Meet Paula Van Dyk - Compassionate Prayer Warrior

The Christian Alliance for Indian Child Welfare recently asked Paula Van Dyk, of Alberta, Canada, to be an honorary board member for CAICW and she has accepted.

Paula has been a dear prayer warrior for CAICW from the time if its inception – and from even before that. She has been praying for Roland and Lisa Morris and the work they do from about the time they first met her at Living Faith Bible College in the the fall of 2000.

And when they say prayer warrior – they mean warrior. Her compassion for others, her passion for the Lord, and the steadfast time she spends in prayer is amazing. Many have been truly blessed by her - and her husband, John - over and over and over again.

Paula will be finishing her race soon – possibly within the next few weeks – having decided against further chemo. She is looking forward to being with Jesus. She says she will continue praying for us all from heaven.

Thank you, Paula, for honoring CAICW and others with your prayers, love, and acceptance. You will always held close in hearts.

POWERFUL Message at the 2013 Inaugural Prayer Breakfast -

Alright, someone told me this morning that the link to this amazing message I posted two days ago has been ‘made private’ and they weren't able to view it anymore. That’s strange. The link worked fine two days ago and the number of views was piling up fast – every time I looked at it, hundreds more had seen it.  

But she was right. When I tried it now, it was labeled “private”. What is the problem with seeing it? The speech was made at an official gathering for the inaugural – isn’t that a public event? So I went looking for a new link.

I found a new link – and this was the message under it…  

"Published on Jan 27, 2013...This video has been erased, made "private", and held back from people seeing it. So, what truth is in it making it such a battle to see it? Speak! The World Is Listening!” 

For those who haven’t seen it yet – it is an amazing message given to a huge roomful of politicians in DC just last week - on Monday, January 21, 2013 … Many of the politicians were probably there just to be 'seen' and probably expected nothing more than standard fluff to be spewed -  

This is a MUST see! -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JdZcMUwsGqE  

Chat about "Hope" with Author Beth Ward, Oct 13

The true story of an American Indian who realized just how much tribal and federal government policies were destroying his extended family.  

Roland grew up watching members of his family die of alcoholism, child abuse, suicide, and violence on the reservation. Like many others, he blamed all the problems on “white people.”  

Beth Ward grew up in a middle class home in the suburbs. Raised in a politically left family, she also believed that all problems on the reservation originated with cruel treatment by settlers and the stealing of land. Meeting her husband, her first close experience with a tribal member, she stepped out of the comfort of suburban life into a whole new, frightening world.  

After almost ten years of living with his alcoholism and the terrible dangers that came with it, they both realized that individual behavior and personal decisions were at the root of a man’s troubles, including their own, and no amount of entitlements would change that.  

What cannot be denied is that a large number of Native Americans are dying from alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide, and violence. The reservation, a socialistic experiment at best, pushes people to depend on tribal and federal government rather than God, and to blame all of life’s ills on others. The results have been disastrous. Roland realized that corrupt tribal government, dishonest federal Indian policy, and the controlling reservation system had more to do with the current pain and despair in his family and community than what had happened 150 years ago.  

Here is the plain truth in the eyes of one family, in the hope that at least some of the dying in Indian Country — physical, emotional, and spiritual — may be prevented.  

Dr. William B. Allen, Emeritus Professor, Political Science, MSU and former Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (1989) has called the book, “…truly gripping, with a good pace.”  

Meet the author at an online book signing, Saturday, October 13th, 3 pm eastern time, 12 noon pacific, at https://dyinginindiancountry.campfirenow.com/room/533942

The book sells for $29.99 and is available online. For more information about the author and to purchase the book, please visit http://dyinginindiancountry.com/

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Save Veronica! is a Blessing to Many Children -

Praise God for all that has been happening over the last month. While we grieve for 2-yr-old Veronica who was taken three weeks ago from the only home she has ever known, she has been blessed with national attention - unlike many other children whom this has happened to. This has brought the issue of ICWA to the forefront.

For those who are concerned about this being a case involving a birth father – let us clarify;

The adoption wasn't finalized because the tribe had intervened, but M&M were 'parenting' Veronica from the moment she was born. They were at the birth. The bio-dad was not. Matt cut the umbilical cord - the bio-dad did not. Melanie stayed in a room at the hospital where she could parent/mother Veronica right away. The bio-dad did not. The bio-dad made no effort during the pregnancy or after birth to contact or support the mother, and made no real effort or request to see the little girl at any point in her life. She had never met him up until the evening she was handed over to him in the attorney’s office. The judge had allowed only ½ hour for Veronica to meet this man before he was free to take her. But it took two hours for the transfer to complete because she kept crying for M&M every time they tried to leave the room.

Matt and Melanie are the only parents she has ever known.

Had South Carolina law been applied to this case, the bio-dad would not have had any standing. By state law, he has essentially abandoned her and would not have had any parental rights. This is a law meant to protect adoptive parents and children from being bounced around like ping pong balls. He had also signed a paper sometime after her birth giving up any claim to her. But after Veronica had been with M&M for four months, he changed his mind and because he has a small percentage of Cherokee heritage, he was able to get the tribal attorney involved.

Matt & Melanie are emotionally devastated.

We are praying for Veronica. The State Supreme Court has accepted their appeal. It might take months though for them to hear the case. Knowing how hard it will be for a 2-yr-old to #1) remain away from the only parents she has ever known for months – and #2) how difficult it will be for her to make the transition back if she has been gone for months and then they win the case – we are praying for God’s mercy on Veronica and her parents. As crazy as this sounds, I am praying for a miracle – that Veronica be allowed to go home today, if not tomorrow.

Lord, in the name of Jesus, please return this baby girl to Melanie’s arms.

- We also have a family going to court this Friday, January 27th, who really needs prayer for their little boy.

Please pray for both these families.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16

"Why Does God allow Suffering?"

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I recently shared with my sister a blog my pastor had written concerning God and the suffering in this world.

I was excited about this blog because my sister had told me just two weeks earlier that she can not honor or follow a God that allows innocent children to suffer horribly.

You know the debate… “How can God be all powerful and loving, yet allow the horrors of disease, war, famine, and natural disasters?” If “God is good all the time” – as the song says…then how come there is so much suffering in this world?

In response, Pastor quoted verses from Job that expressed Job would rather die than continue suffering;

“Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?” (Job 3:20-23)

Pastor brought up a great point. He said,

“…we must remember where suffering came from. It actually came from us. When humanity rebelled against God and chose to rule the world in our own wisdom apart from God, the earth and our labors were cursed. …under man’s care apart from God…Weeds began to grow and choke out nutritious plants. Viruses and bacteria mutated into harmful diseases. People no longer provided themselves with the proper nutrition and habits that promoted optimal health. Jealousy and carnal appetites drove humanity to murder, rape, slavery and host of other cruel sins. Earth itself began to quake and unleash cataclysmic disasters upon man.

“Humanity’s choice to call the shots and be like God has had horrendous effects …ever since. If we want to understand suffering, then we must understand that …Humanity brought on its own suffering through our rebellion against God, which started in the Garden of Eden.”

Pastor summed that up suggesting “Perhaps God allows suffering to emphasize the horror of sin and our desperate need of Him. Maybe that’s one reason God allows suffering.”

Great point. Man made a decision to be independent, run his own life outside of God's direction and guidance. As a result, without a recognized higher power to look up to - or submit to - Man starts in with all those human things - trying to be top dog over each other, etc.

So in deciding to rebel, Man brought in sin and all that comes with it. In greed, pride, self-indulgence... Man’s desire to be a top dog over everyone else means that innocent people will get hurt.

God wants better for us, but he gave us Free will, even though that Free will pains him to watch

The next point Pastor brought up was even better. We are asking why God allows children to suffer horribly, or any innocent for that matter.

Yet Jesus, his son – an innocent whom he could have intervened for - suffered horribly before his death. Jesus - who actually told God the Father in the garden that he really didn't want to do this.

God so loved the World that he sent his only Son....

Jesus’ purpose from the very beginning was to be our sacrificial lamb, the only way through which we could reconcile with the father and come back into relationship with Him. Jesus died for our sins.

But along with being the promised sacrificial lamb, was Jesus' horrible death - Jesus who was completely innocent of sin - meant to show us that God the Father, who loves us so much and hates to see our suffering…was willing to ...partake in the suffering with us? To cry with us?

Did Jesus come in the flesh and die suffering as he did - as a way to show us that God is walking with us in the pain, knows how it feels, and that He is suffering with us?

In other words, suffering is all about our own sin….a progressive result of ignoring God's guidance. The children are suffering as a direct result of human rejection of God and His wisdom…they are suffering because of our selfishness and lack of compassion for each other. Not God’s.

Is it not about God allowing suffering, but about God allowing Man Free Will?

My sister shot the explanation down with one crisp sentence;

“So if God has a non-interference policy, then having a God is exactly the same as not having a God.”

But... it's not a non-interference policy. Jesus healed much suffering. But she's right in that...for some, the suffering continues despite much prayer.

Sigh.  Okay…so Part II coming up…”Why God answers some prayers to alleviate suffering, and not others?
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America - amazing political event in Canada proves prayer for government works!

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When Prime Minister Harper announced that abortion funding would not be included in his health initiative for the upcoming G8 Summit in June, the enraged liberal opposition determined to squash him and all the other conservatives. Under normal circumstance, they WOULD have...

by Dean Smith
Special to ASSIST News Service

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (ANS) -- Canada is run by a minority government. The ruling Conservative party holds 144 of the 308 seats in the House of Commons and must rely on support from at least one opposition party (Liberal, Bloc or NDP) to govern.

Since the combined opposition holds the balance of power they can, if agreed, pass motions forcing the government to take certain actions.

The G8 summit

This June (2010), Canada is hosting the G8 summit -– representing the eight wealthiest nations. As host, Prime Minister Stephen Harper plans to encourage G8 nations to provide financial support to women and children in impoverished nations.

When Harper -– an openly evangelical Christian -- announced abortion funding was not included in this initiative, the Liberals took action. They initiated a motion requiring Harper to include a “full range of family planning, sexual and reproductive health options” in his proposal. Though, it purposefully avoided mentioning abortion, it was clearly the underlining message.

Strategically, the Liberals hoped to drive a wedge between Conservatives opposing abortion and those supporting it. On her blog, Liberal MP Dr. Carolyn Bennett penned the vote would be a “day of reckoning” for the Conservative party.

Call to pray and FAST

When the Liberals announced their plan to implement the vote on March 23, 2010, a number of national prayer groups sprung into action. In particular, 4myCanada initiated an urgent call to supporters. 4MyCanada is a Christian activist group that combines intensive prayer initiatives with political activism.

On March 20, they sent their first e-email which said: “We are calling an EMERGENCY 3 Day Fast Re-Global Abortion Motion.”

It went on to say,

“In Canada we have seen tangible and notable shifts in our nation through massive prayer and fasting. These are times to use the powerful tool of prayer and fasting – now is one of those times.

“We encourage you to consider a water only fast and to set aside times to pray fervently for this in the next 3 days. (Note: if you are not used to fasting we encourage you to perhaps do a liquids only fast and consult a doctor before you do a full fast (water only).”

Over the next three days, email alerts urged supporters to continue their prayer and fasting vigil.

A March 23, 2010, e-mail read,

“We want to let you know this: your prayers are working and our MPs are hearing the voice of Canadians as we are bringing it. There has already been a shift this morning … Pray that many Liberals and NDP feel the heat today and change their minds. Again, let's pray that their eyes would be opened to understand what they are truly pushing when they push abortion (it looks like we need about 10 – 15 NDPers, Bloc or Liberals to vote against the motion for it to fail).”

Voting day – confusion reigns

With opposition parties firmly onside, the Liberals marched into the Canadian House of Commons on March 23 fully anticipating victory.

Despite Liberal party leader Michael Ignatieff stating earlier his MPs were free to vote according to their conscience, behind closed doors it was a whipped vote. This meant all Liberals were expected to be in the House to support the motion -– even those opposing abortion, which was why the word abortion was purposefully omitted.

But instead of solidarity, confusion reigned. While many Liberal MPs were told it was a whipped vote, a significant number hadn't received the message. Thirteen Liberal MPs were missing, including some anti-abortion MPs who were told to stay away if they couldn’t support the motion. Others simply abstained.

Meanwhile, three Liberal MPs -– who opposed abortion and weren't told it was a whipped vote -– took their Liberal leader at his word, and voted according to their conscience.

In a stunning upset, the motion was defeated 144 to 138.

A MP Blackberried 4myCanada from the floor of the House of Commons immediately after the vote stating, “You guys did it! This is an Act of God before our eyes!”

There was so much confusion on the Liberal bench, it carried over to the next motion presented by the Conservative party. Chronicle Herald reporter Stephen Maher described the chaos: “To make matters worse, in the confusion after the lost vote, Liberal MP Maurizio Bevilacqua misunderstood Cuzner's [the Liberal whip] shouted instructions and stood to vote for a budget bill the Liberals opposed. Several other MPs followed.”

One Liberal MP portrayed the bedlam as “Clown city,” another said, “We look like fools.”

National Post columnist Don Martin depicted the debacle as

“A needlessly provocative Liberal move to sneak abortion back on the agenda, aimed at dividing the Conservatives, actually drove a wedge deep into the official opposition.” He described the unexpected Liberal defeat as “jaw-dropping.”

The power of fasting

The apostle Paul exhorts Christians to pray for government (1 Tim 2:1, 2). But there is an important element that needs to be included --- fasting. As we pray God's will in a situation, fasting works along side disrupting satanic strategies, attacks and loosening its grip on a situation.

Isaiah 58:6 outlines the power behind a true fast:

“Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke?”

In the Book of Esther – which records the Jewish captivity in Persia -- we witness first hand the power of fasting. The Jewish presence was not universally accepted and Haman, a senior Persian bureaucrat, hatched a plot to massacre the Jews on a single day and plunder their wealth (Esther 3:13-15).

Curiously, a few thousand years later, the Nazis orchestrated a similar one-day persecution of the Jews referred to as Reichskristallnacht, the night of the broken glass. On November 17, 1938, 7,000 Jewish businesses were plundered and 1,668 synagogues were vandalized with many destroyed. Ninety Jews were reportedly killed but the actual number was much higher and 30,000 Jews were sent to temporary concentration camps – an omen of what was to come.

In Persia, Haman even planned his own personal vendetta, constructing a gallows to kill Mordecai, a Jew who hung around the palace because a relative in his care – Esther – was chosen as the new Queen for King Ahasuerus.

Esther's heritage was unknown to everyone, including Haman and her husband. As word trickled out on the planned massacre, Mordecai urged Esther to use her influence to change the King's mind. But even her privileged position didn't allow an unsummoned approach of her husband. If the King didn't receive her, she would be executed.

Initially resistant, Esther finally agreed, but with one provision:

“Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me,” Esther said. “Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the King, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16 NASV)

The wording implies the fast actually involved two full days, and on the third day Esther approached and was received by her husband (Esther 5:1, 2). Haman's plot was exposed. The plan to kill the Jews was stopped and Haman hung on the very gallows he built for Mordecai (Esther 7:9, 10).

God sends confusion

But confusion surrounding the abortion initiative was also significant as confusion was a signature of God's intervention on behalf of Israel. During their journey to the Promised Land, God promised,

“I will send My terror ahead of you, and then throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their back to you.” (Exodus 23:27 NASV)

And confusion proved an effective weapon. In one instance, the Philistines were so confused they ended up attacking each other (1 Samuel 14:20). In 1 Samuel 7, the Israelites again under Philistine attack, entered a one day fast and prayer (v 6). In response, “the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so they were routed before Israel.” (v 10 NASV)

But the G8 battle continues

The defeat of the abortion motion was noticed around the world. On March 30, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used an Ottawa news conference to attack Canada's Prime Minister for not including abortion in his motion. She was in Ottawa for preparatory meetings for the G8 summit.

Clinton said, “You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health. And reproductive health includes contraception, family planning and access to legal, safe abortions.”

Then the UN World Health Organization (WHO) stepped in to criticize, while at the same time back-slapping the US position. WHO Director General Margaret Chan made the comment at an April 14th news conference where she was introducing WHO's latest initiative to improve maternal and child health. There was a bit of damage control involved as WHO was embarrassed when Lancet, a British Medical Journal, released a report stating women deaths during child birth had dropped sharply from 526,300 in 1980 to 342,900 in 2008. This contradicted WHO's recent report there had been no improvement. This is not the first time, a UN report has been severely undermined by outside -- and some suggest unbiased – research.
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Dean Smith works in the communications field. Visit his website at www.opentheword.org

www.assistnews.net/Stories/

Wow. What happened in Canada is Awesome. Our strength truly is in the Lord. We can fight the present US Administration - and Win....Yes We Can!!

"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14

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GOP forces Healthcare Bill back to House - PLEASE PRAY!

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The Senate GOP Has forced the Healthcare Bill back to the House for a Second Vote. The Senate parliamentarian agreed this was necessary because of unfunded mandates for the Student Loan legislation that Democrats piggy-backed onto the Health care legislation.

Did you think they would stop with the federalization of healthcare? Of course not! They federalized Education funding at the same time!

With all the frightening things this Health Insurance legislation is bringing on us - such as punishing doctors for making referrals to Cancer specialists, Pulmonary specialists, Ear, Nose & Throat Doctors, Orthopedists, or ANY specialist, for that matter - and mandating that Parents be responsible for their children's health premiums all the way till they are 26; well into adulthood - and that abortion funding loopholes still exist -and Robbing our Elders of their Insurance by robbing Medicare - AND FORGETTING their promise that Children are immediately benefited by coverage that ignores pre-existing conditions -

And lots more stomach turning nonsense - none of which actually improves health care in America -

PLEASE PRAY about this forced vote!!

We all know that NO Democrat will change his/her vote outside of a miracle. Through Deception, whether it be a bought vote, or Obama/Pelosi pressure, or an extremely liberal district, they are all determined to push this horrendous bill through. And Pundits say that once it is in place, it will be extremely difficult to repeal.

Therefore, it will only be through a miracle that this bill is defeated.

Please - we don't know what God's plans are; we are humans with only limited insight -Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding"

So, although what I think we want is for at least four Democrats to suddenly vote "No" on the bill and for the bill to fail, I am praying for God's Will, as He has the whole picture in view - Colossians 2:3 "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

I pray, therefore, for God's Will to be Done. I pray for my Nation, I pray for it's leaders, and I pray for it's people.

Lord God, Jesus Christ, My Lord and Master, Please shape our country the way you want it shaped, according to Your Will, and Your Will alone. Lord Jesus, please protect Your children, take Care of Your Children. Please Set in place the Leaders that You want to have leading, who will bring about the things that You want brought about. If it is Your Will that America fail, make that way easy, open the doors for that to happen, and please give me the Grace and courage to accept it.

But if NOT, Lord Jesus, I ask in Your Holy Name, that You Close all the Doors that are attempting to destroy our Country, lock those doors, and prevent the destruction from happening. And Lord Jesus, please make it very clear that this is Your Move and Will, no matter what. Thank You Jesus, for your Wisdom, Grace and Protection. Thank You for answering our Prayers. Amen.
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Life is so hard. Nothing is working

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We only made it 20 miles last night before our radiator blew. I am grieving, because we needed so badly to get away as a family to Bible camp at LFBC. This last year has been so very hard.

Praise God that we were still close enough to be towed home. But the Lord knows that I don't have the money to fix the Suburban. Why are all these things happening?

I am grieving, but trying to praise God at the same time - I cried out to Him this morning. I do not understand what is happening or why, but I do understand He has a Refining fire and God willing, all things can be accomplished no matter where we are. I need to submit to that. And praise him.

The Lord provided a miracle two years ago when some kids busted most of the windows in the suburban. That next morning, a church that had never met us went to a junk yard, bought new windows, and installed them that afternoon. Please, please, please pray with us another miracle.

I need, need, need to go to the camp. I need to be away with people, praying and listening, and thinking and talking and fellowship. The speaker is said to be very good. I had told the 14 year-old, who was rushed to the hospital three weeks ago with alcohol poisoning, to take the opportunity to see and hear. And the other two kids wanted to see their friends so badly. And we were to meet my 19-year old there tonight and spend the week with her there. We were bringing her her dog because I can't take care of it. And I was going to get to play with my grandson all week. I was going to take his stroller and push him around and play in the park after sessions.

Is there any chance for us still to go? Only by a miracle of the Lord. Please, please help us pray for a miracle. I have so many questions, and such a struggle here with our business and in where we live. I need help.
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Prayer for dealing with hurts

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Continued from Part III, Seven Promises of Forgiveness

Steps in Prayer to find relief and release from the pain of having been hurt by someone -

Some like to have a Prayer Partner to walk through this with.  Others prefer it to be just between them and God.  Either way, Go before God in prayer and…

1. · Identify the hurt you feel.
2. · Admit you are angry.
3. · Admit you want to hurt back.
4. · Acknowledge that hurting back is futile, damaging and increases evil.
5. · Release the need and choose not to hurt back.
6. · Absorb the hurt for Jesus' sake.
7. · Turn your self and hurt over to God.
8. · Turn your "enemy" over to God, trusting Him for justice.
9. · Meditate on the justice and mercy of God
10. · Feel your enemy's need for mercy in the face of God's justice.
11. · Pray for your enemy from a heart of compassion.
12. · Look beyond their faults and see their needs.
13. · Respond to their needs rather than punish them for their faults.
14. · Thank God for lifting the burden of justice from you and fore making you a minister of mercy, reconciliation and healing.
15. · Worship God who is glorious in satisfying both justice and love.

BLESS YOU -


END
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He was Dying... (Faith? Part 2)

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He was diagnosed with incurable, terminal cancer in April of 2000. The doctor had said he had 6 months to two years to live, but more likely 6 months.

Some people tell you to start praying. but most people who go ahead and do that die anyway. Does that mean the prayer didn't work?

How much faith do we need to have answers to prayer?

Mathew 17:20 states, “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

A grain of a mustard seed - one of the smallest seeds on earth. We need only a very small amount to bring God's response because He loves us and knows that as humans, faith doesn't come to us easily. But that small amount is necessary. But that still doesn't tell me how much faith - in me - is equal or greater than (or less than) a mustard seed.

Mathew 9:28-30, says; “When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ they replied.’
Then he touched their eyes and said, “according to your faith will it be done to you’, and their sight was restored.”

So....why doesn't that happen for everyone? Ummm...let's look at it....

#1) Faith is needed in the midst of difficult circumstances.

James 1 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given to him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Wow - is that a good word for me today, as I try to make decisions concerning the purchase of a restaurant. I have felt so much like a wave tossed in the ocean lately. I miss greatly having my husband with me, a partner in big decisions. If we were going to make a big mistake, at least we were doing it together.

My husband was diagnosed with incurable, terminal cancer in April of 2000. The doctor had said he had 6 months to two years to live, but more likely 6 months.

When he first heard that, his heart felt like it broke into a million pieces. What to do; where to go; how to handle it…or could he handle it? First he had to tell his kids, then his relatives, then his personal friends. How do you DO that? Life Stopped.

Then he stopped. There was nothing to do other then ....put it in to the Lord’s hands. If it was God's will for him to be healed, so be it. If not...so be it.

He enrolled in a Bible college. His relatives thought that was crazy. If he only had a short time, why go to school? But he figured, if his days were to be few, this is how he wanted to spend them.

Wow, that was a huge decision we made together. But I wasn't afraid. As long as we were together in it, I wasn't afraid. My husband moved his entire family to the Bible college campus. Didn't he have at least the faith of a mustard seed?

For a time, he grew stronger in body and stronger in the Lord. He lived that year and the next and the next. We were able to do many things during that time and our kids had a chance to get older before he left. Things began to get more difficult for my husband in the fall of 2003, and he finally went to be with the Lord in June of 2004.

During his last four years, while we were associated with the Bible college, he was prayed over by many, many people. One man, lacking the usual tiny vial of oil for anointing, decided to do something he'd always wanted to do and poured a full bottle of Wesson oil over my husband's head. Whatever. Another man who had never actually met my husband personally wrote an email to say that he'd been so moved to prayer that he sat in proxy for my husband as his own elders prayed over him, and that it was tremendously heavy and anointed time.

These were strong people; pastors, preachers, evangelists. Didn't they have the faith of a mustard seed?

Not only did they all have faith, but they had enough faith and, saddened by the thought that this man might be leaving several young children behind, they used their faith in calling on the Lord in these difficult circumstances.

The prayer did work. He lived four years instead of 6 months.

But I guess the bottom line...No one lives for ever; we all have death waiting for us. Even the people Jesus healed while on earth eventually died.

As they say, there are no living apostles, right?

He lived the number of years God purposed for him. His children all had a chance to get 4 years older. I had the blessing of his companionship for a little while longer. Although being a single parent is stressful, I have complete faith that there is a purpose in all of God's timing.

And maybe part of that timing is this: One of the important things that is happening within me is that I am having to switch the dependence and security I felt in my husband over to the Lord. I have faith, but I also have to have trust that the Lord is my partner and He isn't going to let me down. Just as when I was with my husband, I am not alone in the decisions I make. This is a huge area for me to learn and grow in.

More to come....
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Praying for the 2008 Election

Lord Jesus,
Lord we bring this country before you. Thy will be done. We pray for all the very, very angry people on both sides of the debate. Lord, in Jesus' name, help our country to turn to You and trust You. Bring peace and understanding where there is none, but at the same time - Your righteous discipline and response to sin where it is required.

Lord, I pray this country will turn to You on bended knee and know You are God. And I pray for all the Candidates, McCain, Obama, Palin and Biden. In Jesus' name, Thy will be done.

We pray for God's hand and choice in this election. May the right man - the man of Your choice - win this election. No matter how much money is spent, what accusations are made, what other countries think, or what kind of fraud is attempted, we pray for Your Will - and Your will alone - as to who will be president of our United States of America.

May the power of God be felt right now in our country. In Jesus' name.
Amen.