₦airaland Forum

Gamine:
Analytical, thanks.

How do we "fight" such

Whether we know it or not, we are in a spiritual warfare.  Because our foes are not flesh and blood, as stated in the passage I quoted above, we don't fight in the flesh too.  Maybe I should just complete that passage.  It gives us the weapons (both defensive and offensive) available for us to fight and win the battles.

Ephesians 6:
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints

[Emphasis mine]

The highlighted parts give us the weapons we have.  Notice the helmet (for the head) of salvation.  The devil makes a minced meat of anyone not saved.

vicero, thank God for you and your family. I pray your Dad will live long, strong and well. I pray he will continue to enjoy the goodness and mercy of the Lord. May he continue to enjoy God's favour. I pray he will live to see his children's children to the 3rd and 4th generation. He has just entered the golden age, may he live to tell of the goodness of God all the days of His life.

Come, wey the e-cake sef?

Gamine:
Please i would like to know what the position on Spiritual attacks

is their such a thing or just a figment of ones imagination.

For as long as there is the spirit realm, spirit beings, the devil, his demons and human agents, then there will be spiritual attacks!

Ephesians 6:
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

FifiO, thanks for sharing.

One of the reasons why we don't obey/do what He instructs, especially in cases like you just shared, I have found out is fear! What if I didn't hear well? What if it wasn't God speaking? What if I am not recieved as He sent me? What if it doesn't come to pass? What will people think of me? What if, what if?

Let me use 2 examples to explain this.

1) Jonah- when he refused to go to Nineveh and chose to run to Tarshish. He was afraid the people will repent and what he said will come to pass may not happen and people will think he is a false prophet!!!

2) Saul- when he couldn't wait again as instructed by the prophet Samuel. He was afraid because of the opposition army. What if Samuel didn't come as promised and the battle was around him already? He then did what he was not supposed to do out of fear!

The lesson to learn is always to obey and do what He says- without minding the consequences. If He spoke, then He is ready and able to back Himself up. He knows why He gave the instruction.

More from everyone please. . .

Baxilexi, God bless you too.

Gamine, it is well with you sista. How are you today?

Otokx and JeSoul, thanks for sharing.

JeSoul, as I read that 'falling in love with God over and over again' way of enrichng our walk with Him, a dear song by Phil Driscol sprang to my heart:

1) I remember You said you will never leave me
That in times of trouble You will be my friend
But sometimes some doubts and fear try to steal my faith
Then I just run to You, I just run to You

Chrs:

I just set aside the cares of this world
Falling in love with You again
I just throw away the troubles of this world
Falling in love with You

2) I know You said I am the apple of Your eyes
And for loving me You gave your life
There are sometimes when my heart just want to break for loving You
Then I just let it break and I run to You

Chr:

3) Falling in love, falling in love
I just fall in love, over and over again. . .


What a joy to walk with the Lord. Yes in this walk, sometimes I stumble, other times I wobble. Yet some other time I don't feel like walking again when my heart is overwhelmed. But then I remember I can't walk alone without Him and run back to Him and fall in love with Him over again. Then He picks me up in those everlasting arms and carry me through the rough road. Ehhhh! I feel like shouting!!!!

One way I sustain my walk with Him therefore is to learn to trust those everlasting arms to lead me through the journey of life.

One of my challenges is trying to fit the big God into my small mind thereby limiting Him! But I have learnt He is bigger than I could ever imagine.


More lessons from you all.

I was just singing this song in my heart as you sent your poem:

When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His word
What a glory he sheds on our way
When we do His good will
He abides with us still
And with those who will trust and obey

Chrs:

Trust and obey
For there is no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey

. . .and as I sing, Enoch (Gen 5 vs 18-24) came to my mind.

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Question:  How can we enrich and sustain our walk with the Lord?  What are the challenges and blessings (with practical examples)?  What have you learnt in your walk with God?  Let's all share.

FifiO, permit me to quote this here:

1 Cor 7 10-11:

10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

LEGALLY, they cannot have the divorce 'annuled' because only marriage can be annuled by a decree of divorce, u get right?

Ok, I get that.  Thanks.  Assuming two people divorced but want to get back again, what is the LEGAL requirement then?

I wonder what else we need to do to bring you out TV01, TayoD, Shahan, Stimulus etc! Come fellowship with us. You are missed! I trust God you are all okay. Care to share. . .

Much love.

Gamine, your life is in His Hands, including all its issues!  He watches over you just like the eagle does her young.  Receive encouragement to forge ahead.   Receive strength to carry on.  Receive wisdom to know what to do and understanding on how to go about them in Jesus name.  You will come out of them shinning.  Rejoice!

@JeSoul and everyone, hope you had a great weekend. Thank God for His sure mercies.

@FifiO, thanks for your thoughts and prayer.

FifiO:
But if they re-marry,does that cover the first sin? can someone tell me?am really pondering that.
Today though, we should ask ourselves how did we get to this point? I mean it has become alarming how the courts are churning out these divorce papers. Its almost like its fashionable & "wonderfully western"!I have a friend too, he's only 29 and he's been married twice already!

If the two remarry themselves, they will only be putting right their wrong. But do they really have to 're-marry'? All they need to do is to annul the divorce, though I don't know the legality involved in that.

We got to this point when we began to be more worldly importing the standards of the world into the church. The word of God was no longer the standard with which our actions are based. We needed a more permissible set. God then became over-bearing in our affairs! In fact, He became outdated!

That was how we got here. Now, 1 out of every 2 marriage is expected to fail within the 1st year! And this is not just secular, but right in the church. Now, it is very fashionable to see Pastors change their wives like suits. Oh Lord have mercy on the church. Cleanse her with the precious blood with which you bought her!

The Israelites decided one day that they wanted to be like other nations around them, become fashionable, no longer needing the guidiance of Jehovah God but wanted a king to lead them in and out. What did they get? Yes, they got Saul quite alright. But that wasn't God's perfect plan for them.

I believe the problem is that individuals & churches have compromised the word. Its like, its bad sha but, , maybe the churches should do more than pre-counseling for marriage. Maybe we christians should actually begin to pray,not just for the couples but for the institution of marriage
Blessings!

You are right there! Churches should do more than that. It's alarming how so little is taught about marriage from our pulpits once the wedding is over. Yet, this is the very foundation of the society. Is it any wonder the society is failing? But what do we expect, when the leaders themselves are engaged in bigamy and adultery?

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By the way, where is Ruddyface?

I have to rush off now and I may be offline for the weekend.

Thanks Jesoul for your prayer. You are such a jewel!

It just occured to me that I probably sound as if I have a 100% perfect marriage. I am not an angel, even those don't marry. A perfect being doesn't need a helpmeet! We are all striving towards the mark until we attain that fulness of the measure of Christ. We are still a work in progress.

Like I said, marriage is a life exam. No pre-marriage school can teach you all you will ever face in this dynamic school of life. But it can deliver some proven principles and nuggets to you that will help you avoid the pitfalls and make a good success. Having said that, some doctrines of men can actually hinder that liberty by having too many rules and regulations that kill the spirit. I think this is the reason many avoid it. I needed to balance that up.

funny enough I do this regularly with my boyfriend. And you are right it does wonders to share and discuss and meditate on God's word together. Keeping God at the center of your relationship is the only way to be successful and pleasing to God at the same time.

Keep it up sista! By the way why do you keep refering to him as boyfriend after 5 years? Methink fiance would have been more appropriate. Just an observation! Keep praying for your friend, you owe that duty as a friend. She needs it at this hour. More thoughts on this next time.

I know that is what the bible teaches, and somehow I cannot help a "but" floating somewhere in the back of my head, it seems like almost a death sentence, but I guess it is simply the consequence. As I re-read that portion of scripture I can't help but wonder why such a strict rule on not re-marrying after a divorce? What are the possible hidden spiritual implications of it? I imagine standing in front of my 22-yr old friend and telling her she will be single for the rest of her life

The mystery of godliness is great! This is the reason marriage should never be entered into unadvisedly. Let me venture a reason here. When you are joined in matrimony, it's not just physical. It is very spiritual. You are truly joined and only death can separate the union. You are one flesh not two again!

When you divorce, you are still joined to the person divorced, spiritually. To marry another therefore is adultery. That was how the Maker designed it. That is why He said, Whosoever God has joined together, let no man put assunder! It will malfunction if you try to. It will be tantamount to having two separate halves and not 1 entity nor two separate 1's again. Every manufacturer has operating rules and procedure for proper and optimum functioning of his product. Anything outside is abuse and is no longer guaranteed proper functioning!

Gotta run now. The Lord help us all. I pray for every person reading this that God will grant each a home full of bliss and peace, a home full of His comfort and sweetness, the way it was designed to be from the beginning.

God bless y'all.

Ok, here we go:

JeSoul:
hmmm . . . I see. That's really good. Do you advocate marriage counselling for couples before they get married? I'm begining to think seasoned couples might be able to offer sound advice like this to especially young couples before then say I do.

Certainly!  This may come in various ways.  I know some churches these days have  a structured programme for preparing couples for marriage.  People should take advantage of such, especially in their local assemblies if available.

It could also come in the form of mentorship by older married couples with testimonies.  You don't buy experience, you acquire it.  It could be from attending seminars, conferences etc tailored to such purpose together!  There is a lot couples can and should do before getting married.  These things form a good foundation- you learn from examples and mistakes of others.  You get to know what works and what doesn't.

Every intending christian couple should endeavour to study the scriptures together.  There are so many lessons to learn from couples in the Bible- their secrets, successes, failures, challenges, issues and how they overcame them etc.  You will grow to appreciate such moments after you get married- it won't be such a strange thing to continue in what you have been doing before!

Distance shouldn't be a barrier to this at all.  What I did in my case was to have small study outlines (in duplicates- one set for her and one for me) of couples in the scriptures which we studied at agreed days.  We can then exchange notes and inspirations after.  I tell you those were days of real loving encounters!

Every diligent student prepares well for an exam before they come out in flying colours.  Marriage is a major life exam, friends.  It shouldn't be taken lightly like an inconsequential elective.

You're right. and the after-effects is what I fear most for both of them. After being joined in 1 with a person and then tearing apart . . . I cannot even begin to imagine. Thankfully they have no children. She's going back to her family, they are not christian and I don't know how she'll begin to find some sort of healing without christian influences.

What a shame, this!  That was an opportunity to be a shiny example of a witness for Christ missed.  When I even think about the horror of going back to families that are not christian after a divorce, I shudder!  Probably they even kicked against the marriage in the first instance.  Now, it will be 'Didn't we tell you'  

I use to tease my wife where I will start from if I divorce!  Will I gather all the people together that were present during the traditional ceremony to start demanding everyone should return their own share of the items I brought for the brideprice and associated list?  Those things are always shared by the bride's paternal and maternal families in my culture, no matter how small the portion is!!!  Some are probably dead!  Such a forgone conclusion I may say    Even if they are not, what is the feasibility of such herculean task? Also, should I gather everyone witness before whom I made the sacred vow to tell them 'I don't' again?  Daunting, if you ask me.

Such is the weight and seriousness I attach.  Maybe part of the problem is that people don't really value their marriages much.

I hear you on that one! One thing I've made sure to watch for in the 5yrs I've been with my boyfriend is to see if our attitudes towards each other changes. I know its not the same as marriage but as its been so many years now it can give some indication of how the tide can turn.

Good!  But I show you a more excellent way, like Paul would say.  Instead of 'watching to see if' why don't you develop more positive outlook and be more proactive in making it work.  Don't watch to see, plan to make it succeed, do things together, pray, study, play, attend conferences, make plans for your future together, fantasize about the kind of home you want.  It could be so enjoying!

That was the exact word my friends used to describe the reason for their divorce. I felt it wasn't reason enough n still do.

That is what most always say.  Were they not 'compatible' when they were courting?

Nah they've made the cut, they're divorced for sure. They said they discussed, and it was a mutual agreement that their marriage couldn't work and they went their seperate ways.

Unfortunately, I am one of those that believe once divorced, stay single, except one partner dies!  That is what I read from my Bible.  Whoever marries one that is divorced commits adultery.    My view may not be popular about this.  But, here I stand.  That is why those questions are always asked before the 'I do' response.  They are not mere rhetorics.  They are sacred and weighty!  One of the questions (or variants of it) say: "Will you take her, love her, have her, cherish her and cleave to her and her only as long as both of you shall live?"  Why would anybody answer yes to this if he is not ready to do that?

Let me pause here. . .

Jesoul, I saw your reply but I wasn't in the right frame of mind yesterday. I can do with some prayers. I will reply you soon.

Pilgrim.1, that was thoughtful of you! I say Amen to your prayer and for you too. Bless you sis.

@Congruent, you are so right.

Congruent:
@Jesoul, All

. . . and while I am quite imperfect in practising 1&2 above all the time, at least one of us always seems to.

. . . Most couples that eventually divorce lack 1 or 2 above, complicated further by selfishness and "external influence" (the tempting promise of a better deal form another man/woman).

It takes two to tango.  If one partner calms down while the other is angry most issues can be dealt with.

JeSoul:
You said you believe there is no marriage that cannot be worked at . . . I guess this could be possible if they're both willing to do whatever was necessary. My friend says they tried all they could . . . I'm not sure if I believe that. Divorce is just the easy way out in my opinion, that's why one has to be 100% sure and 100% ready before getting married.

Yes, I believe there is no marriage that cannot be worked at. This is assuming the foundation is right in the first instance and they have to be willing. One thing my wife and I resolved before we got married was that no matter what, divorce will never be an option! With that out of the way, we knew there will be no exit but to resolve whatever comes. But when you keep it as an option, it surely becomes the easy way out.

But is it really the easy way out, when you think about the hurt, hatred, misery and pain? What of the scar, the disappointment with self, the distrust of everyone that comes around the next time and the baggage you carry into the next marriage? What if that one ends up the same way too and the cycle continues? How about the children (if any) and the impact it will have on their psyche? I can go on and on. It's not just the paper that is divorce, the effect is just too traumatic for it to be an easy way out.

I believe if we will all apply a little of the things we did when courting, half of marital problems will fizzle out. Then, you wouldn't sleep if you haven't heard from the other, you wouldn't carry over issues till next day, you wouldn't even allow yourselves to be hurt! You had time for each other, you can talk late into the night without getting bored, you easily do things for each other. You could forgive easily and quickly resolve disagreements etc.

But what happens after getting married? It is mission accomplished? The care and affection disappears, communication becomes mono-syllables, time for each other becomes scarce commodity, offenses become frequent, forgiveness becomes difficult, mutual respect goes out through the window, until they drift away gradually. And the next thing is 'Oh, we are not compatible!!', but in courtship they were the best of friends. Before you know it, since divorce is an option, it looks the easy way out. Oh, may God help us!

What do you think is the next step? I know this will devastate and leave permanent scars on both of them, especially being so young. How does a person get over this kind of thing? I know it is only God that can heal the scars but I also know that there are consequences for our actions and decisions. What would you say to them? I want to be supportive and there for them, but I am also so very disappointed.

I need to know the real state of things now before I can say anything on this. Did they actually divorce legally or just separated? Are they still willing to be husband and wife and just didn't know how to resolve their differences?

By the way, isn't it funny that christians get married in church and go to court to be divorced when disputes between even two brethren should never ever land in court! The scriptures advocates settlement between the two concerned and if they can't settle it they can take it to two or more fellow brethren, then to the elders of the church (Matt 18:15-17), thereby making ample opportunities available for resolution.

Moses gave the Israelites the option of divorce because of the hardness of their hearts but from the beginning, it was not so!!!!!!! (Matt 19 vs 8 ) How did we ever come to the conclusion that divorce is the easy way out? Where is forgiveness in us when we are to forgive at least 490 times a daily!

@Jesoul,

I know such news of divorce could be devastating, especially when the couple is dear to you.  I received such news too about 1 month ago about some people that are dear to my heart and I was lost for what to even think.

Let me say here too that I believe what the scriptures say about marriage and divorce.  I believe marriage is for life and God hates divorce.  I also believe there is no marriage that cannot be worked at, regardless of the degree of the issues/problems it may have.  It only requires the willingness and readiness to do so by both persons concerned.  This is what people are not ready to do and the gulf keeps widening until they feel they can no longer live together.  I am married so I know what I am talking about.

In this case, I think part of the problem was that they married too young and were probably not prepared for some of the issues involved in living together as husband and wife before saying 'I do'.  It goes beyond mere feelings for each other.  It is a man that gets married, not a boy!  Maturity, commitment, responsibility, understanding, patience, tolerance etc are important in marriage.  These are all essential ingredients of love (notice I said love, not feeling).  These become so clear especially when initial feelings of euphoria wane- and they do!

I will continue with this. . . Let's have some more opinions.

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@Kola Oloye, God bless you for your piece.

@Debolay,

My bad! How could I have missed this? I thank God for brethren here that have lifted up their voices to cry unto God on behalf of Bisi Olofinyo. Thank God for the succesful surgery. It is settled. Whatsoever 2 shall agree on earth is already established. Bisi's healing is established in Jesus name. I pray for a speedy recovery. Let the body system work together now to supply the vital strength and energy in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray the same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the grave quicken every cell in Bisi's body. You will live to proclaim His goodness in the land of the living. Amen.

Hi Friends,

Been away for a while on vacation.  Your posts have been a blessing.  Thanks everyone for making this refreshing and edifying.

@Pilgrim.1, you are certainly welcome.  It's always nice reading from you.  FifiO, Debolay, Kola Oloye, Joge, Dudu-bobo, OLAADEGBU, Davidylan, Gamine, Ruddyface and everyone in here (pardon my omission), many blessings to you all.

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@FifiO, thanks for sharing this.

One other painful thing to the clay when it's undergoing the transformation is that it doesn't determine what vessel it should be.  That prerogative is reserved for the Potter- He knows what He has in mind for the clay and what vessel to make it.  Albeit, He makes every vessel so wonderfully and fearfully.

The clay only has to yield to the Potter and submit to His will.  If it is too stubborn and coarse, it may be marred in the Hands of the Potter!  May we not turn out to be vessels unto dishonour in the hands of the Potter.  We may not like the heat of the Potter's furnace nor the turning at the wheels, but ultimately, the process is for our refinement.  May we turn out to be vessels unto honour, showcassing the glorious workmanship of our Potter.

Bless y'all.

Friends,

Love to everyone who has been a blessing here, for all who have been blessed and those who will yet be blessed. May the Lord add to our lives daily out of His inexhaustible depths of riches.

Ruddyface:
Analytical,

You have earned my respect. Please continue with this mature, level-headed and balanced Christian views. May God bless you.

God bless you Ruddyface. I am really humbled. Let's keep up doing His will and see Him working in our favour.

Ruddyface:
Do you think giving alms would encourage some to be receivers of alms and therefore become lazy and dependant?

How are you doing Ruddyface?

There are people who are really in need.  We should minister to such needs as God grants us grace.  The list I gave above qualifies for such.  Added to that are people  in an emergency or disaster, invalids and truly disabled folks and the aged.

Remember that not all widows are widows indeed.  Paul gave a guideline on that as widows above the age of 60, who have no one else.  The reason being that anyone below that age can actually still work with their own hands without having to depend on anyone.

I don't think anyone should give any alms to a full and able-bodied human being simply because he/she is begging.  A lazy man can never have my sympathy.  It's amazing the kind of things we see even in churches.  People just want to take advantage of your benevolence.  This is wrong and we shouldn't encourage such indolence.  The scriptures say any man who doesn't work should not eat.  Period.

@JeSoul, thanks a bunch for your encouragement. Thank God for His faithfulness to you. Our God is indeed a faithful God. I pray you will continue to live to tell of His faithfulness. The Lord will perfect everything that concerns you for He who has started that good work in you is always faithful to complete it. He will grant you the grace to be patient. May He hold you in the hollow of His Hands and keep you by His warm embrace. Amen.

Very eager to hear your testimony soon, sister. Be blessed.

@Daruche, the Lord bless you and keep you today and always.  May you continue to shine as light in this world and may your light so shine for others to trace their steps out of darkness into the marvellous light of our dear God.  Amen.

Ruddyface:
I have another poser: Should Christians give alms? If no, why? If yes, to whom and how?

The dictionary defines alms as money, food, or other donations given to the poor or needy.  Should we then as christians give to the poor and the needy?  You bet!  In fact it is a duty which we have to carry out:

James1:27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

To whom should we give?  The poor, the needy, orphans, widows, anyone who asks of us (genuinely), especially those who cannot give back.

Luke 6:
30 Give to everyone who asks of you. . .
33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.
36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Hi Gamine. I was about asking about you!

You are so right! The essence of His blessing (spiritually, physically, financially etc) is to be a blessing to someone. How happy you will be when someone you have never even met meets you by the pearly gates of heaven and says 'Gamine, thank you for giving. It's because of you that I am here'! So humbling.

Keep living for Him.

I was just listening to this song by Ray Boltz and it welled some tears in my eyes:

Thank You for Giving to the Lord

I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me.
We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea.
We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name.
You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.

He said, "Friend you may not know me now," and then he said, "But wait -
You used to teach my Sunday School, when I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart."

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.

Then another man stood before you, he said "Remember the time,
A missionary came to your church, His pictures made you cry.
You didn't have much money but you gave it anyway.
Jesus took that gift you gave
And that's why I'm in Heaven today"

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.

One by one they came, far as your eyes could see.
Each life somehow touched by your generosity.
Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you made,
They were unnoticed on this earth
In Heaven now proclaimed.

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.

And I know up in Heaven you're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord
He said "My child look around you,
Great is your reward."

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave,
I am so glad you gave.

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Lord, may someone trace his conversion to me. May I contribute to someone's progress in life, however small it is. May someone's story of success and progress have my input. May someone stand at that golden gate and tell me 'Thank you for giving to the Lord'.

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good (2 Thess 3:13)

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal 6:9)

@Topup, praying is an integral part of fellowship.

Father, thank you for the grace that brings salvation that you have shown to us.  I pray for everyone that have not yet come to the knowledge of your saving grace, that you will reveal yourself unto them.  Especially Topup's friends who you know by their names.  Let your light shine upon their hearts Oh Lord.  Open their eyes to your Truth.  Touch them, Father.  Bring them to a relationship with you.  Save them Oh Lord.

I pray for everyone connected to me in one way or the other that has not yet known you.  May the sacrifice of Jesus never be in vain in their lives, Lord.  Cause them to encounter you.  Help them to realise that you alone are the Way, the Truth and the Life and bring them to eternal life in you.

Help me (and others reading this) that our lives and conducts may bring others to you.  Help us to be shining examples of your love, that we may be instruments in your hands to reach out to others.  May our lives not deter others from accepting you, Lord.  Thank you Lord, for hearing my prayer.  In Jesus name I have prayed.  Amen.

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You may also wish to visit the thread Can we Pray Together? for your prayer requests

Just got this from someone and decided to share it as well:

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only one of two things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

Have a blessed day.

Hallmark of True Discipleship

John 13:35
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." .

This is straight from the mouth of the Master Himself!  No greater mark, no stronger bond, than that of love (agape) that we share and show, even when others are not deserving of such.  After all, He even gave His life for us while we were yet underserving sinners.  What a show of love!

1 cor 13:13
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

As strong as faith is and as good as hope is, the greatest is still love.  Have you shown love to someone today?  Have you ever loved someone the way Jesus loves you- unconditionally?  It's about time!!

1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Father I pray you grant us the grace to love more than ever before.  Help us to show love even to those that hurt us because by so doing we show we are your disciples indeed.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen.

Thanks, you just made my day!!!

@Daruche, no sir!  Are you posting to be commended or to encourage/bless someone?  Don't withold good when it is necessary, brother.

Looking forward to reading your posts o!

daruche:
Am so sorry for the contribution if my brethren think am an extremist and going haywire, as long as am doing it to the Lord.

this is my parting gift to all my brethren in the house, Thank you and GOd bless!

Now Daruche, why would you want to do such a thing? We need you here please! Everyone can't always agree with everyone, but there is always joy in sharing. Tell me, how would you know if someone has not been blessed with a phrase you have posted?

I beseech you by the mercies of our Lord to bear each other with much love and patience! Peace.