TOUCH AND AGREE

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Comment by Evangelist Godswill on July 1, 2008 at 7:12am

BERACHA DIGEST


“IT IS WELL”

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows, like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well,………… with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.

In the city of Shunem, in the tribe of Issachar to the South of the Brook Kishon and at the foot of Mount Tabor, there lived a great woman, loving, hospitable and caring. She decided to lend a helping hand to the man of God, Elisha, who often passed by her house. She suggested to her husband that they offer him a little chamber, to make him comfortable with the necessary conveniences. Of course, her generous hospitality brought gladness to the man of God who, in turn, ministered to her family need. Indeed, kindness never goes unrewarded; whatever a man sows he definitely reaps.
Elisha, in his bid to reciprocate the woman’s kind gesture, had asked if she would like to be spoken for to the king or to the captain of the hosts but she politely evaded his question. She would resist the urge to exchange her good acts for the benefit of monetary rewards or royal favours. However, it was through Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, that the truth was revealed that she and her aged husband had no child of their own. Elisha, by word of prophecy, proclaimed that she would have a son at the turn of the year, and she did. The birth of that child brought joy and fulfillment back to the family. But their joy was interrupted a few years later when the now grown-up child suddenly took ill and died within a few hours. That was a calamity of unequalled proportions. A child of old age, a much-awaited child, an only son, a miracle child, now dead!
Yet the courageous mother would not give in to sorrow; she would have her son raised up to life again. Full of faith in the power of God, she laid the boy on Elisha’s bed and ran to the prophet for solution. A prudent woman that she was, the woman of Shunem would not even want to harass the feelings of her husband by informing him of the death of his son, no, not until she had tried the prophet first. So, she answered her husband’s enquiry about her hasty visit to Elisha with the words. “It shall be well.” Each step towards Elisha’s abode built up her faith so that by the time she met the prophet’s servant, her faith could almost penetrate heaven itself. And when the man of God asked about the well-being of her family, her answer was a resounding “It is well”. How strong her faith was in God! How challenging the example of her submission!
The way this Shunammite confronted her problem is a challenge to all Christians today. Though beset by the heaviest family affliction imaginable, she believed God for divine intervention. In the very eye of the storm, she could still say “It is well!” The confession in the mouth of the believer during affliction or difficulties will determine what he/she will get. Say it, “It is well” and receive the blessing.
The dead child was eventually raised back to life (2 Kings 8:4-37). Whatever may be the problem confronting you, it is well. No mountain is too high for God to move. There is hope for you.
It was apparently the attitude of the words of the Shunammite woman in her time of distress that motivated Horatio Spafford, writer of the popular hymn, “It is Well With My Soul.” Looking at the title of the hymn, one would think it was written at the happiest moments of Mr. Spafford’s life but, alas, the highly inspirational hymn was written in the wake of a series of calamities that had befallen the Spaffords’ household.
Mr. Spafford had been a successful Chicago lawyer and a close friend of D.L. Moody’s. Apart from his flourishing legal career, he also had a lovely family and a blooming business (he was a heavy investor in real estates). Everything seemed to be going on fine for him until the early 1970s when disasters began to strike. First was the loss of his only son to scarlet fever at the age of four. Then came the Chicago Fire of 1871, which wiped out every one of his holdings.
To relieve his family of the strain of these tragedies Spafford decided that the entire household travel to Europe for a short vacation. Besides, since D.L. Moody would be touring Britain at about the same time, it was arranged that the family would be of help to him on his missionary outreaches. However, as they made preparations for the trip, Spafford, whose finances had dwindled considerably, got a call from someone who wanted to buy a parcel of land he had put up for sale. Not wanting to miss the business opportunity or spoil his family’s plans, he discussed the developments with his wife and they agreed that she and their four daughters continue with the trip; he would join them immediately after the transactions.
Thus, in November 1873 Spafford accompanied his family to where they boarded a Europe-bound ship while he returned to Chicago. But just few days after the voyage began, the ship conveying the Spafford’s family had a ghastly collision with another ship and within 12 minutes, it had sunk below the Atlantic Ocean. Sadly, the four daughters of Spafford, aged 11, 9, 7 and 2, were among the 226 people who perished in the accident. Mrs. Spafford herself was almost dead before she was rescued.
When the few survivors of the wreck were brought to Wales, Mrs. Spafford considered herself as good as dead with all her children gone. She might have done something drastic but for the strange voice which whispered to her: “You were saved for a purpose.” This immediately reminded her of what a friend had told her some time ago: “It is easy to be grateful and good when you have so much, but take care that you are not a fair-weather friend of God.” With this, she summoned up courage and sent a touching telegram to her husband: “Saved Alone. What Shall I Do?”
As soon as he got the message, Spafford boarded a ship to bring his bereaved wife back home. At a point during the voyage, the captain of the ship called Spafford and said, “A careful reckoning has been made, and I believe we are now passing the place where (the ship) was wrecked. The water is three miles deep.” The announcement stung Spafford and evoked painful memories if his lovely daughters. But instead of breaking down in self-pity or blaming God, he simply withrew to the solitude of his cabin and wrote the lyrics of the great hymn that has continued to bless and encourage millions of people worldwide:

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul!”

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live!
If Jordan above me shall roll
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper thy peace to my soul.


Spafford and his wife were later blessed and comforted with two children who greatly helped them in their missionary and humanitarian activities.

Now, think about it. Neither the Shunnamite woman nor the hymn writer betrayed any negative emotions while their trials lasted. Why? Because they knew that, however traumatic their situations might be, God was in control and would make a way of escape for them. This is the assurance you too should have whenever the enemy of your soul comes against you like a flood. You need not be morose or unhappy but be glad and cheerful because the Lord is in control.

I believe this piece of work be a blessing to you and would sincerely look forward hearing from you.

God bless you
Evangelist Alao Jr.

CONTACT

BERACHA CHRISTIAN OUTREACH MINISTRY
E-Mail: livingprophet2000@yahoo.com
meetalao@hotmail.com
Tel: +234-8039519857

Comment by Minister Sharon Jackson on June 30, 2008 at 9:02pm

I stand in agreement with those who have court dates approaching, that another chance will be given to set things in order, those who are seeking for homes, that a door be opened, and the parents who don't know the whereabouts of there children walk in peace.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Precious Holy Ghost, Amen!

Comment by Evangelist Cookie Hunter on June 30, 2008 at 4:33pm

Father God, we come to you right now on behalf of you dear son Pastor Briggs. We lift him and his situation up to You, Lord, for we know you can and will lead him in the right direction. Give him the wisdom and knowledge to go forth and proclaim Your name and do the work you have called him to do.
We ask these blessings
In the Mighty, Matchless, Magnificent
Name of Jesus the Christ,
Amen

Comment by Judy on June 25, 2008 at 9:44am

Is There a Catfish in Your Tank?

"Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you."
- 1 John 3:13

I heard a story about some fish suppliers who were having problems shipping
codfish from the East Coast. By the time the fish reached the West coast,
they were spoiled. They froze them, but by the time the fish arrived, they
were mushy. They decided to send them alive. But the fish arrived dead so
they tried sending the fish alive again, but with one difference. They
included a catfish in each tank. You see, the catfish is the natural enemy
of the codfish. By the time the codfish arrived, they were alive and well,
because they had spent their trip fleeing the catfish.

This is my point. Maybe God has put a catfish in your tank to keep you alive
and well spiritually. It's called persecution. Maybe there's a person at
work who always has eight hard questions for you every Monday morning
regarding spiritual things. Maybe it is that neighbor who is giving you a
hard time for your faith in Jesus. Maybe it is a spouse or family member who
doesn't believe. You are wondering why this is happening. It is like that
catfish. That person is keeping you on your toes.

Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples,
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the
world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you"
(John 15:19).

God will allow persecution in the life of the believer. If you're
experiencing persecution, here are two things to remember:

1.Persecution confirms that you are a child of God.
2.Persecution causes you to cling closer to Jesus.
When you are suffering persecution for your faith, remember that this world
is not your home You’re just passing thru! Your treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue!
Love & God Bless Pastor Judy

Comment by Tracy Lawanda on June 20, 2008 at 8:50am

Greetings,

I pray that you are having a Wonderful day in the Lord.
This is the Day that the Lord has made; REJOICE and be glad in it. Please, Touch and agree with me. For World -Wide Repentance. In the Name of Jesus. Continue... to stand on the Wall... Someone is depending on Your Prayers..

Agape and Shalom Be With you,
Tracy Lawanda

Comment by G. Cornelius Jones on June 17, 2008 at 11:36am

Say a prayer with me for Joseph Jones that he find grace and mercy in court on July 8th 2008.

Comment by Linda Swanigan on June 3, 2008 at 12:46am

Thank you Pastor Briggs for the Reminder of Touch and Agree prayer line time. I'm in agreement now.

Comment by Linda Swanigan on May 31, 2008 at 11:36pm

Pray for my daughter, her name is Latoya....Thanks in advance

Comment by Rowena Welch on May 28, 2008 at 1:24pm

Father heal this daughter and make her heart whole in the name of Jesus amen

Comment by Rowena Welch on May 27, 2008 at 9:08pm

thank you and we will touch and agree

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