"Love your enemies"
When Jesus says, "Love your enemies," we need to recognize that in the New Testament there are three words for "love" which carry very different and distinct meanings. They are eros, philia, and agape.
Eros means being drawn to another person because of his or her attractiveness: the object of the love is the source of the love. It is from eros that we get the word erotic. Its most complete fulfillment is in a happy, marital relationship, but in whatever kind of relationship we find this love, it rests on a real appreciation of the physical beauty, charm, merits, or talents of the beloved.
Philia is an attraction to another person because of mutual interest or concern. It arises between two persons who enjoy the same things, who like the same people. Its most vivid possibility is found in friendship. In modern usage, we find philia as the root of the word philanthropy, a love of mankind that is demonstrated through benevolent gifts or deeds.
Agape, unlike the other two types of love, does not depend upon the loveableness of another person, or upon shared interests. It arises from the recognition of the needs of other people. It has no hidden motive. Or, as Paul put it in his letter to the church at Corinth, "Agape does not insist on its own way." This love expresses itself in action; not necessarily accompanied by emotion or sentiment.
Agape emphasizes the free-will aspect of love, the determination to seek the good of the one who is loved. It's obvious, when you think about it, this is the only kind of commendable love. In the Bible, whenever love is commanded as a duty toward our neighbor or toward our enemy, it is always agape that is used and never the first two.
To give agape the sharpest definition possible, Jesus chooses an example in which no element of eros or philia are mixed in. He says, "Love your enemies…."
When you look at it this way, it begins to throw some light on your problem. You can love your enemies in spite of the fact that you do not like them, because you are able to control your will. Whereas you cannot command your feelings, or your emotions.
We can put it down as fact that Jesus never says we must like our enemies. What he commands is that we desire their welfare, that we seek their highest good, whether we like them or not. There is a second part to Jesus' formula for getting rid of resentment:
"Do good to those who hate you…."
This story of General Washington and the petition for pardon illustrates that "doing good" means just that: doing good. During that dreadful winter at Valley Forge, while General George Washington's army was freezing, the British sat snugly in their warm barracks in Philadelphia, growing fat on American bread and beef. Morale in the Continental Army was low, and Washington himself was filled with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. In the course of that season, a man walked fifty miles through the bitter cold to beg General Washington to spare the life of a soldier who had been sentenced for neglect of duty. "I am very sorry," said Washington, "but I cannot grant the request for your friend's pardon." "He is not my friend!" the man replied. "I suppose that there is not another man alive that hates me to the extent that your prisoner does." Washington looked very surprised and said, "Surely you are not pleading for someone who hates you?" "Yes," said the man, "because I know him to be completely innocent of the charge." "Then," said the general, "I shall grant the pardon."
Stanley Jones reminds us that there are three levels of life. The first level is returning evil for good, which is the demonic level. The second is returning evil for evil, which is the legal level. The third is returning good for evil, which is the divine level.
You cannot read the New Testament without seeing that any person who names the name of Christ is called to live on the high level of returning good for evil.
In the passage surrounding our text, Jesus says the Christian will not demand an eye for an eye, but will turn the other cheek. And the apostle Paul, in his letter to Rome, puts the matter in an unforgettable fashion:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
There is a third part to the formula, which is:
"Pray for those who treat you spitefully."
First, love your enemies, in the sense of desiring their welfare. Second, do good to those who hate you. And finally, pray for them. Jesus adds emphasis to this last step by saying it in two different ways: "Bless those who curse you," he says, "and pray for those who abuse you."
I imagine that Jesus named this step twice in order to emphasize its importance. Essentially, he says this: when you have arrived to the point when you can invoke a word of blessing on the person who has made himself your enemy, then pray for him. Stanley Jones put it like this: "Every time the name of the person you dislike is mentioned, breathe a prayer for that person. You beat down rising resentment by a barrage of prayer."
I do not know why it is, but I do know what it does; the proper prayer is a practical step to getting rid of resentment. You cannot pray for a person and continue to hate them.
I think we all agree that one of the major problems in our world is getting along with each other. What is war but the consequence of large groups of people who find it difficult to get along with each other? What is internal discord and strife but the consequences of conflicting interests of people within a nation? What is the cause of most of the personal unhappiness in our lives but the result of refusing to get along with others? The problem we confront at every turn is the problem of getting rid of resentment. In another context, Jesus warned us of the consequences of harboring resentment when he said,
"Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment."
That sounds like a religious argument against resentment; but when you shorten the sentence you get the real point: "Everyone who is angry shall be in danger"—period.
When a preacher says something like that you chalk it up as "just preaching." But when a doctor says the same thing, you are more likely to listen.
Listen to Dr. William Sadler: "There is simply no way to get comfort and delight out of hate—it is truly the arch-demon of all the little devils who are subversive of joy and destructive of character."
And to Dr. John Hunter, a famous British physician, who suffered from a bad heart: "I am at the mercy of any scoundrel who will make me angry." He was certainly right. He stood up at a medical meeting to soundly refute something he resented, and in a fit of anger, fell dead.
"Everyone who is angry is in danger…." The reason Jesus said that is because it is true. You simply cannot get away from it. If you hold resentment within you, it acts as a thief robbing you of your happiness.
There is an old story of a man who lived in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, in the early days of Christianity. The man was a devout believer. One day he was being tormented by a group of young people who were mocking him and making fun of his religion. In their scorn they hurled this question at him: "What miracles has your Christ shown?" This is what the man said quietly: "He has wrought this miracle, that I should endure the insult and injury which you heap on me without losing my tranquility of mind."
That is what we all want, is it not? To be able to rid ourselves of the resentments which disturb our tranquility of mind. To that end, I bid you: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who treat you spitefully."
1.Susan Jones - I have not heard from her in a while, she probably got all her mail bounce back when the computer was down. Susan still cares and I still care and between us both we will kick this infection along with Johan and all his prayers and emails. Susan is having some medical problems I am pretty sure. I will pray all I have for this girl, she has helped me through the years and I owe it to her to bring her a blessing from the Lord, We have grown close to God together. I need to write her to see how she is doing. I need to find the right email she has changed it so many times, I am getting returns I have to find the latest email which may be gone or buried when the emails got all corupted. Sunday's I am exhausted from doing the sermon and getting up and down, so I can write, plus a good 20-24 hours of typing, that is only shortened by the times I have to get up and lay down and straighten out my back all through the night. I owe her a prayer letter and I am worried about her.
2. Johan & Esther, with children Anneke, Jolene, and baby Simeon- Deo Valente Mission- South Africa. Johan has blessed me over and over with emails. He was sending me about 4-5 a day and he is not giving up on me he wants me healed and he believes in me and the Lord. Johan has out done himself -he still is sending me a few emails a day on healing and faith, he is an amazing man. Johan seems to be in some financial trouble and we all need to pray for his mission, he is taking care of 350+ people and they all need to be feed, and helped, I ask the angels in heaven to stand by and help this whole group. Johan has done more for me then anyone human on this website- he has kept me alive, he still writes to me with scriptures for healing and all kinds of stories on healing. And I have not written him back for a good while but he understands how sick I really am, but I wrote him just the other day, and thanked him.
3. Marcella- Living Waters Disciples Prayer Ministry- Marcella is special- she spends hours upon hours praying for people and for me, she is a blessing. I don't know how she stays on line all the time she must be like I was morning and all through the night, praying for so many others, she is a blessing to so many others, I pray I can do more- but I have many of the people on her list now on my list and they are being verbally prayed for-which is about all I can do.
4. Willy and Liz- Local Best friends- Liz saved my life taking me to the pharmacy, and to a few places to pay my bills, and to pick up a few things at the market months ago. I needed to talk to Willie he is like my best friend locally. Willie is a solid good man and he is always there for me, he brought me over some vitamins that I needed, that was a blessing, to help keep me alive, I have been getting sick for more then three weeks, now it is over, and I am wondering what is going on with my body. I weigh 114.8 with clothes on, see what stress and being sick can do. I have not weighed 114 since I was 12-13. Thank God for Willie, he took me to a new church and bought me a bowl of soup after, all we talked about is the Lord and the bible. I thank them both, I could have had a heart attack just the other day carrying a back pack, with things from the store, and I couldn't carry all the bottles of medicine they were just too heavy. When Willie took me to church, he thought I gave up on The Church, the both computers were broken so I didn't stay up all night and I was glad to go, now that I am writing sermons again I can't do both, I am obligated to a world wide audience, that uses my sermons for their own congregations, or Sunday school topics, or simple devotions. Willie thinks I don't want to go to his church anymore, he was let down when I told him not to pick me up, I need the fellowship more then most, and just to get out of the house would be a blessing. I don't know what he thinks now, and he thinks I just don't want to go to his church, but I showed up 2 weeks ago, he does not realize that I can't physically go. So here I get hurt and even sicker because of a broken heart. I wish people would understand how I fight the devil just sitting up all night and share the Good News with the world. Some people just don't understand how sick I am, and how so little local people care, or call me on the phone or invite me to somewhere when I can like Wednesday though Friday. My Church office is like a prison, and I sleep on the couch all day, everyday, walking to the store which is 4 blocks away is almost impossible now. Willie and Liz came over to help me the other day, so they had a tuff time with my desk, we all did, it ended up breaking- but I put it back together, I know they still care when they left me a few things at the back door. They still get prayed for and I still love them.
5. Karen - Local Elder Region 2- I sent a prayer letter to Karen, with a hi to Alicea, it has been a while. I feel better now and the computer is working so far about a few days. Those three weeks of sickness was the hardest part of my life. Lately I sent in a prayer request and like a New Years Thank you to all the people listed which is Karen, Alicea, Walter,Sen. Pastor Fred and Suzanne, Eric and family, Tony Z and his trip, Bishop Larry, Fred and Shirl, Hugh Keith and family, Darla, Keith Ratcliff who has suffered a bad injury and he will be under the knife and being sown up every muscle in his groan. I need to sit down and write a letter to everyone, but I want to be healed in some way, or it will sound like I am complaining, I need to bear with what ever I have to face. Everyone is getting prayed for and cared for in my heart, but I just am so sick still.
6. Walter -Regional Elder Region 2, I am praying and I need to write a prayer letter and introduce myself. I think I did write an email, prayers are with him. I still pray for everyone, I go down the list and hit everyone with a blessing.
7. Bishop Alicea Region 2 Just wrote Karen back with prayer and told her to say hi to Alicea. I also need to write to Alicea, I need to introduce myself to Walter, I have been so sick lately I do not even mess with the computer at times, for weeks it didn't turn on. Then I was over quota because I couldn't get to the computer to work, then I was to sick to write anyone for 3 weeks and then one day it just went on, and I am too poor now to send it to the shop. I had to spend days deleting all the trash mail that people send me. I must have had a hundred fake lottery emails, and another hundred that want to donate millions with all the same story almost. Then all the prayer requests.Then I lost the whole c-Drive (2 years of data) first, then after that the computer would not work.Then it started to work again, that is how I am able to do today's sermon and last weeks, but now I will sleep till Tuesday, and I don't know how I will feel. I hope everyone understands.
8. Senior Pastor Fred and Suzanne- Kansas I wrote into the boards last week and sent in a poem the other day and Bishop Larry wrote me about buying some things in the Internet store. I think Suzanne is better, and doing ok, I didn't read any bad news on the boards. I sent in a prayer for myself, and to let people know that I am still sick, but my faith is building so I want to be healed of all the things wrong with me. It is a battle against faith and sickness. Sometimes it does worry me, when I can't do certain things like I used to.
9. Eric Lewis and wife- in California I need to write to Eric, I know he sent something a few months ago but I am not sure I just need to take a healthy day and write everyone. I did talk and pray with him on the phone a while back, maybe a few weeks. We talked for a long time. I need to call again.
10. Tony Z. and his wife wrote me I guess they are still around, they sent me their picture so I need to get back to them, maybe I can call now. Please help me pray for all of them . I hope everyone is doing OK?
11. Larry- Bishop Larry is another good friend in the ministry, that I need to write more often along with Jacob, they are both so kind to do the things they have done for me. So one morning I sent Larry a nice letter. Larry & Wife needs prayer, and he gets it- he has or had some health problems and two surgeries in the family, I know one went OK but I am not sure about the other? Prayers are still coming, everyday.
12. Fred and Shirl Nero-Florida -Fred had a battle with cancer and I believe he is doing better now. I need to see how he is doing. Daily prayer for them. They both need prayer. And they are getting it.
13. Hugh Keith -wife and family- California- Hugh is another good friend, and a blessing- I talked with him a few weeks ago and I was sick from going out on Thursday, a few weeks ago a he had some kind of food poisoning, he is a great person to talk to- when I get better -I am going to make it up to all my friends. Hugh has been so close to me out of the ministry, I need to call him or write him. Thanks for another letter, and the Easter card and Christmas card I called to thank you, I will call again. He has sent me many letters in the regular mail, that is how I got to know one of my Bishop Directors, he wrote so many wonderful letters, I wanted him on staff. In fact if Vijay does not answer I will ask Hugh for an extra Director He just sent me a beautiful card again, what a guy. So now Vijay is no longer a Bishop Director so I will ask Keith Radcliff, it may be late because I had to make the changes before the first of the year. I still can add Hugh later. He and his family are getting prayer.
14. Darla Izzo and children – California- Darla was in Hawaii and she left my numbers at home so I will give her my address next time. Same with Darla, and her kids they all need prayer, she lost her husband more than a year ago, I wish I could write more, it is this sickness, and I am so weak I don't even go outside. That is why it takes me two days to do this sermon, and I am pushing myself to do this, but I care for everyone and pray for most everyone I know.
15. Keith Ratcliff -Amarillo, Texas- Our new Bishop Secretary- for T.C.M.-Good Friend- He is a real good friend, that has been taken care of- we have had the best communication then anyone, and he says whenever you need- to call, to talk to someone, don't hesitate anytime, I will talk- that is a friend. Keith is a good man and I need to write or call him about his website. He has been a Life saver, and a comforter. He might have saved my life a few times, not just once, there were times there I couldn't hold anything down. And he helped me through it over the phone by constant prayer from 2 to 4 hours- Now he is going through surgery to sew up every muscle in his groan. The mucels are hanging down by his knee. He is such a good man, he lost his wife in his arms over a year ago, but he had a bad surgery to go through like 10 days or more, now I will call the house today and talk to his mom.
16. Bishop Director Joaquim Kalala and his wife- T.C.M. –Angola, Africa. He is a good man, they are all blessed and gifted-----but he helped me when I needed the help with the prayer ministry, it seems he enjoyed helping me, answering prayer requests, and he had a change in his life, and got closer to God. I need to write all my Bishops and tell them we are still on line hanging by a shoe string. I need to contact him again and send him the paper-work (Bi-Laws)if I can get the scanner to work, and get some money to buy some ink. Or if I had the combination machine working I probably could scan the paperwork and send it. That is my next project. Fix the scanner. I have tried but I can not test the machine without ink. Father please help me help Joaquim with prayer for him and his family.
17. Lillian Beal - Minister- Friend -We used to communicate a lot- but not much any more. I need to write her and see how she is doing, the thing is when I am done with this I will not be able to write anyone till at least Tuesday, my body just can't handle it, like when people say come on over, that is almost impossible, unless it is a good day. Near the end of the week. I wish people would just understand how sick I am, and I don't even know what is wrong..There are days I can't move, I just rest, that is all I can do, this past week has been hard 3 days I had to leave and walk and hitch-hike.
18. Bishop Director Paul- T.C.M.- wife Mercy, kids- Lesly, Hepzy, Belsy (Pastor:Director: Salem Voice Ministries) India. I have sent many emails of prayer to the family and to and for the ministry, Paul is a lot like me when I was healthy.I have to send Bishop Paul a letter of prayer he needs it with his family, so many things are going on there and they are not good, he does so much for people, he does the work of about 10 missionaries, he and the family need prayer, I just found out that he has picked up leukemia please Lord protect them- and comfort them- and help them all. My white blood cell count is always high, it seems to be fighting off an infection, what kind is still unknown. That is a major prayer- for the whole family ever since I found out, and his ministry is having a hard time without him, That is one that I think about everyday. I know he will be healed, he is to good of a man to suffer.
19. Joanna- Prayer partner and I have made several calls and a few emails but I heard they are having trouble at there job, her mother and father came up with cancer at the same time in 2 different places. Prayer is a beautiful thing, at times I just lay down and pray for those two. Joanna, is not the same because Randy just died about 5 months ago, I wrote about Randy in many areas, there is a memorial on one of the friends pages, he was so important to me and I really loved them both, and we used to have 3 -way prayer calls. He had just a heart attack waking home, no warning, just happened suddenly. I have to communicate with everyone, alI I can do is keep praying for Joanna and Randy and there families and friends plus Joanna's Mom and Dad's health and a complete healing. I used to take the names and sometimes the stories off Randy's prayers on the boards and add them on my main list.- They both are dear to my heart, we have been Prayer partners for over 4 years now he will always remain a bother to me, and Joanna a sister. Please Bless them both Lord. And help Joanna with the job without Randy being there, when Randy died Joanna changed, she will not write much anymore, and I know what the reason is, [Randy] she really cared for him. I have always loved them both, we had many prayer calls. And Joanna has always prayed for me on the phone for the past 4 years. Joanna has helped my life weather she knows it or not, she might have even saved my life one of those nights I was shaking and ready for a heart attack or a stroke.
21. Vijay - - India. He was a good friend and he wrote me so many letters in the mail, I can't get a hold of him and we need to communicate, he was one of my Bishop Directors, but I had to change the list before the end of December 31st. We all have been praying for Vijays Mom who is in ICU in India, she is very sick and her blood is not matching up so we all need to pray for Vijay's mom. I hope she is doing better, I know there are many people praying. I need to contact you. I wrote you an important letter, I need your answers. I needed him to answer me months ago. I am really worried about him and his Mom. Please Pray!!!
22. Bishop Director Jacob and wife Daisy T.C.M.-Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. I need to write, my prayers are with you all, the flood was bad I heard, I hope everyone is ok. I wrote to you both the other day, and your response was beautiful. Thanks for the second email and the third, my prayers are with you both as you travel the islands and help so many others. Jacob and Daisy are doing missionary work through the isands of India, and helping so many people, he is even a bible teacher for GOA. I want so much to tell them that I pray and try to bless them always.
23. Elena Ramirez- artist, poet, painter, (prayer cards for the needy) she sent me two of the special cards where she does artwork and her own+ poetry. My Dear Elena- she has blessed me so many times I need to write and tell her I am still alive. I did a while ago, she wrote me about the golden compass. I did write her again, I hope she is doing fine. Then she wrote a few emails and they just didn't sound like her, she might have gotten hurt or in finacial trouble -it all depends. She has my prayers.
24. Jeff Gale- Australia- Director owner- Spiritual Warfare Prayer Warriors- I have been following all the requests and in prayer for each person, including the main three. He writes nice commentaries to all the prayer team and cares and prays for the whole team. The ministry is world based, I still care for the people, and their prayers are caring and the same with me.
25. Jan Loyally- and family S.W.P.W.-Australia Jan and Janel are still sending me prayers for the spiritual battles and miracle healing's, thanks for the pictures from you sent, you are a blessing to me and to everyone. I have not heard from Jan or Janel for a while. We were all close and loved each other including Jeff who owns the place. We will get back on track soon when I feel better.
26. Janel Kobylanski-S.W.P.W. –Australia-- same with Janel I need to write and thank her. She always writes faith and healing emails- and fights against evil for me. She is such a blessing for people under attack.We need prayer for all three of them.
27. Bishop Shawn Chamberlain- www.rootsandwings.org -N.Y. Bishop Shawn -I need to talk to Shawn for a few days, we need to catch up, we need to sit and talk for a few hours- like we used to. Or when I get a chance write into the ministry, or just call Shawn today, maybe I will call everyone if I don't pass out. He sent me a nice Christmas card.
28. Scott and Eileen- Baby Ministry Virginia, I need to send an email and tell them how much I still care It has been a while since I heard from them, but I know they are thinking about me. I still have their email, and sent them a letter, but did not receive an answer. They have a ministry that helps babies. I think they are having finacial trouble so we need prayer for them both, they help save many lives.
29. Mike from Mikes Prayer friends www.prayerfriends.org I have been following his requests for about 2 months ago, and prayed for each one, one at a time. I need to contact Mike and tell him what is going on, how I am too weak to even write or type for long periods, my prayers are with him and his ministry and his people that write in.
30. Columbus Murphy- Chicago, Ill. A prayer partner for over 4 years, Columbus is a blessing- I did send her some news and told her how I feel. She prays daily for me. And I for her. I miss her and care for her life and family. She is a blessing to me, and another who saved my life with care, prayer and love.
31. Robert and Judith- very close friends, I miss Robert- and as time goes by I don't even here from them any more, he tells me that I am always on the prayer list for-FBC-in Florida, but he does not contact me anymore. I guess our friendship is long forgotton. I will not forget them, I care and will love them and pray for them forever.
32. Larry and his wife. Still in prayer- FBC I hope he is OK health wise.
33. Kathy, Jimmy, Donna prayer for their loss of dad- Brother Fred- I wish I had more time to pray at his side-when he had cancer- FBC I love and cherish the whole family. Plus I care and pray for all the church people I can picture. They all remain in my heart even Fred who is with Jesus for almost 5 years now.
34. Pastor Bill, Pastor Dan, still in prayer- FBC plus the youth pastor is getting prayer. They are very special to me, even then, I loved the orchestra and the shows and the preludes I did and the specials with the drama teamand the sign language classes.
35. Mike and wife, Joe, Larry and wife, Beth and husband, the whole church needs prayer-FBC
36. Lenny and wife need prayer-FBC
37. Dr. K.P. Yohannan founder Gospel of Asia I have written many times but I don't get Dr. KP, in return, but he writes the main news to me. He is a blessing to have as a friend.
38. Amy at the monestery, and all the staff is being prayed for, I need to write- I pray that some money comes in so I can at lest maybe take a course- the book with everyones picture is probaby still open. I need to email them to tell them they are sending the wrong name on the email. I prayed that I had the money to send in a picture for the ministers book plus there is so much care and prayer from Amy, she has been very caring and understanding.
39. Phillip and Marie Hardgrave’s-Florida We both need to communicate more! I just wrote to him and he wrote to me. He is the last surviving Floridian that still writes, with care and understanding, plus care and love, need prayer! They are wonderful people.
40. Carol and her son Sean- we have forgiven them, and the staff and all the workers we pray daily for. I still don't know why the eviction, we care so- I don't understand why they gave me time limits to get rid of a cat that is loved and put me through the hardest part of my life, I was getting sick every morning, and could not hold down any food, because of the stress I lost 10 lbs easy and I am still losing weight, it was just to much for me as sick as I was, to move and not be able to even pack- talk on the phone-, or even carry anything. It was almost impossible, but then again the last minute God comes to the rescue with family type friends.
41. Mr. and Mrs. Sakai and their two sons, which I love so much. I miss my little buddy, one of the sons. And they are prayed for a lot now, it is a sorry situation. But prayer can help everyone. They also broke my heart, but all I can do is forgive them and pray for them all, I pray for my little buddy for a miracle so he can talk, that is the love miracle we need and ask the Lord for. Plus love and prayer from the move. I hope it didn't hurt them, but I told them what would happen, and how sick I was and the electronics I had to move. Plus they knew I didn't even drive anymore, I love them all, and they are prayed for everyday, with full love and compassion. We had a wonderful friendship, and the devil almost destoyed the Church, the prayer ministry, and some of the weeks of the sermons, which effected many people all over the world. They still remain close to my heart with love and care.
42. Alexander-India-He got his whole congregation together and prayed for my health, with a picture of me they hung up, so each person could pray for someone they know what they looked like- then he got shipped off to a new job right in the middle of India. Don't know where Al is-- he is alone doing some project. But he is another daily prayer person- like Lillian. I wonder if he is still alive, a Christian in the middle of India with no friends is very dangerous, Lord please help him communicate. I did get an email from him and he was glad to here from me. I send him all the blessings I have to give.
43. Debbie and her son Aaron- Pennsylvania, I have heard from Debby, but there is still no change for Aaron's release maybe there is some chance with doctors for good news for Aaron getting out, we all are still praying for his release. I just wrote to them both, Debbie and Aaron they are both wonderful people. Aaron needs a blessing!! And I can feel he is on short time. Aaron I here looks real bad and sick and Debbie is trying everything posible to get doctors to help him and to get his release, I think and pray for them constantly. I will write them or call her if If I feel OK today.
44. Kim and Kevin who are prayer warriors- Local -I am always in prayer for them- they have tried with their ministry and seem to be doing well. I need to stop downtown and say Hi when I get a chance. Monday's I am still tired from the sermon, I should be down there praying for others. But it is too much for me on Mondays. I need to sit down and talk to them, and share the gifts I have. They don't even know my gifts God has given me, and the education I have had.
45. Brett - best surgeon in Hilo, I found out he is back, but all the numbers don't answer like he came and went, from like a mash unit in Iraq, and Hilo is light on surgeons, Brett is gone or I just can't find him. He is getting prayer for his family and friends. I had to be carefull moving, I lost 10 lbs over all of this stress. If he heard what I had to do and what I weigh, he would do something, risking someones health over a cat.
46. Herbert , Mr. Kirby of Hilo Dalily prayer for the sons and whole family. He gave me a good deal on a old Kirby. Please bless the family.
47. Pastor George- and wife, Daily prayer every day, plus the children and blessings on the whole congregation. Pastor George has always been one of my best friends along with Pastor Rob. George sat with me during all that pick line theropy and giving myself the bags of antibiotics. And we always had a bible discusion during the days he was always there, then he got that full time job, I just didn't get to see him any more. Niether one knows how sick I am. He does not even know I moved or really how sick I am. The next step is a nursing home, and I am not looking foward to that.
48. Pastor Rob and his wife Susie- and the congregation, I truley miss Rob we need to get back together and fellowship- I am too sick to make it to the Sunday service, but he has no idea I am still sick, people think if you are dressed and look clean that you are doing OK, but that isn't the case I am sick the whole next day, I would like to go but my body can't handle it. The same with George, Rob- he is also an electrition and he has so many jobs ahead with all his bids, he had to stop coming over. He got so backed up because of the weather, plus Susie had to help him many times on his jobs. My prayers and love are with them both, the same with George and his wife and family. I would like to get together again with Rob and George.
49. Shiigi Drug- Shannon Hashiro, Shannon has always been helpful and always has a smile even when she is busy, she has been a real blessing to me, she always wants to help and knows what to do when confusion hits, she is a real person, with a caring heart and always helpful with kindness. She really stands out, she has the care and the love and the intelligence. Please I ask for prayers for the whole pharmacy, Annette is always happy and asking me how I feel, with full compassion. I have not seen her in a while. I hope she is doing OK. Plus we have Sherry, Mel, Michael and Terry, and a few I know- but don't remember their names . Everyone has been helpful. I still see everyone the same way, and they all care about people. I pray for Shannon and ask God to bless her for all that she has done for me, plus for Mel he seems concered about me now, he has watched me loose so much weight and just get sicker and sicker, the same with the rest of the staff, my prayers are with them all, and I ask God for a blessing for each one of them.
52. Dr. Conner has always been close to my heart, and we have prayed together for many years now, she is so special to me, she cares and wants me better, she and the staff are so close now and they are being prayed for always and the doctor's mom Ethel. Everytime I visit we pray together she says some prayers with me and she instanly makes me feel better. Mother Ethel We have a constant “Prayer for healing ”we have been praying for Ethel for almost a year now and we are still are at it daily, last I heard she is doing better, I know it hurts Dr. Conner to see her mother sick, but we all have been in prayer, and I don't know how bad she is sufferiing now, we all pray for a miracle healing- By the blood of Jesus Christ, Please help us all to pray for blessings for the whole staff. In the same office we have two girls and they are a wonderful addition to the office, it is nice and calm now, and the girls know what they are doing. Blair and Stephanie have been a real blessing. They are kind and smart and I feel better when I am there and feel better after I leave the office, even after we go through a few prayers ourselves, the doctor and I. Now we have a new man in the office to help- My prayers are with you all and still praying for Ethel and I know many others are praying also, the prayer line is big, but once you know everyone you can get everyone to pray with and for you across the world. Please Father bless that whole office, and keep them all in good health and we ask for a miracle healing for Ethel, love is the key when you pray for others- deep from within my heart. Dr. Conner is the closest thing to my heart, plus the two girls and her mom, and the new guy if he stays, I pray for them all to be blessed and sanctified.
54. Step Sister Barbara who has (Lupus) Needs a whole bunch of prayer, they told her she was going to die, when we started to pray and she said what ever they are doing keep doing it! Prayer for her son and husband are needed, now Barbara is only facing months to live unless divine healing comes and stays with her, it has been more then a few months and she is still working, but she needs prayer for a complete healing, it is something about her throat. Barbara is doing better my mom says what ever your doing keep it up, so she must be feeling better then a few months ago, it was very serious, but the prayers are helping, please Father I know she is not a Christian but can you make a way for me to be able to talk to her, and share the Good News with her, just in case, Please Lord help me or anyone to help Barbara know Jesus, especially now, I have her number but her husband will not let me talk with her, he probably has been listening to my half brother, and he does not even know who I am, or what I have been doing with my life. These are cridical times, she needs to know Jesus, and I pray that I am able to talk with her.
55. My mom and Leland-Bless them, daily prayer for them both- and a whole thank you for my mom caring about me, she has been sick because I am facing such darkness. But she has done more for me then "everyone put together in the family", but she goes through changes too, she is a blessing to me, she has saved my life many times, I enjoy having a loving talk, to put it plan- if it wasn't for her- I would be dead.
56. Mark, Lil, Gary, Glen, Gail and their husband and wives and children. Bless them all! and a fountain of prayers, to all my relatives, I love all of them but they don't even know Paul. They have no idea how much I love each of them. and how much I love and pray for them, they are family and family should stick together, I have not even spoken to any of the family on my mothers side in a few decades, which is wrong, I tried emailing my uncle, at least he works in a church, but the scriptures I wrote and the story, he just didn't seem to grasp what I was trying to say, basically that I love them and each segment of the family and the children I have never seen, there husband and wife- I never saw or talked to. That is no way to have a loving family, I love them all, each one of them and each child the rest of my days, and I will always love Gary, Gleen, and Gail (My first cousins)and Gleen got married and now Gail is getting a divorse
57. My little 1/2 brother, his wife and kids- -plus my Dad and Judy-Bless them all, in prayer daily. It is amazing that my dad knows how bad I am doing and I am the only blood relative left, and he would rather play, with a make believe family then his only blood he has left in the world, all I get to see is pictures, my dad is playing grandpa with people that aren't even blood related, and he is also playing the role of dad with my half brother, and 1/2 sister and their two kids, one girl and one boy, life is set for them, my half brother has more cars then I had in my whole life, and he is not even blood related, it was an accident with my mom having a son with another man, but my dad is doing all he can for that play time family man, with all kinds of gifts and presents. I still pray for all of them and I know I have sent them many blessings of love and prayer, I still would like to put my arms around my dad- so maybe someday my dad will talk to the only blood son or relative he has left. My mom asked for me to call him, he still does not love me, or care, and told me right out that he didn't want to help me in any way, even though I was facing a life or death situation- he thinks I am a lier, he has been lieing about himself and his health ever since I lived with him, and that was over 30 years ago. He takes care of his make believe family, with expensive gifts and showing off at the country club, taking the make believe family to the club and order what you want situation, I can't blame him, he has no family of his own, he cast me away decades ago also, and I am the only living relative, there is no one else left, just me, so if he will not help me in a life or death situation, there is always a chance that God will take away his heart of stone, and change the man with a heart of flesh, and have some love and compassion, with understanding for the future, my prayers are with them all.
58. Other step sister Debbie and her husband Paul-Bless them and pray for their future. They sold their business and need prayer, to help them.
59. Sis Shanna- Missionary (Belovedservant)- need to write her and give her a big blessing from the Lord, she may be off in some other country doing something to help and save people, I will wait for an email so I can return it back to her, and give her the thanks she needs. She just sent about 3 so I need to email her back with a blessing and prayer. I have them all in a special folder.
60. Debora Bates from Prim ministry and prayer ministry, at times I can get many different prayer requests and send some letters out for her ministry- I have not gotten any emails from prim in a while, but prayer goes a long way, plus we need prayer for Debora and all the people listed below.
61. Peter Samuel needs our prayers as he travels and being like a missionary, he needs help and prayer and to be blessed as he travels.
62. San Dee Harding needs prayer, and she prays for so many people, I send her what I can in prayer or blessings.The rest I do verbally, when you can't write some 3 page prayer letter with scripture and a learning story I catch up verbally, the love and care is there!
63. Rebecca- Florida- Blessed- I wish I could write a big letter and send her some money. She was the one that took care of the cat and put him on the plane and the shelter picked him up. She is a wonderful person, if she knew what I am going through she would be shocked, she would even fly out here if she knew how sick I was, if she had the money she would be here to help in any way she could. She is a jewel, that needs a blessing. She has suffered like Lynne, she went through all kinds of female operations, and other surgeries, she had a rough life, and she has suffered for a long time also, she Loves the Lord. And her future holds many rewards and blessings.
64. Minister-Terry and his wife and children- Florida-here is another (best friend) during those same years, he has never written, maybe because we worship the whole bible, and he and his congregation only use parts of the bible. And will not play any instuments, because they say there is nothing in the N.T. that talks about instuments. "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" [Eph. 5:19] "a psalm" is a poem that is sung with an instument(s)! I Pray that he understands some day, and I hope he realizes before or if someone gets sick. I did so much for the church plus on Wensday mornings when I could we would have a bible study, a long one that you can learn some facts.
65. Kenny who was my best friend for 2 years- plus his kids, his wife Gladis-Florida-We worked the food bank at the church and the big plant that stores all the food, we worked together for two years, he does not want to write because he said he would sound like Job's friends, Kenny was my best friend for those years, he hasn't written in years. We are praying for the whole family anyway!
66. Pastor Kenneth, Mary-Kenya, Africa They have a great ministry, saving and healing all kinds of people,we send them all our prayers. They help so many people even the very poor to give them all hope. They are number one in my book. And they write to me all the stories how God is helping them. I saved all of them.
67. Kurt Showers and his daughter Courtney- we all hope Courtney came home to stay. Help us pray for them both!!
68. Cindy, Tina, and Larry- From the old Pink Elephant, they helped me with much of my Christian Library need to find Larry's phone number and get their # here if they are still here. I Still care and am still in prayer for them all. I need to talk to them and bless them, if I can get a hold of them.
69. Barbara at the sally shop same store- Barbera is my favoite person and she has been a help as always and she talks to me like normal with a smile when I ever see her. Barb is home now, I guess her trip was cut short, or she didn't go to Germany, anyway I got to see her and talk to her this past week, she is a beutiful person, I don't know what happened but her son who is still in Germany- I pray for the whole family and miss Barb when she is gone. I miss her at the store, I enjoy talking with her.
70. "Deek"- "Sonny"-New Girl and Guy- Salvation Army, [same store] Please pray for the whole store. Deek has been a blessing to me and Sonny keeps smiling & helps.
71. "Helping Hands"- "Goodwill"- We pray for all the workers of both of the second hand stores “Everyone needs prayer” And they both have helped me. They have helped with books and things people would need for the mission, when I first got here, they knew my plans, and helped me when they could.
72. My buddy in the old antique shop, on Kam ave downtown Hilo- I have seen him a few times last week, and he knows what I am hunting for, and he helps me out, my prayers are still with him, and he has helped me a lot.
73. Evangelical Free Church of America.-Everyone-run by Holly Fann still praying for everyone on the list I get one a week. The list changes every week, so there is a different prayer list for people all over the world.
74. Mary and Jay, from His Will Ministries, Wyoming. Mary and Jay have been blessings, we have a 4 year relationship going on love and friendship. I still write to them and they are always sending emails and praise reports. Mary knows what I am going through. And still yet we still comunicate, and pray for one another and all of there family and prayer requests for so many all over the world. They both are wonderful people and they help many in prayer.
75. Craig and Linda Hanson- “Best Friends” and 3 Children- Craig is still my best friend and my longest and I always will love the family, we pray daily for Him and Linda and the kids I never even saw. Even his older relatives we give blessings to. They are real and loved and cared for, we need to comunicate more, but he is a pilot Captain, and it is hard to reach him.
76. Trevor Steel- Florida- He also helped me through the hard times, Trevor needs prayer. Trevor had a hard life and I need to call him and write into his website.
77. Desiree from the Netherlands helped me a lot -please pray, I need to write her she tried so hard to help me, she deserves a blessing. I will find out how to reach her.
78. We can't forget Lynne our Treasurer, she needs prayer more then most, she has a personality of a saint, she is a saint, that is why she is under so much attack. Please pray for her healing.
79. Norm, Carol, David, my Japanese lady that helps, and everyone else that works there at the store..They are prayed for and forgiven of all things. Need to make things right even though things (hurt the Church), my love for them all carries forgivness and care.
80. We can't forget our family- Chick, and Jim and Yolanda Thank you Chick for the advice and help and talks. God bless you Chick, thanks and have a wonderful holiday and Easter. Chick has been so close to me he deseves a large blessing, with all the love he shared with us all!!!
81. We can't forget the rest of our family, Pam, Dave, Kawika, Bethy and
Mea- We love you all, and constantly pray for each of you we now know the problems of the schools and we undersand. We love you all!!!! Thank you for the help, Please heal Bethy of here broken leg- with God's touch!! Our lives would be so different if it wasn't for family, I owe them my life!!!
82. Robyn- hope she is ok? Her bother Ron is online, but she has not, she needs prayer.They both need prayer. I saw an email from Robyn so she is ok.
83. Dr. Trudy-need to write and pray. After I get settled I will write everyone.
84. Rev. Rodger Cristie, who has helped me in all kinds of ways to get me out of the house and have fellowship, and calm me down with scripture and prayer and just being friends, plus he had one of his friends clean all the bad stuff out of my system, it is like a body clean that go through your feet, and you end up with brown water, that came out of me. Rodger's friend acually does the work, like when Jesus cleaned the disciples feet, we ask for a special prayer for him too.
85. A special prayer and a bessing is needed for Alan, he heelped me and The Church, we all need to give him a special prayer and a large thanks..
86. We need a special prayer and a blessing for Margarette in Texas.
87. WE need prayer for Tom Durst he needs spiritual and physical healing.
88. We need prayer for Mary Lingenfelter she has cancer, Lymphomia we need prayer for a special healing.
89. Churile Wyn and Preeja Sushan, there place of worship was almost burned to the ground, but some of the building was saved. We ask for special prayers for them and the whole congregation.
Many of us possess resentment towards people we don't like.
