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Does Prayer Really Work?

10/28/2018

Often times, people are misled by thoughts which Satan throws out there. God is a God of orchestrating our thoughts of what we truly need as being a priority versus what we want. Health and freedom is important. Seeking Jesus and heaven over materialistic things is important. Sometimes, we ask God for things and he seems to vanish or not listen. But he does listen. Are we asking for fleshly lusts? Ask God to purify your heart so that he will give you an answer in regards to your prayers.

He is always on his own time. God said his thoughts and ways are not ours. So if our mind musters up a thought and we feel that we have to get a blessing, like, 'right now;' God may not feel the same way. He is a God who spoke regarding patience.

Always wait on the Lord and he will renew your strength. Seeking heaven is very important to Christians cause tomorrow is not promised. Tomorrow with a marriage, fancy car or more money may not come. So sometimes God rearranges our minds and hearts so that we pray for the right things at the right time. God may feel as if a Christian should be thankful for food and shelter. So why pray for more right then? Is that prayer out of season. It may be. Introspect. Say, 'have I done enough so that God may give me my heart's desires?' 'Have I been thankful or praised Him enough,' one might say when introspecting and in retrospect regarding the past months.

Be honest with God. God is more concerned with us going to heaven than with materialistic things on earth. Yet, he will provide. There are seasons when God pours out abundant blessings from heaven. But where is our heart? If you get a newer, fancier car; would you leave God? God knows what we will do with that blessing. So wait on the Lord for an answer. Don't ask amiss or in vain as it pertains to 'prayers for materialistic things.' Yes, let's ask God to go above and beyond in our finances. But we do have to wait.

Let's never leave Jesus Christ because we feel that he didn't answer our prayers. God is on his timing. So let's wait on the Lord for what we are asking for. God still answers prayers. But they are according to his will, outlook and for his purpose.

The Silence of God - Sock It To Me Book Review by Jason Brye

10/7/2018

Title: The Silence of God – Sock It To Me
Author: Dr. Gene Russell (Pastor Russell)
Publisher: BookVenture Publishing
ISBN: Hardcover 1397-1-64166-723-4
Genre: Christian Non-Fiction
Review by: Jason Brye

So I occasionally do book reviews for a Book Publishing and Review Company. And I did this one regarding a Dr. Gene Russell Classic 'The Silence of God.'

‘The Silence of God’ written by Dr. Gene Russell is a compilation of thoughts, stories and faith. Dr. Gene Russell has pastored for several years, he is a father, a grandfather and has studied Biblical Studies and more at various graduate institutions. Russell’s account of God being silent is depicted in this emotional story of heartache, sadness, patience and long suffering. But those troubles don’t last as there is hope given by the author at the story’s end. Russell asks ‘where is God?’ But why would Gene feel so low after preaching for years? In ‘The Silence of God,’ Dr. Russell is yearning for God to touch him and the world as Christians do. Russell paints a picture of heartache and misery as he watched people die and he also heard of close ones catching on fire. He still cries out to God after prayer, unfulfilled expectations and unattainable goals become a burdensome matter in his life. Gene decided to write this story which ironically relates to both Christians and Non-Christians as they wait for an answer in regards to life’s purpose, faith, healing and more.
The story is sad at times. It may produce a trail of tears which linger on in thought as death and sickness is discussed. Left wondering, people who trust God and feel let down do not make Dr. Russell, our protagonist, more comfortable as he constantly deals with the woes, foes and trials of the world. But his faith is intact. He battles to the end and he calls out to God without retirement.
Initially, it seemed as if Dr. Russell was taking a semi-atheist approach after detailing sorrow after his prayers were disregarded, dreams did not come true and after failed plans left Gene and countless others behooved in regards to God’s timing. Dr. Russell’s strength does prevail. The story’s emotional chapters are heartfelt and empathy surfaces. Though simple at times, the author gets right down to the bone as he continues to give God glory throughout the story; but he also wonders why God won’t answer accordingly. Many can relate. This story of realistic feelings is a spectacular read. It’s an emotional ride inside the thoughts of a pastor who almost threw in the towel. But at the end, he prevailed through fervent prayer and good works. Dr. Russell mentions going back to the basics when trying to grow closer to God. The triumphant sermon-style message at the end is glorious. It’s encouraging and introspection would probably be best for the Christian reader who trusts God. Non-Christians could give his advice a try and perhaps see if faith leads them to Jesus. This is an awesome story for anyone. And it’s a story of happy and content endings after a sad start.

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