Pray4i Project

Pray4i Project

Scientific studies have been made to lend proof to what Christians have known from the beginning: Prayer Works!

In the most widely publicized studies of the effect of intercessory prayer, cardiologist Randolph Byrd studied 393 patients admitted to the coronary-care unit at San Francisco General Hospital. Some were prayed for by home-prayer groups, others were not. All the men and women got medical care. In this randomized, double-blind study, neither the doctors and nurses nor the patients knew who would be the object of prayer.

The results were dramatic and surprised many scientists. The men and women whose medical care was supplemented with prayer needed fewer drugs and spent less time on ventilators. They also fared better overall than their counterparts who received medical care but nothing more. The prayed-for patients were: Significantly less likely to require antibiotics (3 patients versus 16) Significantly less likely to develop pulmonary edema-a condition in which the lungs fill with fluid because the heart cannot pump properly (6 versus 18). Significantly less likely to require insertion of a tube into the throat to assist breathing (0 versus 12). Less likely to die.

Even more incredible experiments in distance healing involve nonhuman subjects. In a survey of 131 controlled experiments on spiritual healing, it was found that prayed-for rye grass grew taller; prayed-for yeast resisted the toxic effects of cyanide; prayed-for test-tube bacteria grew faster. "I adore these experiments," says Larry Dossey, M.D., perhaps the world's most vocal expert on prayer and medicine. "Because they don't involve humans, you can run them with fanatical precision and you can run them hundreds of times. It's the best evidence of all that prayer can change the world. And it operates as strongly on the other side of the Earth as it does at the bedside."

I believe in Prayer and am looking for those who believe as I do to help with a monumental project I am daring to undertake: ‘Pray4i’. The Pray4i project is Prayer Project. My goal is make a collection of prayers for a variety of people and circumstances. These prayers would then be accessible by people who need a specific type of prayer. The format would be in print or media.

We have all seen books on prayer or sites that have prayer request where you request prayer and someone post, “In Jesus Name, Lord help this person with such and such.” This is great, but I want to make prayer readily accessible to people who need prayer, like, yesterday!

Wouldn’t it be great for a mother to have a collection of prayers for teen children that only a mother would pray? These would be at her fingertips 24/7. No need to post online and wait for a response or trying to hunt down prayer groups to start a prayer chain. (Which, again, I think is great also) Pray4i is basically ‘prayer in your pocket’.

If you will support what I’m trying to do and can write a prayer 725-750 words (about as long as this post), please feel free to write your prayer. Start with a topic, (Teen Boy, Husbands, Success, Healing, Guidance, etc) then write a lengthy prayer. (I’m not looking for short prayer, because I want deep thought and careful consideration into the prayer) Place yourself in the shoes you are writing the prayer for. Lastly, write the prayer in the plural (WE). The recipient should feel like they are being prayed ‘with’ and not just ‘for’.

All prayers will become property of the Pray4i project, so if you don’t want to post anything, it’s okay; just enjoy what does get posted.  Together we can be a blessing to many people who long to have someone to pray effectively with.  

My goal is to publish many of the prayers for sale and utilize half of the proceeds to women in under developed countries around the world. I pray I have your help and blessing.

To post, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pray4i/199435163550314

TALK IS CHEAP

TALK IS CHEAP

If I had a dime for every statement and promise I have heard that turned out to be false, I'd be a very rich man. It used to be a popular saying back in the day; "My word is my bond." We don't hear that much these days. Seems integrity of one's word has been replaced with expediency and 'situation ethics.'

The mantras of the day are 'Just Do It" and "Don't Judge Me". On the one hand, we want to be free to do whatever pleases us or be 'pro-choice' (and not only in procreation). On the other hand, we cringe at the notion that there are moral absolutes by a Holy God and people that dare to call us out become the villains of our freedom of expression.

These two ideas seem to be intellectually superior to the 'primitive' moral framework of the Bible (or so they say) It must me great to live a life without conscience or judgment; that is of course, until one meets another proponent of the same dogma that does things they don't like.

We have whole schools of thought to these notions. We raise children to 'express' themselves in any way they choose. We are told not to judge anyone or anything. We are told to do whatever makes you happy and allow others the same. We are told that truth is relative.

When the fruits of this thinking comes home to nest, we get one headline after another! "Man kills wife", "Wall Street brokers caught stealing millions", "Unemployment on the rise", "Government scandals increase", etc; Thefts, rapes, murders, lies, pornography, illegitimate births, corruption, cheating, scandals, crimes, abuse, selfishness, bullying, etc. All the ills of mankind come to play because of the people "Just Doing It" and expecting "No Judgment".

This is nothing new to God, for He had plenty to say in condemnation of this train of thought:

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6)

There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25)

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD ponders the heart. (Proverbs 21:2)

There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. (Proverbs 30:12)

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (James 3:9-10)

Thus, the last verse is what I wish to focus on. Do not be like the world who wishes to do whatever they like and hope for no consequences from their actions; rather be like the Brothers and Sisters you have been called to be and do what is right in 'God's' eyes and not your own.

James also says:

"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in the mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." (James 1:22-25)

Who are you and Who are you trying to be? Is it like those of the world who cannot see or do not care for right and wrong? These are perishing and don't even realize it. Is it those in the church who are just going the motions; having a form of godliness, but denying the power of God by their faithlessness? (2 Timothy 2:5) Or is it the Child of God you have been called to be?

If you 'ARE' a child of God, it is high time to grow up and become a Man or Woman of God! Talk is Cheap! Let your actions speak loud and clear what you are all about and Who you belong to! It is a far greater prize to have the approval of your God than the approval of men and woman who are walking blindly, led only by their 'tainted' hearts.

You can't have it both ways. You cannot sit on the fences with one foot in the kingdom and one foot in the world. You must choose who you wish to remain with. God has no use for 'double-minded' Christians.

"Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do" (James 1:8)

"I (Jesus) know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither cold nor hot--I am about to spit you our=t of My mouth! You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. 'But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:15-17

That is a scathing rebuke by the Savior! We as Christians, need to rethink what we 'ARE' doing and what we are 'SUPPOSED' to be doing! Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15) How well are we showing Christ we truly love Him? These are serious questions to ponder. Jesus in not interested in our 'Intentions', but in our 'Actions'!

In closing, I leave you with a 'Pro-Choice'. You can choose one of two paths according to Jesus:

1. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

OR 

2. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. (Revelation 3:8-10)

Think about it! Talk is Cheap!

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. (1 Corinthians 13:11)

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

EVERY KNEE WILL BOW

EVERY KNEE WILL BOW

I remember that moment in my life when I became aware of sinful nature. I mean, I had always been aware of the bad things I did and the good things I failed to do, but I mean when I became aware of my sins in respect to God. At that moment; I knew I had to repent and turn my life over to God. Jesus became my Savior.

As I grew in my walk with Christ, the words "Lord and Savior" echoed in my spirit. I believed, repented and confessed; accepting Jesus as my Savior. What was missing? I read my Bible, attended church and even got baptized. Bible study, witnessing when I could, praying, tithing, devotionals and more; still, something was missing.

"Lord and Savior".

That was it! By believing and repenting and turning to Jesus for His salvation, I have been saved and born again, but I had 'not' made Him 'Lord' of my life. Although I was a true believer, I had yet to turn over the reigns of my life to Christ. I was still in charge and doing what best seemed right to me.

I found that I was not alone. As I grew in my faith, I saw many who, like myself, who made daily decisions and 'invited' God to come along. The sense that 'God with us' was absent. Sure God was with us, but only when we wanted Him there.

It goes something like this:

"God bless me to get this job". "God heal me of this disease". "God I claim this in the Name of Jesus". and so on.

Don't get me wrong, God 'wants' us to bring our request before Him. What we fail to realize is that our 'request' are just that: 'request'. God is sovereign and does not answer to us, but we to Him. God is not a cosmic genie in a bottle or a heavenly bellhop. God is not your doting grandfather who you can manipulate your charm into getting what you want. God certainly is not your 'Plan B' in case your plans go wrong.

When the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray, Jesus instructed them thus: 

"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." -- Matthew 6:9

"Our Father which art in heaven displays the difference between God and us: 'He-God, we-Not', He-Father, we-Child', He-Heavenly, we-Earthly'. We cannot get this twisted. God is God, we are NOT! Next, Jesus says 'Hallowed by Thy Name". This is to make God's Name HOLY! Many people akin holy to righteous and perfect. A truer definition of holy is 'otherworldly'.  Holy is so far above our comprehension that is off of our thought processes.

Remember the verse in 1 Corinthians 2:9? "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared to those who love him" Everytime I read this verse, I get goose pimples! Imagine the most beautiful, luxurious,  glamorous, expensive, fun, worthwhile, precious and priceless thing you can think of....and it wouldn't come CLOSE to what has prepared for you to come!

Now while you are feasting on that though....GOD'S HOLINESS IN THE SAME! 

You cannot fathom how Holy God is! He and His Holiness are OFF THE CHARTS! It is a wonder that no man could look upon Him without dying? It's not like God says, "Oh, you saw Me, now I have to kill you." No, it's just a result of His Holiness; one glance and INSTANT DEATH!  We need to heed well how we 
view and approach God. 

Lastly, Jesus instructs us to pray, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."

Does God have a $100,000 job for you in heaven? A Mercedes? A 'cute' guy? 

Could it be that God cares LESS about the things we think are important? Could it be God has a HIGHER purpose for you life that He is cultivating? Could it be that God is more worried about HEAVENLY things and not EARTHLY things? 

My point is that 'BEFORE' you start commanding God around with your brilliant prayers you learned from the guy on television, STOP! and acknowledge God as your Father, acknowledge His supremacy and His holiness and that fact that you have NONE! Look to do HIS WILL and NOT your own.

When you get to thins point, then you will have discovered that 'NOW' Jesus is BOTH your Savior AND your LORD!

Make Christ the Lord of your life! Surrender your whims to Him. Allow Him to be in charge. Seek His face to discover what you should do. Rise and sleep having gone to Him in prayer. Let your life be centered around HIM.

Stop trying to make God be centered around YOUR LIFE. It won' and does not work!

Try as you may, you will fail miserably and be left wondering why things are not working out in your life. You have TWO choices before you: 1. Bow to your Lord on your own. 2. Have God force you to bow; even if your stubborn legs break! But know this one truth:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ -- Romans 14:11

God Bless
http://waitonboaz.com

FEMALES, FROGS & FAIRYTALES

Females, Frogs & Fairytales

My 21yr daughter, who is home from college, went to a late movie last night. When she arrived home about 1 AM; instead of coming inside immediately, she called our phone for help. What was the emergency? A toad had come out in the cool of the summer evening and was resting on our door mat!

To me and my wife, this hardly a reason for panic, but for my daughter, the toad might as well have been 40 feet tall! LOL Perhaps the movie she had just seen (Pacific Rim) which had huge amphibious monsters may have played a small role. *wink* 

At first we told her to brush the toad aside with the broom that was by the front door, but she was too afraid to come near the entrance. My now frustrated wife got out of bed and went downstairs and gently swept the toad aside. The toad instinctively jumped into the corner between the door and the house. This was still too close for my daughter who remained paralyzed in the dark walkway.

She called the house phone at least 50 times begging for me to come remove the toad. I urged her to face her fear and...let me get my sleep! LOL My wife yelled at her from the doorway to ignore the toad and come inside. This went on for 30 minutes, until I answered yet another call from my frantic daughter to rescue her from the hideous creature! Begrudgingly, I pulled myself out of my bed and swept the toad out from the corner and into the plants by the house.

The next morning, the whole house had many 'toad jokes' at my daughters expense :) 

 My daughter is usually the one who is the daredevil of my 4 kids. She is always the first to want to do crazy things and take on risky adventures. But this evening, she was conquered by her fear and a toad! What's the deal with females, frogs and fairytales anyway that seem to go hand and hand?

Girls, from an early age, have been brought up to believe that fairytales can indeed come true and anything is possible. There are countless stories about countless princesses finding their princes. The fairytale is the ultimate happy ending where the girls meets her dream guy and lives happily ever after. 

The frog is always the ugly, creepy thing no one desires. Only in the world of fairytale imagination does the hideous frog turn into the handsome prince of the princesses dream. The parable of these fables are that looks can be deceiving and sometimes you must have faith in what you cannot see.

Faith indeed is Biblical, but faith without reason is folly. I recently wrote about putting faith in a 'someone'; and that Someone is God alone! Even God gives us numerous reason for a sound and sane person to place their faith in Him. This is where faith and fairytale part ways. Faith is based on reason; probability; an assumption from where the evidence leads us. Fairytales are stories where anything can happen, even when it's nonsensical. 

The problems girls run into when dealing with the female, frogs and fairytales scenario, is that many women take a frog of a man and keep kissing him, hoping he will turn into a prince. This is not faith or reasonable. Scripture says "Test ALL things; hold fast to what is good" 1 Thessalonians 5:21. God does not want you to think and act in a vacuum. He wants you to 'THINK'! If your 'frog...or toad'...is not doing 'good' at these 'test', DON'T HOLD ON TO HIM!

Even if fairytales did come true; every frog is NOT a prince! 

My daughter, who can be so bold and daring, was brought to a stand still by a little toad! I marveled at how a grown woman could be so unafraid on the one hand and panicked on the other. Then I shuddered. 'I' became uneasy in my own spirit. Why? I worried more about her 'NOT' being afraid of the things she 'SHOULD' over being afraid of things she shouldn't be.

I worry about 'YOU' too. Do you go boldly into situations all reason is telling you that you shouldn't be in? Are the red flags popping up and alarms going off, but you ignore them; chasing the faiytale? Are the things that come up as 'test' being failed, but you still hold fast?

This is what I worry about. God wants the fairytale for you; so do I. But we want you to reach it resonsibly and safely. You cannot hope to find a prince and  live happily ever after when you have just an ordinary frog. Test all things and hold fast to what is good! Fairytales are nice, but truth is nicer. 

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

Fruit Trees

FRUIT TREES

When I was a teenager, I used to work in the produce department at a local grocery store. A huge part of my training was to identify the many fruits and vegetables that came in weekly. I was also trained to pick out the good from the bad and those which were about to go bad. 

As a Christian, Christ compels up to the same thing in our everyday lives. In the Book Of Matthew, He warns of false teacher and prophets.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

-- Matthew 7:15-20

Although we are to be on the lookout for such people which plot to lead us astray, should we not apply this truth to all areas of our lives? Good food will bring you good results and bad food will bring you bad results. When looking at a home with a neglected outside appearance, chances are the inside is neglected as well. The same standard can be applied to the men that vie for your affection and those who you fall for. A 'good' man will produce good deeds and a 'bad' man will inevitable produce bad things. 

In Genesis 1, God commanded that every living thing will reproduce after its own kind. Dogs have dogs; plants have same plants, fish do not have birds. When dealing with people, similar rules apply. We are born sinful by nature, thus we give birth to sinful thoughts and deeds. This is why Jesus died to set us free from sin's curse and stronghold over us.

Now back to the guys:

“Beware of false guys, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good guy bears good fruit, but a bad guy bears bad fruit. A good guy cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad guy bear good fruit. Every guy that does not bear good fruit should be cut down and tossed aside. Therefore by his fruits you will know your man."

The verse takes on a whole new meaning when you apply this standard to men and not just false prophets. In any case, both the prophet and your potential mate should jump the same hurdle 'BEFORE' you proceed with them. WAIT! Wait and and watch to see what type of 'fruit tree' you are dealing with.

It is the tragedy of the ages that love struck women, the world over, meet and fall in love with a man 'BEFORE' they know what 'fruits' he bears. Many thought they were getting luscious, ripe grapes, but in reality received a mouth full of thorns. 

I have witnessed countless women make 'excuses' for their significant other's bad behavior: "It was my fault", "He's going through a rough time", "He didn't mean to do it", "It was an accident", "He promised it wouldn't happen again", "But I love him".

Sad but true; "If a man tells you by his actions what he's 'REALLY' about, you might want to believe him!" 

Ladies, God gave you great intuition and discernment to know when something is not right! USE IT! When you know in your 'gut'; in your heart that something is wrong, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! And if you still refuse to trust your own, God given judgment, use the Word Of God to guide you: 'By his fruit you will know him!"

The first time he lies to you, he's broken trust: he's a LIAR! Time to go! The first time he cheats on you: he's a CHEATER! Time to go! The first time he hit's you; he's an ABUSER! Time to go! The first time he calls you a Bitch; He's DISRESPECTFUL! Time to go! The first time he forces you to do what you do not want to do; he's SELFISH and UNCARING! Time to go! The first time he shows his BAD FRUIT, he's a BAD TREE! TIME TO GO! RUN! DO NOT WALK! RUN TO THE NEAREST EXIT!

Please don't make excuses for his bad behavior because you are 'in love' with the concept of 'being in love'. There is REAL LOVE out there and many more decent and loving men to provide it to you. Don't excuse this bad behavior for any reason. If he promises to change, great! Let him change with someone else. If one apple off a tree poisoned you, would you take a risk a eat another? NO! You would find an apple from a tree other than the one who produced poison fruit.

I'm all for forgiveness and redemption, but I am also for the Word Of God. The same God who forgives, also judges. The same God who shows mercy, does not turn a blind eye to sin. 

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
-- Galatians 6:7-8

Simply put; you receive what you put in/out. This applies to ALL people, Christian or not. So if you reap what you sow with God; why do you make excuses for your love interest? He must also reap the punishments of his action...or how else will he learn? This is NOT a game; it is YOUR LIFE! Please do not take it so lightly.

There are PLENTY of GOOD TREES out there, bearing GOOD FRUIT. Find a man who proves to you continually that his fruit is worth coming back for more. Don't settle for a BAD TREE with BAD FRUIT. Or, like the truth the Word Of God is; YOU .....WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW! Do Not Be Deceived!

God Bless
http://waitonboaz.com

A Raisin In The Sun

A Raisin In The Sun

One of my all time favorite movies is called "A Raisin In The Sun". It was based on a play that debuted on Broadway in 1959. It comes from the poem, "Harlem" (also known as a "Dream Deferred") by Lagnston Hughes. The story was based on a poor Black family's struggle in a Chicago neighborhood.

The movie was produced in 1961 and starred Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Louis Gossett Jr., to name a few. It was also re-created again in 2008 with Sean 'Puffy" Combs playing the main character.

The story not only depicted the struggles Blacks faced trying to get ahead in 'not so friendly' times of the 1950's, but also the strength and resolve of a family that struggled through poverty, set backs, hopes and dreams. The lessons that could be learned from the story are well worth the effort to watch the movie.

I recently came across an article that pointed out some spiritual truths that could be plucked out the script and thought it was worth sharing. Enjoy:

There's Always Something Left To Love - Tony Campolo

Some years ago, I saw Lorraine Hansberry's play, Raisin In The Sun, and heard a passage that still haunts me. In the play, an African-American family inherits $10,000 from their father's life insurance policy. The mother of the household sees in this legacy the chance to escape the ghetto life of Harlem and move into a little house with flower boxes out in the countryside. The brilliant daughter of this family sees in the money the chance to live out her dream and go to medical school.

But the older brother has a plea that is difficult to ignore. He begs for the money so that he and his 'friend' can go into business together. He tells the family that with the money he can make something of himself and make things good for the rest of them. He promises that if he can just have the money, he can give back to the family all the blessings that their hard lives have denied them.

Against her better judgment, the mother gives in to the pleas of her son. She has to admit that life's chances have never been good for him and that he deserves the chance that this money might give him.

As you might suspect, the so called "friend" skips town with the money. The desolate son has to return home and break the news to the family that their hopes for the future have been stolen and their dreams for a better life are gone. His sister lashes into him with a barrage of ugly epitaphs. She calls him every despicable thing she can imagine. Her contempt for her brother has no limits. 

When she takes a breathe in the midst of her tirade, the mother interrupts her says, "I thought I taught you to love him,"

Beneatha, the daughter, answers, "Love him? There's nothing left to love."

And the mother responds: 

"There's always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing. Have you cried for that boy today? I don't mean for yourself and the family because we lost all that money. I mean for him: for what he's been through and what it done to him. Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most: when they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain't through learning, because that ain't the time at all. It's when he's at his lowest and can't believe in himself 'cause the world done whipped him so. When you starts measuring somebody, measure him right, child, measure him right. Make sure you done taken into account what hills and valleys he done come through before he got to wherever he is." 

That is Grace! It is love that is given when it is not deserved. It is forgiveness given when it is not earned. It is a gift that flows like a refreshing stream to quench the fires of angry and condemning words.

How much more loving and forgiving is the Father's love for us? And how much more is the grace of God for us?

I hope you enjoyed this and I hope you ponder those last two questions. When you feel as though you have lost your way, screwed up royally or have been condemned by others, remember; God is 'For' You! Who can stand against you? (Romans 8:31)

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

FAITH IN WHAT?

FAITH IN WHAT?

Scripture says, “Without Faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6) Many sermons have been dedicated to the topic of faith. We know that Jesus was constantly disappointed by the lack of faith in the people He met. We know that some miracles didn’t occur because of the absence of faith.

Faith seems to be the glue of scripture and the doorway to God. What is Faith? “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1) So faith is our trust in what we cannot see, but hope for.

I’ve heard many a preacher say that all you have to do is believe enough and it will happen. That seems to be faith. It sure requires faith, but is it really faith? If I believe hard enough that I could fly, will it happen? How about if I have faith that I could live under water like a fish? Seems ridiculous, but isn’t anything possible to those who believe?

Maybe we need to rethink this faith thing. Don’t get me wrong, I am a man of faith and have seen it in action and wholeheartedly believe it. Before you say I’m contradicting myself, let me explain.

Faith is more than just believing in something you cannot see. Faith is more than simply brainwashing yourself that something ‘is’ when it ‘is not’. How many have heard folks say to “call things as though you believe and not as they are”?  These are the people with disease ravaging their body, but instead of going to the doctor, they pretend, ‘by faith’, that it doesn’t exist.

Still, many more preacher teach that God is subject to our faith. I have heard it taught that if we have rock solid faith, God ‘MUST’ act. If we have too little, God’s hands are tied. They draw this from Jesus’ statement when He said “And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” (Matthew 13:58)

Now, tell me if I am wrong, but does the verse read, ‘did not’, or ‘could not’? The difference is that ‘could not’ supports the theory that God’s hands were tied, while ‘did not’ supports the truth of Hebrews 11:6; “Without Faith, it is impossible to please God” Seems if God/Jesus was not pleased by their lack of faith, there was not healing.

Remember the man who told Jesus to heal his son, ‘IF” Jesus could? (Mark 9:20-24)

So they brought him (the boy). When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

This man obviously did not believe, but Jesus’ hand, obviously were not tied because the boy was healed in spite of his father’s unbelief.

What about Paul, who was converted personally by the resurrected Jesus? Paul wrote about 2/3 of the new testament and saw visions of Heaven. If anyone had faith it was Paul. In 2 Corinthians 2:7, Paul explains that he had a ‘thorn in the flesh’, a deformity of some kind. He states that (by faith) he asked God 3 times to remove it, but Jesus said ‘no’, “My grace is sufficient enough for you.”

By all accounts, the very same preachers who espouse these false teachings would have to say that Paul lacked faith, hence didn’t get healed and that Jesus was wrong for heaing the unbelieving man’s son.

You have to understand that, yes, the Kingdom of God ‘does’ operate by Faith, but that also God is sovereign. God is not controlled by the desires of men, no matter how much ‘faith’ they can manage to muster up! So what is having faith worth then?

The whole premise of faith is where, I believe, folks go astray. Faith is ‘NOT’ in something, but in ‘Some One’; God! You should not put your faith in faith, but your faith in God alone. I’ve heard people say, ‘Such and such will happen because I believe and have faith’. This is counting on how much faith they have to make it happen.

Scripture says that even in you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move a mountain (Matthew 17:20) Why? Because it is not your faith that moves the mountain, but God; even if He sees it is small at the time. God will reward your faith and stretch your faith so that it will grow, but make no mistake, God is the one who decides when and if He will move.

So, pray and have pray with faith, but ‘TRUST’ God with the answer. Some prayers may not turn out the way you wanted, but if your faith is in God, know that He has a reason and it’s is not necessarily linked to your lack of faith or some other barrier. Free yourself to love and trust God by faith and not always trying to ‘prove’ to God how much faith you can build up.

That’s not really faith, it’s self brainwashing and worse, manipulation. It is trying to control God to get what you want instead of believing that God knows what is best. When you can learn this lesson, you can truly “Walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Why America Is A Christian Nation and Why The 4^th Of July Is Celebrated

Ever heard “America is not a Christian Nation?” Our own President repeated this. Ever hear Blacks in America blast America and its “So-Called Independence Day?” How about Muslims around the world that view America as “The Great Satan?” Or greater still, how about all the “Anti-Christian and Immoral” things that go on every day in America?

I suppose most views about America have some legitimacy to it, but it does not answer the question, “Is America A Christian Nation.” First off, you must understand what a Christian is; or isn’t, to being to make a conclusion. You have to look at people’s history to understand where they are now. Lastly, you must understand what ‘Independence Day’ truly means.

So what makes America Great and Christian?

The ‘Fathers’, (those who began the process of uniting states) not only wanted independence from England, but the freedom to worship God as they pleased and dedicated this new ‘idea’ to God.  Their Christian beliefs and motivations are clear in their writings.

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” - George Washington

Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of Thy son, Jesus Christ, that living in Thy fear, and dying in Thy favor, I may in thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy son, Jesus Christ. - George Washington, Prayer

We have this day [Fourth of July] restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come. - Samuel Adams

Congress printed a Bible for America and said:

“The United States in Congress assembled … recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States … a neat edition of the Holy Scriptures for the use of schools.” - United States Congress 1782

The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity. - John Adams

“The Scriptures tell us righteousness exalteth a Nation.” - Abigail Adams; wife of John Quincy Adams

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. - Patrick Henry

We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus. - John Adams and John Hancock

“Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.” - Benjamin Franklin

God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever. - Thomas Jefferson

“Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulties.” - Abraham Lincoln, President, March 4, 1861 inaugural address

It is clear where the founders of the Nation stood when revolting from England, forming the Declaration Of Independence and this Great Nation. It was allegiance to God and the Bible that had guided America to be free and become a haven to those who would follow.

America in history, may not have always got it right or its people have done the right things, but no one led by God is perfect; it is a growing process and compared to the great nations of the world, America is but a Teenager. We have had much to learn and continue to grow, it is undisputable, the sovereign hand of God that was on this nation. Even given the persecution of Native Americans, slavery of Blacks and treatment of other immigrants, this country has become a ‘Dream Factory’!

God has blessed this tiny Nation to become one of the greatest world powers, defending people around the world; giving their lives if need be. As a n African American, I look back at Joseph  in the Bible. Joseph was given a dream by God that he would be great one day. This made his brothers very jealous and they sold him into slavery. While a slave, Joseph is falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison. 14 years of being a slave and prisoner, Joseph is divinely released and becomes second in command to only Pharaoh in Egypt.

So if God had to allow slavery to bring Joseph to prominence,  why could he not do the same in Africa? Although the slave trade was evil and murderous and racist, Blacks today in America would not honestly say that they would be better off in Africa. We have opportunities in America that surpass most people in the world today, including many Whites elsewhere.

America began with a Christian agenda that lead to the desire to be free. Winning that freedom brought forth a sense that “ALL men are created equal and likewise , deserve freedom.” This is America. Good, along with the bad, America still holds the same ‘principles’ for ALL people. How these principles are implemented, has been a ‘growing’ pain. But never confuse immaturity with failure. I can point out thousands of things wrong with America, but I choose to look at the millions of good things.

In the end, “God Bless America and Happy Independence Day!” The greatest country on earth :

I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,

one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

Dear Child:

You are Not Alone. Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? (Mark 4:40)

Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for I your God am with you. (Joshua 1:9) Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid. (John 14:27) In Peace will you lie down and sleep, for I alone make you dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8) Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, for I, the LORD your God goes with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:16)

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me. (Isaiah 49:15) Though your father and mother forsake you; I will receive you. (Psalm 27:10)

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go. (Genesis 8:4) My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14) For I love the just and will not forsake My faithful ones. (Psalm 37:28) I am with you always; even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Behold, I make all things new. (Revelation 21:5) Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:18-19) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away: behold, all things have come new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus prayed and I have given you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Jesus did not leave you as orphans; He has come to you. (John 14:16-19)

In Jesus also you have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to My purpose and of Me who works all things according to the counsel of My will, that you who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of your inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:11-14)
 
I have established you in Christ and anointed you. I have also sealed you and given you the Spirit in your heart as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:21), so examine yourself as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourself. Do you not know yourself, that Jesus Christ is "in" you? - unless indeed you are disqualified.

I will be a Father to you and you will be My sons and daughters. (2 Corinthians 6:18) Because you are My sons, I have sent the Spirit of My Son into your heart. The Spirit calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but My child; and since you are My child, I have made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:6) I will lead the blind by ways they  have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide you; I will turn the darkness into light before you and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake you. (Isaiah 42:16) I alone am your portion and your cup; I make your lot secure. (Psalm 16:5)

Who shall separate you from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
  "For your sake we are killed all day long; We are counted as sheep for the slaughter."

Yet in all these things, you are more than conquerors through Him who loved you. For neither life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate you from My love which is in Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:35-39

My Child: I have said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So say in confidence, "The Lord is My Helper; I will not be afraid!" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Love God