Friday, February 24, 2012

ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO PRAY

I am copying a devotional I read yesterday because it is such good advice on the important topic of prayer.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ADVISE!

"He who heeds counsel is wise."  Proverbs 12:15 NKJV.

When someone comes to you with a personal problem, ask them the following questions:
  • What do you think caused the problem?
  • What have you done about it?
  • What Scriptures are you standing on?
  • What do you think I might be able to do, that you haven't already done?
These questions will help you weed out those who genuinely want help from those who only want attention.  Some people see prayer as a magic wand; they think you can wave it over them and their problem will just go away, then they can go back to living their lives the way they please. 

Here's another situation.  Someone may say, "The doctor has suggested surgery.  What should I do?"  Unless you're a doctor, be very careful what you advise.  If God has spoken to someone and they have faith that He will heal them, don't throw cold water on them.  So what should you do?  Jesus said, "If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" Mathew 18:19 NKJV.  The real question is, are they standing on their faith or yours?  You can teach people God's Word, but you can't force them to come up to your level of faith until they're ready.  Sometimes people may be ready and all they're seeking is confirmation.  The Bible says:  "You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things" 1 John 2:20 NKJV.  But unless God has let you "know". be careful what you advise!

(copied from The Word For You Today)


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10 comments:

Mari said...

Great devotion and really good advice!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

That is wonderful advice!

Marti said...

Such good advice, and a practical way to know how to help people.

Humble wife said...

Powerful!

Brenda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brenda said...

Hi Susan, if you don't mind I'm testing something on my blog and needed to make a comment on another blog. Thanks.

Brenda said...

It worked...somewhat! Thanks again.

Denny said...

There's a lot that is good in there. My favorite was weeding out those who genuinely want help from those who just want attention.

Oklahoma Granny said...

Excellent devotion.

Mountain Mama said...

This is great advice Susan. I know we have all been in situations where it seems like the person wants us to do all the praying etc., for them and they go on their merry way. I like to remind them that they need to reach out to the Lord themselves in all things in order to have a relationship with Him.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Glad you like old abacnoned houses too.
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