Insight [ Romans 8 v28 ]

I have in recent times been praying about a certain thing,as to a need, not material, or physical, but a personal need, when reading a Christian book, God give me insight, as to why I had that personal need. That which I considered a need may not be answered in the way I want ,but I can have peace, because God has shown me why. God always has a reason ,he sometimes reveals His reasons ,sometimes He may not,Job was never given a reason, Paul was [ 2 Corinthians 12 ]. But this I do know, with all my heart, that all things are working together for my good[Romans 8 v28 ],so it is for every child of God. Norman R Perry wrote the following, let us make this our prayer[ Teach me ,O Lord ,to understand,even in darkest night. When storms are high and seas are wild, Thy way is right. Grant me O Lord ,to feel Thy hand of tenderness and power, is holding mine ,and leading me,Each day , each hour. Amen ]

The old paths.[ John 3 v16]

In the book of Jeremiah God speaks to His people ,He tells them to return to the old godly paths, and in so doing they would find rest for their souls, and they answered, we will not[ Jeremiah 6v16 ]. As I look at life so much has changed, and much for the better, in so many areas of life, the modern car is better than the old ones, with its power steering, air condition etc. Our homes are better, the advancement in medical care is better, people are better fed, yes there is much that is better.But spiritually things are not better, people have left the old paths, they feel they dont need God, but they do, and they always will, for there is a hole that only God can fill. We need God for time and for eternity,God said ,if they would return to the old paths they would find rest to their souls. Yes ,rest to their souls, it was Jesus who said,/ Come unto me , all ye that labour and , and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me , for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy , and my burden is light . [Matthew 11v 28-30] [ Dear God help this generation return to the old paths, to Jesus Your son. Amen ]

Panic. [ Psalm 91 ]

If you can keep your head when all around are loosing theirs, so wrote the poet, I work with some people who get panic attacks,they have no control over what is happening.There are reasons for their panic attacks,but they appear not able to do anything about them, just hang in there until they subside. Sometimes I feel panic creeping into my heart, things are happening that I dont have any control over, what can I do? , in one of the Fraizer programs , his brother panics and hides under the grand piano,reverting to what he did as a child. In my times of panic I turn more and more to the Psalms, Psalm 91v1-2, comes to mind,it reads, /He who dwells in the secret place of the most High,shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God in Him will I trust. [ Dear God help me when panic is arising in my heart to trust in You, for in You alone is peace and security, in Jesus name . Amen ]

A block.[ Psalm 66v18]

When will God answer?I suppose the answer is when He sees fit,why does it seem He is in no hurry to answer? is He going to answer?will He answer?.When we pray we want an answer, we desire an answer, I wonder do we make it difficult for God to answer?, do we put barriers in the way?. One of my sons saw a young lad doing something wrong,when he was challenged about it ,he denied that he had done anything. I dont know all the answers to my questions as regards prayer, but I do believe that when we come to God in prayer, it is no use being into denial, and act as if God does not see everything. Let us remember a blockage will block the flow,an unconfessed sin,an unwillingness to be humble,will hinder our prayers being answered. It is in Jeremiah 11v14 we read,/Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them, for I will not hear them in the time they cry unto me for their trouble./The people of Isreal refused to acknowledge their sin ,refused to change, would not listen to Gods voice,so there was a block in their relationship with God. [Dear God help me to be honest with You, help me to be humble before You,help me to not act in anyway that would put a block in my relationship with You in Jesus name. Amen ]

Gambling. [1 Corinthians 6 v12 ]

I dont gamble,It was one of those things one didnt do in Ulster when one became a Christian, also my father gambled, and that caused problems. In the place where I work a number of the workers are clubbing together to do the lottery, I dont judge people if they gamble, as to the rights and wrongs of gambling I am not sure. It does seem to me ,another potential area for people to be sucked in, with the possiblity of it becoming addictive, In 1 Corinthians 6 v12,we read /All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient, all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any/.My study Bible says ,/ Some actions are not sinful in themselves, but they are not appropriate because they can control our life, and lead us away from God/.[ Dear God keep me from anything that could control or destroy my life, in Jesus name. Amen ]

The faith of expectation [ 1 John 3 v22]

At this time I have come to the place of change in relation to my church situation, and so I am seeking God, as to His will. I am praying, reading Gods word for guidance, waiting, and expecting.It was William Gurnall who wrote ,/The faith of expectation engages God to help us. When you have been with God expect good from Him. For the lack of this , many a prayer is lost. If you do not believe , why do you pray? if you believe, why do you not expect?. By praying, you depend on God, but by not expecting, you unravel your prayer.O Christian , offer your prayer in holy expectation, upon the credit of the promise/. When we pray it is not a wish list, it is an act of faith to God, who has promised to hear and to answer, so today let us pray expectantly. [Dear God I bring my requests unto You, that You would grant what I ask in accordance with Your perfect will in Jesus name .Amen ]

Live like Jesus.[ 1 Corinthians 10 v32 ]

It was George Orwell who wrote [He wrote Animal farm]/ It is not strictly fair to judge a movement by its adherents , but the point is, people invariably do/. This can be applied to many movements, and it can be applied to Christianity,I remember my old gran saying,how my grandad would never contribute to a certain Christian group, because of something he witnessed ,by one of their adherants. Now of course as a Christian we will face criticism ,no matter what we do,but it is also true that we will do and say things, that will warrant criticism.The offence of the cross will always be there, but let us not give offence, by some hurtful or unwise action, when Daniels enemies tried to find fault with him ,they could find none occasion ,nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him .[Daniel 6 v4] [ Dear God in Thy great mercy help me live like Jesus today Amen ]