No Man Can Do Me A Truer Kindness In This World…

…than to pray for me.

Charles Spurgeon was a man who knew how to pray and rely on the prayers of others as well. A gifted preacher and evangelist, he lived in the 1800’s and is considered one of the great orators of his generation. He is known as the “Prince of Preachers.” His masterful use of the English language and knowledge of the Bible is clearly evident in his poetic, passionate and bold prayers.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

Please click here to read more about Charles Spurgeon.

Please click here to read some of his amazing prayers.

I was so inspired by Spurgeon’s beautiful prayers that I ordered one of his books appropriately titled, C. H. Spurgeon’s Prayers and I have enjoyed reading and praying through it.

Each Sunday at my church, I’m privileged to pray with others in the prayer ministry. It is so rewarding to see the look of relief in people’s eyes after receiving prayer. It’s a blessing to be available to connect with those who are hurting and to pray on their behalf. They are so grateful for a listening ear, a hand on their shoulder and the kindness of prayer in their time of need.

Prayer is a kindness because we are focusing on the welfare and concerns of others.

To pray for a person is a sacred trust as people confide matters that are very personal. We have to maintain their confidence with a few exceptions; such as in cases of threats to injure oneself or others or abuse.

We can contact the local law enforcement agency for threats to harm oneself or others. In cases of domestic abuse we can refer people to domestic abuse resources in their area. Click HERE for a website with a hotline for domestic violence.

We can pray with others in meetings or by ourselves at home. We can also take a prayer retreat to have an extended time of prayer. Regardless of the location we choose, the Bible has much to say on the subject of prayer.

Christians have the privilege of coming directly to God to pray by the authority and power of the Name of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (NLT)

We can display true kindness when we commit to pray for others.  Our prayers for those in authority not only benefit them but, can result in us living more peaceful lives as well.

Here are some suggested areas for prayer:

• Government, Leaders, Countries, World Leaders, City Council

• Police, Military, First Responders, Firefighters

• Schools, Teachers, Teen’s, Children

• Churches, Pastors, Missionaries, Ministries, Volunteers

• Salvation, Revival, Awakening, Persecuted Christians

• Current Events

• Sick, Unemployed, Homeless

• Addiction, Crime, Terrorism

• Widows, Grieving,Family, Friends

Some people might think that their prayers are inadequate, thus, we can look to Scripture for many wonderful examples of how to pray for ourselves and others. 

Ephesians 3:16-17 says, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 says, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” (NIV)

Philippians 1:9 says, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” (NLT)

Colossians 1:9-12 says, “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (NIV)

The Bible tells us to even pray for those who harm and persecute us.

In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said,

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (NIV)

This can be a tough one. But, I have found that if I obey and pray for others who have mistreated me, then God softens my heart. It may take some time, but with persistent prayer I have found that God changes me and I begin to think differently about the person.  My resentment gives way to compassion.

If we find it difficult to pray for someone, then more than likely we may need to forgive them.

Forgiveness is a decision of our will and then our feelings will follow. When we forgive, we become free of resentment and bitterness that often characterize unforgiveness.

What do you think about demonstrating kindness through prayer?

Do you pray regularly for others?

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

“No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.”—Charles Spurgeon | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Unanswered Prayer is a Misnomer: God Always Answers

• Why You Need Protecting Prayer in 3 Realms and How to Do It

• How Praising Unlocks Heaven on Earth

• So You Think You Can’t Take a Prayer Retreat?

• Why Thanking Prayers Are So Important

• Unexpected Ways It Pays to Pray

• Seven Ways to Pray When Suffering

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

How To Deal With Irreconcilable Differences In Marriage

Good marriages go through these 3 stages.

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Irreconcilable differences are often cited as “grounds for divorce.” Obviously, some couples really struggle in this arena. That makes sense to me, but not completely. Carolyn and I were married on August 4, 1979—so we’re about to celebrate 38 years of marriage. Over the years, we’ve learned how to cope with and even appreciate our differences.

Talking with my friend Eric Helmbold a while back, we agreed that the best marriages go through three stages of dealing with their differences. Going through these three stages can make our differences grounds for a great marriage instead of divorce.

Here are 3 stages to go through to deal with irreconcilable differences and create a great marriage:

1. Learning the differences.

Early in relationships there is a lot of learning. We find out that our values and upbringings were different. We learn about differences in personalities, perceptions, and preferences.

Here are some of Carolyn’s and my irreconcilable differences. See if you can guess which of us is which preference:

• One of us likes the temperature pleasingly moderate—the other likes it boiling hot!

• One likes to arrive on time or early—the other likes to be rude and arrive late.

• One likes to ride the fun thrill rides at amusement parks—the other likes the little kiddie rides.

• One likes documentaries and sports on TV — the other likes “Say ‘Yes’ to the Dress!”

The key in this stage is to focus on learning instead of judging because we’re thinking MY values are obviously better, more intelligent, etc.

Early in our marriage one of Carolyn’s legitimate complaints was that I had to be right and I didn’t appreciate that she had a different point of view. I felt that what I was trying to do was obviously the right way since I was smarter—which is proof of how stupid I was!

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way.” (1 Peter 3:7 ESV)

2. Laughing at the differences.

As soon as possible, it is great to get a giggle out of your irreconcilable differences.

I am NOT saying we laugh at our spouse or make fun of their differences or values. But learn to chuckle about things like how one likes the covers off and the other freezes if they’re not piled high.

Examples for us:

• Cleaning the house: Carolyn vacuums the carpet three times before company comes over. We laugh about that and how she likes to virtually comb the carpet.

• Museums: I looked it up and the definition of muse is: “to reflect deeply on something.” Carolyn thinks a museum is a jogging track—or “speed walking” venue. She’s ready to leave about the time I get finished reading the first display!

• Tuna Fish Sandwiches: Our classic giggle is tuna fish sandwiches. At least that’s what I call them, due to my upbringing in the Midwest. But Carolyn thinks that’s dumb. Tuna fish is redundant. Like saying, “I’d like a chicken MEAT sandwich.” So, we “play fight” about it, and have a laugh. We’ve been “fighting” about tuna fish sandwiches for years!

“A joyful heart is good medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22 ESV)

3. Loving the differences.

A mature marriage is one where both spouses realize that part of the strength of marriage is in the irreconcilable differences. We learn from each other, we balance each other, we are stronger when two minds with different vantage points combine to find the best outcome.

In many ways, I’ve come to love how Carolyn is different from me, even if we disagree strongly.

For example, I love the fact that Carolyn wants our house spotless if we’re having company. My mom wasn’t that particular—she figured, “Ya’ll come over, we’ll throw in some extra fish sticks. The house is a little messy, but that okay. Just overlook it.”

But nowadays, because I’m married to Carolyn, I like a spotless house when people come over. Recently I even thanked Carolyn for having me dust my office!

IMPORTANT: Sometimes it seems a conflict is too difficult to be funny, and there is an impasse. In those cases, to resolve conflict it’s helpful to gauge who’s the one that feels most strongly about something and why. When we figure that out, then the other spouse can hopefully bend to accommodate the one who feels strongly.

“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free from favouritism and from all insincerity.” (James 3:17 WEY)

Over the years Carolyn and I have learned to enjoy and celebrate our irreconcilable differences. They are not problems, they are strengths.

In summary, here are three stages to deal with irreconcilable differences:

• Learning the differences.

• Laughing at the differences.

• Loving the differences.

How have you learned to cope with irreconcilable differences in your marriage?

Your thoughts are welcome! Please leave your comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Five Keys to Stay Happily Married for 34 Years

• 5 Ways to Porn-proof Your Mind and Marriage

• Why Did God Create Marriage?

• 4 Simple Yet Powerful Ways to Protect Your Marriage

• Podcast: Is divorce OK if things just aren’t working?

• Podcast: Why did God invent marriage?

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

God Always Gives His Best…

…to those who leave the choice with Him.

This quote by Jim Elliot is simple and yet profound. His life was consecrated and surrendered to God. His words indicate his complete trust in God and remind us that God always gives His best when we leave the choice with Him.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

Click here to read more about Jim Elliot.

During my 20’s, I looked for answers to life in the self-help section of the bookstore. Then on January 1, 1989 I attended a church where I heard the Gospel. I went home and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

My new life with Christ was like a voyage. I had been at the helm of my ship, but now Jesus wanted to steer. Since then, I have learned to trust that God always gives His best when I leave the choice with Him.

When we know God personally we learn by experience that He always gives His best. He can help us even when we’re faced with the most difficult decisions.

Some choices are easy, such as what sandwich we will have for lunch. While other choices are more life changing and understandably difficult.

We should pray and read the Bible before making a major choice. Certainly we can make our preferences known to God through prayer, but ultimately, we should leave the final choice with Him.

We need to trust Him completely and submit to Him.

We may have trust issues, but God is different because He is completely trustworthy.

Psalm 145:13 says, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” (NIV)

It is infinitely better to trust in God than to trust in others or even ourselves.

Here are 3 Biblical reasons why we should trust that God always gives His best:

1. God always gives His best because He is loving.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (NIV)Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV)

Consider the price that God paid to give us the extravagant gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. If He has been this generous, we can trust Him with everything else.

2. God always gives His best because He is faithful.

• Isaiah 25:1 says, “O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” (KJV)

• 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (NIV)

God is perfect in faithfulness. He is not like a human being that says “yes” one moment and “no” the next. He doesn’t break promises and He will be faithful to accomplish everything that He purposes.

3. God always gives His best because He is good.

• Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

• Psalm 145:9 says, “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” (KJV)

God is incapable of having bad motives.

He is Holy and good all of the time and there is no darkness in Him. 1 John 1:5 says, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (NIV)

Are you trusting that God always gives His best?

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

“God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.” | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Submit to Get What You Want

• 4 Steps to Identify Core Values and Make the Best Decisions

• quotecard We Make Our Decisions…Salvation

• What Does God Owe Me?

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth