I found "Life, Faith, and Finishing Well" an excellent subtitle for Nearing Home by Billy Graham. Who better than Reverend Graham to give wisdom and guidance on how to walk out our faith all the way to the end of our days? A myriad of books exist on living for the "now" and how to extend the health of your life, but few address the subject of aging well. However, don't be quick to judge this as a book only for elderly readers. No matter your age you can gain wisdom from Rev. Graham.
I had wanted to read this book since it was first released, but had not found the time until now. I was not disappointed by my waiting. I learned how to approach aging not only for myself, but also how to address different issues facing the elderly. I was reminded how the value in life is not in material possessions, but in our relationships and the spiritual legacy we leave behind. I found the book easy to follow and quick to read. I read most of it while spending the afternoon at the pool! In true Graham fashion, the book contains numerous scriptures to support each statement made by Reverend Graham. Each chapter begins with both a supporting scripture and a quote from someone else. I am thankful for the not only the spiritual advice, but also the practical advice shared regarding wills and similar matters most people do not consider until later in life. There are not many books I keep to read again in the future, but this one will remain in my collection.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Stop Praying
A couple days ago a friend texted me asking for prayer. Her family is in a tight place financially. She shared she had no gas money, no grocery money, and definitely no mortgage money. As much as I wish I could write a check to cover her needs, I don't have that ability. In fact, I'm believing for a financial miracle myself. However, being a coupon shopper, my shelves are overflowing with food. I offered to bring her groceries. She replied as much as she wishes she could decline, she knows they need them.
I am not sharing this story to give accolades to myself for helping, but more to share my thoughts on this situation. So many times people come to us asking for prayer. Usually, prayer is not even really needed. While prayer is a great thing and is our communication line to God, I think we pray about too many things that simply require action. In this scenario, knowing I had an abundance of food currently, I would have been out of line with God's word had I only prayed for her. In fact, to have extra and ignore a need is disobedience to Christ's words. In Luke 3:11, Jesus said, "The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same."
We also pray and ask others for prayer in areas of our lives where we already know the answers. Perhaps we are living in a situation that is sinful, yet we ask for prayer about the situation. If one choice is sin and the other is not, there is never any question on the answer God would give. I remember living with my boyfriend and asking for prayer for the situation to change. I knew I was living in sin and yet somehow I expected God to bless that relationship. The only prayer truly necessary was for strength and courage to end the relationship or to get married (which was definitely NOT the solution).
There are times when we hear God speaking to us to make a move or change of direction in life, but we ask others to pray about it for us. I've been guilty of this also. I think we do this because we fear we are not hearing God correctly. Usually when God speaks He tells us to do or say something that makes no sense to our human minds. I've learned a barometer of if I'm hearing from Him is examining the insanity of the suggestion! The more insane, the more I'm sure I'm hearing from God. Think of Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on water. If he was not sure it was the voice of God, why on earth would he step out of the boat? In a storm! He didn't turn and ask the other disciples if they thought he heard Jesus correctly or ask them to pray for him to make the right decision. He knew the suggestion was insane and he listened.
What prayer requests have you received lately? Is there something you can do to physically respond to that prayer request? Don't let "I'll pray for you" be your excuse to not move to help meet their need. Have you been requesting prayer for something and you already know the answer? Is it time to stop praying and start taking action? Let today be the day the prayer changes from "what should I do?" to, "Lord, help me do this."
I am not sharing this story to give accolades to myself for helping, but more to share my thoughts on this situation. So many times people come to us asking for prayer. Usually, prayer is not even really needed. While prayer is a great thing and is our communication line to God, I think we pray about too many things that simply require action. In this scenario, knowing I had an abundance of food currently, I would have been out of line with God's word had I only prayed for her. In fact, to have extra and ignore a need is disobedience to Christ's words. In Luke 3:11, Jesus said, "The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same."
We also pray and ask others for prayer in areas of our lives where we already know the answers. Perhaps we are living in a situation that is sinful, yet we ask for prayer about the situation. If one choice is sin and the other is not, there is never any question on the answer God would give. I remember living with my boyfriend and asking for prayer for the situation to change. I knew I was living in sin and yet somehow I expected God to bless that relationship. The only prayer truly necessary was for strength and courage to end the relationship or to get married (which was definitely NOT the solution).
There are times when we hear God speaking to us to make a move or change of direction in life, but we ask others to pray about it for us. I've been guilty of this also. I think we do this because we fear we are not hearing God correctly. Usually when God speaks He tells us to do or say something that makes no sense to our human minds. I've learned a barometer of if I'm hearing from Him is examining the insanity of the suggestion! The more insane, the more I'm sure I'm hearing from God. Think of Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on water. If he was not sure it was the voice of God, why on earth would he step out of the boat? In a storm! He didn't turn and ask the other disciples if they thought he heard Jesus correctly or ask them to pray for him to make the right decision. He knew the suggestion was insane and he listened.
What prayer requests have you received lately? Is there something you can do to physically respond to that prayer request? Don't let "I'll pray for you" be your excuse to not move to help meet their need. Have you been requesting prayer for something and you already know the answer? Is it time to stop praying and start taking action? Let today be the day the prayer changes from "what should I do?" to, "Lord, help me do this."
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