Who's Right?
Psalm 46:10...Be still, and know that I am God...
Four retired ministers were constantly arguing and usually it was the same three against the same one. They had done this since their days in seminary.
On one particular occasion Mr. Smith was convinced that he was right so he decided to appeal to a higher authority. "Dear God," he prayed, "I know in my heart that I am right. Please give us a sign so that these other three dear colleagues will know that I am right."
It was a glorious clear day, but at his request, a dark ominous cloud rolled across the sky.
"So?" said the rest, "What does that prove?"
The next day they had yet another argument, and again it was the same three against the Rev. John Smith. Again Mr. Smith asked for a sign. Again, it was a bright clear day.
This time a dark cloud rolled ominously across the sky and ZAP!!! a lightening bold streaked down and a tree at the edge of the orchard exploded in flames.
"So?" the rest shrugged in unison, "What does that prove? It's still three to one."
The third day there was another argument and the same division of opinion. Again Mr. Smith asked for a sign, "And please, dear Lord," he prayed, "make it a very specific sign!"
Again, it was a clear day and again a dark and ominous thundercloud appeared. Again there was thunder and lightening. THIS TIME though a heavenly finger pointed at the Rev. Mr. Smith and a booming heavenly voice intoned, John Smith is right!
"So?" shrugged the rest, "that just means it's three to two."
Prayer is NOT getting God on our side in an argument.
Prayer is not an attempt to change God's mind on something.
We must always remember that prayer is NOT just us talking and expecting God to listen; prayer is us keeping quiet so we can hear God speaking. Prayer is trusting that God will change us and strengthen us to be able to receive the answer; if we are patient.
______
Luke 18:1...Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
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Jesus tells us to persist in prayer and not to give up, this must be balanced with waiting, listening & obeying God's answer even if it's not something we expect, understand or want.
.
.
Lord help each of us always to remember to always take time to 'be still' and listen for Your answer. Thank You Lord that You answer is always best. In the name of Jesus Chrsit.
Psalm 46:10...Be still, and know that I am God...
Four retired ministers were constantly arguing and usually it was the same three against the same one. They had done this since their days in seminary.
On one particular occasion Mr. Smith was convinced that he was right so he decided to appeal to a higher authority. "Dear God," he prayed, "I know in my heart that I am right. Please give us a sign so that these other three dear colleagues will know that I am right."
It was a glorious clear day, but at his request, a dark ominous cloud rolled across the sky.
"So?" said the rest, "What does that prove?"
The next day they had yet another argument, and again it was the same three against the Rev. John Smith. Again Mr. Smith asked for a sign. Again, it was a bright clear day.
This time a dark cloud rolled ominously across the sky and ZAP!!! a lightening bold streaked down and a tree at the edge of the orchard exploded in flames.
"So?" the rest shrugged in unison, "What does that prove? It's still three to one."
The third day there was another argument and the same division of opinion. Again Mr. Smith asked for a sign, "And please, dear Lord," he prayed, "make it a very specific sign!"
Again, it was a clear day and again a dark and ominous thundercloud appeared. Again there was thunder and lightening. THIS TIME though a heavenly finger pointed at the Rev. Mr. Smith and a booming heavenly voice intoned, John Smith is right!
"So?" shrugged the rest, "that just means it's three to two."
Prayer is NOT getting God on our side in an argument.
Prayer is not an attempt to change God's mind on something.
We must always remember that prayer is NOT just us talking and expecting God to listen; prayer is us keeping quiet so we can hear God speaking. Prayer is trusting that God will change us and strengthen us to be able to receive the answer; if we are patient.
______
Luke 18:1...Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
.
Jesus tells us to persist in prayer and not to give up, this must be balanced with waiting, listening & obeying God's answer even if it's not something we expect, understand or want.
.
.
Lord help each of us always to remember to always take time to 'be still' and listen for Your answer. Thank You Lord that You answer is always best. In the name of Jesus Chrsit.
