The Pointe

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.James 5:13

When you think of prayer, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, prayer is simply a way of communicating their needs to God. During times of trouble, they turn to God through prayer. They seek his help. And there’s nothing wrong with that. James here reminds us that the first action we should take when we face adversity or trouble is pray. But that’s not the only time or place for prayer.

Prayer is communication with God. If I only communicated with my wife, Yolanda, when I wanted something from her or needed her help, I’d be robbing both of us of the intimate connection that our marriage is to be based on. For our relationship to grow, I need to tell her what I appreciate about her, how much she means to me and what I find attractive about her.

Don’t neglect your relationship with God by only talking with him when you’re in trouble. Instead, pray in every situation—good and bad.

God wants an intimate relationship with you. Don’t rob that relationship of its potential. Instead, share with God everything that is on your heart. Thank him, share with him and communicate with him during every circumstance you face. Because as you do, you will discover the real potential in your relationship with God.

People have so many choices in this day and age that it is helpful to do your research before you try making the right decision.  On second thought, make sure you know where to get reliable and valid information.  Not all information is good information.  Below is an example of why we should know our sources because even a lie can be made to sound true -  

A lot of people think they are self-acclaimed experts. Take this health food advice:

Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it… don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!!!… Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO . Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It’s the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
 
This is funny stuff, but what we need to know is that the enemy of our souls tells us things that are not true, but sounds true, all the time.  Know your sources! 

Do you ever feel like what you say is being received differently than the way you meant for it to be received?  It is always good to make sure people understand what you mean and not what they think you mean.  Here is an extreme example and I am sure you have your own stories.  Tell me what you think…   

A minister decided that a VISUAL DEMONSTRATION would add EMPHASIS to his Sunday sermon.

Four worms were placed into four separate JARS. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth work was put into a container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of his lesson, the minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol—dead. The second worm in cigarette smoke—dead. Third word in chocolate syrup—dead. Fourth worm in good clean soil—alive.

So the minister asked the congregation, “What can you learn from this demonstration?”

A little old lady in the back quickly raised her hand and said, “As long as you drink, smoke, and eat chocolate, you won’t have worms!”