Tuesday prayer & verses (23 03 2010)

Thought for the day

The story is told of Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said.

One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who came down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." The guests responded with phrases like, "Marvelous! Keep up the good work. We are proud of you. God bless you, sir."

It was not until the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard. Not quite knowing what to say, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, "I'm sure she had it coming."

Have many times have you ever heard someone say, "Nobody ever listens to me!"? And how many people go through life frustrated because there truly is nobody who will take the time to really listen to what they have to say? Everybody wants to talk, but so few want to listen! Benjamin Franklin once said, "A pair of good ears will drink dry a hundred tongues."

The Bible has much to say about the value of listening. Take to heart this instruction: "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." (James 1:19).

May I encourage you today to put down the newspaper, turn off the television set, and take the time and effort to listen to those around you. It will show that you care, and who knows, you might even learn something in the process!

Are you listening?

Verses

Galatians 6:9

In doing good let us not be discouraged, because in due time we shall reap if we do not become careless.

Exodus 23:25

Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,

Matthew 18:4

"Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 5:14

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Psalm 112:1,3

Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.

Prayer

Father, in this decadent world where imposters are increasing in number and in their menacing deception we can easily be lured into their schemes or we can stand our ground for purity and holiness. Help us to always be on guard by familiarizing ourselves with Scripture, and arming ourselves in the attire of a Christian soldier as we do battle with the enemy of darkness.

And, Lord, for those who are dear to our heart; those who have taken the enemy’s bait and now are entrapped in sin’s deadly tentacles, we prayerfully intercede on their behalf as we cry out to You. Free them from the deadly strangle of Satan’s influence. Grant us wisdom, discernment, and favor as we interact with them. Send others to bring light to their darkened paths and to help us bear this heavy burden. We will not be defeated, for Your power that is within us is greater than the power of our enemy. We will not despair in our problems, but we will delight in Your promises. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.