The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
What Is Truth?
It's a common image: a witness taking the stand in a courtroom is asked to place his left hand on the Bible and raise his right hand.
"Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" the bailiff asks.
If the witness were being entirely truthful, he or she would often say, "No."
"In the courtroom, nobody wants truth," Ron Slay said. "Everybody has their own agenda. No one is seeking a fair-minded truth. Everything is slanted."
Slay owns Western Security Consultants, a Las Vegas firm that administers polygraph tests. His job is to determine if someone is lying or telling the truth.
"Some studies of psychopathy (mental disorders) and social behavior say (lying) is increasing as a norm of society," Slay said. "We are exposed to them, always, in the court. It is part of the system. The person is innocent because police made a mistake in the investigation."
Slay says society as a whole is being affected by what goes on in the courtroom, where truth often is irrelevant to whether a criminal escapes punishment.
"When I worked for the (Clark County) Family Court 20 years ago, three young boys got into trouble. One of the boys came from a very good family who said, You're going to go down there and tell the truth and take your punishment,'" Slay recalled. "The other two said they were not admitting anything and they wanted a public defender they got off.
"I think a strong case can be made for saying that we (society) are very ineffective at punishing the remorseless, defiant criminals. We have been so ineffective at doing that, that we need to punish those that we can in order to compensate for it so we punish those who are remorseful and truthful. Remorseful and truthful people are punished by our system to a far greater degree, while the really bad ones are getting away with their crimes."
The lesson is not lost on society in general, Slay notes.
"The Air Force does the same thing," he said. "They will gather a roomful of people and tell them the best chance they have of getting a wonderful, high-level, preferred job is being truthful.
"Then they interview candidates one at a time. 'Have you smoked marijuana?' 'Yes, sir!' 'You're out of here! Next!' 'Have you smoked marijuana?' and the next one looks the interviewer in the eye and sincerely says 'No, sir! Never!' and lies about it with great sincerity, but he gets the job."
Such behavior is not limited to any single facet of society.
"That's happening everywhere," Slay said. "It's happening with people who are applying for military jobs, with police jobs, with all kinds of jobs."
Slay said what worries him about the proliferation of lying is that it hurts people who are sincere and truthful.
"Society would be better off, in things like courtrooms and employment and many other areas of our lives, if sincerity and truthfulness and remorse were actually rewarded," Slay said. "But people are learning the hard way not to be truthful."
Slay said a phrase he routinely hears is, "You would be a fool to tell the truth."
"A woman confessed to me the other day. She was in tears. She said, 'My attorney's going to be so mad at me -- I told the truth.' "
"Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" the bailiff asks.
If the witness were being entirely truthful, he or she would often say, "No."
"In the courtroom, nobody wants truth," Ron Slay said. "Everybody has their own agenda. No one is seeking a fair-minded truth. Everything is slanted."
Slay owns Western Security Consultants, a Las Vegas firm that administers polygraph tests. His job is to determine if someone is lying or telling the truth.
"Some studies of psychopathy (mental disorders) and social behavior say (lying) is increasing as a norm of society," Slay said. "We are exposed to them, always, in the court. It is part of the system. The person is innocent because police made a mistake in the investigation."
Slay says society as a whole is being affected by what goes on in the courtroom, where truth often is irrelevant to whether a criminal escapes punishment.
"When I worked for the (Clark County) Family Court 20 years ago, three young boys got into trouble. One of the boys came from a very good family who said, You're going to go down there and tell the truth and take your punishment,'" Slay recalled. "The other two said they were not admitting anything and they wanted a public defender they got off.
"I think a strong case can be made for saying that we (society) are very ineffective at punishing the remorseless, defiant criminals. We have been so ineffective at doing that, that we need to punish those that we can in order to compensate for it so we punish those who are remorseful and truthful. Remorseful and truthful people are punished by our system to a far greater degree, while the really bad ones are getting away with their crimes."
The lesson is not lost on society in general, Slay notes.
"The Air Force does the same thing," he said. "They will gather a roomful of people and tell them the best chance they have of getting a wonderful, high-level, preferred job is being truthful.
"Then they interview candidates one at a time. 'Have you smoked marijuana?' 'Yes, sir!' 'You're out of here! Next!' 'Have you smoked marijuana?' and the next one looks the interviewer in the eye and sincerely says 'No, sir! Never!' and lies about it with great sincerity, but he gets the job."
Such behavior is not limited to any single facet of society.
"That's happening everywhere," Slay said. "It's happening with people who are applying for military jobs, with police jobs, with all kinds of jobs."
Slay said what worries him about the proliferation of lying is that it hurts people who are sincere and truthful.
"Society would be better off, in things like courtrooms and employment and many other areas of our lives, if sincerity and truthfulness and remorse were actually rewarded," Slay said. "But people are learning the hard way not to be truthful."
Slay said a phrase he routinely hears is, "You would be a fool to tell the truth."
"A woman confessed to me the other day. She was in tears. She said, 'My attorney's going to be so mad at me -- I told the truth.' "
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Interesting Facts About Light
Can you draw some analogies from Jesus' metaphor of light and your personal witness?
What is light?
Light is a form of energy which our sense of sight can detect. It is made of electro-magnetic radiation and travels in a straight path.
What is the speed of light?
The speed of light is the speed at which light travels. It is about 300,000 kilometres per second. Nothing travels faster than light.
Why are there different colours of light?
There are different colours of light because they are light waves which have different wavelengths. Red light has the longest wavelength while violet light has the shortest wavelength.
What are the primary colours of light?
Red, green and blue are the primary colours of light. Mixing them in various ways will make all other colours, including white.
What is reflection?
The bouncing back of light waves when they hit an object with a very smooth and shiny surface, like a mirror, is called reflection.
What is refraction?
The bending of light as it passes from one transparent substance to another, like air to water, is called refraction.
What makes a rainbow?
When sunlight is intercepted by a drop of water in the atmosphere, some of the light refracts into the drop, reflects from the drop's inner surface, and then refracts out of the drop. The first refraction separates the sunlight into its component colours, and the second refraction increases the separation. The result is a rainbow.
What is light?
Light is a form of energy which our sense of sight can detect. It is made of electro-magnetic radiation and travels in a straight path.
What is the speed of light?
The speed of light is the speed at which light travels. It is about 300,000 kilometres per second. Nothing travels faster than light.
Why are there different colours of light?
There are different colours of light because they are light waves which have different wavelengths. Red light has the longest wavelength while violet light has the shortest wavelength.
What are the primary colours of light?
Red, green and blue are the primary colours of light. Mixing them in various ways will make all other colours, including white.
What is reflection?
The bouncing back of light waves when they hit an object with a very smooth and shiny surface, like a mirror, is called reflection.
What is refraction?
The bending of light as it passes from one transparent substance to another, like air to water, is called refraction.
What makes a rainbow?
When sunlight is intercepted by a drop of water in the atmosphere, some of the light refracts into the drop, reflects from the drop's inner surface, and then refracts out of the drop. The first refraction separates the sunlight into its component colours, and the second refraction increases the separation. The result is a rainbow.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Spiritual Gifts
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
This past weekend I introduced the church to a complete list of "The Gifts of the Godhead." Here is a little more detail on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit out of I Corinthians 12:
Definition: A God-given capacity to serve others, by His grace, in a matter that edifies them in some way by showing forth the love of Jesus.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit enable individual believers, when needs arise, to minister to other members of the Body of Christ as well as to people who do not know the Lord, in ways beyond mere human capability or ingenuity.
When a spiritual gift occurs it is a manifestation of the presence of God as an ordinary human is given illumination of unknown facts or wisdom on how to meet difficult problems, or can discern what is an evil spirit, or can believe for a miracle, or can administrate healing to an individual, or can speak forth a message from the Lord in his own language or in one he has never learned, or interpret an utterance in an unknown language he has never learned. From time to time every individual and every congregation has needs that require the exercise of various spiritual gifts.
We can to be open to all of God’s grace in it’s various forms. We need to follow carefully the guidelines the Scriptures give us with regards to the manifestations of these gifts. (I Corinthians 12-14)
The Gifts found in this section have been categorized for reference as follows:
Gifts of Utterance: Speaking forth by faith what the Holy Spirit gives to speak.
Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation
Gifts of Revelation: Receiving by faith the direction and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment
Gifts of Power: Ministering to others in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Healings, Miracles, Faith
The Gifts of The Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:7-10)
MESSAGE or WORD OF WISDOM
The use of the term “word” or message” signifies a segment or fragment of the whole. This gift is a spoken utterance through direct operation of the Holy Spirit at a given moment, (rather than an abiding deposit of wisdom. This is also true of the Message or Word of Knowledge.) A supernatural revelation given by the Holy Spirit of the divine plans and purposes of God. A declaration of the mind and/or will of God. Generally in the form of a directive with promise.
MESSAGE or WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
A supernatural revelation of facts that were not learned through the efforts of the natural mind. It is the mind of Christ being manifested in the mind of the believer for the purpose of disclosure that builds faith and hope. It is given when needed in a flash of time.
DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS
A supernatural insight into the spiritual realm encompassing both good and evil realms. The ability to know immediately what is motivating a person or situation. The supernatural ability to see “through” or “behind” for the purpose of exposure or confirmation.
FAITH
A supernatural and sudden surge of faith, usually in a crisis, that enables the believer to possess confidence and settled assurance without a doubt. The supernatural ability in the face of insurmountable odds to believe that as we act or speak in Jesus’ Name victory will come. This gift often works in tandem with all of the other gifts.
GIFTS OF HEALING
Note the plural form of the word used to describe this gift...this is a very important distinction. Each individual healing is a separate case, a separate gift. The individual being used is not a “healer.” He or she is simply one God is using to minister. The supernatural impartation of healing virtue that brings about the accelerated or instantaneous cure of a sickness, condition or injury.
MIRACULOUS POWERS or GIFTS OF MIRACLES
Note also in this gift the importance of the plural distinction. The supernatural occurrence that alters, creates or banishes all human or materials ills and conditions that are contrary to God’s will, whether organic, functional, nervous, acute or chronic...animal;, vegetable or mineral. It is important to distinguish between healings and miracles. A healing is a supernaturaly accelerated cure within the scope of our natural laws. A miracle defies natural law.
PROPHECY
The supernatural ability to speak the mind of Christ in a known language for the purpose of edification, exhortation or comfort. This gift is equal in value and purpose to the combined gifts of tongues and interpretation of those same tongues. This gift is not to be confused with the office of prophet (Eph. 4) who is a fore-telling gift. This gift is a forth-telling gift.
SPEAKING IN DIFFERENT KINDS OF TONGUES
Not to be confused with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This supernatural ability to speak in a language never learned has two common applications; public and private. In private...it’s most common occurrence, the gift enhances one’s ability to communicate with God, intercede according to His will, build one’s faith, and to increase one’s capacity to praise. In public, the gift is useful to communicate God’s heart to others when manifested in tandem with the gift of Interpretation of Tongues.
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
The supernatural ability to explain to people what a person has said when speaking in the public expression of the Gift of Tongues. This is not the intellectual ability to translate a language into another language, but the supernatural ability to interpret (explain) the intended message of The Holy Spirit. The scriptures teach that he or she who desires to speak publicly in tongues must also pray to interpret.
This past weekend I introduced the church to a complete list of "The Gifts of the Godhead." Here is a little more detail on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit out of I Corinthians 12:
Definition: A God-given capacity to serve others, by His grace, in a matter that edifies them in some way by showing forth the love of Jesus.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit enable individual believers, when needs arise, to minister to other members of the Body of Christ as well as to people who do not know the Lord, in ways beyond mere human capability or ingenuity.
When a spiritual gift occurs it is a manifestation of the presence of God as an ordinary human is given illumination of unknown facts or wisdom on how to meet difficult problems, or can discern what is an evil spirit, or can believe for a miracle, or can administrate healing to an individual, or can speak forth a message from the Lord in his own language or in one he has never learned, or interpret an utterance in an unknown language he has never learned. From time to time every individual and every congregation has needs that require the exercise of various spiritual gifts.
We can to be open to all of God’s grace in it’s various forms. We need to follow carefully the guidelines the Scriptures give us with regards to the manifestations of these gifts. (I Corinthians 12-14)
The Gifts found in this section have been categorized for reference as follows:
Gifts of Utterance: Speaking forth by faith what the Holy Spirit gives to speak.
Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation
Gifts of Revelation: Receiving by faith the direction and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment
Gifts of Power: Ministering to others in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Healings, Miracles, Faith
The Gifts of The Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:7-10)
MESSAGE or WORD OF WISDOM
The use of the term “word” or message” signifies a segment or fragment of the whole. This gift is a spoken utterance through direct operation of the Holy Spirit at a given moment, (rather than an abiding deposit of wisdom. This is also true of the Message or Word of Knowledge.) A supernatural revelation given by the Holy Spirit of the divine plans and purposes of God. A declaration of the mind and/or will of God. Generally in the form of a directive with promise.
MESSAGE or WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
A supernatural revelation of facts that were not learned through the efforts of the natural mind. It is the mind of Christ being manifested in the mind of the believer for the purpose of disclosure that builds faith and hope. It is given when needed in a flash of time.
DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS
A supernatural insight into the spiritual realm encompassing both good and evil realms. The ability to know immediately what is motivating a person or situation. The supernatural ability to see “through” or “behind” for the purpose of exposure or confirmation.
FAITH
A supernatural and sudden surge of faith, usually in a crisis, that enables the believer to possess confidence and settled assurance without a doubt. The supernatural ability in the face of insurmountable odds to believe that as we act or speak in Jesus’ Name victory will come. This gift often works in tandem with all of the other gifts.
GIFTS OF HEALING
Note the plural form of the word used to describe this gift...this is a very important distinction. Each individual healing is a separate case, a separate gift. The individual being used is not a “healer.” He or she is simply one God is using to minister. The supernatural impartation of healing virtue that brings about the accelerated or instantaneous cure of a sickness, condition or injury.
MIRACULOUS POWERS or GIFTS OF MIRACLES
Note also in this gift the importance of the plural distinction. The supernatural occurrence that alters, creates or banishes all human or materials ills and conditions that are contrary to God’s will, whether organic, functional, nervous, acute or chronic...animal;, vegetable or mineral. It is important to distinguish between healings and miracles. A healing is a supernaturaly accelerated cure within the scope of our natural laws. A miracle defies natural law.
PROPHECY
The supernatural ability to speak the mind of Christ in a known language for the purpose of edification, exhortation or comfort. This gift is equal in value and purpose to the combined gifts of tongues and interpretation of those same tongues. This gift is not to be confused with the office of prophet (Eph. 4) who is a fore-telling gift. This gift is a forth-telling gift.
SPEAKING IN DIFFERENT KINDS OF TONGUES
Not to be confused with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This supernatural ability to speak in a language never learned has two common applications; public and private. In private...it’s most common occurrence, the gift enhances one’s ability to communicate with God, intercede according to His will, build one’s faith, and to increase one’s capacity to praise. In public, the gift is useful to communicate God’s heart to others when manifested in tandem with the gift of Interpretation of Tongues.
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
The supernatural ability to explain to people what a person has said when speaking in the public expression of the Gift of Tongues. This is not the intellectual ability to translate a language into another language, but the supernatural ability to interpret (explain) the intended message of The Holy Spirit. The scriptures teach that he or she who desires to speak publicly in tongues must also pray to interpret.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Ten Predictions for 2011
With all the problems the World is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, I will share with you ten predictions that are true!
Top 10 Predictions for 2011
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn't It Great To Remember Who Is Really In Control, And that; "the Word of the Lord endures forever." ( 1 Peter 1:25 )
I hope you found this encouraging! I sure did, sometimes we need the reminder of just "WHO" is really in control.
Top 10 Predictions for 2011
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn't It Great To Remember Who Is Really In Control, And that; "the Word of the Lord endures forever." ( 1 Peter 1:25 )
I hope you found this encouraging! I sure did, sometimes we need the reminder of just "WHO" is really in control.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Praying For Students
Prayer for Students – Why is it important?
Prayer for students is vitally important in culture today. School campuses are full of temptation and negative influences targeting students. Prayer is a way to influence students to make wise choices and excel in their studies.
There are many topics in the curriculum that will impact their decision making for years to come. Our youth and young adults approach a time of their lives where they will make significant decision about careers, marriage, children, and other life choices.
Can we live without prayer? No. We need communication with God. He can do anything without man, but He will not because He created us to love Him and love others. He establishes His kingdom through us by prayer. Prayer is one way to build our faith and expectations of His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer can greatly impact students' lives, faith, and outlook on their future.
Prayer for Students – What do I pray?
In my prayer for students, what do I pray for? Get to know students who are in your family, neighborhood, and church. As you interact with them, you will realize the problems and situations that they face. Here are some suggestions for how to pray for them:
* Many struggle with classes or courses. Pray for wisdom as they listen to lectures and complete homework. Pray for good recall during testing.
* Pray for students as they encounter philosophies or theories that are contrary to their beliefs.
* Pray that their parents will provide good guidance and help them make wise decisions.
* The financial burden of tuition and books is costly. Ask God to provide for their needs.
* Pray for those who struggle with balancing a job and class attendance.
* Pray for students to have accountability and encouragement from a group of Christians.
* Pray that God lead them into a relationship with Him and strengthen their faith.
* Follow the guidance given in the Bible. These verses can be prayed for students.
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing" (Philippians 2:14-16).
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).
Prayer for Students - How do I pray?
How can I implement prayer for students on a regular basis? Here are some practical suggestions.
* Prayer walk on campus - Consider having a prayer walk around the school or university in your community. These campuses usually have parking areas and streets near them. That’s a great place to start. Walk around the area while praying for the students who attend. Pray for success in their studies, for them to make good choices, and to say no to temptation. Pray also for the professors, teachers, and administration.
* Prayer Team - Other Christians may be interested in praying for students in your local area. Think about starting a weekly prayer team for your school.
* Influence specific students - Email short prayers to students you already know. Encourage them in their studies and ask them for ways you can pray for them.
Prayer for students is vitally important in culture today. School campuses are full of temptation and negative influences targeting students. Prayer is a way to influence students to make wise choices and excel in their studies.
There are many topics in the curriculum that will impact their decision making for years to come. Our youth and young adults approach a time of their lives where they will make significant decision about careers, marriage, children, and other life choices.
Can we live without prayer? No. We need communication with God. He can do anything without man, but He will not because He created us to love Him and love others. He establishes His kingdom through us by prayer. Prayer is one way to build our faith and expectations of His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer can greatly impact students' lives, faith, and outlook on their future.
Prayer for Students – What do I pray?
In my prayer for students, what do I pray for? Get to know students who are in your family, neighborhood, and church. As you interact with them, you will realize the problems and situations that they face. Here are some suggestions for how to pray for them:
* Many struggle with classes or courses. Pray for wisdom as they listen to lectures and complete homework. Pray for good recall during testing.
* Pray for students as they encounter philosophies or theories that are contrary to their beliefs.
* Pray that their parents will provide good guidance and help them make wise decisions.
* The financial burden of tuition and books is costly. Ask God to provide for their needs.
* Pray for those who struggle with balancing a job and class attendance.
* Pray for students to have accountability and encouragement from a group of Christians.
* Pray that God lead them into a relationship with Him and strengthen their faith.
* Follow the guidance given in the Bible. These verses can be prayed for students.
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing" (Philippians 2:14-16).
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).
Prayer for Students - How do I pray?
How can I implement prayer for students on a regular basis? Here are some practical suggestions.
* Prayer walk on campus - Consider having a prayer walk around the school or university in your community. These campuses usually have parking areas and streets near them. That’s a great place to start. Walk around the area while praying for the students who attend. Pray for success in their studies, for them to make good choices, and to say no to temptation. Pray also for the professors, teachers, and administration.
* Prayer Team - Other Christians may be interested in praying for students in your local area. Think about starting a weekly prayer team for your school.
* Influence specific students - Email short prayers to students you already know. Encourage them in their studies and ask them for ways you can pray for them.
Praying For School Teachers
SCHOOL IS IN SESSION - PRAY!
Andrew Murray, in his "Helps to Intercession",says:
*For their protection:
-That God would protect our teachers from danger such as accidents and illness (Philippians 4:6)
-That the Lord would be their stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum1:7)
-That the Lord would keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)
-That God would give his angels charge over them to keep them in all His ways (Psalm 91:10,11)
*For their relationships at school:
-That our teachers would be gracious, full of compassion, and slow to anger, having great mercy. (Psalm 145:8)
-That they would learn that a soft word turns away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1)
-That they would be content with such things as they have knowing God will never leave them or forsake them. (Hebrews 13:5)
-That they would not be envious but respect one another. (Proverbs 14:30)
*For their relationship with God:
-That our teachers would come to know and believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father but thru Him. (John 14:6)
-May our teachers walk by faith and not by sight. (2Corinthians 5:7)
-That our teachers would ask God for wisdom which He has promised to give us liberally. (James 1:5)
-That their lives would shine out light into a dark world (2Cor. 4:6)
-That they would come to hate sin. (Psalm 97:10)
-That they would allow God to accomplish His purpose in their lives. (Philippians 2:13)
*For their teaching:
-That they would come to love and enjoy their students.
-That they would be excited about teaching.
-That they would be just or fair in their grading and testing of students.
-That they might be sensitive about how much homework to give.
Prayers for My Principal and other staff members:
-That the Principal would set a standard based on high morals and godly principles.
-That all the staff would seek God and His purposes for their lives.
-That God would give them wisdom when making decisions for the school .
-That the staff would treat students with respect and truly care about their well-being.
-That God would give the school a spirit of unity and cooperation.
-That Parents would be willing to work with the School to make it a great place to learn.
-For the Principal to have good communication skills and to be able to work well with others.
-For their physical safety and good health.
"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Andrew Murray, in his "Helps to Intercession",says:
*For their protection:
-That God would protect our teachers from danger such as accidents and illness (Philippians 4:6)
-That the Lord would be their stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum1:7)
-That the Lord would keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)
-That God would give his angels charge over them to keep them in all His ways (Psalm 91:10,11)
*For their relationships at school:
-That our teachers would be gracious, full of compassion, and slow to anger, having great mercy. (Psalm 145:8)
-That they would learn that a soft word turns away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1)
-That they would be content with such things as they have knowing God will never leave them or forsake them. (Hebrews 13:5)
-That they would not be envious but respect one another. (Proverbs 14:30)
*For their relationship with God:
-That our teachers would come to know and believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father but thru Him. (John 14:6)
-May our teachers walk by faith and not by sight. (2Corinthians 5:7)
-That our teachers would ask God for wisdom which He has promised to give us liberally. (James 1:5)
-That their lives would shine out light into a dark world (2Cor. 4:6)
-That they would come to hate sin. (Psalm 97:10)
-That they would allow God to accomplish His purpose in their lives. (Philippians 2:13)
*For their teaching:
-That they would come to love and enjoy their students.
-That they would be excited about teaching.
-That they would be just or fair in their grading and testing of students.
-That they might be sensitive about how much homework to give.
Prayers for My Principal and other staff members:
-That the Principal would set a standard based on high morals and godly principles.
-That all the staff would seek God and His purposes for their lives.
-That God would give them wisdom when making decisions for the school .
-That the staff would treat students with respect and truly care about their well-being.
-That God would give the school a spirit of unity and cooperation.
-That Parents would be willing to work with the School to make it a great place to learn.
-For the Principal to have good communication skills and to be able to work well with others.
-For their physical safety and good health.
"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Friday, August 13, 2010
Why Bad Things Happen To Good People
A Book By Harold S. Kushner (1981)--notes by Doug Muder (1997)
I found this book helpful and this review might provoke you to read it:
• Introduction, Why I wrote this book. Kushner wrote this book as a reaction to personal tragedy--his son Aaron had premature aging, which he died from. This provoked a crisis of faith for Kushner, who is a rabbi. He wrote this book for people "who have been hurt by life", to help them find a faith that can aid in getting through their troubles, rather than making things worse.
1. Why do the righteous suffer? A summary of all the too-easy answers to the question of human suffering, and why they are inadequate.
2. The story of a man named Job. Kushner presents his theological framework in the form of a re-interpretation of the story of Job. He lets go of the notion that God is all-powerful in favor of the notion that God is good.
The next four chapters flesh out Kushner's basic ideas by looking at three different causes of human suffering. In each case he takes the position that God does not cause the suffering and could not prevent it.
3. Sometimes there is no reason. This chapter covers random, circumstantial suffering, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Kushner attributes the orderliness of the universe to God, but holds that the ordering of the universe is not complete: Some things are just circumstantial, and there is no point in looking for a reason for them.
4. No exceptions for nice people. Some suffering is caused by the workings of natural law. There is no moral judgment involved--natural law is blind, and God does not interfere with it. God does not intervene to save good people from earthquake or disease, and does not send these misfortunes to punish the wicked. Kushner puts great value on the orderliness of the universe's natural law, and would not want God to routinely intervene for moral reasons.
5. God leaves us room to be human. Some suffering is caused by the actions of evil people. Kushner re-interprets the story of Adam and Eve to make the point that the ability to choose between good and evil is what makes us human. For God to interfere with our ability to do evil would make all of us less human.
6. God helps those who stop hurting themselves. Some suffering we cause ourselves by the way we handle our initial suffering. We blame ourselves, or we take out our anger on the people who are trying to help us, or on God.
The second to last chapter answers the question: Given that God isn't all-powerful, what good is He?
7. God can't do everything, but he can do some important things. If God didn't cause our problems and can't fix them, why pray? Two reasons: The prayers of others can make us aware that we are not facing our problems alone. And God can give us the strength of character that we need to handle our misfortunes, if we are willing to accept it.
The last chapter is a summary of what has gone before. It adds flourish rather than content.
8. What good, then, is religion? Chapter 7 already answered this question. What this chapter really does is wrap up: "Is there an answer to the question of why bad things happen to good people? That depends on what we mean by 'answer'. If we mean 'Is there an explanation which will make sense of it all?'… then there probably is no satisfying answer. We can offer learned explanations, but in the end, when we have covered all the squares on the game board and are feeling very proud of our cleverness, the pain and the anguish and the sense of unfairness will still be there. But the word 'answer' can also mean 'response' as well as 'explanation,' and in that sense, there may well be a satisfying answer to the tragedies in our lives. The response would be Job's response in MacLeish's version of the biblical story—to forgive the world for not being perfect, to forgive God for letting us have our way, to reach out to the people around us, and to go on living despite it all." [page 147]
I found this book helpful and this review might provoke you to read it:
• Introduction, Why I wrote this book. Kushner wrote this book as a reaction to personal tragedy--his son Aaron had premature aging, which he died from. This provoked a crisis of faith for Kushner, who is a rabbi. He wrote this book for people "who have been hurt by life", to help them find a faith that can aid in getting through their troubles, rather than making things worse.
1. Why do the righteous suffer? A summary of all the too-easy answers to the question of human suffering, and why they are inadequate.
2. The story of a man named Job. Kushner presents his theological framework in the form of a re-interpretation of the story of Job. He lets go of the notion that God is all-powerful in favor of the notion that God is good.
The next four chapters flesh out Kushner's basic ideas by looking at three different causes of human suffering. In each case he takes the position that God does not cause the suffering and could not prevent it.
3. Sometimes there is no reason. This chapter covers random, circumstantial suffering, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Kushner attributes the orderliness of the universe to God, but holds that the ordering of the universe is not complete: Some things are just circumstantial, and there is no point in looking for a reason for them.
4. No exceptions for nice people. Some suffering is caused by the workings of natural law. There is no moral judgment involved--natural law is blind, and God does not interfere with it. God does not intervene to save good people from earthquake or disease, and does not send these misfortunes to punish the wicked. Kushner puts great value on the orderliness of the universe's natural law, and would not want God to routinely intervene for moral reasons.
5. God leaves us room to be human. Some suffering is caused by the actions of evil people. Kushner re-interprets the story of Adam and Eve to make the point that the ability to choose between good and evil is what makes us human. For God to interfere with our ability to do evil would make all of us less human.
6. God helps those who stop hurting themselves. Some suffering we cause ourselves by the way we handle our initial suffering. We blame ourselves, or we take out our anger on the people who are trying to help us, or on God.
The second to last chapter answers the question: Given that God isn't all-powerful, what good is He?
7. God can't do everything, but he can do some important things. If God didn't cause our problems and can't fix them, why pray? Two reasons: The prayers of others can make us aware that we are not facing our problems alone. And God can give us the strength of character that we need to handle our misfortunes, if we are willing to accept it.
The last chapter is a summary of what has gone before. It adds flourish rather than content.
8. What good, then, is religion? Chapter 7 already answered this question. What this chapter really does is wrap up: "Is there an answer to the question of why bad things happen to good people? That depends on what we mean by 'answer'. If we mean 'Is there an explanation which will make sense of it all?'… then there probably is no satisfying answer. We can offer learned explanations, but in the end, when we have covered all the squares on the game board and are feeling very proud of our cleverness, the pain and the anguish and the sense of unfairness will still be there. But the word 'answer' can also mean 'response' as well as 'explanation,' and in that sense, there may well be a satisfying answer to the tragedies in our lives. The response would be Job's response in MacLeish's version of the biblical story—to forgive the world for not being perfect, to forgive God for letting us have our way, to reach out to the people around us, and to go on living despite it all." [page 147]
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