How God Answers Prayer

How can we be sure that God will answer our prayers? It is not enough that we affirm our belief in prayer. Thousands of mothers, for example, have believed in prayer and have asked God to protect their sons on the battlefield, only to receive a message that they had been killed. Nor does affirming our belief in prayer explain why, when a whole nation prays for peace, it often finds itself caught in a whirlpool of war.

On the other hand, there are thousands who are eager to testify that God has answered their prayers for the safety of their boys. Other thousands will testify of the wonderful manner in which God has given them other special blessings they asked for. On the basis of experience alone, therefore, it may seem that God answers the prayer of some, yet does not answer the prayers of others.

But this is not in keeping with what the Scriptures tell us about God. The Bible says that he is “no respecter of persons.” So, there must be some good reason why God answers some prayers, and not others. If we can find that reason, it should help restore the faith of some whose prayers have seemingly gone unanswered.

Prayer is a very important phase of Christian experience. It is also practiced widely by the adherents of all the heathen religions. The desire to pray is an acknowledgment of our dependency upon a Higher Power, the expression of a realization that we need help from some source outside of and higher than ourselves. Doubtless God is pleased with the sincere desire of all who try to contact him in prayer, because to this extent at least it is a recognition of his sovereign power.

The almost universal urge to pray is due to the fact that originally man was created in the image of God. As a result of man’s fall into sin and death the divine image in his character has been much blurred, in many cases almost erased, yet remnants of it still remain, and one of its manifestations is the urge to pray. There may be millions who never pray, yet often feel that they should, and have a sense of guilt because they do not.

Yes, God is pleased with the spirit of prayer on the part of his creatures. But why does he hear the prayers of some, while apparently other prayers go unheeded? Jesus hints at the answer to this question in his observations about the prayers of the scribes and Pharisees. They prayed to be seen and heard of men, Jesus explained, and thought God would hear them for their much speaking. By this we are reminded that there are proper and improper attitudes of prayer, as well as correct and incorrect methods. The heathen who spin their prayer wheels may be sincere, but their method is inappropriate.

The Scriptures also indicate that there are proper and improper things for which to pray. St. James wrote: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss.” (James 4:3) It is vitally important to ascertain what we have the privilege of asking God to give us in the way of favors. We cannot expect to ask God for things which our fancy dictates, and have our prayers answered.

The Purpose of Prayer
There is a divine purpose in prayer, and it is highly important that we keep this in mind if we are to understand why some prayers go unanswered. God did not design prayer as a means of finding out how he should manage his affairs here on earth. He is not looking to us to tell him what he should do. He has his own fixed plans and purposes, and if we are to receive the riches of his blessing it is essential that our prayers be in harmony with these. To use the language of James, we ask “amiss” every time we petition God for blessings which he has not designed to give.

In the Scriptures various types of prayer are brought to our attention. Foremost among these are prayers of thanksgiving. God is undoubtedly pleased when his creatures recognize him as the source of their blessings, and because of this lift up their hearts and voices to him in thanksgiving.

Then there are prayers of adoration, prayers which give recognition to the glorious attributes of the Creator’s character—his wisdom, his justice, his love, and his power. The desire to glorify God should be the motive for much of our praying.

Prayers for God’s mercy are also appropriate. The Scriptures urge all Christians to seek divine forgiveness of their sins through the medium of prayer. Paul speaks of this as going “boldly to the throne of grace,” there to obtain mercy and find grace to help in every time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Then, of course, there are the prayers which are requests for certain blessings, or favors from the Lord. It is with these that we are particularly concerned at the moment. Some pray for health, either for themselves or for others. Some pray for wealth. Some pray for protection while on a journey. Millions pray for peace. It has often happened that citizens of countries which are opposing each other in war pray that their respective armies will be victorious. We will assume that all who go to God in prayer are sincere, and of course they ask him for the things which to them seem the most important at the time. But does the Bible justify us in the belief that all these prayers should be answered?

It might be that God would answer a mother’s prayer for the safety of her boy on the field of battle. Or it might be that prayers for the peace of a nation might be answered. But if and when such prayers are answered, it simply means that it was in keeping with his will to do so. God has a fixed plan, in keeping with which he is mindful of the human race. That plan was not made to satisfy the whims and wishes of his human creatures, nor will any amount of praying change his plans.

“Prayer changes things,” they say, but it does not change God’s plans. God is not looking to us, nor to the nations—not even to the United Nations—to learn what changes he should make in order to better conditions for us or for the world in general. How little confidence we would have in a god whose opinions could be swayed or plans changed by the eloquence of his people’s prayers!

“Thy Will Be Done”
In their prayers, God’s people should have uppermost in mind and heart the desire that his will be done in all their experiences. We have an outstanding example of this in the case of Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the Master was facing arrest and death, “anguish and dismay came over him, and he said to them [his disciples] ‘My heart is ready to break with grief’ … he went on a little, fell on his face in prayer, and said, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Yet, not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ ” (Matthew 26:38,39, NEB)

It was God’s will that Jesus suffer humiliation and death as the Redeemer and savior of men. This important feature of the divine plan had been foretold by the holy prophets of the Old Testament. And Jesus wanted above everything else to have the divine will accomplished, regardless of what it meant to him. He affirmed this later, when he was about to be arrested. Peter drew his sword to protect his Master, who said to him, “Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:10,11)

The followers of Jesus have the privilege of suffering and dying with him. Paul spoke of being “crucified” with him, and he also wrote, “To you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 1:29) We are called upon to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, so we know that it is not God’s will to spare us from all hardship. Thus, as with Jesus, our chief concern should be that the Lord’s will might be done in our mortal bodies. The Lord’s will might be that for a time we enjoy certain earthly blessings, but the burden of our prayers should not be for these, but for his will to be done.

Jesus enlarged upon this point when he said to his disciples that as long as they were abiding in him and his words were abiding in them, they could ask in prayer for whatever they desired, and it would be granted unto them. (John 15:7) This might seem like an assurance that we are privileged to ask God for anything which we may happen to think of and want. But not so!

Note the condition attached to this statement by the Master—“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you.” To abide in Christ means to be a member of his body, he being our Head. This means that his thoughts become our thoughts, and his plans our plans. If our wills have thus been wholly surrendered to God, through Christ, we will have no will of our own, hence our prayers will not be requests for what we want, but only for those things which are in harmony with the will of our Head. By thus praying in harmony with the Lord’s will, we can be assured of favorable answers.

This is in harmony with another statement made by Jesus to his disciples in which he informs us that the Heavenly Father will be pleased to give the “Holy Spirit to them that ask him.” (Luke 11:13) To be filled with the Spirit of God means to have his thoughts dominate our thinking, and for our lives to be conformed to those thoughts. Then we will not be asking God for blessings except those which he has promised to give, and so there will never be any question about one’s prayers being answered.

“Thy Kingdom Come”
In response to the disciples’ request, “Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus gave them what is now familiarly known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” In this model prayer we are given a guide to what we may pray for.

An important part of this brief outline of prayer is the proper method of approach to God—“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Luke 11:1,2) In the Scriptures, Adam is styled a “son of God.” (Luke 3:23,38) But when he sinned he lost his sonship, being alienated from God and sentenced to death. Adam’s children, the entire human race, are likewise aliens and strangers to God, so they cannot properly address him as “our Father which art in heaven.” This is a privilege which belongs exclusively to those who have repented of their sins, accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, and devoted their lives to God in full consecration to do his will. Such are represented as having received God’s Spirit of sonship, and thus have become his children.

As the children of God, these will desire above all else to honor the name of their Father. So by word and by action their attitude will always be, “Hallowed be thy name.” To properly hallow our Heavenly Father’s name implies that when we approach him in prayer we will do so in the manner outlined for us in the Scriptures by Jesus. He explained that our prayers should be offered in his name. (John 15:16)

There is a reason for this. As members of the justly condemned race, we have no standing at the divine throne of grace except through Jesus, our Advocate. But in his name, and through the merit of the shed blood, we are privileged to go “boldly” to the throne of grace to seek forgiveness, and all the other blessings which our loving Heavenly Father has promised to give. (Hebrews 4:16) If we properly hallow his name we will never presume to approach him except through Jesus.

When we follow the example of The Lord’s Prayer, our requests will not be so much on our own behalf as they will be for the blessing of others. This is indicated in the opening petition: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) The answer to this request will be an answer to much for which people have prayed throughout the centuries. That answer will satisfy the legitimate desires of all people. It will mean peace, and health, and everlasting life for all who conform themselves to the righteous laws of the Lord’s kingdom.

The blessings which the human race craves, and for which millions pray, were all anticipated by God and provided for through the kingdom which he has promised by all his prophets. In these promises we find many details of the blessings which it will guarantee to the people, including the restoration of those who have died. No, God has not been unmindful of the suffering of the people, nor has he turned a deaf ear to their cries for help; and his answer to their prayers, when in his due time it comes, will be far beyond anything that they have ever dared to hope.

Take the case of a mother who prays for the safety of her boy on the battlefield. She loves that boy, and nothing could mean more to her than his safe return to the family home. But he does not return, and her first thought may be that God doesn’t care, that he has no pity. How differently she would feel if she could believe that God has provided a homecoming far more satisfactory than ever entered her mind when she prayed!

How little does a mother sometimes know of the hardship and suffering her boy may be saved by falling asleep in death. After all, both the mother and the boy are members of a dying race, and the difference between dying on the battlefield and dying a few years later of old age is only a momentary one when compared with the endless stretch of eternity. It is from this standpoint that we must learn to view the subject of prayer and the manner in which God answers our petitions.

The very fact that we pray to God is acknowledgment of our belief that his wisdom and power and love far exceed our own. Yet we often forget this, and feel that he has not honored our prayers because he has not answered them as we would have, through the exercise of our own puny abilities. The length of our condemned life is very short. We judge accomplishments by whether or not they reach maturity within this short time of which we have knowledge. But we should not judge God’s works from this standpoint.

The Scriptures speak of God as being “from everlasting to everlasting.” (Psalms 41:13, 90:2) He is under no necessity to complete any particular phase of his plan within our short lifetime, not even if it has to do with our individual requests. If we prayed to God today for some special blessings which would be in keeping with his will, and the answer did not come until tomorrow, or even the day after tomorrow, we would not lose faith in him, but would rejoice when the answer did come. Well, God has his “tomorrows” also. His days are not measured by hours, for they are ages, and in his “tomorrow” age, the thousand-year period of Christ’s kingdom, all those blessings which the world has legitimately craved, and for which millions have voiced requests to God, will be abundantly showered upon humanity. In recognition of this, the people will then respond: “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him … we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” (Isaiah 25:9)

“As It Is In Heaven”
We have already learned that God will answer no prayer which is not in harmony with his will. In the greatest of all prayers, The Lord’s Prayer, this principle is clearly set forth. It asks God for blessings upon the people of earth—not any sort of supposedly good things which they may crave, but things in harmony with his will. “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

What great latitude he has given us about things in harmony with his will! God’s will is done in heaven, and it is his purpose it shall be done in earth to the same degree. We do not know, of course, all the ways God’s will is done in heaven, but we can be reasonably sure that the evils which now exist on earth do not plague the lives of those in the spirit realm we call heaven.

There is no war in heaven. War is an evil which is not in harmony with the divine will. Should we, then, pray for peace? Certainly! Indeed, we could not pray for God’s will to be done in the earth as it is in heaven without praying for peace. But our prayers for peace should be in keeping with God’s plan to establish peace, and that is his kingdom plan. He has promised to set up a kingdom, to establish a government. Jesus will be the King in that government. “The government shall be upon his shoulder,” wrote Isaiah, and “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”—Isa. 9:6,7

Doubtless God looks with sympathy upon the yearnings of mankind to abolish war. When international tension is at a high pitch and war seems inevitable, devout people on both sides feel compelled to pray for peace. The differences which threaten to precipitate war may be resolved or they may not be, but we know that ultimately there shall be universal and lasting peace. Not because the nations will at last find a workable formula for peace, but because “The Prince of Peace” will take over the rulership of earth and the prayer “Thy kingdom come,” will be answered.

Christ’s government is symbolized in the Scriptures as the “mountain of the Lord” and in Micah 4:1-4 we read that the time will come when the people will say, “Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the Law shall go forth from Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off, and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.”

What a wonderful program for disarmament! It is God’s program, and when we pray for peace, and for the nations to disarm, let us do so with the assurance that God will hear, and that he will answer our prayers in harmony with his will, which will be the kingdom way. “He maketh wars to cease,” prophesied David.—Ps. 46:9

“No More Death”
There is no death in heaven. Sickness and death have resulted from the sin of our first parents, and are among the evils which God has promised to destroy. Shall we, then, pray for health, and ask the Lord to save the lives of those near and dear to us who may have been stricken with serious illness? Yes, but always with the understanding that we want the Lord’s will to be done, and with the knowledge that it may not be his will to grant health and life to those for whom we pray until these blessings are made available for all during the thousand years of Christ’s kingdom.

We know that all diseases will then be cured. “The inhabitant [in that day] shall not say, I am sick,” wrote Isaiah. (Isa. 33:24) Describing some of the blessings of Christ’s kingdom, Paul wrote that Christ will reign until all enemies are put under his feet, and that the last enemy to be destroyed is death. (I Cor. 15:25,26) When in vision the Apostle John saw the kingdom of God established on the earth, he discerned that as a result there would be no more death, “neither shall there be any more pain.”—Rev. 21:4

So when we pray for health and life, let us grasp the meaning of this larger provision the Creator has made to grant these blessings, not merely to us and to our loved ones, but to all of mankind who will seek them through humility and obedience during the thousand years of Christ’s reign. This we do when we pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”—Matt. 6:10

“From the Land of the Enemy”
God’s ways, and the provisions he has made for his creatures, are always much better than those conceived by human wisdom. We pray for health, protection, peace, but who has ever thought of praying that their beloved dead be restored to them? None! But God, in his plan, has gone beyond what we have presumed to pray for. He has promised to bring back the dead!

How many mothers have been heart-broken over the loss of a precious little one. One of these is referred to by the Prophet Jeremiah. Her name was Rachel. Jeremiah wrote, “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted.” The Prophet continues, “Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.”—Jer. 31:15,16

Death is man’s greatest enemy, and it is God’s plan to restore to life all who are in the “land” of death. This great favor is also included in our petition, “Thy kingdom come,” for during Christ’s kingdom all who are in their graves, in the condition of death, shall hear the voice of the Son of man, and shall come forth.—John 5:28,29

The restoration of man to life is described by the Apostle Peter as “restitution,” and he tells us that following the second coming of Christ there shall be “times of restitution of all things,” promised by all God’s holy prophets since the world began.—Acts 3:19-21

Under Vine and Fig Tree
Many pray for wealth, or at least for economic security. There is a measure of fear, or uncertainty, on the part of nearly everybody as they face their declining years. Will we be financially secure when we reach the age when it is no longer possible for us to earn a living? It is understandable that anyone who believes in God and thinks of him as one who loves and cares, should look to him in prayer respecting his need of financial security.

We know, of course, that there are millions of people in the world who are not financially secure. There are millions who are literally starving and without proper food, clothing, and shelter. God loves all these, and while we would appreciate it if he blessed us with a more favorable situation in life, is it not better to rejoice in the loving provision he has made to care for all the poor and needy in his own due time and way? This is what he has promised to do!

In God’s promises the thought of economic security is symbolized by the idea of dwelling under ones own vine and fig tree. The prophet declares that “every man” shall thus be blessed, and God’s provision will be so complete that fear will be removed because “none shall make them afraid.”—Micah 4:4

In the prophecy of Isaiah, a similar assurance is given us concerning God’s blessings for the world in the age to come. This prophet of God tells us that then they shall not build houses for others to inhabit, and they will not plant and another eat, but the people shall long enjoy the works of their hands. And they enjoy the fruit of their labor forever if they continue to obey the righteous laws of the kingdom which then will be ruling the world. See Isaiah 65:20-25.

This chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy indicates that the blessings of God in that kingdom age will be poured out upon the people in answer to their prayers. “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (verse 24) This has not been the experience of the vast majority so far, because his time has not come to extend the favors for which they have asked, and because he knows their experiences with adversity will help them to appreciate the blessings he will provide for them throughout the eternal years.

But when the kingdom is established, how different it will be. The blessings the dying race longs for will then become available even before they think of praying for them. “Before they call, I will answer.” And when they do learn to ask him for his bounties, the answers to their prayers will be so real and so immediate that it will seem as though they came before the petitioner had finished his prayer. “While they are yet speaking, I will hear.”—Isa. 65:24

“Our Daily Bread”
The answer to the prayer, “Thy kingdom come” includes many material blessings for which devout people of the world customarily pray, but so often fail to receive. We rejoice that the time is coming when these legitimate material blessings will begin to flow to “all the families of the earth,” as God promised Abraham. (Gen. 12:3) Meanwhile, it is well to consider how God answers the prayers of his consecrated people now, the prayers of those who have the privilege of addressing him as “Our Father which art in heaven.”

These, more earnestly than any others, have continued to pray for God’s kingdom to come. But at the same time they have had the privilege of asking God for their own immediate daily needs, since Jesus taught them to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

This is a very moderate request, and when made in the proper spirit, is acknowledgment that the Lord knows best what our daily needs may be, and that we will be satisfied with whatever provision he considers wise to make. Besides, for those who are walking in the sacrificial footsteps of Jesus, it is important to recognize that our spiritual needs are more important by far than the material. Bread is used in the Scriptures to symbolize truth, the truth of the Gospel, the truth of the Word, the truth of the divine plan. God has promised to feed us abundantly with this Bread of Life, so we can pray thus with full assurance, knowing that our petitions are primarily for the spiritual food which he has promised, and therefore in harmony with his will.

“As We Forgive”
“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” This portion of The Lord’s Prayer can be uttered sincerely only by those whose hearts are filled with the same spirit of love which prompted our Heavenly Father to send his Son into the world to be the Redeemer and Savior. This love provides for the forgiveness of sinners, who have trespassed against God by disobeying his laws. He is willing to forgive us, but only on the condition that we have the proper heart attitude toward those who sin against us. Certainly this is a searching test of our sincerity.

God forgives his people because he considers that their imperfections are concealed by the merit of the redeeming blood of Christ. This means that the one who prays is a wholehearted believer in Christ, whose acceptance of Christ is so unreserved that he has given up all else to follow his Master. Only such can go to God in prayer, asking forgiveness in Christ’s name.

“Deliver Us From Evil”
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” The first temptation mentioned in the Bible was that of mother Eve. She was tempted by the fallen Lucifer, through the serpent, to disobey the law of God. The transgression of God’s law the Scriptures designate as sin, and the word temptation is used to describe any effort, allurement, or enticement to sin. The Devil is the greatest of all tempters, and he uses many and various agencies by which to present his sinful appeals to those he endeavors to lure away from God and into the paths of unrighteousness.

“God tempteth no man,” wrote James. (James 1:13) This means that we can depend upon it that God will not lead us into temptation; so in our prayers we claim this assurance.

And how hope-inspiring is the contrast to this—“Deliver us from evil.” The Devil, the archdeceiver, has throughout the centuries exerted his influence upon man, and especially upon the people of God, to alienate them from their Creator. The result has been tragic—a world largely controlled by sin and selfishness—“this present evil world.” (Gal. 1:4) But God has promised deliverance from “the snare of the fowler,” and from the evil which the fowler has engendered in the world.—Ps. 91:3

God’s promises of deliverance are of personal concern to all who are following in the footsteps of Jesus, for they assure such that Satan will not be able to ensnare nor entrap them. As individuals, God delivers us daily from Satan’s pitfalls of error and sin. “The angel of the Lord,” wrote the Psalmist, “encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (Ps. 34:7) What a reassuring promise, and how glad we are to claim it as our own when we pray, “Deliver us from evil.”

But there is a still larger deliverance for the people of God, for the entire church of Christ in the “first resurrection” to reign with Christ. (Rev. 20:4,6) Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against his true church, and in fulfillment of this promise, the gates of hell—the death condition—will be opened wide, and all who have suffered and died with Christ will be released from death, and will be exalted to glory to reign with him throughout the thousand years of his kingdom.

For this glorious deliverance the church has waited throughout all the centuries of this present Gospel Age. The true disciples of Christ have known that this deliverance would not come until he returned. Paul knew this and wrote that a crown of righteousness had been laid up for him which he would receive at “that day,” and added that all who love Christ’s appearing would likewise then receive a “crown.”—II Tim. 4:8

In Jesus’ great prophecy concerning this end of the age—the prophecy in which he identifies so many of the conditions in the world today—he said to his disciples, “When ye see these things”—and his disciples living now are seeing them—“then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption [Greek, deliverance] draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:31,28) The fact that “these things” foretold by the Master signaling the near approach of the church’s deliverance from this present evil world are now clearly discernible in the daily parade of news, gives us confidence that very soon the last remaining ones of Christ’s true followers will be delivered, exalted to glory, honor, and immortality with him, and that then the blessings of his much prayed for kingdom will begin to flow out to a suffering and dying humanity.

So we pray, “Deliver us from evil,” not only because we are longing to be free from an evil world, but also because we know the answer to this petition will mean the answer to our other petition, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Thus viewed, even that part of a Christian’s prayer which means most to him is at the same time unselfish in outlook, since it also contemplates rich blessings for all mankind.

These are the prayers God is pleased with; that is, unselfish prayers. While God is pleased when his people seek individual guidance, forgiveness, and spiritual strength from him, he also wants them to be interested in all whom he loves, namely the entire world of mankind. We show our interest in his plan for blessing the people when we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” for it will be through that kingdom that he will provide a “feast of fat things for all people.” It will be in that kingdom that death will be swallowed up in victory, and tears wiped from off all faces.—Isa. 25:6-8; Rev. 21:1-5

Above all, let us continuously thank God for his love that made provision for the eternal joy of all. Let us not only praise him individually in our prayers, but also tell the whole world about his love. Tell them that through Christ provision has been made for them to live, and that soon his kingdom will provide peace through “The Prince of Peace,” and health and life for all through the Redeemer and Savior of the world.

THREE

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant -
The Father, The Son, & The Holy Spirit

I ask the Lord to bless you,as I pray for you today, to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. God's love is always with you. God's promises are true. And when you give God all your cares, you know God will see you through.

What If you take Christ away?

Jesus = take that name out of the Bible,
and you remove the power from the word of God.

Jesus = take that name from the human heart,
and love has no meaning.

Jesus = take that name out of this world,
and this whole world will be without hope

Jesus = take that name out of our ministry,
and the minister is without a message to preach.

Jesus = take that name out of the church,
and the church will have no mission.

Jesus = take that name out of the kingdom,
and the kingdom has no king.

Jesus = take that name out of our songs,
and our singing is nothing more than chattering set to music.

Jesus = take that name out of the universe,
and the universe is a meaningless mass of debris on it's way to oblivion.

The question I'd like to ask you is...
Got Jesus?

Oh That You Would Bless Me in 2011

Lord God, Abba, Father,
I humbly come into Your presence in this New Year, 2011 asking You in I prayer to bless me with spiritual discernment and use me to help others. Give me the confidence to speak Your Word boldly today. Use me to do Your work and allow me to praise Your Name once more. Restore my soul, extend my bondaries and bless my ministry. Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to Your Name. Make the desires of my heart the absolute same as Yours, Father. Help me to stand when I want to quit. Turn my mistakes into learning experiences. Make a way where I can't see one now. Give me strength and means to continue serving. May depression not find an open door in my house. Sharpen the tools of ministry in my possession. Don't let me give up running the race out of futility. Use me today to do what You desire. Use me to do something extraordinary today. Open the door where previous failures have seemingly closed them. Give me passion for Your Word. Use me anyway You will. Give my blessing to those I serve. This day for extending Your love to someone who doesn't know it. Remind me often today why I serve You. Feed my thirst with streams of Living Water. Use me to do great things of which I know not. Help me be more effective helping others. Use me to accomplish what You desire. Honor to serve Your cause.

PRAYING IN GOD'S NAME

He is Jehovah - He never changes. Ex 3:14

He is El-Shaddai - He is Almighty God, the only true God. Gen 17:1; Ps 91:1

He is Adonai - He is Lord of all. Ps 110:1

He is Jehovah Jireh - He provides - completely! Gen 22:13,14

He is Jehovah Rophe - He is the one who heals. Ex 15:26

He is Jehovah Nissi - He is our banner, our victory. Ex 17:15

He is Jehovah M'Kaddeshem - He makes us holy. Ex 31:13

He is Jehovah Shalom - He is peace. Jud 6:24

He is Jehovah Tsidkenu - He makes us righteous. Jer 23:6

He is Jehovah Rohi - He makes a way for us. Ps 23

He is Jehovah Shammah - He's there - He will not hide. Eze 48:35

He is Immanuel - God with us. Isa 7:14

At the Name of Jesus, every knee will bow. Phil 2:5-11

The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower. Ps 18:10

He is Lord. He does not share his glory. Is 42:8

His Name is the Word of God. Rev 19:13

There is no other name that can save us. Acts 4:12

Anything asked in his Name, he will do. John 14:13

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:9

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, O lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

THANK YOU LORD

Thank you, Lord for everything …
The big things and the small,
For “every good gift comes from You,”
The Giver of them all.
And all too often we accept
Without any thanks or praise,
The gifts You send as blessings
Each day in many ways.
And so at this very moment,
I offer up a prayer,
To thank You, Lord, for giving me
A lot more than my share.
First, thank You for the little things
That often come my way,
The things I take for granted,
But don’t mention when I pray.
The unexpected courtesy,
The thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help me
In the time of sudden need.
Oh, make me more aware, dear Lord,
Of little daily graces
That come to me with “sweet surprise”
From never-dreamed-of places.

Then, thank You for the “miracles”
I am much too blind to see,
And give me new awareness
Of my many gifts from Thee.
And help me to remember
That the key to life and living,
Is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks
And every day Thanksgiving.

Amen.

The Daniel Fast

Its Origin
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).

Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.

Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.

During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.

If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.

The Guidelines
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:

*fruits, nuts
*vegetables
*water only to drink (to flush out toxins) Some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.

The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.

It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12)

Knowledge Is More Than Just Power

It is a GROUNDED knowledge

"If you continue in the faith grounded" (Col. 1:23). It is not simply believing "as my church believes." Saving knowledge rests upon a double basis: the Word and Spirit. The one is a guide, the other a witness. Saving knowledge is not changeable or doubtful—but has a certainty in it. "We believe and are sure that you are that Christ" (John 6:69); "being always confident" (2 Cor. 5:6). A godly man holds no more than he will die for. The martyrs were so confirmed in the knowledge of the truth, that they would seal it with their blood.

It is an APPRECIATIVE knowledge

The jeweler who has the skill to value a jewel is said to know it. He who esteems God above the comforts of the earth knows him (Psalm 73:25). To compare other things with God is to debase deity; as if you should compare a glow-worm with the sun.

It is an ENLIVENING knowledge

"I will never forget your precepts, for with them you have quickened me" (Psalm 119:93). Bible knowledge in a natural man's head is like a torch in a dead man's hand. True knowledge animates. A godly man is like John the Baptist, "a burning and a shining lamp". He not only shines by illumination—but he burns by affection. The spouse's knowledge made her "love-sick" (Song 2:5). "I am wounded with love." I am like a deer that is struck with an arrow; my soul lies bleeding, and nothing can cure me—but a sight of him whom my soul loves!

It is an APPLIED knowledge

"I know that my redeemer lives" (Job 19:25). A medicine is best when it is applied. This applicative knowledge is joyful. Christ is called a "surety" (Heb. 7:22). Oh what joy, when I am drowned in debt, to know that Christ is my surety! Christ is called an "advocate" (1 John 2:1). The Greek word for advocate, parakletos, signifies a comforter. Oh, what comfort it is when I have a bad cause, to know Christ is my advocate, who never lost any cause he pleaded!

It is a TRANSFORMING knowledge

"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image" (2 Cor. 3:18). As a painter looking at a face draws a face like it in the picture; so looking at Christ in the mirror of the gospel, we are changed into his likeness. We may look at other objects that are beautiful—yet not be made beautiful by them. A deformed face may look at beauty, and yet not be made beautiful. A wounded man may look at a surgeon, and yet not be healed. But this is the excellence of divine knowledge, that it gives us such a sight of Christ as makes us partake of his nature! Like Moses when he had seen God's back parts, his face shone; some of the rays and beams of God's glory fell on him.

It is a SELF-EMPTYING knowledge

Carnal knowledge makes the head giddy with pride (1 Cor. 8:1,2). True knowledge brings a man out of love with himself. The more he knows—the more he blushes at his own ignorance. David, a bright star in God's church, still thought himself rather a cloud than a star (Psalm 73:22).

It is a GROWING knowledge

"Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). True knowledge is like the light of the morning, which increases on the horizon until it comes to the full meridian. So sweet is spiritual knowledge that the more a saint knows—the more thirsty he is for knowledge. It is called "the riches of knowledge" (1 Cor. 1:5). The more riches a man has, the more still he desires. Though Paul knew Christ—yet he wanted to know him more: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10).

It is a PRACTICAL knowledge

"His sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:4). God requires a knowledge accompanied by obedience. True knowledge not only improves a Christian's sight—but improves his pace. It is a reproach to a Christian to live in a contradiction to his knowledge, to know he should be strict and holy—yet to live loosely. Not to obey—is the same as not to know: "the sons of Eli knew not the Lord" (1 Sam. 2:12). They could not but know, for they taught others the knowledge of the Lord; yet they are said not to know—because they did not obey. When knowledge and practice appear together, then they herald much happiness.

Woman Of Purpose

My Dear Sisters in Christ,

You are a Woman of Purpose
You need not roar as the world
You are anointed

Your voice is soft and non-threatening
Your words are kind yet firm
You are anointed

Your heart is full of love and wisdom
Your destiny is sure
You are anointed

Your hands extend across continents
Your actions and decisions influence multitudes
You are anointed

Yet your soul only belongs to …One
God Almighty
He anoints you

God alone holds the strings to which you dance
live…move…and have your very being
He empowers you

Therefore go! Change the world
Fulfill the purpose for which you were created
You are Anointed with Power!

God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him. Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.

Thank you, Sister Nikki Jourdan, for blessing me.

Developing a relationship with God

Developing a relationship with God is a process. It takes time and commitment to work on your close, personal and intimate relationship with God. Getting close to God is easy, staying close to God is more difficult. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, staying close to God requires commitment and dedication. Starting your morning off with a conscious desire to draw close to God will ensure a day full of God's presence. God is always close to you, but it is up to you to remain close to Him.

One - Sing to God a new song. Psalm 40:3 says, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." The hardest time of the day for getting closer to God is first thing in the morning. For some reason, upon awakening is when every negative thought invades the mind. As soon as you open your eyes, begin by singing a song to God. Singing a new song to God will wipe out every negative, depressing thought.

Two - Start each day by saying good morning to God. Psalm 5:3 says, "I lay my requests before you Lord in the morning, and I wait in hopeful expectation." Acknowledging God in the morning is a great way to draw closer to Him and it establishes a relationship that remains throughout the day. As you pray to God your urgent requests, you will wait expectantly for His answers. Realizing that God wants to bless you with the desire of your heart will keep you focused on Him as you wait.

Three - Quote scripture, God's word, to put God in the center of your heart and mind. Psalm 119:11 states, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might sin against God." Memorizing scripture for daily devotions is a great way to get closer to God. Choose one scripture to meditate on. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me." This is the perfect prayer request to start off any day. Ask God to mold you into the person He wants you to be. As you choose to live right, you will get closer to God.

Four - Worship God throughout the day to keep you close to Him. Psalm 22:3 says, "God inhabits the praises of His people." When we sing worship songs to God, He is there. Get closer to God by worshiping Him. Psalm 95:6 says, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."

Five - Celebrate communion with others as a way to get closer to God. Take the elements, the bread and the cup, in remembrance of what God did for you when he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Communion is done in fellowship with other believers as a reminder of God's love.

Six - Enter church, or God's house, gets you closer to Him. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together as some are in the habit of doing." Coming together in unity with other believers invites God's presence. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." If you want to get closer to God, get closer to others. Unity among believers is powerful and effective.

Seven - Observe nature as a powerful way to get closer to God. Sit by a running stream or climb the highest mountain. Watch the ocean tide or sit in the midst of a forest. Psalm 95:4,5 says, "In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for he made it, and His hands formed the dry land." God created everything and nature is a representation of His glory, His splendor and His beauty. If you want to get closer to God, get closer to His creation.

TAKING TIME

Take time to think...It is the source of power.
Take time to play...It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read...It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray...It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved...It is a God- given privilege.
Take time to be friendly...It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...It is the music of the soul.
Take time to give...It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work...It is the price of success.
Take time to do charity...It is the key to Heaven.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please take your time and enjoy this day that was not promised, to the fullest. Live, Laugh and Love. God's Word clearly tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1...

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and
A time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.

What are you doing with your time?

THE FOUR KINDS OF LOVE

The four kinds of love are Storge (Stor-gay), Eros, Agape, and Philia. And here's what they mean?

STORGE refers to familial love. It is evident, for example, in the warm affection that parents have toward their children. If you're a parent, you know what I'm talking about when you rock your little child to sleep at night. I remember one particular incident when my daughter Jennifer was just a baby, and I was a brand new daddy. (Jennifer was our first). She was having a tough time sleeping, and I was tired. I wanted her to sleep, so I was rocking her -- trying to get her to sleep. She wouldn't. She wasn't tired. Well, after awhile, I was dozing, but she wasn't. I finally woke up enough to focus - and there she was, her big eyes just inches from mine, staring into me. I could almost hear her say: "Don't sleep, Daddy. Look at me instead." I laughed hysterically and held her tightly. I oozed love and affection. This of course is just one memory of many, but it is a perfect example of storge love. A deep and abiding affection.

EROS is the desire to draw out all that is good, beautiful and true. It is motivated by need. It's often understood to refer primarily to sex, but that's really only one part of it - albeit a significant part. Eros involves the emotional need to elicit physical love and affection ("beautiful expression" in general) from the one you love. In most contexts, this involves a romantic kind of love. Sadly, our society has cheapened this type of love - and it seems to be the only kind of love that's celebrated in our entertainment culture. (And frankly it's only "celebrated" in a one-dimensional and often exploitative manner). For a biblical picture of erotic love, you need go no further than the Song of Solomon.

PHILIA is Friendship Love. It is not sexual in nature, though (in the right circumstance) it can lead to or complement Eros. Philia is the kind of bond seen in Scripture between David and Jonathan. It's the kind of love talked about by Jesus, who said: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Philia is the embodiment of everything a true, meaningful friendship represents. I have often counseled teenagers that they should pursue Philia love with a prospective girlfriend or boyfriend well before they contemplate any other kind of love. The exception to that is....

AGAPE love is the selfless love for others. In Exodus 32, Moses confronts God and asks forgiveness for the people of Israel. God refuses, at first, to forgive them, but allows that no penalty or sin is on Moses' head. Moses isn't satisfied, and casts his fate with those of the people. If God won't forgive the people of Israel, then Moses wants to be punished along with them. THAT is Agape love. It is, in fact, a picture of what Jesus did on the cross for our sins. Selfless, sacrificial love - in which nothing is asked in return. This is the kind of love that everyone should pursue.

A New Year Prayer

Holy Father,

God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.

We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.

Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.

To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.

To teach others to love by loving them.

Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.

So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.

That we could share Love with others.

Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,

in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards,

in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.

Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,

so that we may know You better and better.

We rejoice in the world You loved into being.

Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.

Forgive us for falling short this past year.

We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.

We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..

I say it again, we rejoice!

In Jesus name,

Amen.

The "U" in JesUs

Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God even stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name.
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand,
He rose from the dead with U in His plan.
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And even the word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth during His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention,
"Go into the world and tell them it's true,
That I love them all -- Just like I Love U."

There are so many people just like U.
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do;
He'd like them to know, but it all starts with U!

IT IS GOD IN ME

It is only God within me, who is good or beautiful, I am nothing without His life inside. It is His love I have, His joy, His words, is what I speak or write.

I am nothing without Him so I cannot boast, or praise myself, Or be prideful by telling you any unkind thoughts I might have felt.

I am, who I am, only by knowing God's own words, He wrote them for me to love and ponder on, His words alone will make me whole.

God is pleased when I encourage myself and you and give thanks for His love in our lives, Uplifting and blessing you, leads me into His light.

Whether I create, paint, sing or write, I am here to pray for, love and support you, and to think of you higher than myself,

For I live only, because of GOD in me.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

...be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3:1,2

May you be blessed as you seek to honor Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

God's Plan of Salvation

My dear brothers and sisters, becoming a Christian is the most important decision you can make. This decision does not only determine where you will spend eternity, but it
will determine every aspect of your life..


All People Have Sinned Against God

The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
(Romans 3:23). The word sin means to miss a target by falling short of
that target. Sin is the failure of a person to live the life which God
has planned for him to live. Everyone has sinned, it is universal.


The Price of Sin Is High

The Bible says, "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23). The person
who lives without God in this life will pay the awful price of an
eternity separated from God. The Bible calls this place of separation
hell. Hell was never meant to be the eternal home of mankind, but God
could not allow rebellious people to enter into heaven. Heaven is the
eternal dwelling of God's people, and it is a place where God lives in
perfect harmony with His people.


God Loves us in Spite of Our Sin

The Bible says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
Because of the righteousness of God, man must pay the penalty for sin,
or someone who is acceptable to God must pay the penalty. The death of
Jesus is the greatest demonstration of the love of God for sinners. It
is a great love for someone to die in place of a loved one. But Jesus
died for those in rebellion.


Repent, Turn Toward God, and Have Your Sins Completely Taken Away

The Bible says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19). The word repent means to turn around
and go in a different direction. It means a change of mind and life
toward God. If you are willing to turn to God, then God will restore you
to childhood purity. Jesus described this experience as the "new birth."
Your part is to confess your sin, and God's part is to forgive and
restore.


By Grace You Receive His Free Gift (Eternal Life) Through Faith Which is Also from God

The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8). The word grace
refers to the kindness and love of God in His willingness to forgive and
save. Faith means to trust to a point of commitment. You cannot just
believe in God. You must be willing to give your life to God's teachings
and God's will. Salvation is God's gift if you will receive it with a
commitment to turn and follow Jesus.


Confess Jesus and Believe That He Was Raised from the Dead by God

The Bible says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9). The word confess means to
acknowledge to God that Jesus is Savior and Lord, to believe with all
your heart that Jesus died on the cross for you and came out of the
grave, and to believe that He is alive and will change your life as you follow
and obey His teachings.


Pray to the Lord and Be Saved:

The Bible says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Whoever means anyone can ask God for
forgiveness of sin and turn from sin and follow Jesus.


Pray this simple prayer and mean it and you will be saved

"Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I know You
died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask You to forgive me.
I invite You into my heart and life. I trust You as Savior and will follow
You as Lord. Thank You for saving me. Amen."

If you prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, would
you email me and tell me? I care about you.

This prayer of faith begins you on the greatest journey one can ever
make. You need to contact a local Bible believing church and tell them
of your decision. They will instruct you on baptism and church
membership.

Faith in Jesus Christ makes the difference between despair and hope.


"For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life."
(John 3:16)


God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

The most useless thing to do...
Worry

The greatest Joy...
Giving

The greatest loss...
Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work...
Helping others

The ugliest personality trait...
Selfishness

The most endangered species...
Dedicated leaders

The greatest "shot in the arm"...
Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome...
Fear

Most effective sleeping pill...
Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease...
Excuses

The most powerful force in life...
Love

The most dangerous type of person...
A gossiper

The world's most incredible computer...
The brain

The worst thing to be without...
Hope

The deadliest weapon...
The tongue

The two most power-filled words...
"I Can"

The greatest asset...
Faith

The most worthless emotion...
Self-pity

The most prized possession...
Integrity

The most beautiful attire...
A SMILE!

The most powerful channel of communication...
Prayer

The most contagious spirit...
Enthusiasm

The most important thing in life...
GOD

Iron Blunteth Iron

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Iron surely does sharpeneth iron indeed. God's Word say's it in Proverbs 27:17 but He also inspired Paul to remind us through His Word in 1 Corinthians 15:33 not to be deceived because evil communications corrupt good manners. In other words, bad company corrupts good character. Yes indeed the benefits and virtues of friendship are extolled when Iron sharpens iron. There’s something about a peer, an equal—one with the same mettle and determination as ourselves—that causes us to be sharpened and made more keenly aware of our circumstances in friendship but... it’s also equally true that iron blunts iron. And—quite rapidly—our keen edge can be lost in the presence of ungodly friends. The same positive formations that can occur with godly influences can be seen doing the opposite for wickedness through corrupt influences. When it comes to building successful relationships with others it basically comes down to one thing Aretha Franklin reminded us of with a hit song...

"R.E.S.P.E.C.T."

And that "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." is reflected in the very way we relate to the other party.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. -Proverbs 1:10-19

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if we approach the relationship from the viewpoint of how can I bring benefit to that other person – then you have immediately created an environment whereby a relationship can be developed. In simplistic terms, it’s more about the give rather than the get.

Be blessed by being a blessing.

Once Upon a Time...

Close your eyes...And go back.

Before the Internet or PC or the MAC,
Before semi-automatics and crack,
Before Play-station, SEGA, Super Nintendo, even before Atari...

Before cell phones, CD's, DVD's, voicemail and e-mail....

Go way back… way, way, way back...

Go back.

I'm talking bout hide and seek at dusk Red light, Green light Red Rover....Red Rover..... Playing kickball & dodge-ball until the first… no, second... no... third street light came on.

Ring around the Rosie, London Bridge, Hot potato, Hop Scotch, Jump rope,
TAG… YOU'RE IT!!

Parents stood on the front porch and yelled (or whistled) for you to come home - no pagers or cell phones

Take One Giant Step... May I? Seeing shapes in the clouds, Endless summer days and hot summer nights (no A/C) with the windows open.

The sound of crickets.

Running through the sprinkler. Cereal boxes with that GREAT prize in the bottom. Cracker jacks with the same thing. Ice pops with 2 sticks you could break and share with a friend.

But wait, there's more...

Watching Saturday Morning cartoons Tom and Jerry, serial adventures, Captain Midnight, Cisco Kid, The Lone Ranger, Boston Blackie.

Catching lightning bugs in a jar Christmas morning.

Your first day of school.

Bedtime Prayers and Goodnight Kisses. Climbing trees.

Swinging as high as you could in those long swings to try and reach the sky.

A million mosquito bites and sticky fingers, Jumping down the steps, Jumping on the bed, Pillow fights, Running home from the western movie you just saw 'til you were out of breath.

Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt.

Being tired from PLAYING. WORK: meant taking out the garbage, cutting the grass, washing the car, or doing the dishes.

Your first crush.

Your first kiss (I mean the one that you kept your mouth CLOSED and your eyes OPEN)

Rainy days at school and the smell of damp concrete and chalk erasers

Oh, I'm not finished yet....

Kool-Aid was the drink of the summer. So was a swig from the hose. Giving your friends a ride on your handlebars of your bike.

Attaching pieces of cardboard to your bike frame to rub against your spokes.

Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school.

Class Field Trips with soggy sandwiches.

When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there from school.

When a quarter seemed like a fair allowance, and another quarter a MIRACLE

When ANY parent could discipline ANY kid, or feed him, or use him to carry Groceries... And nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it.

When your parents took you to the cafeteria and it was a real treat.

When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited you at home.

Basically, we were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because of drive by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. We simply did not want our parents to get mad at us.

Didn't that feel good? Just to go back and say, "Yeah, I remember that!" Well, let's keep going!!

Let's go back to the time when...

Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo" Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "do over!"

"Race issues" meant arguing about who ran the fastest.

Catching fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening.

It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends.

The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties.

Nobody was prettier than Mom. Scrapes and bruises were kissed by mom and made better.

Getting a foot of snow was a dream come true.

Abilities were discovered because of a "double-dog-dare"

Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles.

The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team.

Water balloons were the ultimate, ultimate weapon.

If you can remember most or all of these, then you have lived during a more pleasant simpler time !

I wonder how many of you that I have sent this to remember all of these things. I know some of you are my vintage.

Those of you who remember will have lived in an era that no one else will ever experience. The era has passed and slowly those of us who lived it are passing also. If you do not remember, then ask your parents, grand parents or great grand parents. We went from am radio to the stars. Your era is here, be part of it. Make it worthwhile for future generations to build on.

Keep God in your lives.

We did.

What is love?

What is love?

Those who don`t like it call it responsibility.

Those who play with it call it a game.

Those who don`t have it call it a dream.

Those who understand it call it destiny.

And me, I call it you.

Heartprints

Whatever our hands touch -
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture
On doorknobs, dishes, books.
There's no escape.
As we touch we leave our identity.
Wherever I go today
Help me leave heartprints!
Heartprints of compassion
Of understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter
Or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Send me out today
To leave heartprints.
And if someone should say,
"I felt your touch,"
May they also sense the love
that is deep within my heart.

Woman Of Purpose

Hello My Sister

You are a Woman of Purpose

You need not roar as the world

You are anointed

Your voice is soft and non-threatening

Your words are kind yet firm

You are anointed

Your heart is full of love and wisdom

Your destiny is sure

You are anointed

Your hands extend across continents

Your actions and decisions influence multitudes

You are anointed

Yet your soul only belongs to …One

God Almighty

He anoints you

God alone holds the strings to which you dance

live…move…and have your very being

He empowers you

Therefore go! Change the world

Fulfill the purpose for which you were created

You are Anointed with Power!

God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away

from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him.

Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.

Sister Nikki Jourdan, I thank you for such a beautiful and blessed reminder.

LISTEN FOR LOVE

There are times when we are timid and shy about expressing the love we feel. For fear of embarrassing the other person, or ourselves, we hesitate to say the actual words "I love you." So we try to communicate the idea in other words.

We say 'take care' or 'don't drive too fast' or 'be good.' But really, these are just other ways of saying 'I love you,' 'you are important to me,' 'I care what happens to you.'

We are sometimes very strange people. The only thing we want to say, and the one thing that we should say, is the one thing we don't say.

And yet, because the feeling is so real, and the need to say it is so strong, we are driven to use other words and signs to say what we really mean. And many times the meaning never gets communicated at all and the other person is left feeling unloved and unwanted.

Therefore, we have to listen for love in the words that people are saying to us. Sometimes the explicit words are necessary, but more often, the manner of saying things is even more important. A joyous insult carries more affection and love within the sentiments which are expressed insincerely.

An impulsive hug says I love you even though the words might be saying a very different thing.

Any expression of a person's concern for another says I love you. Sometimes the expression is clumsy, sometimes even cruel. Sometimes we must look and listen very intently for the love that contains. But it is often there, beneath the surface.

A mother may nag her son constantly about his grades or cleaning his room. The son may hear only the nagging, but if he listens carefully, he will hear the love underneath the nagging. His mother wants him to do well, to be successful. Her concern and love for her son unfortunately emerge in her nagging. But it is love all the same.

A daughter comes home way past her curfew, and her father confronts her with angry words. The daughter may hear only the anger, but if she listen carefully, she will hear the love under the anger. "I was worried about you," the father is saying. "Because I care about you and I love you. You are important to me."

We say I love you in many ways - with birthday gifts, and little notes, with smiles and sometimes with tears.

Sometimes we show our love by just keeping quiet and not saying a word, at other times by speaking out, even brusquely. We show our love sometimes by impulsiveness. Many times we have to show our love by forgiving someone who has not listened to the love we have tried to express.

The problem in listening for love is that we don't always understand the language of love which the other person is using.

A girl may use tears or emotions to say what she wants to say, and her boyfriend may not understand her because he expects her to be talking his language. Thus, we have to force ourselves to really listen for love.

The problem with our world is that people rarely listen to each other. They hear the words, but they don't listen to the actions that accompany the words or the expression on the face.

Or people listen only for rejection or misunderstanding. They do not see the love that is there just beneath the surface, even if the words are angry.

We have to listen for love in those around us.

If we listen intently we will discover that we are a lot more loved than we realize. Listen for love and we will find that the world is a very loving place, after all.

LOVE is a happy thing.

It makes us laugh,
It makes us sing,
It makes us sad,
It makes us cry,
It makes us seek the reason why,
It makes us take,
It makes us give,
but above all else, it makes us live!

Thank you kindly Sister Jayne Fisher, reminding us of the importance of listening for love. God bless you.

God Can Use Anyone

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter how hard you've been knocked down, beat-down and trotted in you life, believe you me, God can use you. Yes indeed He can. Do me a favor and just fill in the blanks (Rhetorically).

How many times in your life do you say to yourself "God can't use me because I'm not _____________ enough, I'm too _________________, I've done too many _______________".? Do you realize that God can use anyone for His glory?

God has always worked through human vessels. In fact, most of the time, God works through the most unlikely vessels! Trust me, God Surely Can Use Anyone. Take a peak at the following people God used and how they were actually as fragile and broken as some of us were or still are.

Moses stuttered.
David's armour didn't fit.
John Mark was rejected by Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a murderer.
So was Moses.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was a bullfrog;
Just kidding -- he was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
Martha was a worry-wart.
Mary may have been lazy.
Samson had long hair.
Noah got drunk, and that's not all.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
But God doesn't require a job interview.
He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses,
because He's more our Dad than our Boss.
He doesn't look at financial gain or loss.
He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging,
sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need.

A Christian minister once said, "I was never of any use until I found out that God did not intend me to be a great man."

Prayer for My Friends

You have created us to live in community, O God of love; bless my friends who provide me with the grace and love of an extended family. Endow them with the riches of Your blessings: good health, sight, and mobility, that they may enjoy the wonders of Your creation and share their delight with others. Bless them with keen minds and compassionate hearts that they may create a better life for all. Guard them from injustice, oppression, and evil that they may know freedom and hope lifelong. In their waking and in their sleeping, in their laughter and in their tears, surround them with Your love until the end of their days; and so bring them to eternal life in peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

SELFISHNESS

Now, let's have a question and answer period. I'll ask the questions. Feel free to answer out loud or in your heart.

1. Isn’t time I grow up and get over myself?

2. Does my petty, picky, little hurts or slights really have any bearing on eternity?

3. Where/how can I be of service to someone with no hope of recognition or reward?

4. What if nobody sees the good I'm doing?

5. How can I put others first and me second, thereby glorifying God with my actions?

6. What am I going to do nice for that person at work that I cannot stand?

7. How I can be tolerant of others that I deem less than me?

8. Do I really believe that everyone in the world is better than me at something?

9. Will it please God if I don't stand my ground on this stupid issue that doesn't matter anyway?

10. How can I glorify God daily by surrendering my full self to him and his will for me even if that includes doing things for others that I don't want to do?

There are about 500 more questions I could ask. But you get the point. Godly relationships begin in your heart where Jesus lives. You will automatically have Godly relationships if you keep God's command first and foremost in your heart: Love God first, others second and yourself last. This is very hard to do and can't be done unless we are walking with the Lord. And you are trying to change a lifetime of conditioned responses to certain stimuli. But next time you get the opportunity, give up your pride, your desires, your hopes, your dreams, and defer to the one you are engaged with, no matter what the cost. See what happens. You may find out how rewarding and freeing it can be. Keep God in your relationships and they will be Godly!

Tomorrow Is Not Promised

Sometimes people come into your life
and you know right away that they were meant to be there,
they serve some sort of purpose,
teach you a lesson
or help figure out who you are
and who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be:
your neighbor, child, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger
who, when you lock eyes with them,
you know at that very moment that they will affect your life
in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you
and at the time they seem painful and unfair,
but in reflection you realize
that without overcoming those obstacles
you would have never realized
your potential strength, will power, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason.
Nothing happens by chance
or by means of good or bad luck.
Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity
all occur to test the limits of your soul.

Without these small tests,
whether they be events, illnesses or relationships,
life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere,
safe and comfortable,
but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life
and the successes and downfalls you experience
create who you are,
and even the bad experiences can be learned from,
In fact, they are probably the poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart,
forgive them,
for they have helped you learn about trust
and the importance of being cautious to
whom you open your heart...

If someone loves you,
love them back unconditionally,
not only because they love you,
but because they are teaching you to love
and opening your heart and eyes to things
you would have never seen or felt without them.

Make every day count.
Appreciate every moment
and take from it everything that you possibly can,
for you may never be able to experience it again...

Talk to people you have never talked to before,
and actually listen,
let yourself fall in love,
break free and set your sights high...

Hold your head up
because you have every right too.
Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself...
for if you don't believe in yourself,
no one else will believe in you either.
You can make of your life anything you wish.

Create your own life
and then go out and live in it!
"Live Each Day As If It Were Your Last...
Tomorrow is Not Promised"

Thank you kindly, my dear brother Jonathan F. Choyce III, for such a word.

God Has Kept Me Here For A Reason

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Please repeat after me:

God has kept me here for a reason.

I survived because He has a plan for me.

All my bad relationships,

The addictions,

The consequences,

The bad credit,

The repossessions,

The death of my loved ones,

The back stabbing from my friends,

The negative thoughts, or the lack of support;

I made it because I am blessed!

I release and let go of all past hurts, misunderstandings and grudges because I am abundantly blessed!

I recognize them as the illusions they are, and sent from the enemy to kill my spirit, steal my joy, and destroy my faith; For God is all there is. All else is a lie!

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I know that we may not all relate to everything, but we all know about past hurts, trials, and diversionary tactics the enemy will employ. Someone needed this message, so I pray it blesses you as well!

Now give yourself a hug, wipe your tears away and walk in victory!!!!!!!!

I love you, but more appropriately God loves you BEST! Be blessed and know that you are at one with THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD! And may the Lord keep watch over you and me. Genesis 31:49. Amen!

Now since you are a true child of God, you know that with every blessing, a blessing is required! So be a blessing to someone today.

I Am "Kept"

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind
But GOD kept me sane

There were times when I thought I could go no longer
But the LORD kept me moving

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong
But the LORD kept my mouth shut

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc...

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up

When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong!

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!
I'm blessed to be "kept."

Today I went into a prison

Today I went into a prison
Where I looked on anguish and strife
But the message I learned from a convict there
I'll remember the rest of my life.
The prisoner said he was contented
In paying society's due.
"It's easy to render to Caesar", he said,
"When you have the Master with you".
Oh, I've seen his anger fly out of hand
For he was just human you see
Than ask both offended and God to forgive
Unashamed when bending his knee.
Many long years it has been
Since I had the faith that this convict has shown
And though I was with him for only a while
His message has pointed me home.
Yes, today I went into a prison
And saw to my disbelief
The face of our Savior Lord Jesus
Worn on the face of a thief.

After a While

After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child

And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight

After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.

Veronica A. Shoffstall

HELP WANTED: Men and Women of Character

The world desperately needs men and women. . .

who cannot be bought;

whose word is their bond;

who put character above wealth;

who possess opinions and a strong will;

who are larger than their vocations;

who do not hesitate to take risks;

who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;

who will be as honest in small affairs as in greater;

who will make no compromise with wrong;

whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;

who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it;"

who are true to their friends through good and bad, in adversity as well as in prosperity;

who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success;

who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;

who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."

Did I say Thank you Lord?

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this morning when I woke up I don't remember did I say "Good morning Lord"? Did I say thank you for giving me a good nights rest? Or did I hurry and get out of bed to do my daily chores?

As the day went on and I heard the birds singing and all the beautiful noises around. As I looked in the sky and saw your beauty did I tell you " Thank you" or did I say Oh I forgot to go to the store and get something for supper and rush out the door.

Later this afternoon when I had a chance to sit down and relax a moment and appreciate the quietness did I say "Thank you Lord for the quietness you have given now so I can hear you speak to me on how to handle life struggles that come my way. It was my chance to open Your Word and have you show me how near you are. Or did I just pick up the paper or turn the TV on and ignore my chance to be with you.

Tonight when Someone spoke to me that has never had the time of day did I say, " Thank you Lord for answering my prayer" or did I get bitter inside and say why did he have to speak to me" Did I forget that you work in your own time and maybe it was the time to work things out and forgive and let go of the hurt inside.

Forgive Me Lord, I guess you could say, I didnt treat you like my friend today. I went through the day and forgot to be thankful for the little things that you had right in front of me. Tomorrow I promise I will do better. I may be busy but this time I will not forget you and tell you how much I love you. Tonight as I lay my head to rest, I promise you I will do my best. You are my God in you alone do I trust. I close my eyes and rest in your arms knowing that no matter what you will never leave me. If I am given tomorrow I will open my eyes and Praise you and know that my day is in your care. I do thank you God, Good night & I will see you in the morning.

Wishing all my brothers and sisters a good night sleep and the peace that God is at your side and will never leave you. Please know that you are all in my prayers and know that I care.

I KNOW

I know He is the beginning,

so why do I worry about the end

I know He is the creator,

so why do I wonder who will destroy

I know He has forgiven me,

so why can't I forgive myself

I know He is a healer,

so why do I speak of sickness

I know He can do all things,

so why do I say I can't

I know He will protect me,

so why do I fear

I know He will supply all my needs,

so why can't I wait

I know He is my strength and my salvation,

so why do I feel weak

I know that everything and everyone has a season,

so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice

I know He is the right way,

so why do I go the wrong way

I know He is the light,

so why do I choose to walk in darkness

I know that whatever I ask of God, God will give me,

so why am I scared to ask

I know tomorrow is not promised,

so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today

I know that the truth shall make me free,

so why do I continue to lie

I know He gives us revelation knowledge and understanding,

so why do I lean on my own understanding

I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit,

so why do I chose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh

I know that when praises go up blessings come down,

so why do I refuse to praise Him

I know I am saved,

so why do I refuse the word He has given me

I know He has a plan for me,

so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if you want a personal relationship with someone you need to know who that person is.

So lets talk about who Jesus is.

Jesus is God, one of the trinity. The trinity is something that we humans sometimes have a hard time getting our brains around. It is God in three persons, the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. The important part to remember is that they are all God. God has always been, He has no beginning and will never end, therefore Jesus has no beginning and no end. See what I mean about it being hard to really understand? Well what is important is that you believe it, not that you totally understand it.

Jesus came to earth as a baby, born to a virgin (Mary). How could this happen? Well the Holy Spirit caused it to happen. After His birth, Jesus was still God, but He was also a human. Unlike us who are born as sinners, Jesus was born sinless. He lived a sinless life here on earth. That does not mean that his life was different from ours, He was affected by sickness, pain (physical and emotional) and He was tempted by Satan to do things which would have been sinful had He done them.

Jesus was a Jew. The old testament of the Bible is the history of the Jews up to the birth of Jesus. It foretold His coming. The problem was that the Jews thought that when He came He would set up His Kingdom on earth and rule from then on. Jesus did not do that, He came as a man and taught the people His Father's will. Many Jews rejected Him because of this, and finally they put Him to death on a cross like a common criminal.

YOU CAN RISE AGAIN

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is not impossible that a person may fall at some stage in their walk with Christ. In Proverbs 24:16-18, The Bible teaches about how even just people fall.

For those in grief, Christ offers comfort. For those full of heartache or physical pain, He offers hope and healing. To those who carry emotional burdens and broken dreams, Christ offers His strength. For those who struggle, He offers rest.After the dust clears from dreams dropped, a job shattered, falling finances or the banging sound of change, you can still find a place of inner peace.

The Lord changes not and stands ready to guide and provide for you and your family. Seek His comfort. Study His word. Surrender to His way. Keep your hope and trust in the Lord even when everything around you seems hopeless. Believe in God’s restoration and resurrection power for your life.

You can rise again.

I say again, You can rise again.

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Proverbs 24:16-18