Your weekly guide to the Bible and prayer
Sunday, November 11, 2007
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"It was 1986," writes Suzanne Brown in Pray! magazine, "and the world was crashing around David Green. In the offices of his multimillion-dollar hobby and craft business, Hobby Lobby, he read the bad news: the bank was ready to foreclose on the product of years of his life and labor. He wasn't alone. The oil boom in Oklahoma had gone bust, and the over-extended banks were failing. Many business owners in Oklahoma City had already closed their doors in defeat and declared bankruptcy.
"But the Green family knew where to turn for help in a crisis. Although the foreclosure of the business was the worst thing they could imagine, they came to see it as a defining moment in their business and spiritual lives. 'I know I prayed prior to that time,' David Green says, 'but that's when I got really serious about it.'
"He tells how the space beneath his desk became his prayer closet. He would crawl under his desk in his corporate office and seek God's help. And God gave it. It was God's response to those prayers for their business that the family believes pulled the company out from under looming bankruptcy and set it on its feet again."
This week let the answers that others have received to serious praying boost your own confidence.
Until next week,
Harry Genet, Men of Integrity managing editor
Your feedback is welcome at Men@ChristianityToday.com.
 Prayer Outcomes
Does praying yield tangible results?
 SOS Prayers
Jack James is capping a career in the U.S. Navy. He prays the Scriptures daily for or with his men. An example: "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2). Lt. Commander James says, "I don't expect God will answer all my prayers in as timely a manner as in these three incidents. But as the need arises, I plan to confidently ask again."
| Read what Jack has to say |
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 Killing Two Birds with One Tree
by Todd Wilson
Hey Dad,
It's been a red-letter week here at the Wilson home. Not only did we celebrate my birthday, but we also celebrated the first snowfall of the year. As is tradition, we ate dinner at Long John Silver's (don't ask me how that one started), and we gave each of our children a new pair of gloves, or a new hat, or something "snowy."
More …
 Wishful Thinking?
Turning your "if onlys" into reality.
by Gary D. Chapman
Most couples I encounter in my counseling office have dreams of how wonderful their marriage would be "if only…" The if only statements almost always focus on things they wish their spouse would change.
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 Quiet Strength
In this inspiring memoir, football coach Tony Dungy tells his story of a life lived for God and others—and challenges us to rethink what it means to be a winner. |
 The Silence of Adam
Dr. Larry Crabb and his colleagues, biblical scholar Don Hudson and counselor Al Andrews, deal thoughtfully and honestly with becoming men of courage in a world of chaos. |
 This Moment, CD
Steven Curtis Chapman explores God's abiding concern for our day-to-day lives and encourages believers to experience God's presence wherever we are. |
 Christian History & Biography
This fascinating magazine surveys Christian history in a format that's attractive to scholar and novice alike. Colorful charts and illustrations make each issue a valuable resource that you'll return to again and again. |
 Finding Your Voice
The Christian faith says our worth and identity come from God.
by Gary Klingsporn
Henri Nouwen was a successful university professor, writer, and lecturer. At the height of his career, he left the prestigious world of Harvard to live and work among the mentally handicapped and seriously disabled people at the L'Arche community in Toronto.
| Finish this article |
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What sorts of developments in your life are you convinced occurred as answers to prayer?- You aren't aware of any
- Healing from an illness or disability
- Courage to confront a threatening situation
- Reconciling with an adversary
- Deliverance in a hazardous predicament
- Patience to deal with a trying person/circumstance
- Guidance in a perplexing dilemma
- Provision of a material or financial need
- Strength to overcome a temptation or setback
- Forgiving someone who wronged you
- Protection for a loved one
- Love for someone you previously shunned
- Confirmation of a contemplated action
- Other
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'. |
What spiritual goal is God prompting you to pursue over the long haul? To…- Abstain from an activity that is hazardous for me: 13%
- Volunteer my time and skills to support a cause: 9%
- Study to become a skilled handler of Scripture: 8%
- Commit time to fasting and hearing God's voice: 8%
- Pray for a person who is resisting saving faith: 7%
- Provide financially for an individual or ministry: 7%
- Witness to a neighborhood or workplace friend: 7%
- Become an effective teacher or youth leader: 7%
- Share and pray daily with each of my children: 7%
- Take a controversial stand for righteousness: 6%
- Disciple a newer Christian one-on-one: 5%
- Be a dependable friend for an isolated individual: 4%
- Come alongside a needy or disabled person: 4%
- Other: 3%
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