Prayer Versus Impulse. Part [6] 05/24/2025 (Morning thought)

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when you art converted, strengthen your brethren.

The Christian will also have to confront what we describe as good temptations, to do things or to take actions on the spur of the moment without prayer. When the Scriptures teach us to acknowledge God in all our ways, the Christian will be checking in with God constantly, throughout the day, so that his/ her decisions could be guided with God’s wisdom, and discretion. In some instances, God may speak through His word while in other instances He may use His providential working to direct you as to what course of action to pursue in this or that situation.

But if we have cultivated the disposition to be in a hurry, we will make ourselves vulnerable to attacks which under different circumstances would not have fazed us. That is what Jesus was trying to communicate to His disciples, and especially to Peter, who on very many occasions, manifested an impulsive character. Satan is a careful observer, and he saw in Peter tendencies that would enable him to trip him up, when given the right circumstances.

What God is looking for is the disposition, and the habit of the Christian to seek His face in all things. When this is the case across the board, God might help you, even if in one instance you forgot to pray. The following are just a few examples of what we’re speaking, as a pattern of impulsive behaviors are manifested in Peter. Some of them result in good but others, not so much.

Luke 9: 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

Prayer Versus Impulse. Part [5] 05/24/2025 (Evening thought)

Psalms 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

This particular ploy of using impulse is also used by many stores and dealerships, when they say “Hurry before the sale ends, or the sale ends at midnight. At other times they might say that this item is the last one they have, and even though that might be true, the fact is that pressure is brought to bear on the person in question to act immediately, without properly thinking things through.

After the steep tariffs were announced, some folks rushed into the dealerships to make their purchases before sticker shock set in. Others became tarrified, as they mulled the prospect of having to pay more for goods and groceries. But in retrospect, one will have to question whether or not impulse played a leading role in the purchase or whether the issues were taken to God in prayer for due consideration.

The devil is most successful when there is nothing wrong with the item or the issue in question, per se. He might suggest that the dress or suit can be used for church and indeed it may be. But the question is: Would this purchase be driven strictly by impulse, or would the Christian check in with God first, or at least hit the pause button for a while, just to think things through.

Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!