There is a powerful opinion piece up on Fox News today. I strongly encourage you to read it. It is not very long, but it has solid, concrete Christian steps we all can take not just during this time of tragedy in Uvalde but at any moment. Please read it. Then, read the devotion. Then take action. The article can be found
Thanks again Mark. It is so difficult to get people to talk about their Bible beliefs without turning everyone nutso! BTW - thank you so much for your service. I am 75 and have only ONE regret - that I did not serve. I tried to enlist when I was 30 but they wouldn't take me - winding down from the Vietnam war. I feel like I let down my fellow countrymen. :(
My thoughts on God answering prayer has changed some since we have started exchanging ideas.
Think about the young man at the mall - Elisjsha Dicken. I shoot often - but 8 hits at 40 yds with a pistol? Lets say that accuracy was from God. That Eli's professional tactical response (with no formal training) was directed by God. That his quick response and even having his weapon was from God. Does God get any of the credit? No.
This is what God said in Isaiah 42:8: My name is the LORD! I won't let idols or humans share my glory and praise." God is only going to answer these kinds of prayers if he gets the glory.
Think of Uvalde. If the shooter had died (because of God) in the truck crash? If one of the cops had shot him when he entered the building? If one of the teachers had a weapon and took him down? Would God have gotten any of the credit? No.
Suppose a pastor's wife has breast cancer and the congregation meets weekly to pray for her remission (she also gets medical treatment.) Remission occurs. Will God get the credit? Yes. Prayer worked! (God may have answered the prayer - He gets the credit.)
In Exodus during the plagues God talks to Moses Exo 10:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go and see the king. I have made him and his officials stubborn, in order that I may perform these miracles among them. Exo 10:2 and in order that you may be able to tell your children and grandchildren how I made fools of the Egyptians when I performed the miracles. All of you will know that I am the LORD."
There are many examples that I know you are aware of where God (and Jesus) does things for God's glory. Jesus was in no hurry to save his friend Lazarus. (John 11:4)
So, I believe the answer to my own question is: God answers prayer hen He gets the glory. (If it pleases Him.)
You said it well in a previous post: "God made it all and set up the rules. He can neither be wrong nor do wrong because He is God. It's just how the top level deity is setup."
Sometimes I am slow on the uptake! Thank you Mark. A pleasure talking with you. And may God Bless you.
The children were praying. The parents were praying. Some of the cops were praying. God was sleeping, like he was in the boat. Mark 4:38. God was no where to be found. Everyone has suffered terribly as they will for the rest of their lives. God is never there when you need him.
Thanks again Mark. It is so difficult to get people to talk about their Bible beliefs without turning everyone nutso! BTW - thank you so much for your service. I am 75 and have only ONE regret - that I did not serve. I tried to enlist when I was 30 but they wouldn't take me - winding down from the Vietnam war. I feel like I let down my fellow countrymen. :(
My thoughts on God answering prayer has changed some since we have started exchanging ideas.
Think about the young man at the mall - Elisjsha Dicken. I shoot often - but 8 hits at 40 yds with a pistol? Lets say that accuracy was from God. That Eli's professional tactical response (with no formal training) was directed by God. That his quick response and even having his weapon was from God. Does God get any of the credit? No.
This is what God said in Isaiah 42:8: My name is the LORD! I won't let idols or humans share my glory and praise." God is only going to answer these kinds of prayers if he gets the glory.
Think of Uvalde. If the shooter had died (because of God) in the truck crash? If one of the cops had shot him when he entered the building? If one of the teachers had a weapon and took him down? Would God have gotten any of the credit? No.
Suppose a pastor's wife has breast cancer and the congregation meets weekly to pray for her remission (she also gets medical treatment.) Remission occurs. Will God get the credit? Yes. Prayer worked! (God may have answered the prayer - He gets the credit.)
In Exodus during the plagues God talks to Moses Exo 10:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go and see the king. I have made him and his officials stubborn, in order that I may perform these miracles among them. Exo 10:2 and in order that you may be able to tell your children and grandchildren how I made fools of the Egyptians when I performed the miracles. All of you will know that I am the LORD."
There are many examples that I know you are aware of where God (and Jesus) does things for God's glory. Jesus was in no hurry to save his friend Lazarus. (John 11:4)
So, I believe the answer to my own question is: God answers prayer hen He gets the glory. (If it pleases Him.)
You said it well in a previous post: "God made it all and set up the rules. He can neither be wrong nor do wrong because He is God. It's just how the top level deity is setup."
Sometimes I am slow on the uptake! Thank you Mark. A pleasure talking with you. And may God Bless you.
The children were praying. The parents were praying. Some of the cops were praying. God was sleeping, like he was in the boat. Mark 4:38. God was no where to be found. Everyone has suffered terribly as they will for the rest of their lives. God is never there when you need him.