Keep praying. Never give up

Jesus said that we should keep praying and never give up. He said that God would hear and positively answer the prayers that He has put on our hearts. That is what praying “according to God’s will” means. It is not an “opt out clause” or excuse for unanswered prayer. It is there to give the person of faith certainty in that their Holy Spirit inspired prayers will be answered.

What has God put on your heart to pray?
Blessings,
Bob Lipsys.

Here is a true story about persisting in prayer (The Book's reference is given below.)

Roger Simms, hitchhiking his way home, would never forget the date--May 7. His heavy suitcase made Roger tired. He was anxious to take off his army uniform once and for all. Flashing the hitchhiking sign to the oncoming car, he lost hope when he saw it was a black, sleek, new Cadillac. To his surprise the car stopped. The passenger door opened. He ran toward the car, tossed his suitcase in the back, and thanked the handsome, well-dressed man as he slid into the front seat. "Going home for keeps?" "Sure am," Roger responded. "Well, you’re in luck if you’re going to Chicago." "Not quite that far. Do you live in Chicago?" "I have a business there. My name is Hanover."

After talking about many things, Roger, a Christian, felt a compulsion to witness to this fifty-ish, apparently successful businessman about Christ. But he kept putting it off, till he realized he was just thirty minutes from his home. It was now or never. So, Roger cleared his throat, "Mr. Hanover, I would like to talk to you about something very important." He then proceeded to explain the way of salvation, ultimately asking Mr. Hanover if he would like to receive Christ as his Saviour. To Roger’s astonishment the Cadillac pulled over to the side of the road. Roger thought he was going to be ejected from the car. But the businessman bowed his head and received Christ, then thanked Roger. "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me."

Five years went by, Roger married, had a two-year-old boy, and a business of his own. Packing his suitcase for a business trip to Chicago, he found the small, white business card Hanover had given him five years before. In Chicago he looked up Hanover Enterprises. A receptionist told him it was impossible to see Mr. Hanover, but he could see Mrs. Hanover. A little confused as to what was going on, he was ushered into a lovely office and found himself facing a keen-eyed woman in her fifties. She extended her hand. "You knew my husband?" Roger told how her husband had given him a ride when hitchhiking home after the war. "Can you tell me when that was?" "It was May 7, five years ago, the day I was discharged from the army." "Anything special about that day?" Roger hesitated. Should he mention giving his witness? Since he had come so far, he might as well take the plunge. "Mrs. Hanover, I explained the gospel. He pulled over to the side of the road and wept against the steering wheel. He gave his life to Christ that day."

Explosive sobs shook Mrs Hanover’s body. Getting a grip on herself, she sobbed, "I had prayed for my husband’s salvation for years. I believed God would save him." "And," said Roger, "Where is your husband, Mrs. Hanover?" "He’s dead," she wept, struggling with words. "He was in a car crash after he let you out of the car. He never got home. You see--I thought God had not kept His promise." Sobbing uncontrollably, she added, "I stopped living for God five years ago because I thought He had not kept His word!" [J. Kirk Johnston, Why Christians Sin, Discovery House, 1992, pp. 39-41. www.christianglobe.com/illustrations/prayer])

Never give up praying
And never ever give up your hope in the Good God you are talking with,
Bob Lipsys.

No Worries Mate

No Worries Mate is a great Australian saying. However, it can only be really true for those who rest in their Heavenly Father’s Love. In this land of droughts, floods, cyclones, bush fires, interest rate rises, marriage breakdowns, stock market falls and sin... there is plenty to worry about ..that is, if God is not in control of your life.

Worried? Anxious? concerned about your future. Then it is time to ask Jesus to take over your life. Let Him be King and you will walk in peace
Be Blessed in Jesus
Bob Lipsys
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Here are the words from a Godfrey Birtill song. Although a popular Christian Singer in the UK he is relatively unknown in Australia. I find that many of his songs have a prophetic edge. He is well worth a listen BL
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When I look at the world I get distressed
When I look at myself
I sometimes get depressed
When I look at the Lord I find rest
As I listen to His words...

Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...
Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...No No!

When I think of the time wasted in bed
Things blown out of proportion
Buzzing round my head
Something tries to steal the very best
Then I listen to these words:

Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...
Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...No No!

No No...No No...No No...No worries
No No...No No...No No...No worries
No No...No No...No No...No worries
No No...No No...No No...No worries
God holds the future, He is faithful
I’m going to trust Him, each and every day.

No worries (When I look at the world)
by Godfrey Birtill 2007 © Thankyou Music
http://www.godfreyb.com/
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Speaking in tongues

As a primary school kid, from about grade 6 or 7, I used to sing in tongues in the vegetable garden at home. I had no understanding of what I was doing. I had never even heard of “Speaking in Tongues.” However, I experienced God, at these times. God was really close. These were special experiences. Times of healing and faith building.

Years later I was walking past a church in Adelaide. They were having a Charismatic Conference. I walked in – attracted by the singing. At one stage they all sang together forming a beautiful symphony of voices. When I listened closely, and picked out individual voices, I heard people singing in different languages. I recognised it as the singing I did as a youngster. I asked a man standing next to me: “What are they doing?” He replied: “They are singing in tongues.” Oh I said “Is that all tongues is…”. You see by this time my church had become very negative towards tongue speakers, and spoke against them.

From that day however, I renewed my use of the gift I had been given as a child, and I began to pray and sing in tongues throughout the day. Tongues allowed God to “Invade my space” with His Holy Presence.

Speaking in Tongues is not something to be scared of. It is also not something to be boastful of. “Tongue speakers” are not superior Christians – There are no “superior” Christians.

Speaking in tongues is a gift, a tool given by God. It builds up the speaker’s faith. It brings them in contact with God’s presence.

If you are a Christian and would like to speak in tongues go to God and ask Him for the gift. Ask Him to fill you to overflowing with His love and Holy Spirit. Tell God you want to know Him personally. Let Him fill you to overflowing. It is not the gift you are really wanting but the giver, God.

Any Questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Bob Lipsys

Changing your world

You can be a person who changes the world around them just by being there.

Last year, just before Easter, my wife and I were in a crowded shopping centre in a very long queue. Many people around us were frustrated and angry, they had waited a long time to be served. Then the computer system in our lane broke down. The cash register closed down completely. The lady being served at the time exploded in anger. She yelled at the checkout staff and she yelled at her children. This anger and frustration was transferred to others.

Standing in line, I remembered what John Paul Jackson said in one of his CD’s about God using these sort of delays for His purposes. So I silently prayed for those around us. The lady in front calmed down. I invited a heavily pregnant woman to go ahead of us as she looked very tired and worn out at the wait. As I silently prayed for all the frustrated people around us they calmed down. After a bit of a wait the computer sprung back into life. The woman in front, who had been complaining and making a fuss, found out that the problem was actually caused by her child pulling a cable out of the computer.

When we got to the front of the line, the check out lady apologised for the delay and commented on the peace my wife and I radiated. I went out happy, having transformed my area of the world with God's touch.

Next time you are delayed, assume God has allowed the delay to happen to you with His purposes in mind. He is giving you the opportunity to change the world around you.

Blessings are yours in Jesus,
Bob Lipsys

I'm looking forward to the End Times

Jesus told His followers that they need not be
afraid of the end times. He confirmed that there
would be wars, natural disasters, and very hard times.
But He also said to His followers that when these
happen don't be depressed, rather lift up your heads
for your salvation is near, (see Luke 21:28).
Jesus' disciples saw the end times
as a time of great signs, wonders and miracles,
a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out.
A good time. A time of celebration and joy.
If you follow Jesus, the last days are good days.
Blessings are falling around you
Bob Lipsys
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The Bible also says this
What you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy.
And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below—
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.
But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.’ Acts 2:16-21