take place.” (Matt. 24:33-34) Just to inform, Moses (who was 120 when he died, so he wasn’t talking about his time) said, “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years…” (Psa. 90:10)
-Bill Stockham