Rain fell in parts of Georgia this week, one day after Gov. Sonny Perdue led a prayer service on the steps of the state Capitol to ask God to ease the drought.
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Georgia Gets Rain Day after Gov. Leads Prayers to God
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Lawrence Jones
Christian Post Reporter
Thu, Nov. 15 2007 05:31 PM EST
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Token... lol. Of course God will not give us everything if we just sit there and pray for it. "Put your back to the cart, and urge your horse forward and you shall get it unstuck yourself." -- some letter from Ignateous that i forget
greg
um......what?
Post hoc ergo propter hoc.
Token
I could spend hours talking about prayer. God answers all prayers...sometimes it's no. Sometimes its something that we didnt expect or want. But, just like when your young children ask for something and you say no...they may not understand at that time. When they grow up they may understand. That's the way it is with God. Sometimes we ask something and he says "no" and we get upset. Joni Earickson-Tada is a good example (i hope i spelled her name right). A girl who became parapalgegic in a diving accident. Why didn't God heal her? She was a good Christian girl. Because God had other plans for her.
I wish I had the time and space to go into the myriad of reasons behind God's decisions and what sin is all about. but I dont. talk to a spirit filled pastor and maybe he can answer many of these questions.
TokenSP doubts are ya kidding----all the time about a lot of stuff not just about my faith and God but in all areas of my life. But when I am done with my pity parties and regain some resemblance of calm. I look at what He has done in my life, how He has set me free from the addications I had and the sins He continues to forgive me for. It is a process this walk we are on. i remember how he has answered the prayers of mine and others for healing in mine as well as other people's lives. When I look at my life compared to the train wreck that I has on. I realize that He is real, He does answer prayers, He does save. That with all the evidence that has been written about here in this as well as other post brings me back to Yes it is true. I really don't know why God says no to some of what we would consider reasonable prayers/request, Thats where faith really comes in to play, A faith that is based somewhat on answered prayer and the change he hs brought into ones life and/or the blessings He has poured on me in the past. Someone said. As God he can do anything He wants He is God Sound trite I know but He is. I have many a question to ask when I get to heaven. Gods Blessing on you and yours. We will keep praying always, for scripture says the prayer of a righteousman avails much. not our righteousness but His Sons.
In Christ
Tom
Why would God ever tell us no? Why would God let me live in sin? thats what I dont understand... I can understand him not wanting to help someone sin, but why wont he help someone who pleads for someone to stop sinning?
Whats more prayer is something that God does, no one ever said there was a limit to what one could pray for, so if thats true, why dont Christians pray that all the limbs lost during this war on terror regrow. If you say, God cant do whats logically impossible, you are limiting God to something he himself created. Why would he bind himself? So ok... if he cant do that, why not pray that the war ends tomorrow. Bet you it wont... if you just pray for the war to end and a year from now it does... well no war lasts for ever. Pointless to say that prayer did that.
I dont think praying is the solution to problems. I think if one prays for food rather than going out to seek food, will starve because he didnt have the presence of mind to find it himself. I dont believe in prayer, its one of the most controversial aspects of Christianity. If I pray for rain for a 3 weeks, constantly praying for rain, and then on the first day of the fourth week it rains, that does not prove prayer. I could have wished for rain for 3 weeks and I am willing to stake all I own that on the first day of that 4th week it would have rained. I could of totally had no opinion on whether or not it would rain and on the first day of that fourth week it would still rain. If I pray for money, and then one day I get a raise, that doesnt mean prayer works, it probably means you were due for a raise, OR you deserved it, regardless of whether or not you were praying beforehand.
James 1:5-8 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. "
A double minded man (someone who is unsure) is like a wave being tossed around.
And you said "Its as if theres no room for error, as if you guys believe everything you say is true because it is based on the word of God." Yeah, that's the point. The Word of God is the ultimate guide in how to live.
I bet you're under the misconception that the Word of God is a book of do's and dont's. In a way, that is correct. But why are there those guidelines?
are we sure of ourselves? Or of God...what kind of world would this be if everyone was unsure about everything they believed or did. America would probably be something else, if the pilgrims were so unsure about what they were doing, that they stayed home. We would not have made it to the moon if we were so unsure about it that we scrapped the idea.
I am sure about my convictions. Are they 100% correct? No. But as I said in another post, there are many things that I once believed in that I found were wrong. It wasn't the continued harassment from another person that brought that change. It was the gentle urging and teaching of His Spirit that did it.
To Tom, thank you for your thoughts, and if prayer does work, lets hope it will show me the way one day. A side note, something that Prophet has read in another thread... I am just amazed at how sure you guys are of yourself... Its as if theres no room for error, as if you guys believe everything you say is true because it is based on the word of God... honestly I think the only person that can be 100% of themselves is God. You guys dont even offer your solutions as suggestions you dont say 'well maybe you should try this' you say 'DO IT!' of course non-believers are going to recoil at such attitudes...
right on, Tom!
If I might add to Prophets words of wisdom. Bobc reminds me of a little boy who isn't getting his way so he is throwing a temper tantrum and calling out I hate you I hate you. (come to think of it kind of like how I was before I came to Christ). but as we all know who bend the knee to this Savior, it is quite evident God is really after him and it is quite humorous to see this battle being fought between Gods Spirit which is drawing Him and the evil one along with Bobc spirit fighting it. Praise God for His love for all people that He would send His Son to die for us, yes even Bobc, as well as TokenSP and others. Thanks you God for Bobc. Bobc we all are praying for you, and for Token Sp, Torus, Fallenman, What a testimony they will have.
Gods Blessing on you all
In Christ
Tom
Annie,
Let me tell you somethiing about Bob. He's a hard core atheist. He's not an atheist in the intellectual sense, he's an atheist out of anger. He's angry at a God who loves him enough to not what him to get hurt or go to hell. he's an atheist because he thinks God is just trying to ruin his fun. Bob wants to do what he wants without accountability. without consequences. i've known other people like that. they've all been mistreated by their fathers. not sure if that's his case, but its possible.
Prayer is me communicating with my Heavenly Father. Prayer has actually lifted me out of depression and God has restored my mental health!!!! It is awesome the way God works in our lives when we walk in obedience to Him.
Praying is talking to yourself. It's a mental illness.
Amen WSAGOH!! The message of Chronicles is for GOD's people! Let us all join with the brethren in Georga and repent of our wicked ways; we have done evil in the face of our great God! We need to humble ourselves, and seek His mercy! He is a most loving and merciful God!
There is a cry going forth throughout the nation (and where I am in the northeast also) many brethren are crying out to God in full repentence.
Our prayer is that the body of Christ will join hands in prayer seeking the Lord's forgiveness for the spiritual barrenness in our nation; that we have allowed to take place and seek the Lord's help in restoring what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25)!
Prayer is the best thing we can do at this time in our nation and for many who may not know this; President Bush is a man of prayer; I am a member of the President's prayer team; (many of us who pray for the President) and other leaders both in the government and within the Church.
Today is the day to lift up the Name of our LORD! The King is at the door; don't be found sleeping when He comes! Just as the maidens who found themselves short of oil, don't find yourselves short of oil, "for those who have an ear, listen to what The Spirit is saying."
Hallelujah!!! The King is coming! Ride on King Jesus! - In Jesus' love - Annie
"And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there BE NO RAIN, or or if I command the locuss to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and will heal their land". - 2 Chronicles 7:12-14. We that are called by the name of the Living God should take it upon ourselves and intercede on the behalf of the people of this nation. While their is a physical drought in Georgia, there is a spiritual one in the whole nation. We are in desperate need of humility, prayer, seeking God, and repentance. This is the judgment of God on the earth--- it's preparing itself for the return of the Lord (signs in the earth). Spiritually we have become barren and dry. My brothers and sisters, if the drought is a punishment for our sinful ways, take heed and seek restoration. But if it is the judgment of God on the earth, do not be trouble because these things must come to pass. Your redemption draws nigh. GOd bless.
There is no where in The Constitution where it says that a Governor cannot be a Christian; and he's free to express his faith as well; his rights do not stop at the door of the State House.
It's refreshing to see a leader in our nation seeking God's help! More should try this.
In the wake of all the violence and trouble in our nation; we ought to all get to our knees and repent of the sin in our nation corporately and privately.
For all those who say there is no God; that is your choice. The Lord told us that in the end times, scoffers would come and deny Him and even try and lead others away from God.
I do not care one whit what others say about my God; HE is quite able to defend Himself. He is my Defender and Refuge and I am PROUD to call upon my GOD and I stand with The Governor of Georgia and the people and ask our God to send relief in refreshing and healing rains!
Almighty God is not man; that is the mistake so many folks make, making God in man's image. God is beyond the mind and scope of man. God is not a liar and He's not a man to change HIS mind!
God's Word is truth and every man a liar!!! I have learned in my 50 years the truth of that Biblical statement. God bless Governor Sonny and the people of Georgia.
For those who deny God; well you will find out one day (and everyone will) sadly how wrong you are.
The "Rain falls on the just and the unjust." How far does God have to go to get your attention??
and yet people still deny Him.
Stop putting human attributes on God and you may discover as I did that HE is quite real and He's an amazing Father and full of compassion and mercy for all He's made.
I think with all the resources God has blessed mankind with, it is truly a sin that anyone is starving. However, God is not to blame, how about regimes of people who prevent the aid and services from getting into the very people (their people) who need it most.
Howabout that man has the medicines also and many other items to SHARE with others and do NOT! How about those of some on this very site who perhaps have NEVER given to anyone.
Take a look at your own life and what you've done or not done, before pointing fingers at anyone else.
Jesus Christ is the answer to any and every question and problem; but God isn't going to force anyone to accept this. For His Glory! Annie
I live in Georgia and very proud to say that our Governor had the courage and humility to
ask God's favor at this time of drought. I came to this country in 1971 as a student and living
here ever since. God has been so good to this country, and when we fail to understand His
provision and mercy, He will try to teach us a lesson that we are not giving due honor to Him.
We all need to humble ourselves and seek God's face with broken hearts. When the rain comes, the ungodly, rationalists and everybody else can enjoy the blessings of clean cars,
green lawns, bumper harvest and low price.
Amen pedro.
Check out www.isaiahscry.blogspot.com. specifically the article titled The Great Apostasy.
Georgia Gets Rain Day after Gov. Leads Prayers to God
The 'comments' to this article don't seem to have anything to do with this article.
Maybe they are posting to a different article?
I thought it was really wonderful for the Governor and many Christians to repent of their sins and ask for God's forgiveness and then ASK God to give them some rain. I think that if President Bush would get together with thousands or millions of Born Again Christians and ASKED God to forgive us for our wicked sins, then God would be kind to America again. See:
1 Chroncles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. God wants to HEAL our land of it's horrible wickedness, especially the horrible wickedness of the evil, wicked rock music in the so called Christian Apostate Churches today. America is on the verge of God's great judgment. America's Apostate Christian Churches are on the verge of God's great judgment. Amen
Actually I have heard that, its resentment but half becuase they'll get a few notions that convince them that Christianity is false, then their family will resent them when they say that they are atheist, and so they get mad and angry hate their familys back, its basically their family shuns them so they feel resentment for their family hating them.
Ah, Tom, you are such a voice for reason and calm. "Blessed are the peacemakers...." Matt5:9
At least Sonny took a look at the weather forecast before announcing the prayer
Sonny Perdue for PRESIDENT!!!!!!! . Yeah for American Hicks like me and my brother Sonny
I have the upmost respect for an atheist who can present his/her case calmly on an intellectual basis. I have absolutely no respect for those who carry on, slander, sling mud, call names, and insult in the name of atheism. I feel the same way about Christians as well.
For Him
The reason for AIDS in Africa, hunger in third world countries, murder, rapes, etc, etc, is because of what happened in the Garden of Eden. These people in Africa may not have "done anything wrong" per se, but it's just the general effect that sin and Satan has on this world. Before Adam and Eve fell, there was no war, nor starvation, no AIDS. They didn't even have to work! But now these things are here, and they will be until Satan is forever vanquished.
Now as far as Bob goes. I heard an interesting commentary on my local Christain radio network. And maybe some of these well mannered and intelligent atheist can confirm this. But the observation was that atheism was moving more from an intellectual platform to an emotional one. In other words, in the past people were atheists because of percieved logical data and information. I respect those people. But it appears that more people are claiming to be atheist out of anger or resentment. They have little, if no, evidence to back their beliefs. It's all about their hate and anger. It's gone from an intellectual arena to a moral arena. It's as if they don't believe in God solely because they don't like the idea of someone (God) judging their actions. They're like kids who got their hand slapped because they were in the cookie jar, and they don't like that...so they are going to pretend that God doesn't exist so that they won't have to be accountable to anyone. There is no intellectual grounds for their beliefs.
and it happens to be the most atheistic =P.
And its best because of the crime rate the life expectancy the abortion rate the rape rate all the various statistics are much lower than most other countries
Mmmm, I may disagree with Christians, but their never ending belief in religion has to be admired on some level. Well, I supponse one could make a good arguement for what ForHim is saying, unless one could find a country that isnt for the Christian God. I would like to point out Sweden, a country that is considered the best coutnry in the world, and the most atheistic =/.
The Well Hungarian/Prophet--
Perhaps the reason for the problems in Darfur is their generational denial of God and worship of false gods. This would match examples in the Bible. God is God and there isn’t always an apparent reason for one to die and another to live, however, those that do not acknowledge God as the Almighty creator are going to have problems. America is heading (perhaps arrived) at the same situation. Hence, our nation is in a war that is not prospering. We have turned our back on God, taking Him out of our schools, denying Him in every public way and flirting with every type of false religion. The Governor’s actions in George is rare, but exactly the action that will keep this country from being the next Darfur.
Ah but you see seeking zoe I am not talking about this mother praying for her son, we should. praying without ceasing we called to do. God is God. I am simply saying the State of Georgia prayed and it rained.
Gods Blessing
In Christ
Tom
Praise the Lord for Sonny's faith and the faith of those that prayed for their state. The protestors can get over it.
Hmmm...God hears the prayers of a politician using the Almighty as a prop in a photo op as only politicians know how, but somehow doesn't hear the prayers of a mother on her knees praying for the safety of her soldier son. Something wrong here...
yes Prophet some at least make an attempt to answer and participate in a civil manner. TokenSP is a breathe of fresh air when it come to his reason agruements. I can't wait for the Lord to start speaking to both his heart and mind. It is also amazing at the attacks being generated by those who just don;t get it. In Georgia there is a severe drought. The people at the request of the governor prayed, (something a lot of you militant athiest wish to stop). and guess what it rained. Now I don't know about these other places like Darfur or other places where people have not only been praying and many many Christian org. having providing relief. and I don't know about this god that was mentioned. If you believe in this god then pray. But in Georgia I said in Georgia they exercise there Consitituional rights and well as God given right to pray and guess what it rain. So complain about us religious nuts if you want, rip us apart for all the wars and death and destruction that have happened because men twisted what the scripture says, which by the way there are more wars and death and destruction by non-religious people then religious. but that is besides the point. The people in Georgia prayed to their God and it rained.
Praise God for all things
Nay God bless each one of you
In Christ
Tom
At least Token has the maturity to understand....
"No answer? Are you serious? What's the relgious answer to starvation in Darfur?" Is that all you have to say? All your rhetoric and smashmouth talk, but you still cannot give an answer? So far I'm not impressed.
yes ive contemplated the solutions to these places that have such horrible conditions, and I've found that I couldnt even fantasize what would would have to do in order to solve the dilemmas... Especially in africa!! where every nation is composed of so many different ethnicities religions and languages that of course their would be turmoil! and on top of that corrupt leaders who only make things worse and cause never ending civil wars... how does one solve these problems?
No answer? Are you serious? What's the relgious answer to starvation in Darfur?
You're never too young or too old to make a difference, my friend.
Not all Christians help the people in need, not all atheists help the people in need, but portions of both do help the people in need. THere are doctors who go to all these poor places who are either religious or atheist, and they do their part. But the thing about us is that we are such a minority, that we are tooo busy trying to defend ourselves that we forget about other peoples sympathies.. at least some of us... personally im not old enough to do much help other than send money I suppose :P.
and still no answer.....
Typical - religious folk trash the humanists, and then expect them to solve all their problems! On a tiny message board no less!
Why not make a whole heap of food out of a basket of fish and bread? I heard that worked wonders one time.
starvation in Sudan, AIDS in Africa, murder, suicide, rapes, thefts, etc, etc. wasnt the fault of religious people, though it sounds as though you would like to blame them. Knowing that, what's your excuse for the humanist/atheists lack to offer anything better?
I guess that'll be when the Humanists get some power. Religion's had thousands of years to stuff things up. We've only been around a little while. You can't expect us to fix up thousands of years of religious stuff-ups overnight!
I'm wondering when the humanists, in all their wisdom, are going to end the starvation in Sudan, AIDS in Africa, murder, suicide, rapes, thefts, etc, etc. They are definitely good at pointing fingers, but lousy at offering alternatives.
Some folks have been praying for rain in most parts of Australia for years, without success. I wonder why God favours Georgians over Australians?
Gee, I wonder if they're going to pray for and end to the starvation in Sudan next.
Probably not. :/
sorry that was a little confusing...i meant to say that maybe the amendments should be rewritten ...for example the first amendment would say "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances...except yada yada yada."
Naw...theres just so much behind the Constitution that we don't see. i feel it would be easier if they just hit the delete button and rewrote the amendments as needed. Like amendment 1 that says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances...except yada yada yada." maybe I'm just being too simplistic.
As far as my view of congress, I sort of have a bad view of any government that is created by man and run by man. Man is imperfect, fallible, self-seeking, and prone to the whims of their lusts. Therefore, any government created by them would reflect the same qualities. The thing about Democracy (although it is by far the best form of government out there) is that if you get enough people believing something (even if it's wrong) they can sway and change the country they live in.
Welcome to America!
Lol as negative a view as you have of the supreme court, i am thoroughly glad you understand the power of the supreme court... I was thinking anything I said would have just gone to the waste bin in the back of your mind.
:P Free Speeh as interepreted by the Supreme court has been getting wider and wider, rather then narrower and narrower.. the only time freedom of speech is limited is in times of war.
Wow...mark another one down for "free speech". And wave goodbye to it as the supreme court slowly sucks our rights away.
Wow! Chac, the Mayan rain god, has done his work! I'm rather surprised that this ancient deity was paying attention to this governor, but I guess the rain speaks for itself!
Oh, wrong god? Sorry!
But what if he had been praying to Chac. Would you all be converting because Chac, the Mayan rain god, had responded?
now now, no need for hostilities... The supreme court is the only man who can likely go outside the boundaries of the law in order to rearrange the law... the only reason they wouldnt get carried away with it is because then the country would get mad... now if a judge that wasnt a supreme court kept talking about religion or something of the sort, then they can likely be taken to court which would go to the supreme court for being biased yes. If a supreme court judge did this, it would be different, what they say may very well change the face on the constitution. What they try to do is be COMPLETELY neutral, as all judges should be.. to all philososphies of any kind.
so, for a judge to give his free speech right about his beliefs is wrong?
And Separation of church and state was determined in a court case, the supreme court came up with the phrase separation of church and state, and thats where we get the phrase today.
But Prophet, imagine to a community of people who sincerely dont believe in a God, it would be the equivalent of praying to Zeus or something such as that.... We shouldnt pray to God when we are in serious trouble, we should seek other means of fixing this problem such as
"Perdue has ordered water restrictions and pressed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which determines how much water is sent via river, and the government for more water"
yes, people are laughing at it...and just as many people are commending it. It so cool that the power of God is being spread across the internet like that. That is awesome.
"That is amazing that so many people are talking about it"
Actually they are laughing at it. This is, after all, the 21st Century, and there are people who are asking an invisible man to make it rain. I can't begin to imagine anything more crazy. It really has become an international joke. The governor of Georgia has disgraced our country.
I hope it's being discussed on countless blogs. People need to know what God can do. That is amazing that so many people are talking about it. I figured that people wouldn't care, because God "doesn't exist". I've never known anything that didn't exist so much that it caused so much of an uproar.
What's to be embarassed about?
Just to give the Christians here some idea of how much this Georgia governor damaged your already terrible reputation, you should hear what this biologist said. The insanity of this governor is being discussed on countless blogs.
"Christians, you should be embarrassed. There's the face of your belief: a stupid old man begging an invisible cosmic muffin to grant him a wish, with a surrounding mob chanting their approval of their shared inanity."
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/11/wishing_for_water_from_an_unhe.php#more
I saw a video of Gov. Sonny Perdue babbling about God. He would make a good preacher. In fact I thought he was a preacher because he sounded as dumb as a preacher, but it turned out he was a governor. The voters in Georgia really blew it. Now their state is an international joke. This whole thing was so insane I would bet the entire Western world is laughing at the American hicks right now.
"One group of demonstrators protested the event, saying it violated the separation of church and state."
There is no separation of church and state anywhere in the constitution.
aww sweet