Prayer Request Thread

[fightbackhxc]

We are open letter cards to the world.

We are called to be Jesus to this world Christ living in us. Not that we may gain but him to gain. No longer myself living but Christ living in me!

Galatians 2:20

 

[may19th2001]

I offer my sincere condolences for your loss that is sad...

 

[may19th2001]

My Condolences

I would like to again offer my sincere condolences for the loss, that is truly sad.

I know how it is.

Two days ago we got another ultrasound from someone else who did not know what the other radiologist thought. I knew something was wrong and assumed that it was the same thing they saw on the other ultrasound the diaphragmatic hernia. So yesterday we went back to our doctor and got the news that the baby had past. We had to induce labor and by yesterday evening my wife went into labor. She was in pain and they told her it could take days, but after about five hours her water broke and the baby came out. Very emotional seeing my baby like that. It was a boy we named it Tyler and it was baptised. The physical appearance was normal. We refused an autopsy, because it won't tell us the things we need to know. I am working on burial arrangements as soon as possible. The hardest part was waking up in the ob ward with other couples in the rooms around us and their babies crying. My wife is healthy, but she is having emotional issues as am I. But I am thankful she is okay and that it went rather quickly. Thanks for your prayers and I hope everyone on this thread who is praying gets the blessings they are looking for.

 

[Andy G]

Andy, that has puzzled me, too. A few years ago, I had kind of an ah-ha moment. I realized how observing the strength that a strong faith provides others during their valleys had grown my own faith. The ah-ha came when it registered with me that when we go through trials, there are always others looking on. If we crumble or grow angry/bitter, well... that's not exactly something that says our faith is beneficial nor is it a mindset that's appealing to others. I can't help but believe that those looking on are affected when we stand firm in our faith during trials. As they see our unshakable belief that SOMEHOW God will use trials for good there are innumerable instances where someone's going to think... "hmm... I want what he's got." As others see us draw strength from knowing that our God makes no mistakes and IS in control it is our true witness to His sovereignty. People on the fringes of our battles notice how our faith affects our fight.

Put simply, how believers handle the curves life throws is like a billboard showing others that He brings comfort and assurance, regardless the circumstance. Seeing our faith in action during crisis can affect others for Christ. That was my ah-ha.

Thanks Keeper. Good stuff.

 

[isoc]

I want to praise the Lord for His mercy and compassion, thank God our God is not only capable, but caring.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Though there is great love and compassion for each other shown in this thread, it is just the dimmest light compared to our God, but thank God for all of you who do care and do pray, what a great reflection on the Lord you are and I praise you for knowing how to please Him.

Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

 

[DR.D]

Prayer Request:

Hello all. A friend of mine and co-worker's brand new baby boy Zachary Yeager is going through some very challenging physical ailments. He was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome(HLHS) back in March before he was born. Basically what this condition does is the left side of the heart is under developed and the right side of the heart starts to grow around it. The left side of the heart is the muscle that pumps blood throughout and there is usually a hole between the right atrium and this muscle that is way too small. Zachary has to undergo three open heart surgeries before the age of 2. He just had his first, two weeks ago, and has been surviving with the chest left open as it heals, etc. The chest closure is this morning. I was hoping to have the power of a.m. prayer on his side today! Thank you all for your spiritual support in this matter and feel truly blessed to able to be a part of your world as well.

Had a buddy who's kid had this too. Couldn't gain weight and needed multiple surgeries to fix the hole. He's about 5 now and one of the toughest little boys I know! He started putting on good weight too now. I've seen him just dive head first down the stairs with no hands, get up and do it again (said he was tough, not smart, lol) The chest scars are very minimal too, though they were quite pronounced for the first 3-6months. Tell your buddy to hang in there, Andy. God bless Zach, he's in our prayers for sure.

 

[DR.D]

... Thanks to the big man upstairs.

Amen. If He fails to answer our prayers, there's a reason. Sometimes it's more of a delay, but we can't expect anything if we don't at least ask, so pray and keep praying (faith) and keep praising (thanks) for answered and unanswered prayers alike. The Bible says that even bad judges heed a persistent plea, so how much more does a good God listen to our never ending prayers?


The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" - Luke 18


It's important to remember that this is ALL God's. Our family, our friends, even our kids, it's all His and He's a good daddy with a perfect plan. Jesus ends the parable with a question of faith and our stewardship of it. Keep faith and never give up, because He's looking for those who look for Him! That's the whole point. He just wants a relationship with His creation, like any good daddy enjoys time with his kids. Loyalty to the end, faith to the extreme, obedience in all situations, that's what God calls love and that's what God honors. Great are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers a righteous man from them all!

Still praying for Zach, Andy. God bless all the great prayer warriors here, and Praise the Lord for His mercy, protection, provision and love!

 

[fightbackhxc]

Ultimately God is in control. Everything he does is fair because he is God. If he chooses not to do something it is fair. God cannot be questioned. He is our creator so much more then we can even think. To try to put God in a box is like playing with fire.

 

[subweevil]

Well put. People will let you down, whether they mean to or not. God won't.

 

[andrew732]

Ultimately God is in control. Everything he does is fair because he is God. If he chooses not to do something it is fair. God cannot be questioned. He is our creator so much more then we can even think. To try to put God in a box is like playing with fire.

Everything God has in his will is for our benefit.

 

[fightbackhxc]

Everything God has in his will is for our benefit.

Exactly but sometimes we have trouble realizing that. God wants us to be able to live lift and to live it the fullest.

 

[BUCKNUTS]

Exactly but sometimes we have trouble realizing that. God wants us to be able to live lift and to live it the fullest.

You have lifting on the brain young brother, j/k of course I know you meant life but it gave me a chuckle. I think ultimately we were created by God for His own pleasure/purpose so the notion of fair or unfair is to me a mute point. Man always approaches the notion of fairness from his own narrow point of view, what is good for me is fair. God sees the whole picture from every angle and God always does what is just and thus He is always fair.

 

[fightbackhxc]

haha thats funny. I actually have been struggling with the fact that sometimes I am more excited to workout and better myself rather then spend time with God. Thats why I am designing a shirt to wear in the gym that has a verse on it or something

 

[madds87]

I have just seen this post.... ha little late..... but i have a prayer request ladies and gents. My girlfriend, recently i found out was raped when she was in high school. This made me understand a few things that did not make sense to me before. She is such a loving young lady, so unique and caring. She still struggles with this realization, i guess you could say. I can understand why. it was actually a terrible story when she explained it to me.... but i was just woundering and asking if yall would pray for her. its tough for her to open up to me which i can understand. I try to be as loving and patient and caring to her, because she deserves the best. Thank yall and God bless.

 

[BUCKNUTS]

haha thats funny. I actually have been struggling with the fact that sometimes I am more excited to workout and better myself rather then spend time with God. Thats why I am designing a shirt to wear in the gym that has a verse on it or something

I am guilty of that as well at times.

 

[BUCKNUTS]

I have just seen this post.... ha little late..... but i have a prayer request ladies and gents. My girlfriend, recently i found out was raped when she was in high school. This made me understand a few things that did not make sense to me before. She is such a loving young lady, so unique and caring. She still struggles with this realization, i guess you could say. I can understand why. it was actually a terrible story when she explained it to me.... but i was just woundering and asking if yall would pray for her. its tough for her to open up to me which i can understand. I try to be as loving and patient and caring to her, because she deserves the best. Thank yall and God bless.

Sorry to hear that it's a terrible thing man, my best friend in the world found out that his wife had been raped as a teen and his wife felt so much shame and was so traumatized that it took ten years for her to confide in him. I will definitely pray for your girlfriend and for you that God give you the love and patience to understand what she is going through. God bless

 

[madds87]

Sorry to hear that it's a terrible thing man, my best friend in the world found out that his wife had been raped as a teen and his wife felt so much shame and was so traumatized that it took ten years for her to confide in him. I will definitely pray for your girlfriend and for you that God give you the love and patience to understand what she is going through. God bless

Yeah im thankful that she told me early, well somewhat early. i dont know how i would deal with it if i was told in 10 yrs. dang.... But her and i were watching the new movie "taken", i didnt realize how the movie was but if you have not seen it the girl in the movie gets kidnapped and raped. I was loving the movie. but the i started realizing she was getting all worked up from watching it.... "oh crap!" shut off the movie. i felt so bad. i didnt even think about that...... So much for helping...... but i appreciate the prayer/s Buck.

 

[BUCKNUTS]

Yeah im thankful that she told me early, well somewhat early. i dont know how i would deal with it if i was told in 10 yrs. dang.... But her and i were watching the new movie "taken", i didnt realize how the movie was but if you have not seen it the girl in the movie gets kidnapped and raped. I was loving the movie. but the i started realizing she was getting all worked up from watching it.... "oh crap!" shut off the movie. i felt so bad. i didnt even think about that...... So much for helping...... but i appreciate the prayer/s Buck.

No problem bro, Rape is dehumanizing and my buddy and his wife have always had intimacy problems due to the rape she suffers from a form of ptsd, so be kind, considerate and understanding towards her.

 

[fightbackhxc]

When I get my shirt designed would you like me to send you the design so you can rep one as well? Representing christ in the gym?

 

[keeper]

Google "witness wear." Lots of great options that have one purpose... seed planting. They say a lot and say it well.

Such as: Invalid Link Removed

 

[fightbackhxc]

I visit C28 alot, I just want something to do with the gym not just everyday clothing but thanks keeper! C28 is definitely a great christain apparel site. Plus I wanna make it my own and add Psalms 144 as my verse

 

[BUCKNUTS]

When I get my shirt designed would you like me to send you the design so you can rep one as well? Representing christ in the gym?

When you get it done let's see it. My training partner wears one that says God's Gym it's a play on the yellow circular Gold's gym logo it's cool.

 

[fightbackhxc]

When you get it done let's see it. My training partner wears one that says God's Gym it's a play on the yellow circular Gold's gym logo it's cool.

will do Amigo.

 

[keeper]

I visit C28 alot, I just want something to do with the gym not just everyday clothing but thanks keeper! C28 is definitely a great christain apparel site. Plus I wanna make it my own and add Psalms 144 as my verse

That is too cool and will most likely open opportunities for good discussion.

 

[subweevil]

Rape is always tough and very traumatic, my heart and prayers go out. As for the shirt, I'd style it!!

 

[fightbackhxc]

once my friend designs it for me ill post it up

 

[BeBig]

I have just seen this post.... ha little late..... but i have a prayer request ladies and gents. My girlfriend, recently i found out was raped when she was in high school. This made me understand a few things that did not make sense to me before. She is such a loving young lady, so unique and caring. She still struggles with this realization, i guess you could say. I can understand why. it was actually a terrible story when she explained it to me.... but i was just woundering and asking if yall would pray for her. its tough for her to open up to me which i can understand. I try to be as loving and patient and caring to her, because she deserves the best. Thank yall and God bless.

Sorry to hear about this man...this really sucks...I had a girlfriend back in the day that went through similar situation and it was very traumatic on her, she did confide in me about it but it was just terrible to have to listen but I sat an listened patiently and HEARD her out....I will keep her and you in my prayers.....

 

[keeper]

I will cover her in prayer. I know that you didn't ask for advice, but please indulge me. I've never been through anything like that, but as a woman, I'd advise you to listen if she needs to talk about it. Often, sharing such a heavy burden with someone you trust is very therapeutic. When you listen, try not to say a lot. I know that sounds strange, but if you vent your anger about what happened to her, it may exacerbate her own negative emotions. Just help her talk it out at her own pace and help her know that in time, God will heal her if she gives it to Him in faith. Keep reassuring her of that and hold her. Good, long, sincere hugs say so much. They are medicine for our hurting hearts.

You must realize that you've been placed in a position of ministry to this girl. Our personal ministries to each other must please the Lord so much... being His hands, feet, and voice in everyday life.

 

[BeBig]

I will cover her in prayer. I know that you didn't ask for advice, but please indulge me. I've never been through anything like that, but as a woman, I'd advise you to listen if she needs to talk about it. Often, sharing such a heavy burden with someone you trust is very therapeutic. When you listen, try not to say a lot. I know that sounds strange, but if you vent your anger about what happened to her, it may exacerbate her own negative emotions. Just help her talk it out at her own pace and help her know that in time, God will heal her if she gives it to Him in faith. Keep reassuring her of that and hold her. Good, long, sincere hugs say so much. They are medicine for our hurting hearts.

You must realize that you've been placed in a position of ministry to this girl. Our personal ministries to each other must please the Lord so much... being His hands, feet, and voice in everyday life.

Are you talkin to me or madds?? If it's me this was a girlfriend a long time ago..that I have not been with or have talked to in yrs...but I did at the time what you have said...it was very hard for her to put all her trust in me but she did...I just hope everything is well for her now.....and wish her the best....

 

[madds87]

I appreciate it peeps. I know i try my best. i have never really experienced this before so im working on it. But i do give her big hugs. i know how it is to get a hug now and then, when your down. I will try my best to help her. I want to be there for her. I remember when she turned to me one day and said, "Im glad i met you, i havent been this happy in a while." This made me hurt cause im not that great. lol! but i totally agree, i was placed in her life for a reason. I will just keep praying that he will show me what to say and do, and that she will understand the beautiful plan God has for her. Thanks.

 

[keeper]

I understood and I meant Madds. Should have quoted.

 

[Andy G]

I agree, it's like when I learned acoustic guitar: sometimes the best note is the one you don't play. Silence and listening attentively can be priceless here.

 

[keeper]

Wow... great analogy, Andy.

 

[isoc]

I was reading Jeremiah yesterday and was in Ch 42-44 and again Israel was hearing of impending punishment for turning away from the Lord and a few things really stuck out. First was that Israel in Ch42 inquired of the Lord through Jeremiah whther they should go to Egypt, the Lord's answer was no, and yet in Ch43 Israel paid no attention and went to Egypt anyway, and in Ch44 the Lord pronounces judgment on them for worshipping Egyptian gods and these two parts really stuck out:

(this is Israel speaking to Jeremiah)
Ch 44
16 As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.

17 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth,...

This sounds so much like America today, we will not believe the Bible, the word and manifestation of the Lord, but we will do whatever we want to do. We will not believe the Lord, but we will believe what other humans say and do what they tell us to. What a sad state we are in, how sad the Lord must be that we dishonor Him in such a way, and how sad for the poor unsaved who are trusting in the wrong things. It is great that the Lord still has great faith filled prayer warriors as all of you are, please add to your list souls to be saved in our families, co-workers, gyms, and here at AM, as well as all over the world where Jesus Christ is not believed on as Savior. May the Lord have mercy on these poor people as He has shown us such great grace. And who are we, that we should merit it above others? We are no one, if we can be saved, so can they. May the Lord add His blessing to our work on His behalf, for one may plant, another tend, but increase comes from the Lord.

 

[andrew732]

I was reading Jeremiah yesterday and was in Ch 42-44 and again Israel was hearing of impending punishment for turning away from the Lord and a few things really stuck out. First was that Israel in Ch42 inquired of the Lord through Jeremiah whther they should go to Egypt, the Lord's answer was no, and yet in Ch43 Israel paid no attention and went to Egypt anyway, and in Ch44 the Lord pronounces judgment on them for worshipping Egyptian gods and these two parts really stuck out:

(this is Israel speaking to Jeremiah)
Ch 44
16 As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.

17 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth,...

This sounds so much like America today, we will not believe the Bible, the word and manifestation of the Lord, but we will do whatever we want to do. We will not believe the Lord, but we will believe what other humans say and do what they tell us to. What a sad state we are in, how sad the Lord must be that we dishonor Him in such a way, and how sad for the poor unsaved who are trusting in the wrong things. It is great that the Lord still has great faith filled prayer warriors as all of you are, please add to your list souls to be saved in our families, co-workers, gyms, and here at AM, as well as all over the world where Jesus Christ is not believed on as Savior. May the Lord have mercy on these poor people as He has shown us such great grace. And who are we, that we should merit it above others? We are no one, if we can be saved, so can they. May the Lord add His blessing to our work on His behalf, for one may plant, another tend, but increase comes from the Lord.

YES, people do want they want to do because it makes them feel at ease and no sacrifice is needed, its all about ME, a no-no for any true believer in God.

 

[Cfour]

This week a very good friend of mine & co-worker suffered a heart attack at work. He is 52 years old & a fine upstanding fellow. Today is his birthday and he will undergo triple bypass surgery at 12 noon. Your prayers for my friend will be appreciated.
Thank You,
Clay (Cfour)

 

[BUCKNUTS]

This week a very good friend of mine & co-worker suffered a heart attack at work. He is 52 years old & a fine upstanding fellow. Today is his birthday and he will undergo triple bypass surgery at 12 noon. Your prayers for my friend will be appreciated.
Thank You,
Clay (Cfour)

Kind of scary huh Clay ? you and I aren't that far from his age. Thank God we live in an age where cardiac care is so good he has a great chance to come through fine. I will def pray that his operation is successful and he recovers well. God bless.

 

[dedlifter1]

YES, people do want they want to do because it makes them feel at ease and no sacrifice is needed, its all about ME, a no-no for any true believer in God.

Some say that believers are weak. Here is the reality, however. Believers are the strongest people in the world. People choose to do the things they do and live the way they live because they believe it is easier than having faith and therefore being somehow restricted in there lives and worldly desires. My faith in GOD, gives me power to do anything I choose, as long as its in HIS name. I am not restricted at all, quite the opposite in fact, i am empowered, by this amazing, intense, often quiet surge that runs through my heart and soul, provided GOD. Non believers do not have this, they run on pure human instinct alone. Instinct alone makes you one thing......an animal. Our human side will sin over and over again. Sacrafice is needed indeed!!!

 

[Liftergym33]

This week a very good friend of mine & co-worker suffered a heart attack at work. He is 52 years old & a fine upstanding fellow. Today is his birthday and he will undergo triple bypass surgery at 12 noon. Your prayers for my friend will be appreciated.
Thank You,
Clay (Cfour)

Will say a prayer for him and his family..

 

[Irish Cannon]

Google "witness wear." Lots of great options that have one purpose... seed planting. They say a lot and say it well.

Such as: Invalid Link Removed

Wow! That clothing has some pretty sweet designs!

This week a very good friend of mine & co-worker suffered a heart attack at work. He is 52 years old & a fine upstanding fellow. Today is his birthday and he will undergo triple bypass surgery at 12 noon. Your prayers for my friend will be appreciated.
Thank You,
Clay (Cfour)

I'll say a prayer for him on my way to the gym in a few minutes! (I always try to spend some time in prayer as I head to the gym...but lately it's been taken up with anger and frustration with summer traffic. :worried

I'm sure everything will go great for him, man. My friend's father went through this last Summer and he's in great shape and doing quite well. Make sure he takes it easy after that surgery. Cook him some good, healthy meals!

 

[keeper]

Clay, as with Cannon's example, I know of many who've undergone this surgery and come out feeling better than they had in years. Medical technology is astounding these days. We will lift your friend and his family to the Lord.

You are a good friend to bring this petition to a place where it will be attended. This thread reminds me of Luke 5:17-20 where the 4 friends carried their friend to a house where Jesus was teaching. When they arrived there, the place was so packed, they couldn't get inside. They climbed onto the roof, made an opening, and lowered their bud down to the Lord for healing. The image of them carrying the mat, the weight of their friend in their hands comes to mind as I read here. The compassion is beautiful.

 

[BeBig]

This week a very good friend of mine & co-worker suffered a heart attack at work. He is 52 years old & a fine upstanding fellow. Today is his birthday and he will undergo triple bypass surgery at 12 noon. Your prayers for my friend will be appreciated.
Thank You,
Clay (Cfour)

Got your back and your friends back in my prayers partner......:usa1:

 

[Cfour]

Clay, as with Cannon's example, I know of many who've undergone this surgery and come out feeling better than they had in years. Medical technology is astounding these days. We will lift your friend and his family to the Lord.

You are a good friend to bring this petition to a place where it will be attended. This thread reminds me of Luke 5:17-20 where the 4 friends carried their friend to a house where Jesus was teaching. When they arrived there, the place was so packed, they couldn't get inside. They climbed onto the roof, made an opening, and lowered their bud down to the Lord for healing. The image of them carrying the mat, the weight of their friend in their hands comes to mind as I read here. The compassion is beautiful.

I thank everyone for their prayers. A little bad news....his bypass surgery has been postponed because he's developed a bacterial infection.

 

[GotTest]

Something to meditate on:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt6R78qXhd8&feature=related"]YouTube - The Almost - Amazing, because it is[/ame]

 

[dragonfly]

Amen sister the more time I spend in prayer and reading God's word the closer I am to Him, my faith has waned at times and and I have moved away from God at times but I've never lost my faith. in the end I realize that God stays faithful it's me who walks away and when I do it's clear that my attitude and my outlook become darker. I love these scriptures from Ephesians 6 on the subject, as always God's word is truth. God bless everyone, have a blessed day.

Experience has thought me too that even one day away from God’s Word brings struggle and pain to my life. A friend of mine sent me a link to this website awhile back. Invalid Link Removed There hasn’t been a day in the last month that I skipped a sermon. I somehow always pick the right one to listen to. The one that answers my question of the day. For each day we are tested. For me, a sermon a day keeps the devil away

About the demonic realization, I have seen and heard them too. It's actually what led me to Christ, but I can't imagine it happening at so young an age as 3. You are a strong woman, dragonfly, with a spirit of discernment and courage. You are protected by our Lord Jesus Christ no doubt.

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." - Psalms 91

To be strong is an ongoing learning process Dr D ...I have to keep reminding myself that no matter what hits me in life, it is all God’s plan. ...and my faith in God should be stronger than sight in things. Doesn’t matter how bad the circumstances appear to be, to choose His way instead of my way ensures that whatever the hard lesson is that I have to learn, I shall learn it the easy way If we choose our way of learning against the Lord's, then even the easy lessons become hard.

The Daily Bible Walk illustrates this nicely :

“One day a man named Lot sat down at his desk, pulled out a sheet of paper, and wrote across the top: Goals for my life:

1) To lose all sense of moral values
2) To forfeit all spiritual authority in my home
3) To exert no influence for good in my community
4) To lose everyone and everything dear to me

Ridiculous you say ? Then consider this: Lot set no such goals yet he accomplished everything on that list! Those unwritten goals simply became the consequences of his worldly choices.”

Lot chose for himself, Abram let God to choose for him.

This is absolutely correct. As the child gets older, the resentment against the bad-mouthing parent will manifest. I think as we get older, it is important to remember that we are still all human, and often times we make desicions based soley upon our emotions, with no thought of the future consequences. My father used to bad mouth my mother, because she chose to go drinking instead of being my mom. I used to idolize my father, but as i got older, I came to see his pitfalls, some major, as a parent, but instead of resenting him for them, i examined my own behavior, and have done everything in my power to ensure that i am the best possible father i can be, and you know what? I still fall short. That is why I trust in GOD, to help me be a better father, husband, friend, worker, etc. I guess my point is that if we trust in GOD, and realize that judgement is reserved for him and him alone, we will be able to come into situations like these, see the transgressions of others, and forgive

AMEN
Invalid Link Removed

Amen. If He fails to answer our prayers, there's a reason. Sometimes it's more of a delay, but we can't expect anything if we don't at least ask, so pray and keep praying (faith) and keep praising (thanks) for answered and unanswered prayers alike. The Bible says that even bad judges heed a persistent plea, so how much more does a good God listen to our never ending prayers?

It's important to remember that this is ALL God's. Our family, our friends, even our kids, it's all His and He's a good daddy with a perfect plan. Jesus ends the parable with a question of faith and our stewardship of it. Keep faith and never give up, because He's looking for those who look for Him! That's the whole point. He just wants a relationship with His creation, like any good daddy enjoys time with his kids. Loyalty to the end, faith to the extreme, obedience in all situations, that's what God calls love and that's what God honors. Great are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers a righteous man from them all!

8 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews.

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! 10 You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up."

13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?

15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, O king."

25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

God rewards faithfulness in His own time. Whatever your trial is, don’t quit. God will never allow for you to be tempted beyond your ability. If you persevere, God will always provide a way out

Whenever our faith is tested through hardships we have a perfect opportunity to get more closer and intimate with the Lord. Instead of looking at "bad times" as a curse we should look at them as a blessing

Ultimately God is in control. Everything he does is fair because he is God. If he chooses not to do something it is fair. God cannot be questioned. He is our creator so much more then we can even think. To try to put God in a box is like playing with fire.

Everything God has in his will is for our benefit.

You have lifting on the brain young brother, j/k of course I know you meant life but it gave me a chuckle. I think ultimately we were created by God for His own pleasure/purpose so the notion of fair or unfair is to me a mute point. Man always approaches the notion of fairness from his own narrow point of view, what is good for me is fair. God sees the whole picture from every angle and God always does what is just and thus He is always fair.

People often question God’s fairness. When a tragedy happens you can either trust in the Lord or you can throw insults at Him because you just don’t think life is fair. Rather than throwing insults at things we don’t understand, we should trust in what we DO understand

Luke 23:39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

Luke 23:40-43 - But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

 

[bpmartyr]

Request: Safety; no incidents and if there are, a clear head and non lethal outcome. I am working as a bodyguard tonight (armed - concealed) with a limo service. Not real sure about the clients but anyone that needs a bodyguard ...

Thanks

BP

 

[keeper]

Request: Safety; no incidents and if there are, a clear head and non lethal outcome. I am working as a bodyguard tonight (armed - concealed) with a limo service. Not real sure about the clients but anyone that needs a bodyguard ...

Thanks

BP

On it. Good luck.

 

[keeper]

Okay, 9-1-1, guys. A good friend of mine (and yours) is going through hell right now. It's a very complex and painful situation. This is a guy who has most likely helped carry burdens for each of you who post in this thread, and then some. He's a servant and the truest form of friend. Please help me cover this dear man in prayer. In respect for his privacy, I won't name him but God knows his name. Help me in this effort, please.

"Where two or more are gathered in My name, I am in the midst of them." Matt.18:20.

We can't "gather" physically, but we can join in spirit.

 

[dedlifter1]

i will pray that GOD's will be done, and that he have the strength to face whatever adversity is coming his direction.

 

[BUCKNUTS]

Okay, 9-1-1, guys. A good friend of mine (and yours) is going through hell right now. It's a very complex and painful situation. This is a guy who has most likely helped carry burdens for each of you who post in this thread, and then some. He's a servant and the truest form of friend. Please help me cover this dear man in prayer. In respect for his privacy, I won't name him but God knows his name. Help me in this effort, please.

"Where two or more are gathered in My name, I am in the midst of them." Matt.18:20.

We can't "gather" physically, but we can join in spirit.

I will definitely add my prayers to yours whom ever he is and whatever his situation I pray that the Lord bless and keep this brother in his time of need. I love this Psalm, when troubled it is comforting to me. God Bless.

Psalm 138
A Psalm of David.
1 I will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name
For Your loving kindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
And made me bold with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD,
When they hear the words of Your mouth.
5 Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.
6 Though the LORD is on high,
Yet He regards the lowly;
But the proud He knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.