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Complacent
cherokee:
Hi Decky,
Have you read Ray's paper on PRAYING BY GOD’S RULES.
--- Quote ---Few subjects in the Bible are more mysterious or less understood than the subject of prayer. Few indeed know how to pray or what to pray about. And what is the proof of that statement? The proof is that most prayers are never answered. Hundreds of millions of people a day pray in vain. They get no answer to their prayers. Why is this? Is there an answer as to why most prayers go unanswered? Absolutely, there is. Will most people accept the only and true Scriptural teaching on this subject? I’m afraid most will not.
There are many clich�s regarding prayer, and some are absolutely true. It is said that God has one of three answers for all prayers: "Yes, No, or Later." This is basically, albeit not totally true. This one might be closer to the truth: "Your way, My way, or No way."
There is an interesting essay on prayer in which it is stated: "I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I could have ever hoped for." That may make for a nice sentiment, but few would ever believe such a thing deep in their heart. Most people do not believe that they got everything in life that they could have ever hoped for.
Christians and heathens alike, ignorantly and stupidly believe that they can change the mind of a Sovereign God Who always knows long in advance how He will fulfill His perfect plan and purpose under every and all circumstances. Many imagine that answered prayer is when God changes His mind with regards to the way things were going in your life. In other words: You change your ways to please God, and God will change His mind and begin blessing you. NOT TRUE. God never, ever changes His mind about anything.
This subject of unanswered prayer is so incredibly simple that a child can understand it, yet many learned theologians and clergymen have not even a clue as to the ultimate Scriptural statement regarding prayer. I will first give you the number one pre-requisite to having prayers answered, and then I will give you a most amazing second witness from a Scripture that is preserved in very few Bible translations
--- End quote ---
Here is the link to it.
http://bible-truths.com/praying.htm
Peace,
Suzie
firefly77:
This is such a hard topic for me to talk about... There is a very long list in my life of unanswered prayers, yet there are some that were answered in a fashion that left no doubt in me that God KNOWS ME and cares deeply for me as an individual. They were so tailor made to my highest hopes and dreams (unspoken dreams residing in the deepest recesses of my heart), that I was absolutely speechless when they came about. Yet even a few of those answered prayers were only available for a season and then taken away again to where I almost despaired. Others are still in the balance... they could be taken away any time. There is nothing in this life I can hold on to other than God... I don't know why He works in my life this way, but over the last years, I have become a literal "puddle". I am such a softy now that there is hardly anybody that I can't empathize with in some fashion and feel their pain. It is plain "nuts" sometimes.
Thank God, He has given me a passion for technology... the logical way that computers and software work is a welcome diversion and a pleasant "get away from it all" occupation. Otherwise, I would probably die of a broken heart.
I don't mean to sound so melodramatic... if I understood it all it "might" help, but I don't.
Maybe some of you can completely relate... at least, I hope so. :) ::)
Dave in Tenn:
Hi Firefly. I think some people need softening and some people need toughening up. Part of that is being conformed in this life to the image of Christ. Didn't/doesn't He possess both in fullness?
Part of it is preparation for ministry, in my opinion. With that, God seems to 'lean' us more one way or the other to accomplish His will through us. That's kind of how I see the gifts of the Spirit.
You have your computers and that beautiful logic. I have music and the beautiful unpredictability in creation. Both bring us to balance. I think those are blessings.
OBrenda:
I agree with Dave,
We have all been given Gifts in different proportions. Firefly...sounds like you are one who has a "Mercy" heart. You are probably the one to go to when all you need is someone to hug & accept you. I would respond differently by trying to figure out/reason in order to solve it. I have more of a "Teacher" heart.
And there are a million other layers that add to who we are today. God has put many "Mercy" people in my life to try and teach me balance. I have to try and disengage my Brian and give room for Christ to make me more than I am. If you are in a terrible car accident & your life is in danger, you want a mercy heart holding your hand assuring you. And just as important is the person who has a gift to detach themselves emotionally to save your life. A Doctor or Surgeon. [Dr. House] :-\
I think it was Paul who said, he became all things to all men?
We ought not get stuck in our personalities/gifts, Both Feelings & Reason can become idols of our heart.
We should not value one over the other just because we are more comfortable operating in one.
You ever notice the one who always jumps in to help out and serve? They always seem to be in the background never drawing attention to themselves. Rarely get in deep conversations, they walk in contentment?
I just can't wait to see the crowns that are placed on their heads?
:o
JM 2 cents,
Brenda
mharrell08:
--- Quote from: OBrenda on September 18, 2008, 10:40:18 AM ---I agree with Dave,
We have all been given Gifts in different proportions. Firefly...sounds like you are one who has a "Mercy" heart. You are probably the one to go to when all you need is someone to hug & accept you. I would respond differently by trying to figure out/reason in order to solve it. I have more of a "Teacher" heart.
And there are a million other layers that add to who we are today. God has put many "Mercy" people in my life to try and teach me balance. I have to try and disengage my Brian and give room for Christ to make me more than I am. If you are in a terrible car accident & your life is in danger, you want a mercy heart holding your hand assuring you. And just as important is the person who has a gift to detach themselves emotionally to save your life. A Doctor or Surgeon. [Dr. House] :-\
I think it was Paul who said, he became all things to all men?
We ought not get stuck in our personalities/gifts, Both Feelings & Reason can become idols of our heart.
We should not value one over the other just because we are more comfortable operating in one.
You ever notice the one who always jumps in to help out and serve? They always seem to be in the background never drawing attention to themselves. Rarely get in deep conversations, they walk in contentment?
I just can't wait to see the crowns that are placed on their heads?
JM 2 cents,
Brenda
--- End quote ---
Great point Brenda ;)
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