For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV
Several years that I lived in the Washington D.C. area I commuted by car on the D.C. Beltway about 45 minutes minutes each way, if traffic was normal. If traffic was congested it could be much longer than 45 minutes! I made the best use of the commute time I could. In the morning I would pray 15 minutes using my prompted confessions, then listen to sermons on cassette tape the remaining half-hour. In the evening commute I’d start with the prompted confessions prayer, then listen to “business tapes.” On one of these tapes the speaker said that if there is a thought or thoughts you’re tired of thinking, just say “Cancel!” out loud, or just in your mind if you’re around other people. I tried it, and it does work. But I’ve found something that works even better to stop thinking thoughts I know aren’t helpful.
“Father!“
See, an ongoing battle I’m having in these last days is that old hurts that I thought I had forgiven keep popping up in my mind.
“Father!“
If I dwell on these negative memories I would become bitter, which is dangerous.
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Hebrews 12:15 NLT
“Father! I have forgiven them!“
“Father! These old hurts are trivial compared to how much you have forgiven me!“
“Father! I want to be about Your business in these last days! I don’t want to major on the minors!“
I’m finding praying “Father!” much more effective than saying “Cancel!” to control my thoughts. Prayer takes me out of the realm of the flesh into the power of God.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 ESV
As a result of this battle to control my thoughts, I have a little more insight on what it means to pray without ceasing. 😊
15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 ESV
Jesus is coming very, very soon. Be ready!
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 NKJV
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
Has the rapture happened? You can still be saved and go to heaven! --- Are you following God's plan for your life? You should. Your plan is not going to work. It is a really, really bad plan. Please come to Jesus to escape your plan! Most people are WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet Him? Give your life to Jesus Christ. Time is running out.
Lift Up Your Eyes! 