Do prayers have the ability to influence God?
ABSOLUTLEY!!
During Jesus time on Earth, people had requests for Him, thus these were prayers. Every time he performed a miracle, whether it was a healing, death-raising, turning water-to-wine, calming the raging sea, deliverance, forgiving of sins, or any other requests that Jesus answered, indeed influenced God. After all, Jesus was the Son of God!
There are also many times in scripture when people make requests for God to perform a certain action and he does it. Let's look at three.
1. A prayer influences God to change the weather.
James 5:16-18 (NLT) 16. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 17. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years. 18. Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
2. A prayer influences God to send an angel.
Daniel 10:-12 (NLT) 10. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. 12. Then he said, "Don't be afraid Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
NOTE: The "man" is identified as the angel Gabriel in Daniel 8:16-27.
3. A prayer influences God's decision to destroy a city.
* Note: All verses are from the NLT.
Genesis 18:20-21; 20. So the Lord told Abraham, "I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.
Genesis 18: 23-24; 23. Abraham approached him and said, "Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24. Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city--will you spare it for their sakes?"
Genesis 18:28 And the Lord replied, "If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake."
This conversation continues between Abraham and the Lord. Abraham lowers the numbers each time. He asked...If I find forty-five righteous people, will you destroy the whole city? The Lord says He would not destroy the city.
This continues with: forty, thirty, twenty, finally ten. Each time, the Lord heard the prayer and was influenced to not destroy the city due to Abraham's humble request.
Sadly, Abraham could not find ten righteous people. So, the Lord destroyed the city. Only Lot, his wife, and two daughters made it safely out of the city.
BUT, the Lord listened to Abraham and would have changed His decision to destroy the city--if ten righteous were found.
Finally, a personal witness. In the Spring of 1989, my uvula became swollen. It gave me some pain, especially when I tried to yell at the softball players I was coaching, Of course, I went to the doctor and they did not solve the problem. Later in the summer of 1989 (about four months of swelling), I went to a Carman Concert. (Carman was a popular Christian singer in the 80s and 90s.) Toward the end of the concert, Carman asked if anyone needed a healing to raise their hand. I immediately raised my hand. Something touched my throat and the swelling went down to 30% above normal. (I don't know if God gave me that number or I decided.) I claimed it as a healing. Within 3 weeks, my uvula was normal size with no pain. It has never given me that trouble again! Praise the Lord!
You----I am confident many people have influenced God by prayer. Praise God, he is not a genie or Santa Claus, but He is the Lord of Heaven's armies, yet He cares about each of us.
Psalm 37:23 (NLT) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Monday, June 11, 2018
Don't be Scared!
Have you ever felt God was speaking to you through the volume of a topic with which you were being doused? Well, I believe God is speaking to me about not being afraid through the dousing of songs and His Word!
As I did a self-reflection, there were certainly some fear issues. Much of it was just a hesitancy to do something because of possible consequences. I had to confront that fear equals lack of faith in God!
God, help me. I know I am a worry wart, but I want to be a warrior by allowing your Spirit to live through me.
Here is the message from God.
1. I fell in love with the song, Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams. It really confronted my, while encouraging, and comforting me. Lately, I have been trying to hit fear head on. Knowing it is a LIAR!
2. I have been listing to Fearless by Jasmine Murray for about a year. However, it has come back alive for me. Isn't that our goal to be fearless? As with all tough things, we must ask God to help us.
3. I just finished reading Daniel this morning. In the latter part of the book, Daniel saw visions. These visions frightened him. But, I heard these encouraging words:
Daneil 10:9-12 (NLT); Then I heard the voice of the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
WOW! What encouraging words! I claim them for my life! We do not always see the answer to our prayer or it may be delayed. However, this does NOT mean it is not heard in heaven!
4. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT); For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
5. Since the spirit of fear is evil, I like to lean on James 4:7 (NLT); So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In conclusion, I know I am a work in progress, but I want to seek God for the victory! In this case the victory over fear in my life.
Thank you God for pointing out this sin in my life. Now, I ask you to help me in this battle. If you need to....battle for me! In Jesus name. Amen
As I did a self-reflection, there were certainly some fear issues. Much of it was just a hesitancy to do something because of possible consequences. I had to confront that fear equals lack of faith in God!
God, help me. I know I am a worry wart, but I want to be a warrior by allowing your Spirit to live through me.
Here is the message from God.
1. I fell in love with the song, Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams. It really confronted my, while encouraging, and comforting me. Lately, I have been trying to hit fear head on. Knowing it is a LIAR!
2. I have been listing to Fearless by Jasmine Murray for about a year. However, it has come back alive for me. Isn't that our goal to be fearless? As with all tough things, we must ask God to help us.
3. I just finished reading Daniel this morning. In the latter part of the book, Daniel saw visions. These visions frightened him. But, I heard these encouraging words:
Daneil 10:9-12 (NLT); Then I heard the voice of the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
WOW! What encouraging words! I claim them for my life! We do not always see the answer to our prayer or it may be delayed. However, this does NOT mean it is not heard in heaven!
4. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT); For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
5. Since the spirit of fear is evil, I like to lean on James 4:7 (NLT); So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In conclusion, I know I am a work in progress, but I want to seek God for the victory! In this case the victory over fear in my life.
Thank you God for pointing out this sin in my life. Now, I ask you to help me in this battle. If you need to....battle for me! In Jesus name. Amen
Thursday, June 7, 2018
2018 PAYH Bike Ride
The Paul Anderson Bike Ride commemorates Paul's ride from Vidalia to Nebraska on a one-speed bike! Actually, several of them since they broke along the way. His destination was Father Flanning's Boys Town. The ride served two purposes: Paul wanted to learn why Father Flanning's program was so successful in changing troubled boys lives. It was also, a fund raiser for PAYH.
The 2018 Bike Ride serves two purposes.
The first purpose is AWARENESS of PAYH.
The Core Priorities are:
1. Planting God's Word
2. Therapeutic Counseling
3. Quality Education
4. Transition Program
The second purpose is FUND RAISING.
Please prayerfully consider, sponsoring a boy.
No donation is too small. (We know Jesus fed 5000 men, plus the women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fish.)
You may sponsor any of the 5 boys, but (hint, hint) Matt is a great choice. Ok, I am on Team Matt.
Honestly, my prayer would be you honor the Lord's guidance in giving to support PAYH, since that makes a difference in ALL the boys lives.
How do I give?
1. You can text: BIKERIDE15 to 71777.
2. You may send a check to PAYH.
P.O. Box 525
Vidalia, GA 30475
3. Call to find out if there is another way to give if you don't like option 1 or 2.
Even if you do not feel led to give financially, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE BOYS AND ADULTS THAT ARE PART OF THIS 500-MILE JOURNEY!
Thank you,
James
The 2018 Bike Ride serves two purposes.
The first purpose is AWARENESS of PAYH.
The Core Priorities are:
1. Planting God's Word
2. Therapeutic Counseling
3. Quality Education
4. Transition Program
The second purpose is FUND RAISING.
Please prayerfully consider, sponsoring a boy.
No donation is too small. (We know Jesus fed 5000 men, plus the women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fish.)
You may sponsor any of the 5 boys, but (hint, hint) Matt is a great choice. Ok, I am on Team Matt.
Honestly, my prayer would be you honor the Lord's guidance in giving to support PAYH, since that makes a difference in ALL the boys lives.
How do I give?
1. You can text: BIKERIDE15 to 71777.
2. You may send a check to PAYH.
P.O. Box 525
Vidalia, GA 30475
3. Call to find out if there is another way to give if you don't like option 1 or 2.
Even if you do not feel led to give financially, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE BOYS AND ADULTS THAT ARE PART OF THIS 500-MILE JOURNEY!
Thank you,
James
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
My Daddy (AKA Ronald); Part Six; "Conclusion"
Special Note: This has been therapeutic and fun to write this series about my daddy. I want to praise God for all fathers and especially our Heavenly Father. If you did not have (or continuing to not have) a good relationship with your father, my heart goes out to you! Even more, my prayers go out to you! This Part of the Ronald Series is a little difficult to frame. I pray it turns out well.
I was born to parents who were in their forties. Therefore, my high school years were their mid-late fifties. The age factor, plus my daddy was not nearly as strong post heart-attack one year prior to my high school career, created an often laissez faire life for me. They did not challenge me academically, and I sure wasn't going to ruin that! It's funny how those things catch up with you...like college. Many core classes were hard to me, and other students were breezing by. But, that's another story.
In ninth grade (since I had a late birthday), Ronald got to watch his son play football with the VRD Midget Varsity. We won the District and lost to Coffee County in the South Georgia Championship. My parents were always supportive in my athletic endeavors. I know they were at many games. They were probably at most games, but here's the age where my relationship with my parents was weird. Sometimes I wanted at my games, and sometimes I was glad if they didn't show up.
Those games of catch with daddy at 6:10 ceased at some point...not sure when. I was playing basketball with the guys in the neighborhood--seems like year round. But, we also played baseball, football, frisbee-golf, and all kinds-of-out-door-games. Fortunately, we did not have the great video games that are available now.As I try to remember back 40-years ago, I do not remember spending much time with daddy. My tenth-grade year major was having fun: during school, after school, and at night. My last official sports team was Pony League as a 15 year-old. Since the Babe Ruth League didn't make, the VRD allowed 15 year-olds to play with restrictions, such as maybe not being able to play the infield.
In the winter of my Junior year, my life changed. I got a job. I worked as a custodian/go-for at Sea Island Cotton Gin from that winter until right before I went to college. My boss was Mr. Cliff Davis. He was a great boss! Cliff let me increase my hours in the summer. He also, took time to show me proper selling techniques, such as keeping a display full and clean, Oh, did I say clean? Cliff kept everything neat and clean. He added much needed structure to my life. I appreciate all he did for me, and he certainly served as a strong-male role model for me.
In the last quarter of my senior year, I was one of the sorriest (as in non-productive) human beings alive! One trait I picked up was telling people I would do something, then not following through. Somehow that news got back to my daddy. He lectured me for an hour. Only those who knew him could imagine listening for an hour. It would be like the Negative of a Mike Brady talk! Yes, I was crying. At the time, I didn't like it at all. But, it was the most important hour Ronald spent with me! I NEEDED it! I never forgot the lesson: If you tell somebody you are going to do something, do it! As I look back at my life, I am grateful Ronald lived long enough to make it through my Senior year. He also hired me to deliver items to his customers. But, this had to happen on Saturday mornings, because I worked for Cliff on weekdays. This did not last long. Our relationship did not allow it. Don't get me wrong. I still loved my daddy, but we went through High School Senior/Daddy pains. To put a blanket over my behavior; I acted whacky sometimes. On more than one occasion, Daddy got mad at me. I was too big to whip, so he hauled off and hit me in the arm! HARD! It hurt. But, it got my attention (for a little while).
One demand that got under my skin was the 11:00 Curfew for the weekends. All I wanted was 11:30. "Nothing good ever happens after 11:00." REALLY?!
One of the best things that happened in my childhood was the fear I had for what my daddy might do to me if I did something wrong. I got plenty of whippings, but as I got older, I had no idea what he might do. That was a GREAT Thing! However...as a Senior, there were several times I pushed him on that 11:00 Curfew time. I don't remember anything happening---maybe a few words.
During my first quarter of college, cancer began to eat at my daddy---larynx and lungs. He was well enough that I drove him around the golf course during Thanksgiving Holidays. A few days before Christmas, he died. I was proud of his life. I missed him immediately. But, so many family members, church members, and friends poured out love.
In conclusion, daddies are really important. I am thankful for the exact one God gave me...Ronald!
I was born to parents who were in their forties. Therefore, my high school years were their mid-late fifties. The age factor, plus my daddy was not nearly as strong post heart-attack one year prior to my high school career, created an often laissez faire life for me. They did not challenge me academically, and I sure wasn't going to ruin that! It's funny how those things catch up with you...like college. Many core classes were hard to me, and other students were breezing by. But, that's another story.
In ninth grade (since I had a late birthday), Ronald got to watch his son play football with the VRD Midget Varsity. We won the District and lost to Coffee County in the South Georgia Championship. My parents were always supportive in my athletic endeavors. I know they were at many games. They were probably at most games, but here's the age where my relationship with my parents was weird. Sometimes I wanted at my games, and sometimes I was glad if they didn't show up.
Those games of catch with daddy at 6:10 ceased at some point...not sure when. I was playing basketball with the guys in the neighborhood--seems like year round. But, we also played baseball, football, frisbee-golf, and all kinds-of-out-door-games. Fortunately, we did not have the great video games that are available now.As I try to remember back 40-years ago, I do not remember spending much time with daddy. My tenth-grade year major was having fun: during school, after school, and at night. My last official sports team was Pony League as a 15 year-old. Since the Babe Ruth League didn't make, the VRD allowed 15 year-olds to play with restrictions, such as maybe not being able to play the infield.
In the winter of my Junior year, my life changed. I got a job. I worked as a custodian/go-for at Sea Island Cotton Gin from that winter until right before I went to college. My boss was Mr. Cliff Davis. He was a great boss! Cliff let me increase my hours in the summer. He also, took time to show me proper selling techniques, such as keeping a display full and clean, Oh, did I say clean? Cliff kept everything neat and clean. He added much needed structure to my life. I appreciate all he did for me, and he certainly served as a strong-male role model for me.
In the last quarter of my senior year, I was one of the sorriest (as in non-productive) human beings alive! One trait I picked up was telling people I would do something, then not following through. Somehow that news got back to my daddy. He lectured me for an hour. Only those who knew him could imagine listening for an hour. It would be like the Negative of a Mike Brady talk! Yes, I was crying. At the time, I didn't like it at all. But, it was the most important hour Ronald spent with me! I NEEDED it! I never forgot the lesson: If you tell somebody you are going to do something, do it! As I look back at my life, I am grateful Ronald lived long enough to make it through my Senior year. He also hired me to deliver items to his customers. But, this had to happen on Saturday mornings, because I worked for Cliff on weekdays. This did not last long. Our relationship did not allow it. Don't get me wrong. I still loved my daddy, but we went through High School Senior/Daddy pains. To put a blanket over my behavior; I acted whacky sometimes. On more than one occasion, Daddy got mad at me. I was too big to whip, so he hauled off and hit me in the arm! HARD! It hurt. But, it got my attention (for a little while).
One demand that got under my skin was the 11:00 Curfew for the weekends. All I wanted was 11:30. "Nothing good ever happens after 11:00." REALLY?!
One of the best things that happened in my childhood was the fear I had for what my daddy might do to me if I did something wrong. I got plenty of whippings, but as I got older, I had no idea what he might do. That was a GREAT Thing! However...as a Senior, there were several times I pushed him on that 11:00 Curfew time. I don't remember anything happening---maybe a few words.
During my first quarter of college, cancer began to eat at my daddy---larynx and lungs. He was well enough that I drove him around the golf course during Thanksgiving Holidays. A few days before Christmas, he died. I was proud of his life. I missed him immediately. But, so many family members, church members, and friends poured out love.
In conclusion, daddies are really important. I am thankful for the exact one God gave me...Ronald!
Monday, June 4, 2018
My Daddy (AKA Ronald) Part Five; "Hilarious Ronald Quotes"
Special Note: Ronald did not intend for many of these quotes to be funny. It was a side-product of his personality.
The Blessing
One night as we sat at the table ready to eat supper (not dinner), Ronald attempted to say the blessing.
"Automotive Supply," is what came out. Since this was the name of his store, he had answered the phone with the store name...one too many times that day.
Driving Lessons
I have to admit I was a terrible driver, but Ronald was a far worse teacher!
As we were traveling along a road during one lesson, I undoubtedly did not have the mindset he desired. So he YELLS out, "BE CALM!" (Classic Ronald)
During another lesson, I was approaching an on coming car, as well as a pedestrian that was well off the road. For some reason, the pedestrian bothered me enough that I began to drift towards the center lane.
Daddy screams, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
Me, "I don't want to hit the man (the pedestrian)."
Daddy screams, "HIT THE MAN! DON'T HIT THE CAR! HIT THE MAN!"
I still yell that out as I approach a pedestrian.
Fortunately, there were the days that Momma gave me driving lessons. On this particular day, I was attempting to park the car (a big Oldsmobile with steering so loose that you could turn the steering wheel for days before it moved a foot---ughh). As I approach our garage, instead of hitting the brake, I hit the gas. I ran into the garage. Unfortunately, Ronald was home.
He comes running out and I don't remember what he's screaming.
I can only imagine....WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! THE WHOLE HOUSE SHOOK!!
I remember my response, "I only tapped it."
Daddy, "Yea, you tapped it with two tons!"
My Rock Music
I had a nice set up in my bedroom during high school. My own phone extension, my own T.V., and my own stereo. I loved Rock Music! To get the full effect, it has to be played somewhat loud. Right?
Well, Ronald hated the music! He was always yelling for me to turn down that music. This dude loved Lawrence Welk. When it came on at 7:00 on Saturday nights, it was weird city.
We had a few conversations about music.
"Son, all they do is sing the same words over and over."
"Oh, like they 'Swam and they swam all over the dam.'" (Yes, I busted him good on his old music.)
Daddy, "You got me there."
One of my favorite Rock Groups was KISS. I would rock my KISS shirt around in the house.
Daddy, "They are performers! They should have more clothes on!"
Come on! Maybe Peter Chris or Paul Stanley had his shirt off.
Ronald did shoot a dagger in my KISS fan club. My buddies and I each decided we would "BE" one of the band members. I was Ace Frehly.
One day, I walked up to Daddy and showed him Ace on my shirt.
I said, "That's me, Daddy Ace Frehly!"
Without hesitation, he said, "Yea, you spell it as%"
Wow! The most classic burn that Ronald ever put on me!
The Blessing
One night as we sat at the table ready to eat supper (not dinner), Ronald attempted to say the blessing.
"Automotive Supply," is what came out. Since this was the name of his store, he had answered the phone with the store name...one too many times that day.
Driving Lessons
I have to admit I was a terrible driver, but Ronald was a far worse teacher!
As we were traveling along a road during one lesson, I undoubtedly did not have the mindset he desired. So he YELLS out, "BE CALM!" (Classic Ronald)
During another lesson, I was approaching an on coming car, as well as a pedestrian that was well off the road. For some reason, the pedestrian bothered me enough that I began to drift towards the center lane.
Daddy screams, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
Me, "I don't want to hit the man (the pedestrian)."
Daddy screams, "HIT THE MAN! DON'T HIT THE CAR! HIT THE MAN!"
I still yell that out as I approach a pedestrian.
Fortunately, there were the days that Momma gave me driving lessons. On this particular day, I was attempting to park the car (a big Oldsmobile with steering so loose that you could turn the steering wheel for days before it moved a foot---ughh). As I approach our garage, instead of hitting the brake, I hit the gas. I ran into the garage. Unfortunately, Ronald was home.
He comes running out and I don't remember what he's screaming.
I can only imagine....WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! THE WHOLE HOUSE SHOOK!!
I remember my response, "I only tapped it."
Daddy, "Yea, you tapped it with two tons!"
My Rock Music
I had a nice set up in my bedroom during high school. My own phone extension, my own T.V., and my own stereo. I loved Rock Music! To get the full effect, it has to be played somewhat loud. Right?
Well, Ronald hated the music! He was always yelling for me to turn down that music. This dude loved Lawrence Welk. When it came on at 7:00 on Saturday nights, it was weird city.
We had a few conversations about music.
"Son, all they do is sing the same words over and over."
"Oh, like they 'Swam and they swam all over the dam.'" (Yes, I busted him good on his old music.)
Daddy, "You got me there."
One of my favorite Rock Groups was KISS. I would rock my KISS shirt around in the house.
Daddy, "They are performers! They should have more clothes on!"
Come on! Maybe Peter Chris or Paul Stanley had his shirt off.
Ronald did shoot a dagger in my KISS fan club. My buddies and I each decided we would "BE" one of the band members. I was Ace Frehly.
One day, I walked up to Daddy and showed him Ace on my shirt.
I said, "That's me, Daddy Ace Frehly!"
Without hesitation, he said, "Yea, you spell it as%"
Wow! The most classic burn that Ronald ever put on me!
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