*~Answered Prayer~* I asked God for strength, that I might achieve; I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health, that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that i might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of man; I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing I asked for But everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. -Anonymous

The Difference " I got up early one morning And rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish That I didn't have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me, And heavier came each task; "Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered. He answered, "You didn't ask." I wanted to see joy and beauty, But the day toiled on gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn't show me. He said, "But you didn't seek." I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys in the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock." I woke up early this morning, And paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish That I had to take time to pray."

TO LOVE, TO BE LOVED "God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day-our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life--fear of death, fear of judgment-is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love-love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both." 1 John 4: 7-21 (The Message)

Father, in Jesus' Name, I seek Your wisdom and trust You to direct me in seeking the job that is best for me. I will walk in mercy and truth and lean not unto my own understanding. Thank You for opening wide a door which no man can shut and for giving me favor.

It is my desire, Father, to be debt-free and owe no man anything except to love him, according to Your Word. I am willing to work with my own hands, so that I lack nothing. I praise You that it is Your will that I am self-sufficient financially and have an abundance to meet all of my needs, with enough left over to give generously to others.

I will not fret or have anxiety about anything, Father, for Your peace mounts guard over my heart and mind. Because You are my source, I have confidence, comfort and encouragement in Your provision. I thank You, Father, for supplying my need of employment acc

ording to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Father, in the Name of Jesus, I confess that Your Word reigns over every area of my life. Because of that, I live a prosperous life. I thank You that You liberally supply and fill to the fullest measure every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. According to Deuteronomy 8:18, You give the power to get wealth in order to establish Your covenant. So as an act of my faith, I receive that power to work in my life.

I confess before You that I am a giver. As I give abundantly of my increase, I know that You will make all grace, every favor and earthly blessing, come to me in abundance so that I am always, under all circumstances and whatever the need, totally self-sufficient, possessing enough to require no aid or support, and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation.

Father, I thank You that Your angels are free to minister for me and bring in the necessary finances so that I can continue to be generous to Your work. It is written that Your angels have been sent to minister for heirs of salvation, so I loose them now to work in my behalf.

I confess today that I am redeemed from the curse of poverty. I resist lack and say that it has no place in me: The Lord is my shepherd and I do not want. Abundance is mine. Success is mine. The blessings of the Lord are mine. I confess it and thank You for it, in Jesus' Name.

--- Prayer References: Proverbs 3:3-5; Revelation 3:8; Psalm 5:12; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Corinthians 9:8, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 1:3, Philippians 4:19, Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 23:1