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Monday, October 23, 2006

GOD Always Answers Prayer ...



When the idea is not right God says, "No."

No - when the idea is not the best.
No - when the idea is absolutely wrong.
No - when though it may help you, it could create problems for someone else.


When the time is not right, God says, "Slow."

What a catastrophe it would be if God answered every prayer at the snap of your fingers. Do you know what would happen? God would become your servant, not your master. Suddenly, God would be working for you instead of you working for God.


Remember: God's delays are not God's denials. God's timing is perfect. Patience is what we need in prayer.


When you are not right, God says, "Grow."

The selfish person has to grow in unselfishness
The cautious person must grow courage.
The timid person must grow in confidence.
The dominating person must grow in sensitivity.
The critical person must grow in tolerance.
The negative person must grow in positive attitudes.
The pleasure-seeking person must grow in compassion for suffering people.


When everything is all right, God says, "Go."
Then miracles happen:

A hopeless alcoholic is set free!
A drug addict finds release!
A doubter becomes as a child in his belief.
Diseased tissue responds to treatment, and healing begins.
The door to your dreams suddenly swings open and there
stands God saying, "Go."

- by Dr. Robert Schuller

Friday, October 20, 2006

I recently wrote to a family in India whose newborn was diagnosed with Hydrocephylus. Not expected to live BABY HANAH IS CELEBRATING HER FIRST BIRTHDAY! Many are suffering with heartbreaking situations, so you may be encouraged by what I wrote this family.


Happy Birthday Hanah, and God's Blessings upon Mom & Dad, Lena and Malka. I am glad for you at the way God has provided and cared for you during this time of joy and difficulty. His Presence will comfort and strengthen you for the days ahead.

The Bible gives this encouraging word in the life of Jesus: And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)

We may never know the many times that Jesus took Baby Hanah in His arms over these past 12 months to cradle and watch over.

Look at our hands. They are a necessary part of our lives and livelihood. They are given in token of friendship and used in embracing. Jesus used His hands to become friends with, and embrace children.

A blessing was a public declaration of a favored status with God. The blessing also endowed power for prosperity and success. In all cases, the blessing served as a guide and motivation to pursue a course of life within the blessing.

In other words Jesus speaks a word of favor, of goodness, of direction and purpose into the life of Baby Hanah.

O Baby Hanah, you are blessed by Jesus Christ! Let's sing: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves Hanah! Yes, Jesus loves Hanah! Yes, Jesus loves Hanah! The Bible tells me so!

And for Lena and Malka, there is another wonderful story in the Bible of a mother, a parent, who though not of the family of faith, came to Jesus out of desperate concern for her daughter, who was demon possessed. She was a Gentile, an outsider to the Jewish people. But she had faith in the Messiah of God's people. And so she cried for His mercy.

At first Jesus did not answer. Aware of her own inadequacies she knelt in the dust and pleaded, Lord, help me! Jesus chose to test this parent's faith in the extent of His mercy. Jesus saw that she believed His mercy could stretch all the way to her! She passed the test. She asked but for a crumb of mercy, she received much, much more - the healing of her daughter and a new beginning in life! (Matthew 15:21-28) How extraordinarily good Jesus is!!

Wherever there is simple faith in Jesus, divine mercy is extended. This is the good news that every burdened, anxious parent needs to hear and can receive. God bless you, Lena and Malka.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONE AND ALL!

Albert Kienle

I thought this was too good to pass by; may it remind us where our hope and strength is found -

YOU SAY ... GOD SAYS ...


You say: "It's impossible."

God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)


You say: "I'm too tired."

God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)


You say: "Nobody really loves me."

God says: I love you. (John 3:16 & John 3:34)


You say: "I can't go on."

God says: My grace is sufficient. (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)


You say: "I can't figure things out."

God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)


You say: "I can't do it."

God says: You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)


You say: "I'm not able."

God says: I am able. (II Corinthians 9:8)


You say: "It's not worth it."

God says: It will be worth it. (Romans 8:28)


You say: "I can't forgive myself."

God says: I Forgive you. (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)


You say: "I can't manage."

God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)


You say: "I'm afraid."

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Timothy 1:7)


You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."

God says: Cast all your cares on ME. (I Peter 5:7)


You say: "I'm not smart enough."

God says: I give you wisdom. (I Corinthians 1:30)


You say: "I feel all alone."

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)