The Bible and Life

Friday, June 28, 2024

Three Types Of Tongues

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by an unknown author that I wanted to share.

THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES, BUT THERE ARE DIFFERENCES IN THESE.

1). Tongues as a sign to unbelievers (no interpreter)

1 Corinthians 14:22, Acts 2:1-18- Language is unknown to the speaker but known to the hearer.

This is where a person hearing a tongue from someone in his own language, understands it, but the speaker doesn't understand and doesn’t speak this language at all.

Every Christian can experience this through receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and as the Holy Spirit wills through you.

2). Tongues for personal prayer language (private use)

1 Corinthians 14:2, 14:4, 14:23 - Language is unknown to the speaker and unknown to the hearer, but the speaker can pray for private interpretation (see 1 Corinthians 14:13-15) It edifies and strengthens the speaker without interpretation. Also with private interpretation this gift also edifies one's understanding.

There are tongues for deep intercessional groaning that words cannot express Romans 8:26.

The language is unknown to the speaker and unknown to the hearer. When this type of tongues comes upon a person it comes with tremendous power to bring breakthrough or spiritual birthing of things. Galatians 4:19 This is the same as private prayer language but a deeper part of the personal prayer language but with an anointing.

Another type are war tongues anointed by the Holy Spirit to pray intensely and break demonic strongholds and attacks. 1 Corinthians 12:10.

Blessing your food 1 Corinthians 14:16. Singing in tongues (singing in the Spirit), but this is private prayer language but can be interpreted (see 1 Corinthians 14:15)

Every Christian can have a personal prayer language (speak in tongues) through receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Mark 16:17-18, Acts 2:38.

3). Gift of different kinds of Tongues, Ministerial Tongues (with interpretation, public use)

1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 14:5- Language is unknown to the speaker and unknown to the hearer, but interpretation is given to the speaker or another standing by so that all that hear can understand and are edified. The speaker is able to speak different kinds of tongues as the Holy Spirit wills and gives the utterance. Also, it is a ministry gift and interpretation. The gift of different kinds of tongues can also be used privately and for intercession as the Holy Spirit wills to give the utterance. Not every Christian can have this gift of different kinds of tongues but can earnestly desire and ask God for it (1 Corinthians 12:31). Edited. Shared.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is still for today.

Mark 16:17-18 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; (18) they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

1 Corinthians 13:7-12

7) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8.) Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9) For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10) But when that which is perfect (Jesus) has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11) When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12) For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

Which is the part that will be done away?

Verse 8-9 prophecies, tongues, knowledge, we know in part and prophesy in part.

When will it be done away?

Verse 10 But when that which is perfect (Jesus) has come, then that which is in part will be done away. Has Jesus come back yet? No. Verse 12 we are not looking at Jesus face to face yet. So prophecies, tongues, knowledge, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not done away with yet.

Verse 12 When we will “know as we are known” then we will not need those things.

Verse 8 Do we know anything today? Yes, we have knowledge today, so knowledge hasn’t ceased yet either.

Acts 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Only Christians can have these gifts as the Holy Spirit wills and non Christians can not.

Not every Christian can have all of the gifts of the Spirit in their life but as the Holy Spirit wills.

1 Corinthians 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied.

(Paul desires all Christians to speak in tongues and can ask God for it).

1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.

Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,(Build up your self by praying in tongues).

1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue (edifies himself), but he who prophesies edifies the church. (Ministering to oneself, to God, and to others by speaking in tongues).

1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. (Do not forbid speaking with tongues).

1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

People do not understand the blessing they are missing and by rejecting what God earnestly wants us to have.

Many will not understand the deeper truths of the Bible without the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many want more of God and His presence. They desire God speaking to them and showing them things. This all comes with the experience of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that God still provides today and desires it for you. If you will just meet the conditions in the Bible and believe what the Bible says about it and ask God for it (Luke 11:13) you can have this experience.

God's promises are to be received and asked for in prayer by faith. Believe you received your answer when you pray. Do not doubt, believe what the promises of God say (Mark 11:23-24).

Some think if God wants me to be able to speak in tongues or any gifts of the Holy Spirit, then He will give it to me if He wants me to have it.

So, if we can say something like this, then why not be consistent and wait for God to give you salvation if He wants you to be saved? So, if you can believe God’s word about salvation and you take that, why not be consistent and believe God for the rest of His word and promises? He promised “to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him for it” Luke 11:13, Acts 8:14-17, Acts 19:1-7, Luke 11:9-13, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:38-39, Mark 11:23-24, Acts 10:44-48, Mark 16:17-18. Study these scriptures. Do not base your belief on wrong teaching saying that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased. They have not ceased, they are still for today. Do not grieve and quench the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

Do not stand on judgment day to answer why you opposed these promises God has given us.

Revelation 22:18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;.

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

I pray this blesses you.

William James Roop

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Oral Roberts

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article from the book God's Generals that I wanted to share.

In August 1936, the East Oklahoma Pentecostal camp meetings were being held in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Oral was to be licensed as a minister in the Pentecostal Holiness church at one of the last meetings. When he arrived, though, his mind was set on far more than that ordination. He was determined he would not leave those campgrounds without personally experiencing the fire of Pentecost. Oral began to seek God with all his heart for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

During one of the evening meetings at the Sulphur, Oklahoma, camp meeting, Oral Roberts cried out to God in prayer, feeling as though he could no longer wait for God’s Spirit to fill him. As the time of evening worship and praise began, Oral opened his mouth to sing and was baptized in the Holy Spirit. He began to speak with other tongues, as the disciples had at Pentecost in the book of Acts. (See Acts 2:4.) He had received God’s anointing to preach earlier in his ministry, but now he was empowered by the Holy Spirit as in the days of Pentecost!

William James Roop

Monday, June 24, 2024

King James Only

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article that I found and wanted to share.

VERY CRITICAL ALERT!!!

The New International Version of the Bible was published by Zondervan but is now owned by Harper Collins, who also publishes the Satanic Bible and The Joy of Gay Sex!

•The NIV and ESV has now removed 64,575 words from the Bible,

including Jehovah, Calvary, Holy Ghost and omnipotent to name but a few...

•The NIV and ESV has also now removed 45 complete verses.

•Try and find these scriptures in NIV and ESV on your computer, phone or device right now if you are in doubt:

Matthew 17:21, 18:11, 23:14;

Mark 7:16, 9:44, 9:46;

Luke 17:36, 23:17;

John 5:4; Acts 8:37.

...you will not believe your eyes.

•Refuse to be blinded by Satan, and do not act like you just don't care. Let's not forget what the Lord Jesus said in John 10:10 (King James Version).

There is a crusade geared towards altering the Bible as we know it; NIV, ESV and many more versions are affected.

•THE SOLUTION:

Buy the King James Version of the Bible!

Please spread the word...

William James Roop

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Be The Best You

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by an unknown author that I wanted to share.

A man was hired to paint a boat. As asked, he brought his paint and brushes and began to paint the boat bright red.

While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull and repaired it. When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The boat owner came to the painter the next day and presented him with another check, much higher than the amount agreed upon.

Surprised, he said, “You've already paid me for painting the boat.”

“But this is not for the paint job. It's for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service, and certainly, it's not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole. When the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip.

They did not know that there was a hole and I was not at home at that time. When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole.

Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing. Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!

You see, now, what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your 'small' good deed.”

The seemingly small details make a huge difference....be the best you!

William James Roop

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Atheists Last Words

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here are some interesting last words of a few atheists.

Founder of the Church Of Satan, the famous satanist, Anton Szandor LaVey’s last death bed words were, “Oh my, oh my, what have I done! There’s something very wrong, there’s something very wrong, there’s something very wrong!”

Voltaire (1694–1778), an atheist, said, “I am abandoned by God and man! I shall go to hell! O Jesus Christ!”

David Hume (1711–1776), an atheist, said while dying in utter despair, “I am in the flames!”

Sir Thomas Scott (1808–1878), an atheist, said, “Until this moment I thought there was neither a God nor a hell. Now I know and feel that there is both, and I am doomed to perdition by the just judgement of the Almighty.”

Eternity is too long to be wrong!!!

Be informed.. Don’t wait until it’s too late. God is real!

William James Roop

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

The Nature Of Rejection

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by Derek Prince that I wanted to share.

THE NATURE OF REJECTION

ln most all of us have experienced rejection at one time or another, but many of us have not understood its nature or its effects. The rejection may have been something relatively minor—or it may have been so devastating that it affected your whole life and all your relationships.

Here are some common examples: you were not chosen to play on a school sports team; your first boyfriend failed to show up for an important date and never gave you a reason; you were not accepted at the college of your choice; you were laid off from your job for no good reason—they said you were “redundant.”

Far worse than these examples is the pain that comes because you never felt love from your father, because you sensed your mother didn’t want you, or because your marriage ended in divorce.

Experiences such as these leave permanent wounds, whether you are aware of them or not. But I have good news for you! God can heal you from the wounds that come from rejection, help you to accept yourself, and enable you to show His love to others. However, before you can receive His help, you must recognize the nature of your problem.

Rejection can be defined as believe the Devil has some foreknowledge. He knows God wants to use you, and he has struck his blow first. In a way, it is a kind of twisted compliment.

It means that Satan is afraid of what you can become in Christ. So, do not be discouraged. In my experience, I have found that the people who have been the lowest often end up the highest. The Scriptures tell us, "He who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14 NIV).

There is a verse in Matthew that I believe describes how Jesus feels toward you:

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them...

(Matt. 9:36a NKJV)

The Greek word translated "compassion" is amazingly powerful. It implies a forceful, physical reaction in a person's body in the abdominal area. It is a reaction so strong that it demands a response. A person who is "moved with compassion" cannot stand by and observe. He must do something. Why was Jesus so moved?

...because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

(Matt. 9:36b NKJV).

That is just how you may feel: weary, harried, frustrated, perplexed, fearful, anxious, burdened down. Jesus sees you, just as He saw the multitudes. He has compassion for you. He is longing to heal you where you hurt the most.First, we must understand the true nature of rejection. How does rejection occur? What causes the wounding? When we answer these questions, then we can ask, How can wounds of rejection be treated?

About 1964, I often found myself ministering to people who were bound by addictions to substances such as nicotine or alcohol. Very quickly, however, I discovered that addictions such as these are merely twigs that have sprouted from a branch. Normally, the branch that supports them is some form of frustration.

Therefore, the practical solution is to deal with the branch. When the branch of frustration is cut off, dealing with the twigs of addiction is relatively easy. As I continued to wrestle with people's personal problems, I gradually worked my way down the trunk of the tree until I came to the part of the tree that lies below the surface—that is, the roots. It is here that God seeks to work in our lives.

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matt. 3:10 NKJV).

From where is the tree cut down? From the roots. When I got down below the surface, I made a discovery that surprised me at first. One of the most common roots of all personal problems is rejection. I reached this conclusion, not as a sociologist or as a psychologist, but as a preacher and a Bible teacher.

Have you ever seen a small child in his father's arms? One little hand clutches the lapel of his father's jacket while his head is pressed against that strong, protective chest. Pressures and tensions may be all around, but the child is not threatened. His face registers total security. He is where he belongs—in his Daddy's arms.

God designed human nature so that every baby born into the world would crave this kind of security. A child can never truly be satisfied, fulfilled, or secure without parental love, particularly love from a father. Any person who has been deprived of this kind of love is inevitably exposed to the wound of rejection. Almost an entire generation of American fathers have failed their children. Thus, we have a generation of young people whose deepest, most basic problem is rejection.

William James Roop

Sunday, June 16, 2024

The Forgiveness Of Jesus

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is a cute little story about faith by an unknown author.

In the west during the torrential spring rains, the rivers frequently rise and flood the lowlands. There was a little girl who lived In the valley of one of these mighty rivers and one weekend she was going with her parents to visit friends. As she was packing, she placed her dearest possession in her suitcase---a little rag doll. She had made it with her own hands and cared for it with a mother’s love. But her mother told her she could not bring it with her because it was too dirty, threadbare and falling apart. Reluctantly, she left it home.

Over the weekend, a sudden storm hit the valley and the river reached over it banks and flooded all the homes The little girl stood on the hillside looking down into the flooded valley, all she could think of was her little rag doll. When she could return home she rushed into her room, and her worst fear was realized--the flood had washed away her little rag doll.

One day while she was in town, she happened to pass a salvage store where objects found in the muddy debris were sold to raise money for the flood victims To her surprise and overwhelming joy, there wee her little rag doll with a price tag on it---25 cent. She had not money of her own, she went back home and helped her mother clean up. She earned a few pennies, she also helped the neighbors and earned a few more pennies. Finally, she had her 25 cents. She rushed to the store and placed her little sacrifice on the counter and claimed her doll. As she walked from the store clutching her treasure in her arms, she was heard to say, "I made you, I lost you, I bought you back and now you are really mine!"

William James Roop

Friday, June 14, 2024

How The Blood Of The Jesus Works For Us

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by Derek Prince.

HOW THE BLOOD OF JESUS WORKS FOR US.

1.REDEMPTION ~ It means been bought back.

Ephesians 1:7 1; Peter 1:18-19; ( Psalm 107:2).

CONFESSION: Through the blood of Jesus I have been redeemed out of the hand of the devil.

2.CLEANSING ~ Us you walk in the light the blood of Jesus continue to clean you.

1 John 1:7; (Psalm 51:7).

CONFESSION: While I walk in the light, the blood of Jesus cleansing me from my sins now and continually.

3. JUSTIFICATION ~ To make righteous.

Romans 5:9; (Isaiah 61:10).

CONFESSION: Through the blood of Jesus, I am Justify, acquitted,not guilty, made righteous just as if I have never sinned.

4.SANCTIFICATION ~ To make saintly or holy.

Hebrews 13:12; Hebrews 12:10.

CONFESSION: Through the blood of Jesus, I am sanctify, made holy, set apart to God,separated from sin,made holy with God holiness.

5. Life ~Devine Life , the life of God.

John 6:53-57; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:23; ( leviticus 17:11).

CONFESSION: LORD Jesus, when we receive your blood, in it we receive your life , the life of God, divine life, eternal life, endless life. Thank You LORD.

6. INTERCESSION~ The blood of Jesus plead on your behalf. Hebrews 22:24.

CONFESSION: Thank You LORD, that even when I cannot pray, the blood of Jesus I pleading for me in heaven.

7. WE HAVE ACCESS ~ access to the presence of God. Hebrews 10:19

CONFESSION: Thank You LORD, that through the sprinkled blood of Jesus, I have an access into your presence into the holies place in the universe.

•But remember we overcome Satan on the blood of the Lamb and by want a word of our testimony ~ Revelation 12:11

William James Roop

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Are You Depressed?

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by Mary Bjohns.

"Have you ever felt like your life is formless, dark, and chaotic, just like the Earth was in the beginning? Remember, in the midst of all that mess, God spoke and created something amazing.

In Genesis 1:3, it says, 'And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.' God didn't dwell on the chaos; He focused on what He wanted to see. He used the power of His words to shape His desired reality.

Beloved, in the midst of your storms, darkness, and chaos, what do you want to see in your life? Just as God created order out of chaos, we too have that creative ability within us.

Instead of dwelling on what's not working in your life, speak life into those situations. Use your words to command a shift. Declare blessings, healing, success, and peace over your life in the mighty Name of Jesus!

Remember, in 1 John 4:17, it says, 'As He is, so are we in this world.' We are heirs of God and co-creators with Him. Tap into that power today. Speak life, speak positivity, speak blessings. Watch as your words shape your reality and align it with God's divine plan for you.

Don't underestimate the power of your words. Speak with faith, knowing that God is working alongside you to bring forth His will in your life. You have the authority to command your circumstances to change.

Believe it, declare it, and watch miracles unfold.

William James Roop

Monday, June 10, 2024

Keep It Simple

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is a funny story about a smart lady.

WALKER COUNTY LAKE CATFISH TOURNAMENT ANGLERS CRYING FOUL AFTER 70 YEAR OLD WOMAN WINS TOURNAMENT WITH A CANE POLE AND A ZIPLOCK BAG FULL OF GRAVY TRAIN

JASPER - Participants in the annual Walker County Lake Catfish Tournament are crying foul tonight after a 70 year old Jasper woman bested the next closest competitor by 12 lbs while using nothing but a cane pole, and Gravy Train dog food as bait.

One competitor with whom we spoke had this to say, "I have the very best catfishing equipment that money can buy, the best boat, the best rods, the best electronics. There ain't no way that old lady beat me with a stick and some dog food, no way. Something smells fishy here, and it ain't my stinkbait."

Others say that it is not unusual for "Ms. Minnie" as she is lovingly called by lake patrons to weigh in her limit at least five days a week.

"Ms. Minnie sure can catch 'em. She always leaves the lake with enough catfish, and shellcrackers to feed five people. Ms. Minnie wouldn't cheat, those men just ain't as good at fishing as they think they are."

William James Roop

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Thank You For The Fleas

Hello Everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is a commonly told story about a great lady.

While in Ravensbrück concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom and her sister, Betsy dealt with dreadful conditions.

This women’s labor camp “dorms” were crammed into three high trough like sleeping barracks with rancid hay as their bed.

The cramped conditions and lack of basic sanitation lead to a lice and massive infestation of fleas.

Corrie wondered how they could endure such a dreadful place.

Betsy prayed and told her sister they must “give thanks in all circumstances”.

But the filth and the fleas?

Corrie wondered How she could possibly ever be thankful for the lice and the fleas?

Several weeks later, one of the supervisors was called in their barracks to view something Betsy was working on.

The supervisor refused because the place was crawling with fleas.

Betsy then reminded her sister that it was the fleas that had allowed them so much freedom to form a bond with and pray and teach about Jesus to their entire barrack with little infringement from their captors because neither the supervisors or guards wanted to be in their barracks because of the lice and the fleas.

This is when Corrie realized how she could be thankful even for a flea.

Every time I read this section of the true story “The Hiding Place”, I’m so humbled by the raw and real way God used these amazing, brave sisters in such a horrific situation.

He even used the fleas.

What challenge or difficulty have you found gratitude in that you never thought you could?

By Corrie Ten Boom

Thursday, June 6, 2024

George Jeffreys

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article that I wanted to share.

George Jeffreys began his Spirit-filled ministry in the first half of the twentieth century as a healing evangelist. Thousands came to Christ as a result of the four-part gospel he preached: Jesus as Savior, Healer, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and coming King.

Jeffreys was a product of the Welsh Revival, which first brought him into the kingdom of God. Not only was the Welsh Revival responsible for his conversion, but it also influenced his vision of the body of Christ—and would do so for the rest of his life.

In Jeffreys’ concept of the kingdom of God, revival was not to be considered a mere hope for the future; it was available to the church today. Jeffreys knew that God moved in power to bring people to their knees in repentance and new life, and he wanted to see the flames of that revival ignite the hearts of men and women all over the globe.

God placed Jeffreys in the apostolic office according to Ephesians 4:11. This office signifies a servant whom God sends out with the message of the gospel of Christ to those who live in areas bereft of God’s Word. Through signs, miracles, and wonders that accompany their teaching, they birth new churches. Jeffreys was a true apostle—he preached conversion and built churches.

Today, conferences with numerous speakers may fill various halls and conference centers, but Jeffreys, with his apostolic mantle from the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit, filled the Royal Albert Hall, the Crystal Palace, and Bingley Hall, among others—all by himself.

As such, George Jeffreys deserves to be recognized as one of God’s generals who was used to birth the Pentecostal movement in Great Britain, as well as to help pioneer the healing revivals of the twentieth century.

- God’s Generals ( The Healing Evangelists )

- JESUS SAVES TV

William James Roop

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Jonathan Goforth

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article that I wanted to share.

“Brethren, the Spirit of God is with us still. Pentecost is yet within our grasp. If revival is being withheld from us, it is because some idol remains still enthroned; because we still insist on placing our reliance in human schemes; because we still refuse to face the unchangeable truth that it is not by our might, but by His Spirit!”

—Jonathan Goforth

Jonathan Goforth was a pioneer revivalist with a burning passion to win souls for Christ. The quote above is from the closing passage of his book By My Spirit. Throughout his ministry, Goforth boldly proclaimed that men’s hearts would be drawn to the Savior by the Spirit of God alone. Very early in his ministry, his life verse became Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Because of his unshakable faith in the Holy Spirit to change lives for eternity, Goforth was used by God to usher in sweeping revivals in China, reaching tens of thousands of people at the dawn of the twentieth century.

“Jonathan Goforth was a pioneer, through and through,” his wife Rosalind wrote. “He always had a forward vision and strong convictions about discerning divine guidance for himself....Jonathan believed in the freedom for each missionary to carry on his or her work as each one felt led by the Holy Spirit.”

- God’s Generals ( The Missionaries )

- JESUS SAVES TV

William James Roop

Sunday, June 2, 2024

The Power of Prayer (Lester Sumrall)

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

THE POWER OF PRAYER.

Lester Sumrall left America with $12 ($280 today) in his pocket and a one way ticket in 1934. The pastor who took him to the docks in San Francisco said " I perceive that you're going to go to China and starve to death" Lester " Would you do me a favor? Please send a small gravestone that says --Here lies Lester Sumrall, who starved to death trusting Jesus-- The pastor responded " I won't send it" And Lester " I won't need it, good day" And with that He boarded the S.S. Makura and went on a journey of faith!

The marvelous thing about prayer. It's so far- reaching. The effects of prayer do not know the bounds of distance or time. We can pray for something near or far in the future. We can pray for our next-door neighbor, or for someone halfway around the world. The effect is the same. God hears the prayer of faith and glorifies Himself in the answer.

Early in my ministry, I once became very ill while traveling between China and Tibet. I was riding on a donkey in a caravan when I became so weak I could not go on. I had been bleeding and feverish for nearly two days, and I was severely dehydrated. I dismounted, tied my donkey to a tree, and lay down to die. Almost immediately I passed out.

I don't know how long I was unconscious, but when I finally awoke, I was fine. The fever was gone, and my strength was back. It took me a full day to catch up with the caravan, but I finally did locate them that evening at dusk. Just before I went to sleep that night, I recorded in my diary, "I lay down to die, and God healed me."

More than two years later, while I was in Mobile, Alabama, to visit my mother, I was sharing some of my diary entries with her Christian women's group. A dear woman in that group showed me her own diary. Written there was an account of how at 10:00 P.M. on the day before I almost died in Tibet, she had been strongly impressed to pray for me. She had prayed fervently that the Lord would not let me die. Her diary showed that she had prayed for nearly two hours before she felt certain I was all right. Then she made the diary entry before she went to bed for the evening.

At 10:00 P.M. in Mobile, Alabama, it is 10:00 A.M. the following day in Tibet. In other words, at the exact time that woman was praying, I was lying under a tree unconscious, halfway around the world! God had guided her in her praying, and He had glorified Himself by answering.

Prayer does indeed change things. It changes us. It strengthens our faith. It helps us to see things through God's eyes. It softens our hearts. It sensitizes our consciences. It gives us superhuman courage. And it molds us into champions God can use.

How is your prayer life?

-The Making of a Champion, by Dr. Lester Sumrall

William James Roop