Gems for the Week
October 5 - 6
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)
- Christianity is a battle not a dream.
- Faith makes a Christian. Life proves a Christian. Trial confirms a Christian. Death crowns a Christian.
- One ABC of Christianity: "Always Be Cheerful." (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
-I am ready to meet God face to face tonight and look into those eyes of infinite holiness, for all my sins are covered by the atoning blood.
- When death overtakes us; all that we have is left to others; all that we are we take with us. (Some Thoughts to Consider - R.K.)
N.J. Hiebert # 3117
"I'm praying for you" can be as frightening a thought as it is encouraging. Someone is standing at the throne of God with your name on his heart. This introduces an entirely new set of concerns: Is he praying for me the way I'm praying for myself? Is he asking God for the answer I'm longing for? When my Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I was livid when someone told me they were praying that God would take him home quickly -- despite the fact that in between our cries for healing, we were praying God's will would be done. As someone once noted, prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue. Knowing that someone is standing before God on your behalf is powerful not because he is standing with you but because he is standing with God.
The apostle Paul often voiced in his letters gratitude for the prayers of believers on his behalf. In and out of jail, in abundance and in lack, he saw them participate in bringing about God's purposes in his life through their prayers for him. He did not thank them for praying that what had happened to him would be altogether reversed, but that the purposes of God would be accomplished in all things. Paul saw the power in prayers that hope and expect with all boldness that Christ will be exalted whether by life or by death.
As one has said, "Prayer is not about overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.
" Perhaps the best studies in prayer are in the lives of those who see that its power lies wholly in the One in whom we pray. (Selected)
N.J. Hiebert # 3118
