https://www.facebook.com/groups/muchgrace/

(1 Corinthians 9:16) "For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]! For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have a reward; but if it is not of my will [but by God’s choosing], I have been entrusted with a [sacred] stewardship. What then is my reward? [Just this:] that, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge [to everyone], so as not to take advantage of my rights [as a preacher and apostle] in [preaching] the gospel."

I'm of an age where I've personally witnessed a few amazing moves of GOD and seen some of them outworked on live TV. I really don't want to go into the ins and outs of why they ceased, but instead, I will offer Pablo Picasso's prophetic words: "Works of art aren't completed; they are abandoned."

I remember speaking with a Christian musician who told me he was born as blind as a bat (his words) and, as such, used to wear extremely thick glasses. As we were discussing the Church, he told me he was fed up with all the falsehood and dishonesty surrounding it. Then he told me the bizarre story of going to see a visiting famous preacher for himself, with a view to exposing him.

Upon his arrival at the venue, the money-making machine was very much in evidence; exorbitant entry prices, must-have media, signed books, CD sets, etc., were being pushed everywhere, and all at outrageous prices.

He was still fuming at the cynical exercise of ripping people off when the Preacher spoke the word. Even though his heart was hard and he wasn't really taking anything in, he felt something like a whack at the back of the head, and he fell to the floor. His glasses were gone when he awoke, and he could see perfectly!

To that end, I've seen how many workers for Christ (Pastors, Preachers, Evangelists, etc.) are so easily tempted away (usually by the world's sales and marketing logic) into abandoning the work they were given to do and have ended up using the Gifts given them for their own end.

Lord, I don't want to arrive in Heaven to a solitary slow hand-clap! Please help me to constantly hear Your Voice throughout all the temptations I face so that I will willingly complete the work You have given me to accomplish.

Holy Spirit, please touch the heart of whoever is reading this. Draw them into Your presence and show them that You continue to speak and answer prayers today. Amen. 

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are sick amongst us—such as Barbara and Ian fighting cancer. We also pray for a quick and complete healing for Keiron, Jay and Liliana. Please grant your healing power to those who minister to all the sick among us so they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.