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"God doesn't answer my prayers?"
Why doesn't God answer my prayers? This is a very common question I get. I don't have the answer to this questions, but here is my thought...Praying is not like a wishing well or God isn't a genie where you can rub a lamp and have all your 3 wishes come true. It's more like a way of communicating to God, where you talk and then we listen for His answer...I mean really listen..stay still and wait. Many of us (I do it too!) expect our prayers to be answered quickly, like how we expect our food to be ready by the time we reach the drive-thru window (read "McDonaldization" under Sociology). From my walk so far with God, I've learn that prayer is simple and there are some ingredients (e.g. petitioning-what we need to give up in order to see God provide) that we need to seek God individually to see it answered-not our way, but His way!
Also (7/31/04), some of our prayers might not be answered depending on where you are in your relationship with God. Are you "right" (e.g. any forgivness you need to ask?) with Him?....
I mean no one is perfect, but we need to get out of our "old ways" (sinful) and pursue righteousness (sinless). Here is one story from the Old Testament where God directly tells the Hebrew people that He won't hear their crys....
" 9 Then the LORD said to me, "There is a conspiracy among the people of Judah and those who live in Jerusalem. 10 They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their forefathers. 11 Therefore this is what the LORD says: 'I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape. Although they cry out to me, I will not listen to them. 12 The towns of Judah and the people of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they will not help them at all when disaster strikes. 13 You have as many gods (e.g. Hinduism ) as you have towns, O Judah; and the altars you have set up to burn incense to that shameful god Baal are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.'"-Jeremiah 11
"Christians do too much praying and not doing?"
Again, I'm not expert on this, but from my walk so far I've notice that many people ridicule "us" Christians for not doing enough. We don't walk the talk. There are some truth in this. First, "we" Christians do need to follow-up on what we pray for (e.g. I'll pray for you) whenever we tell others we'll pray for them. When we pray for them, God could be answering our prayer for this individual and not expect Him to answer in our way (His way!)). One example of this is, I told my sister I'll be praying for her. However, God can speak to me about being part of the solution (God is the solution) to a particular problem. I expected some "miraculous sign" to fall from the sky, but I can be the "sign" to her.
Here is a better example that just fell on me. I was praying for this particular individual who is in jail. God sent him to me unexpectedly one day and received him to help with him. I didn't expect him to be out of jail when I first saw him. I was caught off guard, but I did remember praying for this guy.
The other side to "Christians don't do enough, but pray" is that this is necessary. We "Christians" can't do everything. In fact, we need to let the "Maters of the Universe"-Heavenly Father take care of these matters. Sometimes Christians pick the "wrong battles", and end up "screwing it up" as we take matters in our own hands.
For example, (again this is my opinion-freedom of speeeh, right?) there are Christians who take political issues (e.g. homosexuality, abortion, etc..) in their own hands, where they go overboard (e.g. heart start to hardened, hating the "eneimies", they start to do what only God supposed to do "judge", and forget about love-1 Corinthians 13). Yes, there are times to take a stand and be a "voice to the voiceless" or "speak for those who cannot speak for themselves" Proverbs 31:8(e.g. persecuted church, widows, fatherless children, etc...). We need to "wait" on God and anticipate God will move through us or even not through us in His timing!
"How to pray?"
I've talked to God since I grew-up "knee-high", which I've learned growing-up to Catholic parents. However, my prayer life really didn't start until I came to a growing personal relationship with God my freshmen year in college. I remember when I started to get involved with other believers at UMM prayer gatherings. I never really actually prayed outloud with a group of people listening to me in public until my freshmen year at my residential hall of Gay II-II. The only prayer I've prayed outloud was "Our Father..." (Matthew 6:9-13)during Sunday mass-synchronized publicly! Jesus told us how to pray, but to NOT exactly say this in repetition all the time. It took awhile to start praying with a group of people where I would say it outloud by myself. As you do it more, you'll be more confident and more relaxed. At first, I was a little nervous and sweaty as I was self-conscious on what the others in the group may think. Then, I started to close my eyes and not look at the others and picture God is right there; this then became a regular habit to this day!
"After God's own heart..."
There is so many testimonies on how God has answered many prayers of mine. Also, there are many prayers that I've forgotten or prayed for that I didn't know it was answered. One thing I remind people about prayer, it's not like rubbing a lamp and getting all your 3 wishes come true from a genie. Prayer is like seeking after God's heart, which comes when one seeks Him through a personal relationship.
When I pray, I make sure I ask according to God's will. For example, "I would like a million dollars", may not be God's will. However, I can pray for financial provision to help pay some bills. He may night drop money from the sky, but may open a door to a job that will help pay your bills.
"Prayer Pocket Calender Book"
As I've grown to know God more, my prayers have been less and less selfish. God has layed in my heart to pray for people He has put in my path daily. I even have a prayer journal of people that God puts in my path day to day. I have this handy calender pocket book, where I put pretty much everybody's names listed each day. When I get very personal with people, I write down a list of specific personal prayer requests to help remember my last conversation with them next time I get in contact with them. I meet so many people doing campus ministry work and other day to day activities, so I do this "reminder-prayer pocketbook" to help not forget what I talk about with them.
24/7 Prayer-Individual
I try to constantly pray 24/7. Yes, even in my sleep or after-really...I've woken up in the "middle of the night" at times and had this significant/insignificant dream. If it's a person I know in my dream, I try to do my best to pray for that person as I'm still in a sleepy mood. Or even I pray for a particular situation/circumstance when I have a dream of an unknown person/group of people. Dreams is another topic that I can do another report on. Till then, just please ask me about this topic!
Other times I pray:
-when I'm driving/riding my bike through a particular town/city along the highway
-through town, I try to pray for houses/businees-especially if I know any particular person(s) of that place
-during a conversation with people in all circumstances (angry, happy, sad, etc...)
e.g. We can talk to God as Jesus did to His Heavenly Father that is noted many times in the Gospels of the New Testament. Also, as many others in the Old Testament, like Moses...
4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." 5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.-Exodus 3
-bathroom-yes!
-meal times (one time a friend of mine prayed with his friends at a Perkins restaurant during lunch, and some older adults admired this "young group" of people praying that this older adult ended up paying this groups' meal-wow!)
Daily Devotions
This is somewhat my daily "routine" devotionals I try to do that helps me persevere in my faith daily:
MORNING:
-I sometimes wake-up with some dream that I can't remember, so I kneel right by my bed for awhile seeking my Heavenly Father for wisdom, understanding, or interpretation (symbolisis) of the dream.
-God sometimes reveals bits of the dream or even thoughts, names, worship song (I actually would try to sing the whole song to get "fueled up" as I do every Sunday services), or verses related/unrelated. I then write it down in my prayer journal or dream notebook next to my bed.
*I feel God doesn't reveal my dreams right aways or never because He just wants me to spend time with him by seeking what the dream was about.
-I try to read a Bible verse or eat up some "soul food" /breakfast to give me energy (also asking God to fill you up with the Holy Spirit) for the day. I challenge myself to remember the verse/word throughout the day whenever I physically eat to help reflect throughout the day.
-When I start getting dress, I try to remember the Scripture verses (categories of gifts) about "putting the armor of God" (Ephesians 6). In fact, I try to challenge myself to remember Scripture verses relating to what I do in the natural throughout the day. For example, I "try" to eat a bananna, which is a fruit every morning. I then try to pray for the "fruits of the spirit" (Galatians 5). Also, I pray that God will enable me to use all the "spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 12) according to His will, timing, and place.
-Whenever I forget to pray for the "equipping" verses mentioned above, I sometimes remember to do this sometime early in the day (e.g. driving, at work, etc...). I remember (might have mentioned this earlier) during a campus bible study group (Alpha & Omega), a student shared how her mom will not let her get out of the door praying for the "Armor of God". Her mom told her that you wouldn't go out in a cold witner day without a winter jacket, right? Well, you need to do the same with the "armor of God" when you go out of the door everyday becuase it's a spiritual battle/warfare!
NOON:
-I try to remember the Scripture verse I read or even the worshop song I did early in the morning. If I forget or even the days I fast or don't fast, I try to eat-up more "soul food"
EVENING:
-I "try" to reflect what God did throughout the day, so I get a particular "devotional praise pocket calender" where I write down at least one "thing" I'm thankful to God for. What am I greatful (complicated/simple) for? How has God blessed me/someone (opportunity to share the Gospel, beautiful weather, able to walk, etc..) today? This usually would cheer me-up more after a long tiresome day or get me excited/motivated after an awesome day!
*I usually would try to do this with my housemate or friends that would be hanging out late in the house before everyone goes to bed!
-Sometimes when my housemate comes home late, I would like to spend some "quality time" with him before we all go to bed. We might be watching tv. or a movie late at night before we go to bed. I would sometimes use this time to write in my "devotional pocket prayer calender" all the people's names God had me conversate with or the heart to pray for/with (e.g. prayer request from someone) earlier in the day.
-I would try to pray with my housemate on general prayers from the day (some listed from this prayer book) and then read a bible verse/chapter (sometimes related to a challenge/struggle from the day we or individually faced). I would try to first ask God what verse/chapter to read, which can sometimes be very audible/clear. I would know this at times it was from God when the person I read Scripture with has touch them personally-cool huh?
-I would then go up to my room (door closed) to have that personal quiet time (5min to an hour/more) with my Heavenly Father.
Below are just some "practices" of faith I "try" to do daily. Please feel free to e-mail me any of your own tips, suggestions, ideas that you do that I can share with others that read this. Thanks and I too pray that this will bless you in many ways whereever you are with God personally!
E-Mail Forwards
Here is a e-mail from a sister in Christ that attends UMM, which challenged me about the 24/7 "meaningful day" time with our Heavenly Father:
Hey everyone~
Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you didn't really do anything? Perhaps you went to work, took a nap, ate dinner and watched some tv, but it doesn't really feel like anything signicant was accomplished. I just had one of those days. However, just a few minutes ago (and right now as I type this), God reminded me that the reason my day feels incomplete is because I haven't spent time with Him yet. I know there are days we feel like nothing was done and even when we realize that perhaps it's because we need to spend time with God, we don't feel like it. We don't feel like praying for other people or making an effort to get away from distractions. When we get in that mood, I think that God doesn't care about how many people we pray for or where we're at. All He wants is for us to say, "Help me." All He wants is for us to share our hearts with Him; tell Him how we're feeling and why we think we're feeling that way. God just wants our hearts, just the way they are. If we simply hand them to Him, He will change them. It may not happen instantly, but when we surrrender, change will come.
This I know to be true.
I also know that we can claim each moment as new in Jesus. I can decide to start this moment as new and forget about what has happened before now. From this moment on my day can be fresh, new and exciting.
Even thinking about it and sharing my thoughts with you gives me joy and peace. God does change hearts and minds. Just ask Him. Even if it seems silly to talk to yourself, the truth is, He's listening right next to you. What have you got to lose?
I pray these thoughts encourage you in some way and that God is moving in your heart in the way that you need Him to. Take care and God bless.
~Erin (Wednesday, July 7, 2004 7:31 PM)
I got this e-mail on a different outlook about praying for others, which I accidentally deleted. It went something like this:
"5 Prayer of A Hand"
1.Thumb-Pray for your family, the people that are close to you.
2.Pointing Finger-Pray for pastors, teacher, ministers, missionaries, who need wisdom as they are used by God to direct/guide the "sheep" or "followers" of Christ to the "right(eous)" direction-God, Father, Son!
3. Middle Finger-Pray for authoriative leaders (eg. United Nations, President, Governor, Mayor, or anyone in a leadership position that makes decision for the "whole" world, nation, state, city, or community
4. Weak Finger (according to pianists)-Pray for the weak, sick, oppressed, etc..
5. Pinky Finger-Pray for "least", which includes youself,
"True or not".....fwd by Randy Gardley (UMM Alumn 00')
Subject: The Power of Prayer
Here's a message that will bring you chills. Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, "I'll pray for them later."? Or has anyone ever called you and said, "I need you to pray for me, I have this need."? Read the following story that was sent to me and may it change the way that you may think about prayer and also the way you pray. You will be blessed by this. A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan...
"While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point. On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital. Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident. Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, "'Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards." At this I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone out in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, "No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone."
At is point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: "On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?" The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in mysterious ways. If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it. Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell. I encourage you to forward this to as many people as you know. If we all take it to heart, we can turn this world towards Christ once again. As the above true story clearly illustrates, "With God all things are possible." And more importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful. After you read this, please pass it on and give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles He works in your own daily life... and then pass it on.
"Group Prayer
"When 2 or more are gathered, I'm there"...Yes, God's there and there is power in prayer when there is a group; especially, when everybody's heart is on Jesus! I've participated in weekly scheduled group prayers during and still after college, like....
-Tuesdays @7-7:50am with my local church
-Fridays @7-7:50am with campus ministries
-Gay Hall weekly prayer when I was an RA
-Fridays @7-8p or earlier and after A&O fellowship gatherings
-random weekly prayer gatherings that I see advertised (eg. I've gone to prayer groups in the cities where I don't know anybody, but had the same heart for what they were praying for-Reedeeming Love Church's prayer for Muslims, Woodland Hills Church weekly prayer as a congregation on Wednesdays and their prayer walk around the neighborhood prior to their existing church building, etc...)
-special annual events (eg. See You at the Pole, See You at the Party, March for Jesus, National Day of Prayer, etc...)
Group prayers (e.g. interceding for a pariticular person, cause, or circusmstance) can be a fellowship/evangelism opportunity to meet new people to encourage one another. Also, it gives a bigger perspective of God's family of believers!
Community Focus:
When? Tuesdays @7-7:50am
Where? 211 E. 6th St. (old Morris Community Church bldg.)
Sunday Service Focus:
When? Sundays @ 9:15-9:45a
Where? MAHS' cafeteria
UMM Campus Focus:
When? Fridays @7-7:50am
Where? UMM Student Center-Moccassion Flower Room
*note: time varies, so contact IVCF's prayer coordinator
Purpose? Pray for prayer requests sent through the e-mail during the week, pray for church body as a whole, pray for specific individuals, and pray for the service (worship, message) @10a.m.
May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite
possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing
that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing,
dance, and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you.
Send this to people and witness the awesome power of prayer.
from Troy Beseman (brother in the Lord that used to attend MCC-10/28/99)
"I Asked God"
I asked God to take away my habit. God said, "No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up."
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, "No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary."
I asked God to grant me patience. God said, "No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned."
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, "No. I give you blessings; happiness is up to you."
I asked God to spare me pain. God said, "No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, "No. You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful."
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, "No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things."
I asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me. God said, "Ahhh, finally you have the idea."
This day is yours; don't throw it away. "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world." May God bless you.
-forwarded by Dustin Horstman (brother in the Lord that went to MCC's SIMT School one year)
Networks
³In the next coming yearŠI¹m going to bring great change in the worship of this state. There will be 120 days of worship in this state and it will cause that which I am brooding over in this state to come into fullness.² Chuck Pierce Aug. 5, 2003
In response to the prophetic word above that the State of Minnesota received in Aug. 2003, the Minnesota Strategic Prayer Network is calling together and facilitating a 4 month (120 day) season of worship called ³Worship Minnesota.² During the coming 4 months, May through August, worshippers and intercessors throughout the state will be able to participate in and/or attend evening worship gatherings.
³Sound the trumpet and let Judah Praise go forth in the land!²
Worship Minnesota --
Will begin on May 1 in St. Paul with Worship St. Paul It will continue on June 4 with Worship Minneapolis Then Worship Duluth, (dates to be announced) And ending with Worship Minnesota with different weeks of worship all around the state.
These locations and dates to be announced at a later time.
All the evening worship gatherings will begin at 7 PM and go to about 10 PM
This is a call to all worshippers and intercessors to be part of building a throne of worship in our state for the habitation of the Lord. If your worship team would like to join with us as we worship and pray, please contact us so we can be in agreement with what the Lord wants to do in Minnesota! hafire@aol.com
Don¹t miss the Lord¹s call for you to give your worship and prayers seeking Him in the ³secret place² during the next 4 months.
Worship St. Paul:
May 1 7 1 PM start May 1 only
Redeeming Love Church
2425 White Bear Ave
Maplewood
May 8 15
Morning Star Church
689 N. Dale St.
St. Paul
May 16 22
River of Life Church
739 Summit Ave
St.Paul
May 23 30
River of God Church
2490 7th Ave East
St.Paul
June 4 - 11
Church of New Life
3536 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis
June 12 - 18
Iglesia De Dios Monte Sinai/Mt. Sinai Church
2917 15th Ave S Ave - Park only on street
Minneapolis
June 19 - 25
Calvary Worship Center
9500 Minnetonka Blvd
St. Louis Park
June 26 July 3
True Love Church
3207 Central Ave
North East Minneapolis
If you have questions please call Tom Gibson at 612-239-4286 or email at hafire@aol.com
More Worship locations & dates to be announced for July and August:
History
Movies
It's like the scene where Jim Carey pullys the Full Moon closer to earth to make his romantic scene with Jennifer Aniston more beautiful. Well, he finds out the consequences of this "selfish given power" to meet his needs affects others (distance of the moon affects the waves that caused a tidal wave in Japan in a scene later on).
Prayer Requests?
Prayer Rooms
Miscellaneous
Music
"Pray", Rebecca St. James
*went to her concert years ago in Alexandria, Minnesota
This is a prayer e-mail our local church received...
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2001 09:22:31 -0800
From: REFORMER
To: mcccm@cda.mrs.umn.edu
Subject: PRAYER REQUEST
PRAYER:
Merciful God, you made all of the people of the world in your own image and have placed before us the pathway of salvation through your saints and prophets. Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in justice, peace and harmony around your heavenly throne. (Amen)
PRAYER:
Merciful God, please give to peoples of the world the required wisdom and determination, to learn to live in peace like brothers and sisters, by ending the divisions and hatreds created by our past and present elders. (Amen)
MOVEMENT FOR REFORMING SOCIETY.
Muslimabad, Near Fatehgarh Canal Bridge, Moghalpura,
Lahore-54840,
PAKISTAN.
Above are some links I’ve gathered based on my experiences so far in my prayer testimony. I will never be an expert on it, but a person after the heart of the Father. Please feel free to contact me of any questions, comments/complaints, suggestions (prayer or other follow-up tips to help readers grow in Christ), testimonies/shares, or prayer requests relating to the information above.
Let's see the devil stop this one!
Here's what the wheel is all about.
When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you ...... That's all you have to do ....There is nothing attached....This is so powerful....Just send this to seven people and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Do not stop the wheel, please....Of all the free gifts we may receive, Prayer is the very best one ...... There are no costs, but wonderful rewards ..... Let's continue praying for one another .
A Prayer
Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them. Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, and strength as they learn submission to your leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage. Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend's life. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name.
In Love, Your Friend
From : My Aunt Toni
Sent : Saturday, September 25, 2004 9:43 AM
To : "Aunt Toni" "Sal" "Ceo
Subject : Fw: John 3:16
A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.
He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."
The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in."
So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.
Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food," The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.
She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big fire hydrant as they flushed it out.
The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.
The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big Bible.
She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. "Do you understand John 3:16?" She asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it," She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16....don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.
You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.
John 3:16 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.
If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions. Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father." Pass this on only if you mean it.
I do Love God. He is my source of existence. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Phil 4:13 If you love God and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you, send this on. Take 60 seconds & give this a shot! Let's just see if Satan stops this one. All you do is:
1) Simply say a small prayer for the person who sent you this, "Father, God bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day!"
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