"DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL IGNORED BY GOD?"

 Good Afternoon to All!

It seems as though I have found a "snag" in my new blogging routine.  I was going to post everything 3 days, thinking that it would give more people a chance to check out my posts, but I have decided that, that is not such a good idea if I am going to include Bible Quizzes.  By the time I post the answers, y'all might have forgotten the questions!  LOL!  Anyway, I apologize and will try to do a better job from now on, and post more frequently.

My post today was inspired by my Bible Study which I am attending while here in Yuma.  We are studying Beth Moore's "A Study of David - Seeking a Heart Like His".  I was doing my lesson when the Scripture text of Isaiah 59:1-3 was brought up:

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:  (2)  But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.   (3)  For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

This text was written of Saul as he was still after David.  He was terrorized by the idea of going up against the Philistines because he had prayed to God, yet God had not answered him, so he inquired of the "witch of Endor".  

My topic is about why we don't always hear God's answer to our prayers.

Many, many years ago when I was a child, I attended church regularly.  I even sang in the choir on Wednesday nights.  I thought I was doing everything right.  I had "told' Jesus that I accepted Him as my Savior, and "tried to be a good person."  As I grew older, I continued to adhere to the Ten Commandments as much as possible (or so I thought), you know, the ones that didn't take too much effort and that didn't interfere with my lifestyle.  All the while thinking I was still being a good Christian, because I believed in God and had accepted Jesus.  

The problem was, the older I got, it seemed the farther away from God I got.  I quit going to church all together, and of course after I got married, my lifestyle changed, unfortunately not for the better. I won't go into details, but I was definitely NO ANGEL.  All this while I still considered myself a "good Christian" even if I wasn't following Christ's lead. 

The thing is, during all of this, I still prayed when I needed His help.   Sometimes He listened and answered my prayer, and sometimes He didn't.  I don't think it is that He didn't hear me,  I have always gone on the premise that He hears our prayers and that He answers them, it is just sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, and sometimes, not yet. I am so thankful that I have developed an intimate relationship with Him and hunger more and more for His teaching, so that I have no doubts about my eternity being with Him. 

It of course is a continual journey and I will ALWAYS be learning something new from Him just as I have within this Bible Study.

After doing this Bible Study, I am finding that I have been wrong.  Of course it isn't that He CAN'T hear, it is that He chooses to disregard our petition until we realize that we have done wrong in His eyes and right our wrongs.

This is why I am looking at things in a "whole new light".  From now on, I won't look at it as yes, no or not yet.  I will pray, wait a little while, then search my heart as to why He hadn't answered my prayer yet.  Then I will REPENT, ask His forgiveness and pray my prayer again.  When I do this, it seems as though I hear or see the answer He gives me so clearly.

As I continue to grow, He shows me more.  He has definitely made me realize that if I expect to spend eternity with Him, I need to obey Him, respect Him and His wishes for my life.  Let Him have the reins to guide me.  I also need to acknowledge to Him and accept responsibility when I have sinned against Him according to His Word (whether I see anything wrong in it or not) and REPENT.  Turn TOWARD Him.  As long as I have sins which I have not repented from, or even if I am at odds with Him (sulking because I didn't get my way) I need to give myself an Attitude Adjustment.  If I want Him to respect me and answer my prayers, then I have to give Him the same treatment by respecting Him by Obeying Him.  The best way to do that is to read His Word so that we will know exactly what is expected of us.

In the end, THERE WILL BE NO EXCUSES.  God will not accept excuses for our actions because if we love Him we will read His Word and make sure we do what He wants.

Bottom Line:  If you EXPECT ANSWERS to your prayers, then DO WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF YOU.  Repent, and ask forgiveness for what you do wrong, so there will be NO wall between your prayers and God's ears.  

I had a friend ask the other day, "what if I don't know if I have committed any sins?"  All I could tell her is what I have started doing.  I pray and ask God to "search my heart".  He can see things there that I may not know even exist.  I ask Him to search my heart and remove anything that is contrary to what is of Him and to please forgive me for these sins.


I hope this helps to answer some of y'all's questions as well.  

 The Answers to the Bible Quiz we had on Tuesday will be posted below.

1.  c--Saul  (1 Sam. 10:21-22 NLT)
2.  a--He fell out of his chair and died  (1 Samuel 4:18)
3.  c--He performed a prebattle sacrifice himself, which only a priest should do. 
(1 Samuel 15:20)
4.  b--David (They were his older brothers)  (1 Samuel 16:12)
 5.  a--Delivering bread and cheese to the army  (1 Samuel 17:17-18)
6.  b--A tax exemption and his daughter's hand in marriage  (1 Samuel 17:24)
 7.  b--He wasn't used to it.   
(1 Sam. 17:39)
8.  c--and David his ten thousands!  (1 Samuel 18:6)
9.  b--David jumped aside and apparently kept playing the harp for Saul. 
(1 Samuel 18:11)
10. b--She put a dummy in bed and said David was too sick to be arrested.
(1 Samuel19:13-14)

 Have a Wonderful Day!

May God Bless

"PERSONAL PSALM - ON BENDED KNEE"

Good Evening to All!

The other morning, I was reading Rob Barkman's post "Think on these Things" on his blog "Settled in Heaven. In this particular segment, He was speaking on the Beatitudes. I don't know why, but I love that particular passage. I love reading the beatitudes.

Anyway, while I was reading, thoughts came racing to my mind. Now I will be the first one to realize and to say out loud that I am no poet, so I know these thoughts came from the breath of God to me.

I love the Lord, and He loves me.
That's why I try to stay on bended knee

Down on my knees I spend time to pray,
Carrying on a conversation with Him every day.

He is All powerful, all seeing and all knowing,
that is why He knows where I'm going.

Jesus died for me as He hung on that cross,
and I can't help but feel sometimes oh, what a loss.


I'm definitely not deserving of His love or His might,
But against Satan, He will help me win the fight.

I love my Lord and He loves me, that's why I'll stay on bended knee!

by PJ

As long as we show the Lord that we love Him enough to realize WHO He is, and how powerful He is, as long as we let Him know that we understand that HE is Bigger than any problem that we can imagine, He will fight our battles for us. We can win the fight against the dark powers and principalities that comes against us. If God be for us, then who can be against us?


You know, I have been hearing and see this man take A LOT of flack just because he KNOWS who to give the glory of his talents. I personally think more celebrities should do it. I have heard movie stars thank God when they win an Oscar or Emmy and they don't get criticized.

I commend Mr. Tebow for not being ashamed to show his feelings on the field in front of people. It's better than doing that "little dance" saying in so many words "look what I did!".

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY"- Disciplines of Holiness and Christian Living

Good Evening to All!

As I stated in my post Tuesday, I am expounding on the basic disciplines which are integral parts of Christian living according to God's Word. Remember, having a Bible does NO GOOD if you don't read it.

The First one is Prayer. There are several passages that back this up. I will quote some of them, but a lot of the passages are so long, I thought it might be better to allow you to look them up as you have the time to really concentrate and think about what God is saying. This list begins with Matthew 6:5-15. Basically, this passage is saying how we should not make a "show" or spectacle of ourselves when we pray. It says those people who do that are as hypocrites. This passage also gives us an EXAMPLE of how to pray. Which is the "Lord's Prayer.
About this picture... it caught my eye because this is what all parents and grandparents should be teaching their children and grandchildren. How to pray. Children learn by examples. What kind of example are you setting as far as your relationship with God?

This is not saying that we necessarily have to say the Lord's Prayer word for word. It is a pattern on how we should pray.

(1) Praise and Sovereignty -Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed by thy name (means to revere Him) to regard with respect tinged with awe. (2) Submission and Invitation - Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, (We submit all of this to Him. It is an act of dependence.) (3) Petition and Provision - Give us this day our daily bread.
( I have heard two different meanings of this) (1) it is talking about the manna (provision-food), and also (2) referring to God's Word as "bread". (4) Confession and Forgiveness - Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. (Confession, and forgive is in the same measure ) In other words, we must forgive just as much as we need forgiving. (5) Spiritual Protection - Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. (6) Praise and Agreement - For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory for ever. (7) Amen - So be it. I give you permission and agree with your ways.

This being said, there are several other scriptures that we need to look at on this subject. Ephesians 6:18 (I will also include the 17th verse as verse 18 starts in the "middle of a thought". "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--...(supplication being an earnest and humble request). 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. This doesn't mean to constantly be praying aloud. We must always maintain a prayerful heart and attitude. style="font-weight: bold;"> Jude 20-21 states "but you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christi unto eternal life.

Prayer enable s a Christian to receive God's promises as well as spiritual direction and power. God promises to answer the Christian's prayers, supply his needs, deliver him from temptation, and work all things for his good. The scriptures which back this up are Matthew 6:33; 7:7; 17:20; 21:22; John 14:14; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:6, 19). I'm sure you recognize some of these scriptures from reading my other posts. There are several which I use on a frequent basis, such as Matthew 6:33 which is Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Philippians 4:19 is another: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

To receive these promises, he must ask in faith, from a repentant heart, in God's will and not from carnal desires (Psalm 66:18; James 1:5-8; 4:2-3; 5:16; 1 John 3:20-22; 5:14-15).

The Next one I would like to discuss is Bible Study. I think this may be one of the least talked about by people but is a VERY IMPORTANT one. The scriptures that speak to us about this subject are (Psalm 119:11, 16, 105; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17). To know truth, perform God's will, and overcome temptation, a Christian MUST read, study, meditate on, and learn God's Word. If we are not well-versed in the Bible, we make it too easy to allow ourselves to be deceived. If we don't read the Word for ourselves, then anyone could tell us anything, and we would not know any better than to believe them and they could be false prophets, or "wolves in sheep's clothing. I f you will remember, when The Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, His reply to everyone of Satan's enticements were "it is written . . . . meaning He knew God's Word, as should we when Satan comes against us.

These are just two of the seven Disciplines of Holiness and Christian Living, but I will expand on the others at a later date, as I don't want you to get tired and not want to read anymore about them, because these are definitely important points. I know a lot of you may be thinking that what I have been saying is common sense, and everyone should already know this, and you are probably correct. I am going over these things to put them fresh on your minds again.

I think it is possible for people to get so used to getting into a routine that we start doing it more out of habit, rather than for the purpose intended. We start just "going through the motions rather than really thinking about what we are doing and why we are doing it. I know because I have caught myself doing it and had to shake myself and remember what I was doing and why I was doing it.
Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"COMMUNITY PRAYER GETS RESULTS"

Good Evening to All!

As they say in church. please allow me to get these announcements out of the way so we can got to the really important things like God's Word.

The Answers to the Bible Challenge "Clothing" are at the bottom of the post.

I have had the privilege and honor to "Guest Post" at Serve One Another in Love tomorrow (Tuesday).

I hope you will come and join me as I place what God has put upon my heart to speak about--God Doesn't Have to Grant Wishes--He Answers Prayers.

________________________

Peter realized it was no dream. "I can't believe it—this really happened! The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's vicious little production and the spectacle the Jewish mob was looking forward to."

^12-14Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary's house, the Mary who was John Mark's mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter's voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street.

^15-16But they wouldn't believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. "You're crazy," they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn't believe her and said, "It must be his angel." All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away.

^16-17Finally they opened up and saw him—and went wild! (Acts 12:11-16)

Prayer takes place everywhere. Many men and women gather in small or large groups to pray. Excitement comes when prayers are answered. Sometimes we can hardly believe god has answered. The unexpected blessing of a job, a car, or leniency in a court case can amaze us. Why this amazes us I don't understand. Don't get me wrong. I get just as excited about God answering prayers as anyone. There is a difference between being excited about answered prayers and amazement that it happened. After all, we get excited when a baby is born, but with the exception of the wonderment of God's miraculous power, the act of a child being born is an "everyday occurrence". We are awed by HIS power, not by it happening. I hope I am making sense.

The thing is, if we read God's Word, we shouldn't be amazed that He answers our prayers. He says He will do it, and He CANNOT LIE. Therefore we should EXPECT to see our prayers answered. The way He does it may surprise us, but not the fact that He did it. He tells us in His Word to expect miracles.so we should. He tells us "if we abide in Him and His words abide in us that anything we ask in His Name He will do. So, we should heed His words and believe them.

The Bible tells us when two or three are gathered together in My name, I am in the midst of them. The Message Bible states it like this: When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there. (Matthew 18:20)

I couldn't resist this picture. Even this little girl new the more the better.

If two or three can make a difference in prayer, can you imagine what a good sized group or even a nation could do by sending up prayers? God hears every one of them. The key is the phase with one accord. This means in agreement. In other words having a common goal. Not me praying for my family, someone else praying for their's, but a specific purpose. For example where I live has been having the worse drought since 1887. If we would get together and all pray for rain, it would definitely make a difference. If we would pray for our government to get their priorities straight, it would make a difference. We need to be in agreement about what to pray for and do it as a group or nation to see God work His miracles.

I was not putting a dig in about politics, I was just using that as an example. All I am saying is I have heard many people say "God didn't answer my prayer". I have a theory. One, they gave up praying too quickly, two, He did answer, the answer was just no, or not yet, three , their motives weren't right, four, what they were asking for was not in the will of God, and sometimes maybe God likes to hear more than one voice praying for the same thing.

I don't know if you noticed, but when the church was praying for Peter and Rhoda told them that Peter was standing outside, no one believed her. To me, that showed a lack of faith on their parts. Why pray for something if you don't think it will happen? Makes no sense to me. If we are going to take time and effort to pray, then we definitely need to have the faith in God to know He will answer. If not, we're just spinning our wheels, blowing hot air, we'll be doing about as much good as talking to the TV . (I've done that, and it doesn't do a bit of good. They don't hear a word I'm saying).

When someone asks me to pray with them, they are expecting results, or they wouldn't ask. Therefore, I better have my "shield of faith" ready to go into action. I better believe 1000 percent that God is going to do what I ask. You know what? He does. I have "layed hands on people and prayed for them and by God's powerful healing hand I have seen cancer healed, I've seen a lady with scoliosis stand up straight, and many other things. Not just physical healing, but depression lifted and worries dissipated. It's awesome to see God at work. The more I see, the more my faith grows and the more I see. It's fantastic. I will say that it takes faith on all sides though. A person doesn't show much faith if they get prayed for , and then turn around and say I better go to the doctor just in case.

I'm not saying I'm against doctors. I've been to them quite a bit lately, but wait a while to see if God is going to heal you quickly or if he is planning on using His "instrument" (doctor) to do so. He can do either . I've seen both.

When people pray, things happen. marriages grow strong, ministries begin and thrive, schools and neighborhoods turn around, people find healing. When you pray, and after you pray, look around you for changes and signs that God is responding, then share your observations and all good news.

Speaking of Good News, Remember Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Do not dwell on bad things. From what I have read, Jesus' outlook was a positive one.

Remember, Get together with a couple or a few friends and pray about an issue with one accord. You will be surprised at the outcome.

Bible Challenge Answers:

1. b) Jacob's ( Genesis 27:15-16)
2. c) the edges shouldn't be trimmed (Leviticus 19:27)
3. d) the same clothes for forty years (Deuteronomy 29:5)
4. b) a new coat (1 Samuel 2:19)
5. c) David's servants (1 Chronicles 19:4)
6. d) Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:8)
7. c) it was seamless (John 19:23-24)
8. a) silk (Proverbs 31:22)
9. d) pearls (1 Timothy 2:9)
10. True (1 Corinthians 11:15)

I hope you all did well, and had fun looking up the answers and maybe even got engrossed in what you were reading so much so that you kept right on reading. LOL

Good Night to All and May God Bless,

"A SPECIAL CALL FOR INTERCESSORY PRAYER"

Good Evening to All!

O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy long-suffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
(16) They words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
(17) I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for though has filled me with indignation.
Jeremiah 15:15-17

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10

Remember, persecution does not only affected the person in the family who is doing the teaching, preaching or standing up for what is right, but the whole family spouses and children alike. While the dad may be the only one imprisoned for bringing up the correct political policies, it's most likely that the rest of the family is ostracized and ridiculed for the situation as well.

Tonight is kind of a special post. I did not pick these verses out of thin air, or choose them and provide a story around them.

These verses have a special meaning for me tonight. I don't know if y'all usually check out my "prayer line", but tonight there is a special prayer request on it.

I happened to notice an e-mail from a blog called "Riverside Reflections" in my inbox this evening. I opened it up and emotions welled up inside of me. for the last several days I have been talking to people and posting about signs of the times and end-time prophecy. Tonight I read this special post. I hope that you will click on this link, and then click on the link about this special person in Sara's post. In case you are wondering why I didn't just post the link of the subject of the e-mail, I wanted you to see her blog as well and I feel that she deserves the "credit" for bringing this person to light. Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani needs his story to be told and he needs to be prayed for in a mighty way.

Please don't dismiss this and go on to the next blog. You know I must feel this is important to be shortening my post, as long-winded as I usually am. I really would appreciate it if you would spend the time normally spent on my "books" and read this story. Then pray. This man and his family definitely needs our prayers.

Good Night to All and May God Bless.

"PRAYER RELEASES POWER"

"
Good Evening to All!

I have a few things to cover tonight. First, I want to say Congratulations to Tracy Suzanne, author of Cotton Pickin Cute as the winner of the Devotional Book, "The 365 Most Important Bible Passages for Women".

The answers to the Bible Challenge
"What's in a Name Part 3".

1. False--God let Adam name the animals (Genesis 2:19)
2. a) Ishmael (Genesis 16:11)
3. b) Benoni (Genesis 35:18)
4. c) dreamer (Genesis 37:19)
5. b) Zacharias (Luke 1:58-60)
6. b) bitter lot in life (Ruth 1:19-20)
7. c) Jedidiah (2 Samuel 12:24-25)
8. d) Daniel (Daniel 7:9)
9. c) Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
10. Lion (Revelation 5:5)

PRAYER RELEASES POWER

Jesus went to a mountain to pray. He spent the whole night in prayer to God. When it was day, he called his disciples. He chose twelve of them and called them apostles. They were Simon (whom Jesus named Peter) and Simon's brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot (who became a traitor . . . .

A large crowd of his disciples and many other people were there. They had come from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. They wanted to hear him and be cured of their diseases. Those who were tormented by evil spirits were cured. The entire crowd was trying to touch him because power was coming from him and curing all of them.
(Luke 6:12-19 God's Word) Yes, I had to do a double take on that also. It is a book titled "God's Word" copyrighted 1995 God's Word to the Nations. from the Baker Publishing Group.

The Message Bible states it in this manner: At about that same time he climbed a mountain to pray. He was there all night in prayer before God. The next day he summoned his disciples from them he selected twelve he designated as apostles: (then listed apostles as above) until Judas Iscariot. Instead of traitor, the message says "who betrayed Him".

Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him--so much energy surging from him, so many people healed!

Jesus knew how much power prayer had. He knew what it could do. If you happen on a thriving church, or Christian family, you can be sure that there are prayer warriors acting on it's behalf. Prayer releases a special power and energy, but is more often than not, underestimated.

People tend to think up other reasons for the good that is happening. "Our church is thriving because we have an excellent music program. We have a phenomenal preacher. While that may be true, prayers are what make things happen.

I used to think that I wasn't suppose to pray except for important things. Things that matter most in life. Well, you know what I have finally realized? EVERYTHING is important to God. Whether I'm praying about something as important as a loved one's salvation, to finding my car keys, God hears me, and my prayers are important.

The reason for this is because He wants to be part of our life in EVERY way. He wants to be included in our day from the time we get up in the morning til we get into bed at night.

He also wants us to trust that He knows what is best for us and if we pray and He feels that we aren't ready for whatever it is we prayed for , we need to realize that He sees what the future near and far holds for us. He knows if what we are asking will help or hurt us in the long run.

We need to let Him have the reins of our life and guide us. We need to be in continual prayer to Him. Prayer Changes Things. Prayer Changes US.

Prayer should be the most important conversation you ever have with anyone. BUT.... When you pray, ALSO take time to be quiet and listen. All the prayer in the world won't matter if you don't listen to what God tells you.

Don't be one of those who get down on bended knee and pray and cry, then get up and don't do what God asks. If you are going to take the time to pray then take the time to listen to God and do what He asks. After all, if you don't think you need His advice why waste your time? Although that being said, if you don't think you need His advice, you are SADLY MISTAKEN.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"PRAY AT ALL TIMES"

Good Evening to All!

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)

Now according to my new Message Bible Numbered Edition, it states it like this: Pray hard and long. Prayer for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (The Message Bible Numbered Edition)

When Paul instructs us to pray in this manner, or like in another verse where it is told to "pray without ceasing", they don't literally mean walk around constantly praying.

We can continually pray by keeping a thankful attitude and total dependency on God as we go about our everyday lives. As we go through the motions of our day, let our thoughts flow toward Him. Let us think about involving Him in everything we do and say, adding Him into every aspect of our lives just as though He were are member of our family.

We need to listen for His voice in every situation. After all, He knows the outcome. We should not think of prayer time as an event, or a schedule. We should treat it as a lifestyle. Let us not think of well, I need to go to Prayer Meeting at 7:00pm on Monday night, and then save all our prayers up til then. We should be praying already, and make the Prayer Meeting part of our lifestyle just like eating or bedtime. Better yet, we shouldn't look at the Prayer Meeting as special. We should already have a prayerful heart and just be changing venues from our house, or car to the church or person's house where the meeting is being held. The key is ALWAYS having a prayerful heart.

We should pray about everything we do, even the little things. How many of you pray before you get in your car to pick up your kids from school, or go to the corner market? Do you realize that most accidents occur just a few blocks from home? That one prayer could be the difference between a safe trip or a "fender bender" or worse.

If you have a job with very important responsibilities, a prayer could mean the difference between success and failure . I pray every morning before I go clean a house that God will help me to do the job to the best of my ability with the least amount of pain. I have "forgotten a few times and I can sure tell the difference. I have cleaned this one specific large house many times, some with very little pain and others to the point of barely being able to walk to my car. When I don't pray seems to be the times of the most pain.

The point I am trying to make is don't get caught up in the idea that you're only suppose to pray about "important stuff". Everything we do is important to God. He wants a relationship with us and that is part of it. He wants us to talk to Him and He wants us to listen to Him talk.

We also need to not procrastinate when it comes to praying. God brings things to our thoughts for a reason. If we feel the need to pray for something or someone, we need to do it when it comes to mind. We need to do this for several reasons. First and foremost, God brought it to us at that particular time for a reason. It could be that person is having trouble with something, has gotten ill, or a million other reasons. The other reason to pray when God puts it on our mind is because if we don't, that is disobeying God. he is telling us to do something in our spirit, and we don't do it for any one of a million man-made reasons.

If people knew the some of the things which I prayed for, they would think I was ONE BIG KOOK, but you know what? That's ok because God answered those prayers just like He answers the BIG IMPORTANT prayers. I was able to get to a restroom on time, I found a parking space that wasn't in the back 40 of the Walmart. I was able to find my car keys, I was able to find my purse, I made it to work on time, I thought I was lost, but God navigated me to the road I needed to be on. The list goes on. There is no end to what we can or need to pray for. So as the "old saying goes" JUST DO IT.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"FRUSTRATE THE ENEMY"

CLICK HERE to enter the Devotional Book Give-Away for "The 365 Most Important Bible Passages for Women!
US and Canada only
Good Luck!

Good Evening to All!

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving (testing)of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. (James 2:2-3 AMP)

We could all learn something from this little girl. The reason I chose this picture is because God's Word says "and the little children shall lead them". May we learn praise, humbleness, and childlike faith from a little child.

How many times have we heard the old expression "what doesn't kill us will only make us stronger"? Before I got serious about my relationship with God, I used to laugh about that phrase and say "yeah, right!" Little did I know that it had true meaning.

We get upset with God a lot of times for allowing things to happen to us, or letting
us get ourselves into situations. (Situations we might not have gotten into had we prayed and listened to God in the first place.)

He allows us to go through certain things not to punish us as some people believe, but to help us. To increase our faith in Him first and foremost. He wants us to learn to come to Him first with all our needs, and not "lean unto our own understanding". He also wants us to ask Him for help in everything we do. He would like to be an intricate part of our life, not just a 2 day a week visiting friend, or a long, lost relative that you call when you need something but no other time. He is in it for the "long haul" and wants to be a permanent fixture in our lives that we turn to, talk to, and listen to.

The more we do this, the more frustrated the "enemy" becomes, because he knows his time is short and that he has NO POWER when God is in the picture. The only power he has is whatever God delegates to him and allows him to have.

I like what Philippians 1:28 says. "do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign ( proof and seal) to them of [their impending]destruction, but [a token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God."

While that version kind of confused me, I looked it up in the Message Bible. It states it this way. Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, a singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you--and both because of God.

The more faith we show in God, and the more the devil sees God is standing with us, He will flee! As the verse says "resist the devil and he will flee". The thing is we need God's help to do this.

The answers to the Bible Challenge "Trees and Flowers Part 2 are as follows:
Image by Martin_Heigan via Flickr
1. d) not known (Genesis 2:16-3:17)
2. d) the person who delights in God's law (Psalm 1:3)
3. c) the person who trust in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
4. sycamore (Luke 19:4)
5. b) Bashan (Zechariah 11:2)
6. c) fig (John 1:47-48)
7. b) mint, anise, cumin (Matthew 23:23)
8. a) cornfield (Matthew 12:1-2)
9. c) olive (Romans 11:17)
10. d) healing (Revelations 22:2)

I couldn't resist this picture. It is a "pink flowering gum tree. Only God could make something this beautiful and unique.

I just realized that the comments were set on disallow again. For the life of me I don't understand how that happens when I don't even touch the options except publish or save. I'm sorry. They're fixed now.

Good Night to all and May God Bless!

"ANYTIME, ANYWHERE"

Good Evening to All!

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

In this passage, Paul exorts the Thessalonians to maintain a faithful prayer life like his own. Refer to verses (1:2, 3; 2:13; Romans 1:9, 10; Ephesians 6:18;, Col. 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3).

Praying without ceasing does not mean praying constantlyu, but being persistent and consistent in prayer. A person can be in a "prayerful spirit" without constantly saying a prayer. I'm always talking to God. Tell Him thank you for this or for that. Asking that He help certain people that I know are having a hard time in some part of their life. Always asking Him to touch others who are sick and to heal them. We can be in a prayerful spirit and ask Him for help to do something that we are having doubts about. Prayer does not have to start with "Our Father who art in heaven , or end with AMEN. When we are formally praying then yes, they should always in with "In Jesus' Name , AMEN. I say that because there is POWER in the name of Jesus. Even the devil trembles at His Name. After all, God's Word even says that there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven by which we can be SAVED. To me, that sounds like a pretty Powerful name by which ANYTHING can be accomplished.

Back to Pray without ceasing...There is no particular position of praying. We can sit, lay, stand or kneel. God can hear us no matter what position we're in. Kneeling shows humbleness to God, but I would think as long as you talk to Him the position wouldn't matter.

Although I may not agree with certain things that Joyce says, she makes some good points in her book "Hearing from God Each Morning". One of which is that breathing is to our physical life as prayer SHOULD BE to our spiritual life. We desperately need both to survive.

Praying is easy. We can't use the excuse "I don't have time", because we can pray anytime, anywhere, any circumstance. Moving, sitting still, silently, a loud. We can pray while we are driving , shopping, sitting in a waiting room, cleaning house, or even in the bath tub.

We can use the excuse that we don't know how to pray because praying can be as simple as Lord, that lady looks so sad, please brighten her day. Amen, or Father, please help me get to work on time. Amen. God, your Word says the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Please guide my steps today and be with me in all I do and say. In Jesus' Name, Amen. There is nothing saying our prayers have to be filled with all kinds of eloquent words, and be really lengthy.

As long as God sees that you care enough to talk to Him and include Him in your day, He will reward you by talking back to your spirit, (if you will listen).

I encourage you to pray whenever something comes to your heart. The more you pray the closer to God you will become.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"DON'T "JUST" PRAY"

Good Evening to All!

Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse . . . and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10 AMP.)

Yes, I know the above verse is talking about tithing, but I'm not concentrating on that part of the verse, because that is a "Pastor's job". I want to speak about the abundance of God's willingness to give to us.

Have you ever thought about your "wording" when you pray? For example I've heard people say "Lord, I just want to thank you for the food we are about to receive, or I just want to thank you for what you have done in my life. We use the word "just" WAY too often.

While the word can mean fair or righteous, it can also me "barely enough to get by" or by a narrow margin.

You know in God's Word, according to Ephesians 3:20, He says, " Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask of think, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end." Amen.

God looks forward to blessing us, and when we say "just" we are asking Him to give us barely enough to get by on. We are actually limiting God to what He can give us. It makes us sound insecure about our faith in Him. Can He really give us this much, can He really do that? When we act insecure in Him, that is called a lack of faith. Without faith, we CANNOT please God. When in need, we should go boldly to the throne of God with our petitions, with all the faith we can muster, knowing that whatever we ask, if our motives are right, and what we ask is in God's will, He will freely give.

God CANNOT lie. He tells us He will do this for us, so He will. We just have to remember the words in John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 1 John 3:22 says "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. These are just 2 of many verses that speak of His willingness to bless us abundantly with our desires if we are "right with God".

I saw the picture on the right while looking for pictures for my post and couldn't resist it. This should be each and every one of our prayer every day. Remember, when we are a blessing to others we also receive a blessing. I love the feeling I get when I have helped someone in some way.

Just like a dad who wants to give his children everything possible, so does God. The difference is there isn't no limit to what God can give except what WE OURSELVES limit Him to because of our lack of faith.

From now on when you pray, don't use the word "JUST". Step up BOLDLY to the throne of God, knowing that it is His will to bless us. SHOW FAITH IN HIM.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!