A spiritual thought
archie
When we feel discouraged, remember that God is near, listening carefully to every prayer and answering each prayer in order to give us His best.
In prayer, God hears more than just words, He listens to our heart.
HELLO GOD, I CALLED TONIGHT
Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who’ll listen
To my anxiety and trial.
You see, I can’t quite make it
Through a day just on my own
I need Your love to guide me,
So I’ll never feel alone.
I want to ask You please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they’re bound.
Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can’t change in any way.
I thank you God, for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.
Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.
So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You, too,
And I’ll call again tomorrow!
Source unknown
Always Say A Prayer
archie
When we fail to expose our sins and secret thoughts to God, we shut down the lines of communication we have with Him.
In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
HELPING OTHERS
A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.' The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell. They went to the next room and opened the door.
It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand. 'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. The greedy think only of themselves.
Source unknown
archie
When we draw close to God, God will draw close to us.
In the face of danger, face danger with prayer.
THE HOLY ALPHABET
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of Camp Complaining
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To thank is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there’ll be good times and yes some will be bad, but
Zion waits in glory where none are ever sad!
Source unknown
archie
When we doubt is the time to turn to God, not away from Him.
Instead of grumbling because of we don’t get what we pray for, let’s be thankful we don’t get what we deserve.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD
It is not in one spectacular experience that you come to know Me intimately. It is living with Me every hour of every day.
You will see My face in all that is around you.
You will see Me in all of nature-—the trees and sky and flowers, the sea, and the animals.
You will see Me in the faces of those who love you and whom you love.
You will see Me in the faces of all you meet and touch each day, for I am there.
You will hear Me speaking from everywhere. I am not limited; I speak in My written Word, in the writings of others, in the singing of birds, in the laughter of children.
Listen, for you cannot miss My voice. I will speak to you through the words of people. Their voices will bring you My messages.
I am in every circumstance, in every situation. I am everywhere, in everything, and I can use everyone, even if they don’t recognize it.
You cannot miss Me if you but look and listen, for it is in your own eyes and in your own ears, that you will see and hear Me.
It is in choosing to see the good in everything that happens to you, to take the blessing from each moment, each new day, each encounter with others.
It is in seeking Me, day after day, year after year, and finding Me always there, always waiting, always loving, always merciful, and always giving that you will learn to find the best in every person and situation and take from each the gifts that they bring.
You will experience Me and My presence when you see Me in all things.
Source unknown
archie
When we discovered that God wants of us, we’ve also discovered the shortest road to inner peace.
Instead of informing God of our will in prayer we should ask in prayer that our motives be divorced from self-pity, dishonesty, and self-seeking, ask in prayer for inspiration, an intuitive thought, or a decision, ask that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, asking especially for freedom from self-will.
WE NEED A PUPIL TO GROW
A college student was having difficulty with his studies, so he finally decided to talk to his professor. He complained, "I’m studying hard. I’m doing my best, but I just can’t retain what I read or try to memorize. Do you think it would help if I hired a tutor?"
Clearly understanding the young man’s problem, the instructor replied, "No, I wouldn’t recommend that at all. You don’t need a teacher, you need a pupil!" He knew that learning is enhanced when we share our knowledge with others.
This professor’s advice reminds me of believers who know many Bible facts but still have a poor understanding of scriptural truths. They attend church every Sunday, listen faithfully to religious broadcasts, enroll in Bible correspondence courses, and study the Scriptures personally; yet they seem to lack a working knowledge of the Bible.
What’s the problem? They never do anything with the information! They don’t need to be taught more; they need to tell others what they have learned. As they put it into practice, they will fully grasp it.
Do you discuss the truths of God’s Word with others? If not, it’s time you stopped being just a pupil and started being a teacher.
Until you tell someone what you have learned,
Your study may not stand the test;
But when the Spirits’ truth you have discerned,
By teaching it you’ll know it best.
A GOOD WAY TO LEARN GOD’S TRUTH
IS TO TEACH IT TO OTHERS
Our Daily Bread, 3/19/97
archie
When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel proud because we think we’re better, but when we measure ourselves against God’s standards, it becomes obvious that we’re not nearly good enough.
It is better not to pray than to pray deceptively.
HOW TO HEAR GOD
The man whispered, "God, speak to me" and a meadowlark sang. But, the man did not hear. So the man yelled, “God, speak to me” and the thunder rolled across the sky. But, the man did not listen. The man looked around and said, "God let me see you." And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see. And, the man shouted, "God show me a miracle." And, a life was born. But, the man did not notice. So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here." Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on. This is a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted, even in our electronic age. So I would like to add one more: The man cried, "God, I need Your help!" And an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement. But, the man deleted it and continued crying. Don’t miss out on a blessing because it isn’t packaged the way that you expect.
Unknown source
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HOW TO LISTEN TO GOD
These are a few simple suggestions for people who are willing to make an experiment. You can discover for yourself the most important and practical thing any human being can ever learn--how to be in touch with God.
All that is needed is the willingness to try it honestly. Every person who has done this consistently and sincerely has found that it really works.
Before you begin, look over these fundamental points. They are true and are based on the experience of thousands of people.
1) God is alive. He always has been and He always will be.
2) God knows everything.
3) God can do anything.
4) God can be everywhere--all at the same time. (These are the important differences between God and us human beings).
5) God is invisible--we can’t see Him or touch Him--but, God is here. He is with you now. He is beside you. He surrounds you. He fills the room or the whole place where you are right now. He is in you now. He is in your heart.
6) God cares very much for you. He is interested in you. He has a plan for your life. He has an answer for every need and problem you face.
7) God will tell you all that you need to know. He will not always tell you all that you want to know.
8) God will help you do anything that He asks you to do.
9) Anyone can be in touch with God, anywhere and at any time, if the conditions are obeyed.
These are the conditions:
To be quiet and still
To listen
To be honest about every thought that comes
To test the thoughts to be sure that they come from God
To obey
So, with these basic elements as a background, here are specific suggestions on how to listen to God:
1) Take time: Find some place and time where you can be alone, quiet and undisturbed. Most people have found that the early morning is the best time. Have with you some paper and pen or pencil.
2) Relax: Sit in a comfortable position. Consciously relax all your muscles. Be loose. There is no hurry. There needs to be no strain during these minutes. God cannot get through to us if we are tense and anxious about later responsibilities.
3) Tune in: Open your heart to God. Either silently or aloud, just say to God in a natural way that you would like to find His plan for your life--you want His answer to the problem or situation that you are facing just now. Be definite and specific in your request.
4) Listen: Just be still, quiet, relaxed and open. Let your mind go loose. Let God do the talking. Thoughts, ideas and impressions will begin to come into your mind and heart. Be alert and aware and open to everyone.
5) Write: Here is the important key to the whole process. Write down everything that comes into your mind. Everything. Writing is simply a means of recording so that you can remember later. Don’t sort out or edit your thoughts at this point.
Don’t say to yourself:
This thought isn’t important
This is just an ordinary thought
This can’t be guidance
This isn’t nice
This can’t be from God
This is just me thinking..., etc.
Write down everything that passes through your mind:
Names of people
Things to do
Things to say
Things that are wrong and need to be made right
Write down everything:
Good thoughts--bad thoughts
Comfortable thoughts--uncomfortable thoughts
Holy thoughts--unholy thoughts
Sensible thoughts--crazy thoughts
Be honest! Write down everything! A thought comes quickly, and it escapes even more quickly unless it is captured and put down.
6) Test: When the flow of thoughts slows down, stop. Take a good look at what you have written. Not every thought we have comes from God. So we need to test our thoughts. Here is where the written record helps us to be able to look at them.
a) Are these thoughts completely honest, pure, unselfish and loving?
b) Are these thoughts in line with our duties to our family--to our country?
c) Are these thoughts in line with our understanding of the teachings found in our spiritual literature?
7) Check: When in doubt and when it is important, what does another person who is living two way prayer think about this thought or action? More light comes in through two windows than one. Someone else who also wants God’s plan for our lives may help us to see more clearly.
Talk over together what you have written. Many people do this. They tell each other what guidance has come. This is the secret of unity. There are always three sides to every question--your side, my side, and the right side. Guidance shows us which is the right side--not who is right, but what is right.
8) Obey: Carry out the thoughts that have come. You will only be sure of guidance as you go through with it. A rudder will not guide a boat until the boat is moving. As you obey, very often the results will convince you that you are on the right track.
9) Blocks: What if I don’t seem to get any definite thought? God’s guidance is as freely available as the air we breathe. If I am not receiving thoughts when I listen, the fault is not God’s.
Usually it is because there is something I will not do:
Something wrong in my life that I will not face and make right
A habit or indulgence I will not give up
A person I will not forgive
A wrong relationship in my life I will not give up
A restitution I will not make
Something God has already told me to do that I will not obey
Check these points and be honest. Then try listening again.
10) Mistakes: Supposing I make a mistake and do something in the name of God that isn’t right? Of course we make mistakes. We are humans with many faults. However, God will always honor our sincerity.
He will work around and through every honest mistake we make. He will help us make it right. But, remember this! Sometimes when we do obey God, someone else may not like it or agree with it. So when there is opposition, it doesn’t always mean you have made a mistake. It can mean that the other person doesn’t want to know or to do what is right.
Supposing I fail to do something that I have been told and the opportunity to do it passes? There is only one thing to do. Put it right with God. Tell Him you’re sorry. Ask Him to forgive you, then accept His forgiveness and begin again. God is our Father--He is not an impersonal computer. He understands us far better than we do.
11) Results: We never know what swimming is like until we get down into the water and try. We will never know what this is like until we sincerely try it.
Every person who has tried this honestly finds that a wisdom, not their own, comes into their minds and that a Power greater than human power begins to operate in their lives. It is an endless adventure.
There is a way of life, for everyone, everywhere. Anyone can be in touch with the living God, anywhere, anytime, if we fulfill His conditions.
WHEN MAN LISTENS, GOD SPEAKS
WHEN MAN OBEYS, GOD ACTS
This is the law of prayer.
God’s plan for this world goes forward through the lives of ordinary people who are willing to be governed by Him.
John E. Batterson, An Oxford Group pamphlet/technique used by early A.A. members
archie
Everyone God created has something of value to teach us.
Everything we have is on loan from God.
HOW TO KNOW GOD
God loves a seeking heart. You may be looking for a sense of purpose in your life. Your heart is empty and each day consists of simply doing the “next thing”. We have great news for you, friend! That purpose and contentment can be found in a personal relationship with God. You can know Him! It gets better! More than you want to know God--He wants you to know Him. From that relationship flows the best plan for your life, the plan made by the One who created you, knows you best and loves you most. How can you know Him?
1) Recognize that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 says we all have sinned and fallen short of God's standard of holiness. Romans 3:10 says that there is no one without sin. In other words, we all make mistakes. We sin against God. We blow it, and have since the day we were born!
2) Understand that your sin demands payment. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death--physical and eternal. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." It also promises that the gift of God is eternal life. In other words, Jesus Christ went to the cross for you, and for me, to make the payment for sin that you and I should have made. He took our place! What a great love! Romans 5:8 describes that love in this way, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.
3) Confess your sin right now to God. To confess means to agree with God about your sin and choose to turn away or "repent" of your sin. You are choosing to step away from your old life and ways in order to follow God and live out His amazing plan for your life.
4) Receive His gift of forgiveness. Understand that His forgiveness is a gift. You can't merit it by being good enough or earn it by doing good things. Romans 3:21-22 “But God has a way to make people right with Him without the law. And God has now shown us that way which the law and the prophets told us about. God makes people right with Himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all are the same.”
5) Accept God’s forgiveness as His gift to you and thank Him for coming into your life. Surrender everything you know about you, to everything you know about Him. Romans 10:10 tells us, "We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we use our mouths to say that we believe, and so we are saved." In other words, we must believe in our hearts that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that He rose from the grave. We confess that truth in our hearts and with our lives.
6) Turn your life over to Him and choose to follow Him from this day on. Romans 8:38 promises: “Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. Not death, not life, not angels, not ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, or anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
7) Share your decision with someone. And celebrate the fact that God has taken up residence in your heart and life and will, from this moment on, be with you.
Unknown source
archie
Always Say A Prayer
archie
When we can’t solve our problems, God can.
It is important for us to listen as well as talk when we pray.
I AM THERE
Do you need ME?
I AM THERE.
You cannot see ME, yet I am the light you see by.
You cannot hear ME, yet I speak through your voice.
You cannot feel ME, yet I am the power at work in your hands.
I AM at work, though you do not understand MY ways.
I AM at work, though you do not understand MY works.
I AM not strange visions. I am not mysteries.
Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know ME
as I AM, and then but as a feeling and a faith.
Yet I AM here. Yet I hear. Yet I answer.
When you need ME, I AM THERE.
Even if you deny ME, I AM THERE.
Even when you feel most alone, I AM THERE.
Even in your fears, I AM THERE.
Even in your pain, I AM THERE.
I AM THERE when you pray and when you do not pray.
I AM in you, and you are in ME.
Only in your mind can you feel separate from ME, for
only in your mind are the mists of "yours" and "MINE".
Yet only with your mind can you know ME and experience ME.
Empty your heart of empty fears.
When you get yourself out of the way, I AM THERE.
You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all.
And I AM in all.
Though you may not see the good, good is there, for
I AM THERE. I AM THERE because I have to be, because I AM.
Only in ME does the world have meaning; only out of ME does the world take form; only because of ME does the world go forward.
I AM the law on which the movement of the stars and the growth of living cells are founded.
I AM the love that is the law's fulfilling. I AM assurance.
I AM peace. I AM oneness. I AM the law that you can live by.
I AM the love that you can cling to. I am your assurance.
I AM your peace. I AM one with you. I am.
Though you fail to find ME, I do not fail you.
Though your faith in ME is unsure, MY faith in you never
wavers, because I know you, because I love you.
Beloved, I AM THERE.
James Dillet Freeman
archie
It is not good to pray unless we are willing to accept God’s answers.
It is not the position of our body, but the position of our heart that matters when we pray.
IF WE LET GOD RUN THE WORLD WHICH HE CREATED IN THE WAY HE WANTS IT RUN THEN WE HAVE NO NEED TO QUESTION THE RESULTS
Many of us lose confidence in prayer because we do not realize the answer.
We ask for strength and
God gives us difficulties which make us strong.
We pray for wisdom and
God sends us problems, the solution of which develops wisdom.
We plead for prosperity and
God gives us brain and brawn with which to work.
We plead for courage and
God gives us dangers to overcome.
We ask for favors and
God gives us opportunities.
We asked God to take away our pride,
And God said, No.
He said it was not for Him to take away,
But for us to give up.
We asked God to make a handicapped child whole,
And God said, No.
He said his spirit is whole;
His body is only temporary.
We asked God to grant us patience,
And God said, No.
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulations,
It isn’t granted; it’s earned.
We asked God to give us happiness,
And God said, No.
He said He gives blessings.
Happiness is up to us.
We asked God to spare us pain,
And God said, No.
He said, Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
And brings you closer to Me.
We asked God to make our spirit grow,
And God said, No.
He said you must grow on my own.
But He will prune us to make us fruitful.
We asked God if He loved us,
And God said, Yes.
We asked God to help us love others
As much as He loves us.
And God said, Ah, finally you have the idea.
Source unknown
archie
When we can create the entire universe in six days, then we can help God run things.
It is not the quantity of time spend in prayer, it is in the quality.
IN TIMES OF GREAT DANGER
During World War II, a U.S. marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn’t going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.
As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
"Hah, he thought.”What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.
"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in You a spider’s web is stronger than a brick wall."
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. And remember with God, a mere spider’s web becomes a brick wall of protection.
Source unknown