Jesus was able to say no

JESUS WAS ABLE TO SAY NO
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
1 To the weary and sin-bound who sought for His aid
Did Jesus eversay no?
And to those who desired Him and earnestly prayed
Refrain:
No, no, a thousand times no,
Jesus will never say no;
To those turning from sin, inviting Him in,
Jesus will never say no.
2 To a heart filled with grief on account of its sin
And to one who’s repentant and trusteth in Him
Would Jesus eversay no? [Refrain]
3 To the soul who has called on his Lord to abide
Or to those who have sought Him when tempted and tried,
Did Jesus eversay no? [Refrain]
4 To the blind and the lame, and to those with disease
Does Jesus eversay no?
To all praying in faith He will give sweet release,
For Jesus cannot say no. [Refrain]

Author: A. Raymond Hand
I LOVE THE POETRY, AND BASICALLY IT IS TRUE, BUT THE BIBLE SAYS THAT
JESUS WAS ABLE TO SAY NO.
Did Jesus eversay, "no?"?
I was just reading the New Testament about some of the miracles the Jesus performed. I
noticed that a lot of the time when He healed someone, it was after they askedHim to. This
may be an ignorant question. But was there evera time when He refused?
Favorite Answer
The only time he refused to do a miracle was if an unbeliever (see Pharisees, Saducees and
Scribes and the unbelievers in his hometown) askedhim to perform a sign. Then he would
rebuke them.
See: Matthew 12: 38-39, Matthew 16: 1-4, Mark 8: 11-12, Mark 6: 1-6 (He didn't do any
miracles because "he marveled at their unbelief" because he grew up there and they did
not believe in him)
He told Lucifer no several times. But, from all of my readings the only time Jesus refused
to heal was when people demanded a sign. To the true seekerand the unlucky pawn Jesus
always healed.
well, when the pharasees askedJesus to show a miracle, He refused because He knew that
they weren't really wanting the see a miracle. He had already showed them plenty of
miracles, but they had still refuse to believe. It wouldn't matter how many miracles Jesus
showed them, they would still continue to ask for more because they didn't want to believe
that He was God.
he initially refused the samaritan woman at the well, but he then granted her wish.
i'm not sure if there are any examples of Jesus refusing to heal or help someone. oh,
actually yes. when the pharisees demanded a miracle so they would believe, he refused,
because their motives were wrong.

Matthew 12
38Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see
a miraculous sign from you."
39He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But
none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah...
A TEMPORARY NO
Yes. According to Mark chapter 7, a Gentile woman askedhim to help her daughter. Jesus
refused, calling Gentiles 'dogs' but relented and agreed to help the woman when she
humbly accepted that description.
Just Say No
Fr. JosephK. Horn
8 February 1998
St Barbara’s Parish
Santa Ana, California
Do you ever have trouble saying “no” to people?
I don’t mean the way a spoiled child says “no”:Can I play with your toy?
NYO! It’s MINE! Nor do I mean the way an angry parent says “no”:May I
be excusedfrom the table? NO! Just sit there and be quiet! It’s easyto say
“no” like that; you just bark it. But we often confuse being a Christian with
being a yes-man, with pleasing everybody all the time.

For example, in the first reading today, we hear God saying, “Will anybody
volunteer?” and Isaiahreplies, “Yes!Here I am, Lord! Send me!” And so we
get the mistakennotion that we should always say“yes” to every request.
So I started to wonder: did Jesus eversay “no” to anybody? To find out, I
lookedthrough all four Gospels, andfound something surprising. Jesus said
“no” many times. Of course, he said “no” to the devil three times when he was
tempted in the desert. But he also said “no” to people around him.
He said “no” to ordinary human requests. “Letme bury my father before I
follow you.” No; let the dead bury their dead. “Tellmy sister to help me with
the housework.” No;she has chosenthe better part. “Tellmy brother to be
fair with me about our inheritance.” No. “Stay in our town a little longer.”
No. And to the Geresene demoniac who said, “Let me follow you,” Jesus said:
No, give witness to your people.
Jesus evensaid “no” to close and loving friends. “Give my sons a special
privileged place next to you.” No. “Stoptalking about your death like that.” A
very strong No to Peter: Getthee behind me, Satan! “Tellus when the last
things will occur.” No;it’s not for you to know. “Calldown fire from heaven
to destroy these Samaritans who have rejectedyou.” A very strong No!
Jesus evensaid “no” to the demands of the crowds. “Work a sign for us right
here and now.” No. “Do here in your own town the things we heard you did
over in Capernaum.” No. “Give us today the bread that you gave us
yesterday.” No;I’ll give you bread from heaven. “Oh, who wants bread from
heaven? Give us the bread you gave us yesterday!” No.
And Jesus evensaid no to many common-sense, law-and-orderkinds of
requests. “Sendthis crowdaway; they’re getting hungry.” No; you feed them.
“Keepthis crowd quiet.” No; the very rocks would cry out. “Make your
followers fastlike those of John the Baptist.” No;there’ll be plenty of time for
fasting later, but not while the bridegroom is with them. “Surely you have
some answerto these accusations againstyou.” No.
My goodfriends, we should take Jesus’example and say “no” whenever
someone orsomething would distractus from God’s loving and saving will. It

is for this reasonthat we say “no” to obvious things like drug abuse and
alcoholabuse:they distract us from God’s loving and saving will. But we
should also say“no” to people around us wheneverthey would steerus away
from God’s will. We don’t say“no” in a self-righteous or arrogantway. We
imitate Jesus, who filled the word “no” with love. May I give you a powerful
example of that?
When I was listing, a few moments ago, all the times that Jesus said “no”, I
did leave out one instance, and a very important “no” it was. Forus as sinful
and sometimes fearful followers of Jesus, itis a particularly consoling “no” to
remember. It is the “no” that Jesus spoke in today’s Gospelreading.
Remember the story? It was very early in his public ministry. Jesus had
visited Simon Peter’s house the day before, and had just finished the
miraculous healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and other sick and
possessedpeople. So Simon Peterwas alreadyamazed at the holiness of this
strange man named Jesus.
And now here he was preaching at the lake shore, and the crowd gotso big
that he stepped into Simon Peter’s boat and askedhim to pull out from the
shore a little way. He then taught the crowd from Peter’s barque. Imagine
how Peterfelt; this holy man chose his boat to preach from!
Then he told Peterto throw the net into the water. Petersaid, “We were just
fishing all night, and didn’t catcha thing, but if you sayso, okay.” And they
caught so many fish that it almostsank two boats!
Peterwas overwhelmed. He knew then how holy Jesus must be, and he felt
awful. Here he is, Simon Peter, just a normal guy, with normal human
imperfections and failings, and there, standing right there in front of him, is
Jesus, the Son of God! He couldn’t stand it any more. He fell to his knees and
cried out in anguish, “Please,please go somewhere else!Departfrom me,
Lord; I am a sinful man. Go away! Please, just go away!Leave me alone!”
Jesus then lookedinto Peter’s eyes;into his soul. And with Peter’s whole
future hanging in the balance, Jesus very firmly, but tenderly and lovingly,
said: “Alone? No. Leave you? No!”

May 12, 2011 by Msgr. Charles Pope
Even Jesus Sometimes said, "No."
One of the struggles that many Christians experience is that the needs around
us are so great, and yet we are limited, both in personalstrength, and in
resources.And, lurking in the back of our mind, is a notion that whateverthe
problem, Jesus wouldalways help and so should we. But, then, is it always
wrong to sayno when there is need?
It is a true fact, Jesus was quite generous with his time, attention, and
resources.We too are counseledto be rich in mercy and kindness, expansive
in our charity and to be willing to forsake everything to follow Christ. But for
limited human beings, often with many obligations are there no limits? Of
course there have to be. But, “What would Jesus Do?” Did he ever say, “No?”
Many think the answerto this question is no! But in factthere are instances
where Jesus said, “No.” I’d like to look at three of them. I choose these three,
because to some extent they dealwith the needy. Other examples of Jesus
saying no pertain more to specializedor inappropriate requests (e.g. James
and John want seats ofhonor, Peter wants to use a swordto defend Jesus).
But lets take a look at three occurrencesofJesus saying no and see whatwe
can learn.
I. No to the Sick? The scene is Capernaum. Jesus and his apostles have made
quite an impression. Jesus has cured a demon-possessedman in the synagogue
and word has spread. Jesus is lodging at the house of Simon Peterand has just
cured Peter’s mother-in-law of a greatfever. The Gospelof Mark picks up the
story:
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or
possessedby demons. The whole town was gatheredat the door. He cured

many who were sick with various diseases, andhe drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak becausethey knew him. (Mark 1:34-35)
So, clearly the Lord is helping a lot of people here, as was his custom. The
crowdseems to have grown quite large and goes oncuring till sundown. But
then comes a twist:
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where
he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding
him said, “Everyone is looking for you!” He told them, “Let us go on to the
nearby villages that I may preach there also. Forthis purpose have I come.”
(Mark 1:35-38)
Here we have what seems anunusual occurrence, Jesusis informed by Peter
and the others that “Everyone is looking for you!” The exasperatedstatement
implies that a line has once againformed in Capernaum of those seeking
healing from various ailments. Many of the sick are waiting for his
ministrations. But Jesus says, “No”to the requestto return. He also indicates
an intention to go to other villages so that he might preach, for THAT is what
he has come to do.
Why does Jesus sayno? Fortwo reasons it would seem.
First, in terms of his humanity, he is limited. He has not come to save
Capernaum only and must devote attention to other places as well. In effecthe
must allocate his (humanly speaking)“limited” resourcesjustly and
effectively. This is also the case withus. We must help the poor, but we must
also feed our children, and meet other just obligations. Saying “No” is not
necessarilyun-Christlike, but is rather a humble admission of our limitedness.
A secondreasonJesus likelysays no is that he will not allow himself to be
defined merely as a medical miracle worker. He has come to preach and
ultimately to take up his cross. Partof what he preaches is the role of the cross
in life. It is not always appropriate to alleviate every burden. To be labeled as
“Mr Fix-it” is to be diminished. Forthe Lord did not come merely to heal the
body, but also and even more so, the soul. Jesus’“No” is therefore also a
teaching moment.

We too who would imitate Christ should not think that alleviating burdens is
our only mission. Sometimes it is more loving to let others carry the crosses
God intends. We are not necessarilycallous or un-Christlike in this if our
intent is allow people to experience necessarygrowthor to experience the
necessaryconsequencesoftheir choices.
We must be careful not to easilyexcuse ourselves from our duties to help
others but neither should we become enablers or those who cause others to
become too dependent. We should not usually do for others what they cando
for themselves.
The goodshould not eclipse the best – The Lord could not allow himself to be
drawn into a situation where what was goodabout him (healings) eclipsed
what was best (salvationand the preaching of the Kingdom). Hence, he said,
“No.”
II. No on a matter of SocialJustice?? Onanother occasionin the contextof
Jesus’Sermonon the Plain a man called out from the crowd:
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” [But] Jesus
replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter betweenyou?” Then
he said to them, “Watchout! Be on your guard againstall kinds of greed;a
man’s life does not consistin the abundance of his possessions. (Luke 12:13-
15)
Here too we have a bit of an unexpected twist. We might almostexpect Jesus
to side with this man. After all isn’t sharing the family inheritance with
potentially needy siblings a just and charitable thing to encourageand do?
But Jesus says, “No”andthen warns the man of greed.
Here too the no of Jesus seems to point to two issues:First, Jesus is not going
to be roped into being a legalarbiter of worldly matters. He has come to
preach the Kingdom and save us and will not be defined down into probating
wills and settling inheritance law. Another issue is that Jesus, who is able to
see into the man’s heart, says no to rebuke the man’s greed.
And thus we are taught two things by Jesus’“No.”

First, that we are not always obliged to solve every one’s problems. Sometimes
people try inappropriately to draw us into what does not involve us. They may
ask us to take sides in a family dispute or some community issue where it is
not right for us to take sides. On other occasions we may be askedto resolve
matters involving two adults who should reasonablybe expectedto work out
their own differences. Supervisors, pastors, andother leaders oftenexperience
such inappropriate attempts to draw them into disputes or take sides. There
are surely times when leaders have to help arbitrate matters, especiallyif they
pertain to the specific matters over which they have authority. But there are
also many occasions whenrequestedhelp in such matters deserves a “no” and
it is not un-Christlike to do so.
A secondthing that we are taught here by Jesus’“no” is that we are not
always required to give people what they want. Although we are not gifted
with Jesus’ability to see into people’s heart and understand their motives
fully, it remains true that we CAN sometimes see that “no” is the best answer
in given circumstances. Perhaps we cansee that what a person asks for is
inappropriate or will cause harm to others. Perhaps it will offend againstthe
common goodor show favoritism. Perhaps the requestinvolves an unwise use
of resources orgoes contraryto agreedupon goals and priorities. There may
be any number of reasons we canand should say“no” and doing so is not
necessarilyun-Christlike. This may be so evenif the one requesting insists
that it is about what is just and fair. It may cause disappointment or even
angerin others but that does not mean that we are necessarilydoing anything
wrong. Jesus did sometimes say, “No.”
III. No to the Hungry?? The final example brings us to the shores ofthe Sea of
Galilee. Jesus hadjust multiplied the loaves and fishes and fed somewhere
between5000 and 20,000people. News ofthis has spread and the word of free
food is starting to draw a crowd. Further, some of the crowdwas not
dispersing. So Jesus draws apart to pray and sends the apostles to the other
side of the lake where he promises to join them later. After walking on the
water(!) to meet them in the boat they come to other shore. News that Jesus
had headed in that direction reachedsome in the crowdwho ran around the
lake and as Jesus disembarks they greethim with false surprise: “Rabbi!
When did you gethere?!” Jesus was not born yesterdayand he knows that

they are seeking more free food so he says to them: I tell you the truth, you
are looking for me, not because yousaw miraculous signs but because youate
the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that
endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (John 6:26-27).
In effect Jesus refuses to produce againthe food of this world and summons
them to faith. He goes onto teachextensively in the remainder of John 6 on
the Holy Eucharistand insists that this was the food that was more necessary
for them. They are unimpressed and rejecthis teaching as a “hard saying” (Jn
6:60). But in effecthere to we have a “no” from Jesus.
Feeding the hungry is usually something commended, even commanded. But
Jesus, in the end will not allow them to seek only that which is good(bread)
and refuse what is best (the Breadof Life).
As a priest I have frequently had this problem with some of the poor who
come to me. When they first come asking for financial assistanceI give it
whole heartedly and inquire as to their story. They almostalways admit that
they have no real church home (otherwise why would they be coming to me). I
indicate to them that it is absolutely essentialfor their salvationthat they
come to Church and receive Holy Communion. If they are not a Catholic they
should at leastcome and see if they are ready to acceptthe faith. But most of
them do not follow up on this invitation and yet still come back seeking for
money and resources. Ibegin then to place conditions upon the continued
assistance, that, if they do not start coming or I cannotbe sure they are
attending somewhere, I will not continue to give worldly food to those who
refuse heavenly food.
Some have argued that this is not what Jesus would do, but in fact this is
exactly what he did. He said no to those who wanted only their bellies filled
but not their heart. Of course in utter emergencyand if little children are
involved this approachmay have to be adapted. Further, there ARE other
places to getfood and essentials in this country than one Catholic Parish.
Perhaps I can refer an individual somewhere else. But in the end, I have to
summon people not merely to the good, but to the best. This is not un-
Christlike.

The essentialpoint then, is that it is not always wrong to sayno. Jesus did so,
even in some classic socialjustice and charity situations. We should never
glibly say no or be unnecessarilyhurtful. But there are just times when no is
the bestand most Christ-like answer.
Your additions, distinctions and rebuttals are encouragedand appreciated.
Image above is an ancient fresco
This song says, “Some ofGod’s greatestgifts are unansweredprayers”
Actually they are answered, I suppose, and the answer is “No”
Categories
Faith, Jesus
25 Replies to “Even Jesus Sometimes said, "No."”
Nick
May 13, 2011 at00:04
For those who wanna serve people’s spiritual and corporal needs, here is the
archdiocese’s Social& Justice page. It should help you better understand
what Monsignoris saying.
http://www.adw.org/service/default.asp
Vijaya
May 13, 2011 at00:04
This post comes ata very timely manner in our householdbecause we feel
stretchedto the limit with our resources. We are at some sort of a turning
point in our lives and we’re having a difficult time discerning what we must
do and what we canlet go of.

Thank you for clarifying the No. I can tell you that when I was seriouslyill for
the pasttwo years, Jesus’s No was fora greaterpurpose — to draw me closer
to Him. I still don’t know why He healed me because I surrendered
completely; I was willing to bear chronic pain in this life if that was His will.
But I am so much happier now …
God is always good, but we’ll never understand His ways fully.
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at09:58
Yes, it would seemthat Scripture overall commends a generosityfrom us but
also a prudence. For example Paul requests a generous gift from the rather
well to do Corinthians but also respects limits:
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah. Although he was rich,
for your sakeshe became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might
become rich. I am giving you my opinion on this matter because it will be
helpful to you. Last year you were not only willing to do something, but had
already started to do it. Now finish what you began, so that your eagernessto
do so may be matched by your eagernessto complete it. For if the eagernessis
there, the gift is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what
you do not have. Not that others should have relief while you have hardship.
Rather, it is a question of fairness. At the present time, your surplus fills their
need, so that their surplus may fill your need. In this way things are fair. As it
is written, “The personwho had much did not have too much, and the person
who had little did not have too little.”[ 2 Cor8:9-15]
Anne Shea
May 13, 2011 at06:52
This article raises some very goodpoints, but I think the distinction must be
made that the ones who Jesus said “no” to were not truly in desperate need,
just looking for a handout. In today’s world, there are many who are looking
for a handout, but there are many more in desparate need and Jesus is
capable of knowing the difference. As a human being, I leave that judgement

to God. If I see a homeless personon the corner with a sign, I don’t judge that
person’s level of need or integrity. If I have some cash, I give it happily and
throw in a “GodBless You!” I leave it to God to judge how that person uses
the charity. It just feels like the right thing to do. Nearour grocerystore,
there is a Panda Express by the exit. I have given a homeless man there $5,00
and watchedhim walk over to the restaurant to get a meal. He might walk out
the other exit and go buy liquor, but I think he really was hungry and got a
hot meal. Thank you for sharing this insight, but I will continue to say“yes”
wheneverI am able and pray that God blesses these poorand leads them to
salvation. I can only do what I am able, the restis in God’s hands.
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at14:11
Your distinction is a goodone and one I also tried to make in the article: “Of
course in utter emergencyand if little children are involved this approach
may have to be adapted....” Thanks for emphasizing the matter.
Kevin M
May 13, 2011 at07:16
We must be careful not to easilyexcuse ourselves from our duties to help
others but neither should we become enablers or those who cause others to
become too dependent. – The difficulty for me I think is discerning when I’m
being judgmental and lazy (“Godhelps those who help themselves”), rather
than working in the persons best interest. Thank you for your wisdom Father.
Your blog is quickly becoming the first thing I turn to eachday.
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at14:09
You are right, it is not merely the motives of others we must ponder, but our
own too.
Liam
May 13, 2011 at07:39

Marvelous and thought provoking exposition MonsignorPope. In the end, I
suppose that such conundrums need a healthy dose of discernment from the
GoodLord to resolve with a calm conscience.
I am reminded of a MonsignorI once knew, God resthis soul, who had a
parish in mid-town Harrisburg, PA. Becausethe area was rather run-down
and was frequented by vagrants his rectory would often be visited by men
looking for a ‘meal’, i.e money with which they promised to purchase a
‘meal’.
Monsignor, who hadn’t just fallen off the turnip truck and placedgreatstore
in the dignity one could derive through honestlabor, would politely refuse to
hand-over any cashbut did offer a genuine ‘meal’ in the rectory (courtesyof
the unflappable housekeeper)for anyone who would perform some small task
around the rectory (such as sweeping the sidewalk and such) in exchange for
the food.
He told me that he was always amazedwhen some reputedly starving though
apparently able bodied men in searchof a ‘meal’ not only became indignant
when the cashwas refusedbut also rejectedthe offer of a meal if it was
contingent on their performance of even the most modest task to earn it.
Not everyone refused the Monsignor’s offer of work, of course, and thereby
earned themselves a hearty breakfast, lunch, or even dinner but the good
Monsignorlost no sleepover his refusal to feed those who would not earn
their bread.
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at14:08
Yes, there are patterns that are troubling among some who seek helpand they
can at times be evident when we actually interpret the requestfor food or bus
fare literally. Too bad, also, since the bad ones tend to make us cynical, for
there are those we really do need help.
James
May 13, 2011 at08:26

It’s really easy, being young and Catholic, to expend myself to try and solve
every problem. And often, it is much easierto err by doing too little. Yet, I
think as you point out, we can err in going the other direction as well.
Especiallyfor beginners its better to err in this way; I recallAristotle’s advice
that if you find yourself with one vice, you should aim for the opposite vice. To
the cowardtrue bravery appears like recklessnessand to the recklesstrue
bravery appears like cowardice.Hence, the cowardaims for recklessness
while the recklessaims for cowardice to reachtrue virtue.
Habitual prayer, seems important. This way we’re lead directly by the Spirit
to virtue insteadof spending our time deliberating and puzzling out what’s
virtuous. Notthat deliberation doesn’t have it’s place in checking that we are
listening to the God’s inspiration, but faith is a surer road than reason. We
only need to look to modern philosophy to see that.
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at10:13
Yes, sometimes we have to make corrections to find balance.
Jon White
May 13, 2011 at09:00
I work in downtown DC and walk from a Metro subway stop to my office four
blocks away. It is amazing how some of the professionalhomeless people have
been there on my route to and from work day after day for years and even
decades, despite attempts by me and other people to direct them to resources
that might help them extricate themselves from their situations. It is either
mental illness or a willful choice that puts them in their situations, and that is
part of the human mystery of their (and our) existence. Itry to give them eye
contactand a word of greeting to acknowledgetheir existence, but no
handouts. It’s amazing to me how they seemto recognize AND
ACKNOWLEDGE me in return – as if we are all workers in one way or
another, just with different gigs. One middle-aged homeless womanon my
route who is obviously physically impaired and possibly mentally, too, I
always consideredan especiallyforlorn case due to her apparent disabilities.

However, I was setback on my heals one day when I saw this lady at the
neighborhood liquor store making a purchase – I never realized until then
that alcoholmight also play a part in her living patterns. How mysterious
eachof us is to the other, and how little we really know about anyone we see,
meet, or even live with. God open my eyes to my ignorance of the mystery
containedin eachhuman being!
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at10:11
Yes, poverty is a very complicatedmatter. What is always best will vary from
person to person. Generally speaking dispensing cashis a bad idea, but there
may be exceptions. Another thing to ponder is what will happen to the street
begging as we go increasinglycash-less.Forexample I seldomcarry cash
anymore. If I do, it is just change for parking. The answerusually is to
connectthe needy to a socialservice network whereinfood, clothing and
shelter are directly provided rather than cashentrusted to them. At the parish
we usually try and stock up on non-cashways we can help: food, diapers,
baby formula, basic medical things like bandages, bus tokens, subwaypasses.
JOSEPH
May 13, 2011 at09:55
“What would Jesus Do?” Whenwe think about it this is a very self centered
question, because we cannever be sure the answeris correct, it might be, or it
could be wrong. Like our consciense, it could be well formed,or malformed. I
think a question could be “What did Jesus do?” and “What did Jesus say?”I
think this is what you are saying in your post and it says it beutifully. Thank
you father.
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at10:04
Thanks, I have not thought to put it this way. But, like you have found the
expressionWWJD to be mildly problematic. WDJD is likely a better
rendering!

Wsquared
May 14, 2011 at09:39
Joseph, I’ve been pondering the exact same thing for some time, so you took
the words out of my mouth: that yes, the better question is “What DID Jesus
do?” and not “What *would* Jesus do?”
Robert Sledz
May 13, 2011 at11:57
Jesus neversaid “NO”. You did. How do you know Jesus did not return back
and cure the rest? You don’t, Do you?
Msgr. Charles Pope
May 13, 2011 at14:03
My goodness. Whatis all the hostility about? I am merely presenting data
from the scripture for consideration. As for your point, I guess anything is
possible, but an argument from silence is a difficult assertionto prove.
Cynthia BC
May 13, 2011 at12:07
Would you write an explanation for me the next time I tell my daughter “no?”
I generallyhave to resort to “BECAUSE I SAID SO!” and/or “NO IT IS NOT
BECAUSE I’M MEAN AND I HATE YOU!”
😉
Vijaya
May 13, 2011 at14:52
LOL! We have the same daughter … “If you loved me, you would get me a
hamster.”
They Might Be Giants has a great song called: NO and I often start singing it
…

Cynthia BC
May 14, 2011 at12:44
Be sure to sing the NO song in public to ensure maximum humiliation. 😉
c isn’t quite at the point at which my very existence is an embarrassment, but
I’m sure it’s not far off…
BA
May 13, 2011 at14:56
Thank you for this article. We are often made to feelvery guilty when we
“have to” say no. And finding a man on the streetis not the same as having
the same people come to you time after time. Once my Sunday schoolclass
was helping a womanand her children. She sent a list of the food items she
needed for the next week–suchthings as Imperial sugar, Pillsbury flour, etc.
You getthe point. We told our teacherwe would be doing her a disservice to
allow her to dictate the brands she wanted. Many of us were not using the
most expensive products at home so that we could help those who had even
greaterneed. We need to help them not only with their physical needs but also
with their spiritual hunger, and it is Christlike to do so.
By the way, I am often told no when I pray, and usually I find out why in time.
God does not best.
Will
May 13, 2011 at15:10
Thanks for the post Mgsr.
There is a lot to digest here. You post draws some interesting things to think
about.
I used to drive past the homeless with never a care. Following a renewalof
faith in July I no longerdo that and God has changedmy life in so many
ways.

Where I currently work (changedby God two months after I realized he
always had my life, I only had to trust in Him) there is a spot just over one of
the interstates nearmy office building that seems to get a steady revolving
door of homeless. But severalof them have been there for awhile.
I never give them any money, I never have, they’re all alcoholics andthey will
admit to being alcoholics andI know they can receive over$40 a day, I’ve
seenthem do it, but I do give them food that I buy with my family’s groceries
eachweek. It’s just normal now, we buy extra food just for them. One of
them, Doug CoefieldI speak with every week. Ibuy Doug clothes as well.
Doug seems to be different from the rest, I think it’s calledhope :). He speaks
with you, he asks questions. He and I talk about Jesus and prayer and what is
going on in the world. I encourage him to offer his sufferings to God though I
don’t think he understands this.
I am compelledto check on them in their usual spots. I check on them almost
every day of the work week;on my way back after daily mass during my
lunch break, during my afternoonbreak most days (Divine Mercy Chaplet
break), and after work on my way home. Compelled, because I can’t imagine
how difficult it must be. I know that it is mostly of their own choosing and the
demon of alcoholism, but, I don’t think that I could ever stop now, nor do I
want to. They are my brothers and my sisters and I don’t even go the whole
way, I’ve never offeredthem a place in my home or to take them to a shelter
(most wouldn’t go, they like their place in the woods next to an interstate
ramp). I know them as Doug, Debby, Foots, Alex, Bruce, etc. Sometimes I
bring to mind the story of: 2 And a certainman who was lame from his
mother’s womb was carried: whom they laid every day at the gate of the
temple, which is calledBeautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went
into the temple. 3 He, when he had seenPeterand John, about to go into the
temple, askedto receive an alms. 4 But Peterwith John, fastening his eyes
upon him, said: Look upon us. 5 But he lookedearnestlyupon them, hoping
that he should receive something of them. 6 But Petersaid: Silver and gold I
have none; but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, arise and walk. 7 And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him
up: and forthwith his feet and soles receivedstrength. 8 And he leaping up,

stoodand walkedand went in with them into the temple, walking and leaping
and praising God.
I’m torn. Doug is sometimes so sadto look at, he is ill. He has been takento
the hospital twice since Christmas. Debby has a horrible sore on her face that
I wish I could take away. Foots gotinto a fight with some of the angrier ones
and for weeks there was only Doug and Debby. Debby is so thin and so frail.
They like the spot they live, they won’t go into the larger part of the city
where the homes are. I don’t know why.
I don’t know, when I see the homeless these days my heart breaks, more for
my sin and how I have hurt Jesus than their sufferings.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty and you gave
me not to drink. 43 I was a strangerand you took me not in: nakedand you
coveredme not: sick and in prison and you did not visit me. 44 Then they also
shall answerhim, saying: Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a
strangeror naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you? 45 Then he
shall answerthem, saying:Amen: I sayto you, as long as you did it not to one
of these least, neither did you do it to me.
You can take Jesus teaching onmammon and spread it around to other
things. How do I not know that these people are homeless because of
something I bought that was made in China, thus having their company put
out of business or for one of my parents or grandparents not standing up for
the right issues oftheir day, which would’ve changedthe course of this
country in a different way, ala Roe v Wade? The whole of human civilization
is culpable in one way or another. This is our one-storyuniverse. My sin is no
greateror no less than theirs. I am here to attempt to ease their suffering and
to pray for them. Forit is the sin of all man which has brought them to this.
—
To c/p from Fr. Stephen Freeman(Orthodox):
The role of the human will (in its acceptance ofChrist) is not insignificant in
our salvation– but the will choosesorrejects what Christ has already

accomplished. The ultimate outcome of those choices are knownto God alone.
However, God’s will is clear:He is “not willing that any should perish but that
all should come to repentance” (2 Peter3:9).
The greatmystery of the suffering of Christ cannotbe confined to a forensic
accountin which His death is simply a payment for sin. The Scripture and the
fathers’ understanding of Christ is far more cosmic. Evil is inherently absurd
and meaningless (for God is the only source of goodand meaning is always
relative to Him). But Christ has takenthat absurdity into Himself and
ultimately transforms it. It is the Incarnation, Crucifixion, Descentinto Hades
and ResurrectionofChrist that make thanksgiving possible – including
thanksgiving for all things. Christ is the Eucharist(thanksgiving) of the world
and every act of thanksgiving finds its fulfillment in Him.
The world is not broken into sacredand profane. “Heaven and earth are full
of Thy glory,” the angels sing in Isaiah’s greatvision. The glory they behold is
nothing other than the life of Christ which offered “on behalf of all and for
all.”
—
Passing them by on the street or condemning them for buying liqour will not
help them look to repentence nor join in the thanksgiving. I try to not do it out
of guilt, but as an act of love. It is a) My chance to see Christ suffering, and b)
Their chance to see Christ giving.
Did Jesus everdecide not to heal someone?
July 31, 2012 by James Early 46 Comments
Peterand John heal the lame man

Remember the story in the New Testament(Acts 3:1-9) when Peterand John
heal a lame man? They are going into the Temple in Jerusalemand see a man
lame from his mother’s womb. The man asks formoney, but Peterand John
give him something far more valuable. They healhim “in the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth.”
I’ve always loved this story. There’s so much there to learn. Peterand John
were bold in the Spirit. Are we? They were confident that the man would be
healed “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Are we as confident of the healing
presence ofChrist? The man was receptive. And he thanked God by praising
Him and leaping as high as he could. How do we thank God for healing in our
lives? Do we leap for joy and praise Him so all cansee?
In studying this story again the other day, it suddenly hit me that since this
man had been lame from birth, he would have been lame during the ministry
of Jesus. Everyday for years, friends had laid him at the Beautiful gate of the
Temple. If he was there every day, did he ever see Jesus? Did Jesus eversee
him?
The Bible doesn’t tell us all the details.
It is perhaps possible that Jesus never saw the lame man. He could have
always missedhim because ofthe sequence ofevents.
Or maybe the Saviorsaw the man and realized he wasn’treceptive yet to the
Gospelmessage.
Or…
Maybe Jesus saw him and thought, “Well, I better leave someone for my
disciples to heal once I’m gone.”
All this is obviously a bit presumptive on my part. I have no idea what Jesus
was thinking or if he ever saw the man or not, or perceivedhow receptive he
was.
When you read some parts of the Gospels, it sounds like Jesus healed
everyone of everything wherever he went.

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
and preaching the gospelof the kingdom, and healing every sicknessand
every disease among the people.”(Matthew 9:35)
Every sickness andevery disease. That’s a lot of healing.
But sometimes, whenhe came to his hometown of Nazareth, for example, he
only healeda few sick folks (see Mark 6:1-6) because they only saw him as a
carpenterand could not fathom the possibility that he was the Messiah. They
were offended that he taught with such authority in the synagogue, the Bible
tells us.
“And he could do no mighty work there.” (Mark 6:5)
Was Jesus incapacitatedby people’s lack of belief, their lack of faith? Could
the Sonof Godbe subject to mortal man’s material-mindedness?
Of course not.
Jesus came to healthe sick, among other things. I personally think Jesus
could have done mightier works there. Justas he could have askedGodto
send 12 legions of angels to rescue him from the crucifixion. (Mark 26:53)
But Jesus neveractedwithout instructions from the Father. He always had
the prayer, “not my will, but Thine be done,” in his heart if not on his lips.
He did not perform those mighty works becauseGoddid not direct him to.
Jesus said, “I can of mine own self do nothing…because I seek notmine own
will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30)
Could God have performed greatmiracles in Jesus’hometown? Ofcourse.
God is omnipotent, always. Butwould it have been wise for such events to
take place where the people were not receptive?
I also think Jesus was obeying his own precept here: not to casthis pearls
before the swine, that animal-like tendency in the human mind that cannot
discern the spiritual gems in front of it, nor appreciate their worth, therefore
recklesslytrampling them into the earth.

What if he had done some of those “mighty works” whichhe was famous for,
in his home town? How would they have been receivedby those doubtful
disputers? It would have been too much for them to comprehend and
interpret correctlywith their mental attitudes. They might have disputed
Jesus evenmore. Or they might have become blind and fanatic followers
without understanding the truth of who Jesus was. Who knows?
It doesn’t mean, however, that at some point in the near future, either before
or after the crucifixion, that these same home-town folks would never come to
see that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Theyjust couldn’t see it at that point.
So the time was not ripe for “mighty works” in their midst.
Just a few sick folks were healed. Justa few sick folks…healed. In my book,
that is still pretty amazing and something to be grateful for.
Back to the lame man at the Temple gate calledBeautiful.
As I said, we really don’t know the circumstances surrounding this man’s
personalencounter with Jesus orlack thereof. What we do know is that he
had an encounter with Jesus’healing ministry, the power of Christ, or what
I’ll callthe Spirit of Jesus (not the personalman). When Petercommanded
him to “rise up and walk” in Jesus’name, he did. He was healed.
I really can’t believe I’m saying this, but I guess it’s a goodthing Jesus did not
heal everyone during his brief three years’ ministry. He commissionedthe
Apostles to go out and preach the Gospeland heal the sick. If there were no
more sick people to heal, how could they have put into practice what Jesus
had taught them to do? They had to prove the truth of who Jesus was. It
couldn’t just be words.
The book of Acts tells us of many accounts ofhealing by the early Christians.
I am going out on a limb of assumption to say that some of these same people
had heard Jesus preachand weren’t healed. Maybe they weren’t receptive to
the ideas Jesus was preaching–yet.
Why were the man at the Temple gate and all the other people healedby those
early Christians finally receptive to the power of God? There is one very
obvious reason.

The Resurrection!
Jesus’resurrectionripped the veil from the Temple which coveredthe Holy of
Holies. He destroyed mankind’s sense ofseparationfrom God. He removed
the obstaclesin men’s hearts individually and collectively. I think this created
a mental, moral, and spiritual atmosphere of receptivity, expectation, and
acceptanceofGod’s marvelous works through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The disciples were not just preaching the ideas that Jesus had preached and
taught them. They were now telling everyone about the resurrectionas well.
They spoke from first hand observation. Think what it would have been like
to hear them speak with such absolute convictionabout the resurrection. The
result was healing and salvationfor those who were receptive.
So, did Jesus choosenotto heal someone so he could be healedlater by the
disciples? I personally don’t think so. I think he always discernedwhat was
in people’s hearts, in their thinking. When they were receptive, he healed
them. Sometimes they just weren’t ready for the blessing.
Now fast forward to today.
Does Godever choose notto heal someone? Idon’t think that’s the example
Jesus gave us. I believe God is always ready, with outstretchedarms, to heal
us, save us, protect us, guide us, correctus, and love us. Are we really ready
to receive what He has in store for us? Are we really willing to forgo our will
and follow His will?
It’s easyto saywe are, but it’s another thing to really mean it way down deep
in our hearts.
My prayer for all of us is to embrace this utter and complete willingness to
relinquish our will for the Father’s will. Let us pray to be receptive to the
powerof God to meet all our needs:physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
And may we have no false trusts in the things of this world.
God is always ready to heal. Are we ready to receive what He is freely giving
us?

46 comments
Ecclesia67• 7 years ago
Just a quick note...have you ever lookedup the meaning of "beautiful"? The
word in Greek is ὡραῖος (hōraios)means seasonable andtimely...the root
word is ὥρα hōra, which means a time or period, an hour.
What I have come to understand is that this "lame" man had an appointed
time with His healerour Lord Jesus through us the saints (Peter and John).
Knowing that Jesus only did what His father, our ABBA did.
The question that I have meditated on and come to understand is "when does
the Fatherdesire to heal someone orcall a personto Himself?" As the blind
man in the gospels was bornunable to see and neither his parents nor himself
sinned, but was blind for the revealing of the glory of the Lord, there are
appointed seasonand times for which the Lord is glorified!
In other words, we are to go heal the sick, raise the dead and castout demons
with the knowledge ofwhat the Father is doing...atappointed times and
seasons.
But-dusty • 5 years ago
I was preparing to teach this passage tonightand came upon your post. I
really enjoyed your insights especiallyyour comment about Jesus not healing
everyone in His hometown and the reasons He could not or would not
particularly your comment that if he had " Or they might have become blind
and fanatic followers without understanding the truth of who Jesus was" So
very true, though Jesus healedthe blind He would have shunned gathering to
himself 'blind followers'. Your comment was a realgem with ramifications
that I don't think many of us have considered.
Nehemiah • 5 years ago
It is clearfrom scripture that not everyone gets healed. However, it is also
clearthat not everyone will be saved. However, Psalm103 says "...Praisethe

LORD oh my souland forget not all his benefits - who forgives all our sins
and heals all our diseases..." Thosewho will not be saved will not have their
sins forgiven either. Why? Because theyhave hardened their hearts against
God and refusedto pick up the lifeline he has thrown us in Jesus. Theyare in
absolute unbelief and it is an act of will "Forsince the creationof the world,
God's invisible qualities - his eternal powerand divine nature - have been
clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that man is
without excuse" (Romans 1:18). Unbelief, where God's word is concerned, is
an act of will through failing to either properly study, or believe, God's
testimony about himself, which is why scripture attributes it as sin (Romans
14: 23).
God, the Father, being a "gentleman" has covenantedwith us not to force his
will upon us. As such, whilst we must acknowledge thatHe is omnipotent,
omniscient and omnipresent, he will not invade our lives with his powerunless
he is invited to do so. That invitation, from us to God, comes by way of our
acceptanceofand belief in the one he sent, Jesus Christ. So, before God will
(not can) do anything in our lives we must believe his word, both written (the
Bible) and living (Jesus)and by faith, we are savedand can receive healing.
As I said at the beginning, it is true to saythat not all will be healed, just as it
is true to say not all will be saved(forgiven). But to say that it is ever not
God's will to heal all, is contrary to scripture, just as it would be contrary to
scripture to saythat it is not God's will to save (forgive) all. The statements in
Psalm103 are not differentiated by any tense, grammaticalinfluence or
context and, as such, both are equally true, but both are equally dependent on
our belief (faith) in the one the Father sent to be a propitiation for our sin.
God is the LORD our healer, the LORD our salvation, the LORD our
righteousness etc, etc. these qualities are not just things he does - they are an
intrinsic part of his character, they are who he is. He can't help but love, save,
forgive and heal, but we still have to receive, in faith.
http://www.groundzeromedia....

HERE IS SOME REALITY THAT YOU CAN EITHER FIT IN THE BIBLE
OR NOT .
TO ME IT MAKES PERFECTSENSE AND FITS IN THE BIBLE
PERFECTLYTOO.
SHE IS FROM ANOTHER PLANET ,SHE HAS SIX FINGERS AND SIX
TOES AND WIRED WITH AN ELECTRICALDEVICE ON HER
FOREHEAD AND SHE FITS THE NEPHILIM BILL.
DO YOU THINK JESUS WOULD HEAL HER IF SHE ASKED HIM TO? I
DON'T THINK SO.
CHINA IS NOW HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH GOING TO THE MOON
NOW THAT LEONOV GAVE THE EBE MONA LISA TO CHINA TO
STUDY!!!
David Brock • 5 years ago
WHEN THE FALLEN ANGELS MADE US WITH GENE SPLICING AND
FORNICATION WITHHUMAN WOMEN WE HAD 4000 GENE DEFECTS
THIS IS WHY THERE IS ONLY A FEW WAYS TO CHECK IN TO THIS
WORLD AND 4000 WAYS TO CHECK OUT. GENETIC SCIENTISTS
ARE NOW JUST STARTING TO UNDERSTANDTHE GMO BEINGS
THAT WE ARE. TRULY WE ARE A VERMIN /NEPHILIM. EVEN THE
JEWS TODAY ARE NOT SEMITES , THEY ARE TURKISH/MONGOLS,
NO SEMITIC BLOOD THERE. THEY ARE CALLED KASHARIAN JEWS
TODAY. EVIDENTALLY ABOUT 500 YRS AGO A GROUP OF
MONGOLIANTURKS PICKED THE JEWISHRELIGION EVEN
THOUGH THEY WERE NOT OF THE SEED OF ABRAHAM!!!
David Brock • 5 years ago • edited

common christian attitude!!!!! i am holier than thou b/c i have yadda yadda
w/ jesus and you obviously have not so you better pray to the holy spirit and
grovelon your knees and repent , otherwise you are surely lost...
you CANNOT PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER!!! LIFE IS A GIFT,
AND NOW GO AND MULTIPLY AND ENJOYTHE GIFT OF LIFE. DO
YOU THINK GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR common christian attitude!!!!!
NO AND I BELIEVE HE WOULD DISDAIN YOU FOR IT ESPECIALLY
IN HIS HOUSES OF CHRISTIAN GATHERINGS.
http://carm.org/questions/a...
nephilim read and weep. god has many that have turned from him including
angels
Numbers 13:33 - And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come]
of the giants:and we were in our ownsight as grasshoppers,and so we were in
their sight.
ananokiwere fallen angels from the planet nibiru when they mated with
human womenthey were giant nephilim with 6 fingers and toes often having a
cone shaped skull.. the nibiru ananuki createdadam and eve from gene
splitting with homo robustus and ananuki dna and eve was createdfrom dna
from adams rib.
Genesis 6:4 - There were giants in the earth in those days; and also afterthat,
when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare
[children] to them, the same [became]mighty men which [were] of old, men of
renown...sonsofgod are ananuki fallen angels getused to it.

Genesis 6:12 - And God lookedupon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt;
for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
the corruption was the fallen angels fornicating with our human females
bringing on non humans who lookedfairly human but were not. the
corruption had nothing to do with a man and a woman, it was 200 or so fallen
angels corrupting our bloodline.
Adam Birtas David Brock • 5 years ago
Sorry bro. There is no mention of them being from a separate planet. And
how can you say they createdAdam and Eve????? You're beyond lostmy
friend and better repent and pray for the holy spirit to guide you in truth.
JESUS IS THE TRUTH!
JonX Adam Birtas • 5 years ago
Lol I wouldn't bother, one can't reasonwith the unreasonable. Waste oftime
and energy.
David Brock Adam Birtas • 5 years ago • edited
laisses faires eachto their own.. you cannot prove me wrong ,they came from
heaven then? who are the watchers? surelyyou have read about nephilim and
the watchers in the bible over 100 times!!!
i am my spirit and i don't need another spirit taking possessionof my body
other than my spirit. " pray for the holy spirit "
jesus is a jew that was crucified by jews. he pissedthem off and they gotrid of
him. he kickedoverthe tax collecting table the jews setup in front of jesus'
church.

jesus is also nephilim ,god came down and impregnated a sinning woman
,mary and made nephilim jesus.
You're beyond lost my friend and better repent!! why you selfrighteous little
punk ass silly boy. your god is a vengeful god that you have to fall down and
repent because youare so sinful and afraid? that is not my god!! yes i think
you are the one that is lostand cannot see.
common christian attitude!!!!! i am holier than thou b/c i have yadda yadda
w/ jesus and you obviously have not so you better pray to the holy spirit and
grovelon your knees and repent , otherwise you are surely lost...
you CANNOT PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER!!! LIFE IS A GIFT,
AND NOW GO AND MULTIPLY AND ENJOYTHE GIFT OF LIFE. DO
YOU THINK GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR common christian attitude!!!!!
NO AND I BELIEVE HE WOULD DISDAIN YOU FOR IT ESPECIALLY
IN HIS HOUSES OF CHRISTIAN GATHERINGS.
Adam Birtas David Brock • 5 years ago • edited
Jesus is GOD he is the waythe truth and the life! No one comes to the father
but through him! He was God in the flesh. In the beginning was the word, the
word was with God and the word was God, became FLESHand dwelt among
men. You and your false teachings leading people astrayis a lie from the list
of hell. Don't preach things that ARE NOT IN THE BIBLE. If you read or
believe any of the Bible you must use all of it and believe it. I pray in JESUS
MIGHTY NAME that you will be setfree, from you're demonic oppression.
Their is NO eternal life to or anyone who does not acceptthe Eternal gift of
life from Jesus Christ. For the wages ofsin is death! But the gift of God is
eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ!!! The bible warns about FALSE
doctrines as YOU are preaching! Jesus was NOT createdhe is the greatI AM.
"Before Abraham was IAM"! Don't use my Bible to twist and leat people
astraygo use a false book not the living word of God. You try and Claim
Christianinty but deny Jesus Christ??? CHRISTianity. Does that evenmake

sense? No. The beginning of ALL knowledge is the fear of the Lord. I have no
holier than thou attitiude. I CAN PETITION WITH GOD BECAUSE JESUS
CHRIST SET A PATH WAY! I choowe to fall on my knees before the creator
because ofthe greatand total love I have with him in my personal
relationship. Jesus Christ came and took the sIns of the world for ALL!
Whosoeverbelieve in him shall not perish but have everlasting life! Salvation
is freely mine through faith because ofthe ever flowing grace!! And for the
last comment you wrote. Yes Jesus does care about my common Christian life
he loves me since before I was created!I am righteous and holy and coveredin
the blood of Jesus because Ibelieve the He died and Rose onthe third day and
has defeateddeath and sin!
David Brock Adam Birtas • 5 years ago
maybe he didn't rise on the 3rd day maybe when they took him down he
wasn't dead. maybe he lived out his life in Tibet. cashmire says they have his
bones
Not only is their Biblical proof of the disciples youch I got his flesh and
wounded hands and scars. Buttheir is Historical proof showing Jesus body is
no where to be found.PERIOD
so now you are telling me that your hands and feetbleed from flesh wounds
from Jesus'nails ? you are totally crazy , you need a shrink.

It was a typo I said the disciples touched his wounds to see if he had really
risen.
Kashmir says he lived until 100s anddied an old man and they buried his
remains under his abode ,his home in Kashmir. why haven't you good
Christians exhumed the body and dna check his bones??
https://www.facebook.com/no...
yes you are arrogantand selfrighteous all by yourself. the devil loves peeps
like you and he has got you but good. I sayyou are not righteous and you use
religion to punk people around. god will resurrectyou too but you will not be
part of the speciallittle flock ,144,000 thatwill rule with god. you might not
last after the 1000 yearreign of the resurrection, either.
144,000 is for the tribes of Isriael! Those that convert during the tribulation
period!
Not how many people go to heaven. Once againanother falisy of Jehovah
witness.. you're part of a cult. You thinknow your works will getyou into
heaven?? Your righteousnessis as filthy rags before God. If you live by the
circumcisionyou will be judged by the whole law. All I can do is pray for you
we might as well agree to dissagree. Ican help you only Jesus can.

so all the dead jews that won't be there for the tribulation the seven years ,
they are totally screwed? the six million that died in the holocausttoo, they
never acceptedjesus ...
live by circumcision? wtf?
Yes. Jesus promises that everyone will hear the gospelor he will make it know
before they die. That's why he is so patient and hasn't come yet. It's his will
that all will be saved! Yes you obviously are NOT a Jew. Being circumcised
was a way of showing you were one of God's people meaning you were under
the old covenantand had to live to by the law. Now we have what's called the
circumcisionof the heart. Accepting Jesus. If you read your old testamentyou
would know this.
"Yes you obviously are NOT a Jew", no i am nephilim!!!! ,blued ananockion
both sides and circumcized at birth and wished my mother had never let them
cut my schwaunze !!! but it is too late now ,they threw the foreskinin the
trash can.
you contrive way too much about the so calledimportance of being
circumcized. just shows your sicknessand weaknessas an individual spirit
being. you need your dogma i think otherwise you might become a murderer
or a criminal thug. eat your dogma !!!!
the little flock are god's chosen, he will choose his 144000 to rule with him.
believe me you will not be chosen. many of the 144k have already been chosen,
are waiting in sheol, the grave, the first hell.

j witness have excommunicatedus after Pasteurrusseldied and they have
branched from us and they have ,like you, perverted the truth and createda
moneymaking organization.
goodriddance.
I will not pray for you. you know your faith is weak that is why you are here.
False. Once againI know your supposed bible better than you. I will continue
to pray for you. My faith is strong and abounding. I'm here to callyou out!
The false teachers JesusChris is the truth. Once againI am not religious Jesus
Christ was crucifiedby the religious. I know my bible which includes what
you read better than you! You claim the old testament yet. Say Nephilim are
from another planet and they createdAdam and eve??? You don't even
believe your own Bible!!! Genesis says nothing about being createdby anyone
else. Only God the Father!
Christ was crucifiedby the religious.
and if we are not willing to acceptjesus then we can't be with god? what a
crock!! fear fearfear!
what if you are wrong and jesus survived the cross andshowedhis disciples
and then was spirited away to kashmir where he used to live early on and
where he learned from the monks there earlier in life and where he died at
120yrs old.
maybe he went to south of france with mary magdalena!!
faith is not science faithis not truth,faith is just believing ,beliefs are not facts,
it has been proven that evil forces have written things that are not factin to
the bible.

lets see you have to suck up to the holy spirit in order to even believe?!
EVERYBODYIS A HOLY SPIRIT YOU DUMB ASS !!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/...
Christ was crucifiedby the religious.
wait you have 3 gods ,1.holyspirit 2.jesus 3.godthe father,
i only have one you are way confused. jews only have one god , god createdthe
world and the underworld ,satan,gabriel,fallenangels,200ofthem, and the
unfallen angels, and the hominid,homo robustus, and the fallen ones ,the
watchers gene splicedhomo robustus with their dna gene splicing and created
adam and eve under god's direction ,made adam and took from adams rib
and made eve.
then when they were done they decided to mate with women genesis 6 1thru4
..you know genesis right in the beginning of the bible right? god creatednibiru
and all the beings that inhabit zeta reticuli and nibiru ,mars lost its
atmosphere so those beings are here too.
can't you expand your consciousness justa little bit here. you are a fool if you
think you are the all to end all don't you think?
the watchers helpedbuild the arc noah's arc.. go watchthe movie noe 2014. it
is in theatres. get updated . you sound like a broken record.

even hitler will be resurrected.. even humans give three strikes before you are
out.. look at baseball!! this life is strike one. read your bible more and you will
find out. all you are doing is spreading unfounded dogma meant to scare the
weak. you have not bothered to seek the truth for yourself even. go to the
dawn bible students on the internet, the religionis calledThe Truth!! like I
said before, your god is not my god ,your god is a vengeful disrespectful god, a
fear basedgod, my god is an all loving god. quit spewing your poison and
listen up otherwise you will staya pseudoChristian punkthug. the devil loves
the wayyou are. remember the KKK are professedChristians too while they
are burning so calleddevil black men on crosses.
Dude you're missing the point. COMPLETELY!There is a physical death
and a spiritual death. Hitler will be resurrectedyou're correct. All the dead
will and the secondcoming of Jesus. He will judge who is found I the book of
life for accepting his free gift and believin in him. And those who didn't and
denied him will burn with satanand any other non believer. KKK called
themselves Christians but had no traits of a true believerfilled with the holy
spirit. Religious people will also burn because mostput their owe doings
works and deeds above relying on what Jesus came and did. Of you do that
you will be judged by the whole law! We all sin and fall short! ALL. I have no
Religion. Religions claimChrist yet act unaccordingly. Jesus setme free. His
burden is light and his yoke is easy. WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE
INDEED!! And this so calledTruth you find has is another falsehoodfound
on YouTube. God guides me and dwells in me I've seenhealing in Jesus name
demonic spirits leave in JESUS NAME! He is alive and has ALL power. He is
the same today yesterdayand forevermore. Readthe bible and find the truth
there is no! Condemnation for those who believe and I promise once you
accepthim he will move in your life I'm ways you've never thought and you
will feelthe peace ofGOD. He is Love! You have to read and understand the
bible before you judge. Accept him and test this all out if you don't believe he
loves you as much as he loves me or any other sinner. I'm setfree because I
have faith not because I label my self a Christian!

spiritual death there is no spiritual death. a spirit cannot die. that is like
saying godcan die. spirits canonly be degraded, they shrink when degraded,
they loose their power.. you are a degraded spirit trying to boss everyone into
your fear dogma..youare a fear mongerer .. i am an enlightener,teacher. fear
workedfor many generations but in the end it does not work. all religions will
fall and the truth will be unleashed.THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND
EVIL !! i am one of the many unleashers. you are like watching the 3 stooges
!!! old !! grow up spirit ,expand your consciousness. allyou pontificate is a
fear basedrelic of a religion. this is a new dawn, a new age , the age of
aquarius!! everything is significantand the bible has been shot full of garbage
fear mongers because they gotpower from scaring people half to deaTH.
YOU ARE A RELIC OF THE PAST . PURE SPEWING OF VOMIT IS ALL
YOU CAN COME UP WITH. if you didn't join the church of england in the
1700s itwas the towerof london and off with your head or go to the new land
plymouth rock remember? this is how my ancestorsgothere.
then they branched out with 100 more so calledchristian religions and started
calling womenwitches and burning them at the stake. they burned their own
congregation. then started speaking in tongues , and judging those who don't
as demonic, and vice versa!!. look at your history.
you in particular you lie and say that you exorcizeddemons out of people!
what a crock o chit!!!wtf !! you are one of the sickestindividuals i have ever
met. can you prove scientificallythat you have exorcizeddemons? no way.
but you are very proud to tell everybody this. you have no credibility what so
ever. you sir are a rotter a dispicable rotter and religions get these weak
spirits .. they cling to the fear because they know there is power there and they
want that power.

you are a tri theist, a holyroller, you probably speak in tongues too. you fear
god, jesus , and the holy spirit. you are way to busy condemning and speak
way too much of judgement. when you messedin your diaper were you judged
for that to? did you do a goodjob of that or were you punished b/c a little
squirted out on the floor? like I said my god is not your god!!! my godis an all
loving god and could carelessaboutjudging any spirit plus body.
I am a monothiest,thou shall have no other godbefore me other than me.
jesus was the son of god and of a mortal sinning woman.
your antics put down the jewishfaith.
no respectful jew accepts jesus as the messiah, and you profess to be a
judeo/Christian..
oh you mean you don't read the old testament either?
lets see you don't read the new testament nor the old testament..
believing is not knowing is it. you have blind faith. eatyour dogma instead of
cracking the book.
Psalms 22:16 Genesis 3:15 Micah5:2 Isaiah7:14 Genesis 12:3 Genesis 22:18
Genesis 22:12 Genesis17:19 numbers 24:17 Genesis 49:10 2 Samuel 7:12-13...I
have 30 other all with the fulfillment in the new testament. Jesus is God the
Father came in the flesh to die for your sins. The old testamentprophecies of
the messiahhave been fulfilled. Truly search. You don't follow the God of the
old testament. He who has not the sonhath Noth the Father. If you'd like I
will post ALL of the scriptures from the old testament and show you the
fulfillment in the new.
what about the time line of mankind ?,

the jews will never acceptjesus as their savior, never, so they will be left out in
the coldor go to satans hell? the jews are god's chosenpeople according to the
bible.
you do not have to acceptjesus at all to be savedor resurrected, you have
been lied to. you actually believe in all that is written? scofieldtoo? pre trib
anyone?
jews laugh at you !!! and they are god's chosenpeople!! if jesus came around
them againthey would in fact crucify him again, if they gotthe chance. they
would get the government to do it, as with the romans.
this is why you need the dawn bible students the truth!!!
Anyone who doesn't acceptJesus willdie and burn..but salvationis open to
all! I'm no more specialthan you nor am I loved more..andyes Jews willthe
144k you keeptalking about is how many jets will acceptJesus during the 7
years of tribulation. Becausethey will see the rapture happen and see the
prophecies being fulfilled as they have been until now. We are in the lastdays.
Come Lord Jesus!
they have been saying we are in the last days in the 1950sand 1960sand
1970s,1980s,1990s,2000s,2010s.. we are not even close... we have to rape the
whore of bagdad Iraq,babel, kings of powerall over the world have to lay
with her and drink from her trough and be drunken in her riches I figure at
leastanother 100 years ...atleast, you will be dead by then and so will I.
book of revelations she sits in her red and purple gownon the multiheaded
beastfornicating with the rulers of the earth drinking her riches from her
poisonous chalice. then when her wealthhas collapsedthen it will come

quickly. we haven't even tapped her wealth yet. 100yrs of sucking through the
straw of her chalice first.
nephilim are the kids of fallen angels and human women. they are not human
.nephilim are mentioned over 160 times in the holy bible and you ask stupid
questions like this? obviously you are like every other american,just eatyour
dogma.ddo some dd bro.!!
JESUS WOULD NOT HEAL THE NEPHILIM BOY BECAUSE HE WAS
NOT FROM THE SEED OF ABRAHAM BUT THE SEED OF A FALLEN
ANGEL ANANACKI ,JESUS MISSION IS/WAS TO SAVE THE SEED OF
ABRAHAM ..
James Early Mod David Brock • 6 years ago
David, Who is the nephilim boy you refer to? And where in the Bible do you
get the name of the fallen angel? Was Jesus'missionjust to save the seedof
Abraham? Jesus saidto go to all nations, not just the children of Israel, and
preach the Gospel.
David Brock James Early• 5 years ago
YOU CANNOT PREACHTHE GOSPELIF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE
GOSPELAND UNDERSTANDIT. IT IS CALLED BIBLE STUDY!! THIS
IS WHY WE HAVE 106 DIFFERENT CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS.THERE
IS ONLY ONE TRUTH AND AND THERE ARE A LOT OF FALSE

INJECTIONSINTO MANY DIFFERENT CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS LIKE
SCOFIELD AS AN EXAMPLE!!!
Happy Energy• 7 years ago
Wonderful article - made me think 'be receptive' - not just knowing, praying
and doing our highest right but 'be receptive' - listen for guidance with that
humble heart, 'not my will but thine be done' - thank you i needed this today
for something tomorrow. 'Be receptive'
Amy Duncan • 7 years ago
Very interesting! I agree with the "receptivity" idea. If we think in terms of
eternal life, of course everyone will be healedeventually -- it's inevitable. But
how long that takes I think depends to a greatdegree on our receptivity, or as
Eddy puts it, "the tenacity of error" determined how long it will continue.
This doesn't mean, of course, that error has realpower -- it's just to the
degree that we seemto believe in and acceptits powerand reality.
3 Miracles Jesus Didn’t Do
In the Bible, Jesus performed a lot of miracles. He healedpeople. He had
powerover nature. He even overcame death. But what about the miracles he
didn’t do? Here are three instances in the Bible where Jesus chosenot to do
the miraculous wonders he was knownfor:
1. A miracle without faith
In Mark 6 (and Matthew 13), Jesus returns to Nazareth, his hometown. These
people knew Jesus before he startedhis ministry.

And on the Sabbath he began to teachin the synagogue, andmany who heard
him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man getthese things? What is
the wisdomgiven to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is
not this the carpenter, the sonof Mary and brother of James and Josesand
Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took
offense at him (Mark 6:2–3).
Two verses later: “And he could do no mighty work there, exceptthat he laid
his hands on a few sick people and healed them” (Mark 6:5). The NLT says,
“And because oftheir unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them
exceptto place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.”
While the NIV says Jesus couldn’t do miracles in Nazareth, this isn’t
suggesting that faith is some sort of fuel for miracles, and Jesus was running
on empty. Mostlikely, the lack of faith meant that people didn’t ask Jesus to
help them—orelse, because oftheir lack of faith, Jesus chose notto. The
bottom line is, there was no faith, so in this instance, he didn’t.
2. A “signfrom heaven”
After Jesus feeds the 4,000 in Decapolis,he and his disciples getinto a boat
and head to Dalmanutha.
The Pharisees came andbegan to argue with him, seeking from him a sign
from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why
does this generationseek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to
this generation.” And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the
other side (Mark 8:11–13).
Miracles are not for our entertainment. They are not a prerequisite for faith.
If all of creationtestifies about its creator(Romans 1:20, Psalm19:1), why
should he have to give us a personal signfrom heaven on top of that? If you
ask God for a sign from heaven like the Pharisees,chancesare you’ll be
disappointed like the Pharisees.
3. A miracle that contradicted God’s plan

As Jesus hung on the Cross, his divinity was mocked. Again, people wanted to
see a signfrom heaven, and their requests for a miracle emergedfrom a
severe lack of faith—theydid not believe Jesus was who he said he was, and
they would not believe him unless the God of the universe did what they
asked, right then and there. As he hung there dying, Jesus, who was fully God,
could have come down from that cross. Fully man, Jesus may have even been
tempted by the prospect(Hebrews 2:18). But he didn’t come down.
And those who passedby derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha!
You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself,
and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes
mockedhim to one another, saying, “He saved others;he cannotsave himself.
Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may
see and believe” (Mark 15:29–32).
Jesus didn’t come down because the Cross had a purpose. The miracle of his
survival would have undermined the greatermiracle of his resurrection.
It’s easyto think about the miracles that Jesus did do. In brief interactions, he
radically altered people’s lives. But his ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8–9), and
because ofthat, the miracles Jesus didn’t do are equally important in helping
us understand the inexplicable.
https://blog.faithlife.com/blog/2014/05/3-miracles-jesus-didnt-do/
When God says No
by
Steven P. Wickstrom
Have you ever prayed to God and had him answeryou by saying “No?” It is
disappointing isn't it? Sometimes we do not even know how to dealwith that
answer, especiallywhen it concerns the life of someone who close to us, or a
family member. I have noticed that when God gives me a “No” answer, he

usually does not explain why he answeredin that way. That tends to make it
even more difficult for me to accept. Godseems to expectme to acceptthe
answerand move on with my life. The problem is that I often do not want to
acceptthat answerand I do not want to move on until I getan answerthat I
want to hear. Perhaps you respond the same that I do. Let me tell you a true
story.
I was on a CoastGuard Cutter in the Bering Sea in the middle of February
and the weatherhad been terrible for weeks. The relentless storms had driven
the waves to around twenty-five feet in height and the snow was coming down
horizontally. Being on a ship in twenty-five footseas canbe absolutely
uncomfortable. It was so cold that the salt watersea spray was freezing into
ice sheets as it coveredthe ship. Every morning we had to go out and the beat
the ice off the ship that had accumulatedduring the night. We didn't want the
ship to become top heavy due to the weight of the ice because a top heavy ship
will tip over and sink. It was King Crab seasonand we were watching over the
crab fleet like a shepherd watches his sheep.
The ice flow had flowedsouth of the Artic Circle and was now pushing its way
into the crab grounds. The harsh weatherwas taking its toll on the crab fleet.
The men on a typical crab boat work twenty-hours a day releasing and pulling
up their crab pots. They also had to beat the ice off their boats and that took
time awayfrom catching crabs. Since crab seasonthat year only lastedabout
four weeks,time was money. One of the boats, the “Crab Getter” (I chose not
to use the boats actualname) had been neglecting the ice buildup on its mast
and superstructure and was becoming top heavy. No one realizedthere was a
problem until it was too late.
We receiveda Mayday callwhen another vesselrealizedthe “Crab Getter”
had suddenly vanished. We were only about twenty miles awaybut the twenty
plus foot seas anddriving winds reduced our maximum speed. We launched
our helicopter(quite a trick in twenty-foot seas)to look for survivors because
it would take us about fifty minutes to traverse those twenty miles. I knew that
the odds of those men surviving were slim to non-existent, so I interceded for
their lives. A human canonly survive for about five minutes in freezing water
so these men needed God to intervene if they were to survive.

Almost as soonas I started praying, God answered. He said “No.” I was
stunned. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. God knew that those men
were still alive, in a desperate but losing battle to keepfrom freezing to death
or drowning. Why wouldn't God want to save these men? Why wouldn't he
want to receive the glory for such a miraculous intervention? I didn't
understand. I arguedwith God, I pleaded with him, but he ignored me. A few
minutes later he informed me that they were all dead.
I wept for the widows who did not yet know that their husbands were not
coming home. I wept for the children who no longer had a daddy. I wept for
the families that were no longercomplete. I sensedthat God also wept, but I
still didn't understand. If was God was also mourning over the deaths of the
men, why did He sayno to my prayer?
When we goton scene, we found the “Crab Getter;” it had completely
overturned and all that was visible was the bottom of its hull. We searchedthe
debris for bodies and found only one. Of the five-man crew, only one would go
home to be buried. I stoodoutside in the driving snow and watched the “Crab
Getter” sink beneath the waves. Fora CoastGuardsman, nothing is more
depressing than watching a doomed vesselsink. It makes us feel like we have
failed at our job. With tears freezing to my cheeks, I went back inside to
warmth of my ship.
I had questions, lots of questions. Why did God say no? Why does God not
explain himself when he says no? Is it because I don't need to know the
answer? Is it because He is God and I am not and He doesn't have to explain
anything to me? Is it because His reasons and purposes are part of a plan that
I cannot comprehend?
Sometimes I really don't think I want the answers to those questions. I'm not
sure if I'm spiritually mature enough to deal with the answers to those
questions. We have all had well meaning Christians without a clue, pat us on
the back and give us a “Christianese”answerthat didn't help one little bit. I
know they mean well, but I'd rather not have their help or their advice. They
don't know the answers either. If you have ever losta loved one, or someone
close to you, you know what I mean.

Did you know that Godansweredone of Jesus'prayers by saying no? In the
garden of Gethsemane, with the cross looming before him, Jesus askedif the
cup could be taken awayfrom him. He even askedtwice!He knew that God's
answerwas no, so he submitted to the will of God. Submitting to the will of
God is not always easyfor me, in fact sometimes it is downright difficult.
Knowing that Jesus could go on after his prayer was answeredwith a “no,”
gives me some comfort. My salvationis a result of God's saying no, and Jesus
submitting to the will of Godand going to the cross.
Ultimately I know that God is completely in control. Why did God allow those
five men on the “CrabGetter” to die? I don't know. I probably won't have an
answeruntil I getto heaven. At that time it will all make sense. Does that
make it any easier? No, notreally. I simply choose to lean into the arms of my
heavenly Father and trust his decisions and judgments. Since I know that God
is in control, I must allow him to be in controlof my life. I may not like it
when he says no to me, but I must trust him.
I have only been able to come up with one answerfor what to do when God
says no. It comes in understanding this; everything God does, he does to make
us more dependent upon him. When God says no to you, pray that he will use
the situation to bring you closerhim. This answermay or may not work for
you. I pray that it does, but if it doesn't, I hope you're one step closerto an
answer. Godalways reserves the right to sayno to our prayers. What we do
with that answerwill either draw us closerto God, or push us away. May we
always use the “No's” to pull us closerto God.
Jesus Says No!
Contributed by Ken Durham on Jul 11, 2005
basedon 15 ratings
(rate this sermon)

| 3,470views
Scripture: Isaiah53:4-7
Summary: There were times evenJesus said"No"andso shouldwe!
JESUS SAYS NO!
Isaiah53: 4~7
Radio conversationonce heard at sea:
First Voice: “Change course 15 degreesto the north to avoid a collision.”
SecondVoice:“Recommendyou change course 15 degreessouthto avoid
collision”.
First Voice: “This is the Captain of a US Navy vessel. I repeat again, change
your course.”
SecondVoice:No, I repeat, you change your course”.
First Voice: “This is the Aircraft CarrierEnterprise, we are a large warship
of the United States Navy. Change your course NOW.”
SecondVoice:“This is a Lighthouse.”
1. Introduction:
Sometimes we just have to say no! However we so often feelto be a nice
person always means having to sayyes to everyone and everything. How often
do we feelguilty when we say no to someone? Butwe have to think about why
we find this so hard. Are we saying yes because:
· We just can’t say no!
· We want people to think wellof us?
· We don’t want to let anyone down?

· Or we think being a Christian means saying yes?
Lets fix our eyes on Jesus and look at the times He actually said“No”!
2. Jesus Says “No”to the Enemy
In Matthew 4: 1~11 we see Jesus saying a very clear“No” to the enemy when
He was being tempted in the desert.
· Jesus said“No” to turning stones into bread to feed His hunger.
· He said “No” to putting God to the test.
· He said “No” to gaining the world He so loved the easyway.
Jesus had been led by the Spirit into the desert to prepare for His purpose for
mankind and had setout on a time of prayer and fasting. Satanknowing this
tried to tempt Jesus into breaking up this time of purification. If you make a
determined effort to follow the Lord taking new steps of commitment and
discipleship don’t be surprised when the enemy tries to tempt you too. You
are going to have to learn to say“No”!
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Do you notice how Jesus said “No” using scriptures? If the enemy is tempting
you scripture is a very powerful weaponto use in your defence. When you are
in trouble learn to discern the word the Holy Sprit is quickening into your
mind. You then need to respond by speaking the word given to you,
preferably out loud. For example if you are feeling fearful, shout out “Perfect
love drives out fear”. Feeling weak in a continual area of sin? Boldly claim, “I
can do everything through Him who gives me strength”.
When a friend was being attackedand felt oppressedby the enemy she rushed
out to be alone in the utility room, opened the deep freezerand shouted into it

for the enemy to go and leave in Jesus’name. It was the only place she could
go so no one would hear her! Learn to say“No” using scripture!
3. Jesus says “No”to Man’s Agenda and Timetable
Only God’s Missionand Timing. Jesus was notwilling to follow man’s agenda
and timetable. He was only on God’s mission and timing. John 6: 14~15 tells
us that when the crowdsaw the miracles He did, Jesus knew they intended to
come and make Him King by force. Have people got plans for you, which are
not what God wants for you? Wait on God for His perfect plan for your life ~
don’t just follow the crowd. You need to know how to say“No”.
“No” to Pleasing the Crowd. In Matthew 12:38~39 and16: 1~4 Jesus said
“No” to giving a miraculous sign to the disbelieving leaders saying “But none
will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah”. He was not willing to
perform for the crowds. Norshould we!
“No” to Pleasing His family. Jesus was not willing to stop His mission to please
His family. Mark 3:21 indicates His family came to take charge ofHim as they
thought He was mad. When they arrived He didn’t respond to their plans for
Him. He said “Whoever does God’s will is my brother, sisterand mother”.
It’s hard to say “No” to those who love us and think they know what’s best for
us. We have to step out in faith and be obedient to God’s call on our lives.
Sadly, a friend who left a well-paid job with excellentcareerprospects to take
a risky venture in full time ministry facedthe most oppositionfrom his
immediate Christian family. Not for nothing did Jesus warnus that a man’s
enemies are from his own household. No one is saying it’s easy. But we must
follow Jesus.
My Time has not yet Come. Jesus says “No”to His mothers timetable telling
her in John 2: 4 “My time has not yet come”. Yet He did help ~ abundantly!
Turning gallons of waterinto wine. So maybe we have a “No” and a “Yes”!
Not for you to know! Jesus says “No”to the disciples wanting to know the
timetable! When askedif it was time to restore the kingdom of IsraelHe said

it was not for them to know the times and dates (Acts 1:7). He refused to give
them a timetable ~ instead He gave them a mission! “You will be my
witnesses,” (Acts 1:8) He told them.
Not Our Business!
In Luke 12:13~14Jesus refusedto get involved in a dispute over an
inheritance issue. “Teacher, tellmy brother to divide the inheritance with
me”. I think there are some situations that we too should be reluctant to be
involved in ~ but we still find it so difficult to say “No”. We needto seek God’s
guidance and only be doing the things that please Him. Lets not get
sidetracked, but make it our goalto follow Him. As 2 Timothy 2:4 clearlysays
“No one serving as a soldiergets involved in civilian affairs ~ he wants to
please his commanding officer”.
4. Jesus says “No”to us!
He has better plans for us. In Mark 5:18~19 Jesus said“No” to the demon
possessedman He had healed, even though the man beggedto go with Jesus.
“Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how
much the Lord has done for you””. You see Jesus says “No”to us when He
has something better in mind for us to do for Him. As the people in that area
had pleaded with Jesus to go, this man would be the only person who could
tell and show them what the Lord had done. Sometimes Jesus canask us to
stay where we are even though it’s the hardest thing for us to do.
Testing our faith. In Matthew 15:23 we read, “Jesus did not answera word”
testing the faith of the Canaanite womanwho came to Him for help. Yet the
sheerpersistence ofher faith was answered. “Woman, youhave great faith!
Your request is granted”. Sometimes we have to pray and wait and keep
praying and waiting for God to move in someone’s life or even in our own
situation before we see an answerto our petitions. As with the parable of the
persistentwidow in Luke 18 although the Judge refused her plea for justice
she just kept on and on! And so should we!
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5. The Most Difficult “No’s” Anyone has Ever had to Say
“No” to turning awayfrom the cross. Jesusknowing whatlay aheadsaid
“No” to running away from the cross. In Matthew 16:21~23 Peterthinking he
knew best (!) tried to persuade the Lord to turn awayfrom His mission to
suffer and die. “Peter took Him aside and beganto rebuke him, “Never
Lord!” he said, “This shall never happen to you!” Are people trying to get you
to turn awayfrom God’s plan for your life, or are you mistakenly trying to
turn a loved one awayfrom a difficult path God has led them to take? Our
Lord turned and saidto Peter“Getbehind me, Satan!You are a stumbling
block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of
men.” Lets say“No” with Jesus and follow Him whateverthe costand
opposition.
Jesus refusedto answerthose who falsely accusedHim.
He was so secure in the Father’s love and mission not to have to answerthose
who falselyaccusedHim. As we look at the gospels we see the prophecy made
about Him in Isaiah53:7 fulfilled: “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheepbefore her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth”.
He only confirmed Who He was;The Christ, the Son of God and the King of
the Jews.
“No” to His own will and “Yes” to the Father… even to His death on the
Cross. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but
Yours be done”. (Luke 22:42). He refused to come down from the cross even
when they taunted Him with:
“Save yourself! Come down from the cross, if You are the Sonof God!” (Matt
27:40)
“He savedothers” they said “But He can’t save Himself” (Matt 27:42)

“Let Him come down now from the cross, andwe will believe in Him.” (Matt
27:42)
Pastor, have you claimed your 14 day PRO trial?
Praise Godthat Jesus said“No”!Forme. Foryou.
Conclusion
Jesus did say“No” ~ and on occasions so must we! However, scripture warns
us not to say never to say “No” to Jesus:“See to it that you do not refuse Him
Who speaks. (Heb:12:25), and “Yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.”
(John 5:40)
Maybe God is calling you right now to make that ultimate life changing
decisionto follow Him. Well I can promise you there is something Jesus will
never, ever say“No” to: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise castout”.
(John 6:37 KJV)
When God Says “No”
Dealing with Disappointment
Article by MaryLynn Johnson
GuestContributor

I will never forgetthe moment when I knew God had answered“no” to
something I really wanted.
He seemedto whisper this answerinto my heart to help me realize I had spent
too much time holding onto something I was not meant to have. After months
of presenting my request, he gently told me to let it go.
At first, I didn’t realize his plans were better than my own. Moments of
heartache and (seemingly) empty hands, left me wondering why he would take
awaythis opportunity I desired so much. I wrongfully believed that if he
wouldn’t give me what I wanted, he must not have understood how important
it was to me. It seemedlike he was needlesslywithholding, not giving
abundantly like I thought he should.
Permissionto Grieve
When we are forced to let go of something we really long for — whether it’s
takenaway, or it seems it will never be given — grief is a natural response.
The weightof disappointment is crushing. It can be overwhelming and take
time to process.
“Godknows better than we do, and his ‘no’ is always merciful, evenwhen it
hurts.”
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It’s not wrong to experience disappointment when life does not unfold the way
we hope. If we do not give ourselves permissionto grieve, we inadvertently
believe that God is more concernedwith us immediately feeling better, rather
than working through the hurt to bring real transformation to our heart. We
lose sight of the invitation he has given us to place our struggles athis feet.

He is not afraid of the pain we feel. His sovereigntyis not dependent on our
emotions. He will not try to invalidate our hurt with quick and temporary
fixes. We are free to express a sense oflack and sorrow in the moment. He lets
us feel the void so that he might satisfy us with himself. He wants to draw
near.
Finding His Love in Our Lament
The panic I felt over being led in a different direction gave a clearpicture of
the state of my heart. I was more concernedwith not getting what I wanted
than seeing where God wanted me.
Disappointment often reveals what captures our affections. Eventhough the
disappointment is not always wrong, it does give us a gauge that shows us
where we have invested our hope. Lamenting through our discontentment
forces us to carry those desires back to God — even if just to question why he
hasn’tgiven these things to us. It sheds light on the idols we have createdin
our lives. Through the grief, we dig up our biggestfrustrations and unleash
our rawestemotions. Griefgraciouslydraws us in to wrestle with God in
every wound and disappointment.
“I was more concernedwith not getting what I wantedthan seeing where the
Lord wanted me.”
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The purpose of lament is not merely to vent our distress (which leaves us in
despair), but to bring our attention back to God’s promises and the hope we
have in Christ. He promises that he hears us when we call(Matthew 7:7). He
promises to be near to us (Psalm 34:18). He promises to be faithful
(Deuteronomy 31:6). He promises that this hurt will end (Revelation21:4). He

promises that when we seek him, he will transform our hearts to desire more
of him (Psalm 37:4). He will not leave us in the misery of our disappointment,
because he has not finished the work he startedin us (Philippians 1:6). He will
assure us of his love as we invite him into the struggle we feel.
His BestCanBe Painful
C.S. Lewis once wrote, “We are not necessarilydoubting that God will do the
best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”
Redirectionforces something out of our hands we had hoped to keep.
Through that, we begin to realize God’s plan for our life does not equate to the
easyor comfortable road; but he is working all things together, eventhis
disappointed, for our good(Romans 8:28).
God always has our ultimate goodin mind, which means he will pry the idols
from our hands. He does this not because he is cruel or depriving us. He
knows better than we do, and his “no” is always merciful, even when it hurts.
He is for us, fighting againstwhat will keepus from him (Romans 8:31). He
knows our hearts canonly be truly satisfiedwith himself (John 4:14). He will
not tolerate being secondin our lives, because he wants us to have something
so much better than what the world can offer.
“WhenGod takes something away, he creates spacein our lives for more of
him.”
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When God takes something away, he creates space inour lives to fill us with
more of him and his blessings. Thatis the greatestgift of all. It may not feel
like it in the moments where we are forced to reconcile disappointment, but he

wants to help us understand it is true. He wants us to experience for ourselves
— to taste and see, and know that he is good(Psalm34:8).
Disappointment may be part of living in this world, as we struggle to let go of
our earthly desires and open our hearts to receive the good things God wants
to give us. But if we are in Christ, our struggle with disappointment is only
temporary. The promises of God, and the joy we experience as we realize
them, are eternal.
MaryLynn Johnson(@MaryLynnJohnson) is a writer and bloggerwith a
heart for ministry and using words to encourage others. Keepup with her at
Letting Go of Why.
Billy Graham’s My Answer: Why Does GodSometimes Say No?
By Billy Graham • April 28, 2015
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Billy Graham’s My Answer: Why Does GodSometimes Say No?
Q:
I know God sometimes says no when we ask for something in our prayers. But
if He really loved us, wouldn’t He always answerour prayers with a yes?
A:
Let me assure you that God does love us, and preciselybecause He loves us,
He sometimes says “No” to what we request in our prayers.

Let me explain it this way. Elsewhere in your letter, you mention that you and
your husband have two children. Do you give them everything they ask for?
Or if they want to do something you know is dangerous, do you let them do it
anyway? No, of course not. and the reasonis because you love them and don’t
want anything bad to happen to them. Part of your responsibility as a parent
is to protect your children from harm even if it sometimes means saying “No”.
In a much greaterway, God loves us and knows what is best for us — far
more than we do. And because He wants to keepus from harm, He sometimes
says “No.” As I look back over my life, I know God sometimes said “No” to
things I askedHim to do, and to be honest, I often was disappointed. But later
I realized God knew what He was doing, and by saying “No” He had kept me
from harm.
Prayer is one of our greatestprivileges, and it’s possible because Jesus Christ
has openedheaven’s doorfor us through His death and resurrection. But
prayer isn’tjust asking God to do anything we want. Beginby committing
your life to Christ. Then make it your goalto seek His will in your prayers.
The Bible says, “If we ask anything according to his will…. we have what we
askedof him” (1 John 5:14-15).
When God Says No: Reasonsfor UnansweredPrayer
Article contributed by Probe Ministries
Visit Probe's website
1. Sin in our lives.
Confess and repent!
The psalmist wrote, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the LORD would not
have listened" (Ps. 66:18). Notthat God is unable to hear, for He is

omniscient, but that He maintains His distance when we allow sin to be a wall
betweenus.
Majordisobedience sets us up for long-term unansweredprayer: When that
day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the
Lord will not answeryou in that day." (l Sam. 8:18)
A loving God is in control!
2. To say yes would bring us harm we don't foresee.
B.M. Palmer in Theologyof Prayer, tells of a woman who had spent the
summer awayfrom her children, and was quite anxious to get back to them.
When she learned that all the rooms on a certain steamerwere taken, she
wept bitterly. Becauseshe couldn't get a passageonany other ship, she was
detained two weeks inNYC. But the sorrow ofbeing delayed was turned into
thanksgiving when, within a few days, she learned that the vesselthat denied
her passagewas buried at the bottom of the Atlantic. She didn't see the "no"
as a wonderful answerto prayer until the whole story unfolded.
3. God has something far greaterin store for us.
Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to heal Lazarus, but He had resurrectionin
mind.
We ask for health, but often sicknessand suffering or something less than
wealth is the best way to produce holiness and maturity in us.
Our premature daughter Becky, who only lived nine days: God's plan was our
growth plus full lives of ministry—taking care of a severelydisabled child
would have seriously restrictedus. Plus raising two active boys who were born
later!
4. We pray at cross purposes with other believers.
• Two Christians on opposing teams, praying for their team to win.

• Two Christians applying for the same job or to get their child in the same
preschoolspot.
God has to say"no" to one to say"yes" to the other.
5. We pray for things where a "yes" is impossible.
• That a child be found alive when they've been murdered.
• We pray for lost things that are not found.
A carpenter was building some crates forthe clothes his church was sending
to an orphanage in China. On his way home, he reachedinto his shirt pocket
to find his glasses,but they were gone. He remembered putting them there
that morning, so he drove back to the church. His searchproved fruitless.
When he mentally replayed his earlieractions, he realized what happened.
The glasses hadslipped out of his pocketunnoticed and fallen into one of the
crates, whichhe had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for
China!
The GreatDepressionwas atits height, and the man had six children. He had
spent twenty dollars for those glassesthat very morning. "It's not fair," he
told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of
my time and money to your work, and now this."
Severalmonths later, the director of the orphanage was onfurlough in the
United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in
China, so he came to speak one Sunday night at this small church in Chicago.
The carpenterand his family sat in their customary seats among the sparse
congregation.
The missionary beganby thanking the people for their faithfulness in
supporting the orphanage.
"But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glassesyou sentlast year.
You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying
everything, including my glasses. I was desperate.

"Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses.
Along with not being able to see well, I experiencedheadaches everyday, so
my coworkers andI were much in prayer about this. Then your crates
arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying
on top."
The missionary pausedlong enough to let his words sink in. Then, still
gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks,whenI tried on the
glasses, itwas as though they had been custom-made just for me! I want to
thank you for being a part of that."
The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. Butthe missionary
surely must have confusedtheir church with another, they thought. There
were no glassesontheir list of items to be sent overseas.
But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an
ordinary carpenter realized the MasterCarpenter had used him in an
extraordinary way.
6. We pray for things that are already determined.
• Praying for a boy or girl that's already been conceived.
• Praying for the salvation of someone who's alreadydead.
7. We get discouragedin prayer by thinking God has said no when in fact
He's said nothing at all.
"Wait" is an answer. Delayis not denial.
God often delays His answerto cultivate patience and persistence, andbuild
our faith.
Or to bring our will around to conform to His own.

8. God's "No" is not rejection, but redirection
Close a door—opena window? No!
God's "no" to one thing is a "yes" to another.
2 Sam 7 - God said "no" to David's desire to build a temple.
I askedto marry severalguys in college.Godsaid "no" to these requests so
He could say"yes" in giving me Ray.
He said "No" to healing of my polio so He could say "yes" to ministering the
gospeland encouragementto 15,000+ womenas a speaker.
9. God's "no" isn't punishment, it's preparation
Rom 5:2a-5 - "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but
we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance;perseverance, character;and character, hope. And hope does
not disappoint us, because Godhas poured out His love into our hearts by the
Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”
God is preparing us to be His Son's bride. We will reign with Him; we must be
made into a bride worthy of our position. He develops perseverance,
character, and hope as we trust Him in prayer. Prayer and spiritual warfare
is His means of preparing us for bridehood.
10. God's "No" will sometimes bring greaterglory to God.
Joni EarecksonTada. (A Zondervan publishing rep: Joni is the only
successfulChristian writer he knows who has stayedthe same person after
gaining fame.)
Focus on the Family : A pastor’s throat/voice was healedwhile being
recorded. The tape was aired on Focus;he has now written a book.

11. God's "No" opens the door to an adventure with God.
Elijah, 1 Kings 19. He prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord,"
he said. "Take my life. I am no better than my ancestors." Godsaid"no"
because He had an adventure planned for Elijah!
2 Kings 2:11, "Suddenly a chariotof fire and horses of fire appearedand
separatedthe two of them, and Elijah went up to heavenin a whirlwind.
Elisha saw this and cried out. 'My father! My father! The chariots and
horsemenof Israel!' And Elisha saw him no more."
I prayed that God would keepme off a jury. He had an adventure planned:
two weeksona trial where I ended up addressing the plaintiff from the jury
box, urging him to forgive the man who killed his son.
SAYING NO WHEN YOU WANT TO SAY YES
by Dan Hill
Saying No When You Want To Say Yes
Series:James;Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World
Dan Hill
James 1:13-17
James'letter to the believers in the first century is as up to date with the
pressures we all face in the modern world as any bestselling book on the
market today. Last week we talkedabout how to face trials and troubles; this
week he talks to us about man's oldestdilemma. What do we do when we
know we ought to say no but really, we want to sayyes.

Every man can relate to the husband who is sitting home when his wife comes
in from a shopping expedition. She says, "I savedyou 25 percent on the dress
I just bought," and then she proceeds to tell him what a beautiful dress it is
and how wellit looks onher." Well, the husband responds by saying, "Even if
you think you savedus 25 percent, the factremains that you bought a dress
that you know we can't afford right now. How come you didn't resistthe
temptation?"
She says, "I tried to, I really did but when I tried it on it lookedso goodon me
and it was on sale;it was just too big a temptation." The husband says, "You
know that was the devil tempting you to do something that you knew you
shouldn't do, why didn't you tell the devil to getbehind you?" The wife says,
"I did tell him to getbehind me but then he said, 'It looks goodfrom back
here too."
It reminds me of a bumper stickerI saw the other day which said: "Lead me
not into temptation --- I can find it myself!"
OscarWilde, the famous writer said, "I can resistalmostanything except
temptation."
Another pundit said, "Opportunity may only knock once, temptations lean on
the doorbell."
The fact is; everyone is going to face two really big tests in life. One is trials
and trouble, the other is temptation. Both of these use the same word in the
Bible and that word is "peirasmos."It is the same word from which we get

out word "pirate." And that gives us a vivid description of both trials and
trouble and temptation;
When God Says �No�
When God Says "No"
1370 - b
Having grandchildren is like beginning life all over again. You recall
memories of the past and think to yourself, "I think I�ve been here and done
that". You also, however, tend to enjoy them in a way you never did your own
children, because:
a- You get to love �em and leave �em.
b- You usually have a choice as to when you have �em .
c- You don�t have to always be the one to say "no".
God, however, doesn�thave that luxury. Eachsucceeding generationof
believers become His children, and thus He must feed them with the milk of
the word and He is the one who must guide them and love them and tell them
"no". Spiritually, eachnew babe in Christ is just that, and God becomes

accountable for them as though they were the first. So if you are a
grandparent and the role of parenting this new generationbecomes yours for
a season, fretnot. God understands. And God is adequate to the task. That, of
course, is an understatement. Wheneveryou use "God" and "adequate" in
the same sentence it is an understatement. And if you have to be the one to say
"no" and it hurts you to do it, remember you are in very goodcompany. God
was the first and He will back you up if you are saying so in harmony with His
commands. He first said "no" to Adam and Eve when they lookedlongingly at
the one thing God said they couldn�t have.
Sometimes God says "no" to His children to punish them. Sometimes He says
it to protect them. Sometimes He says it because He is reinforcing a lessonHe
has alreadytaught them; a lessonthey seemto have forgotten, and to ignore
His prior discipline would be to negate His very word.
One of the most difficult illustrations of God saying "no" comes in the passage
we are studying in this lesson. The children of Israel, remember are being
taught a history lessonby the greatestprofessorofHebrew history ever to live
exceptfor Jesus. The teacher�s name was Moses, andhe was addressing the
whole nation just prior to their excursion into the land of promise. In our last
study, we saw God�s people preparing for war, and we heard the specific
instructions of the Commander-in-Chief as He told the people through His
spokesmanwhatto expect and what to do.
They were first of all to not "meddle" with the nations that were descendants
of their relatives. They were not calledto agitate or try to take anything from
those who belongedto God. They were even to pay for the food or waterthey
needed as they passedthrough their land.

Enemy territory, however, was a different matter. In that case,they were to
contend for the land in battle. The strange truth that kept being repeated,
however, was that though they were to be in the midst of the battle, it would
be God who would be responsible for the victory. In fact, God was telling
them that the outcome had already been determined, and they would triumph
over the enemy if they listened carefully and just followedorders.
We take up reading there. As chapter three opens, Og, the King of Bashan,
occupies the next parcelof real estate that God has now promised to Israel.
Listen to the problem and to God�s solution:
1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan:and Og the king of Bashan
came out againstus, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
2 And the LORD said unto me, Fearhim not: for I will deliver him, and all his
people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst
unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
3 So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan,
and all his people:and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.
Round two. A rerun, if you will. God was going to do exactly what He had
already done. Don�tever tire of the cycle of God�s deliverance and don�t
ever minimize the victories. Satanwould like us to getso accustomed to being
blessedby God that the blessings become expectedand when they seemto
cease, insteadof praising God for what He has done, we tend to chide God for
letting us down.
That is what God was guarding againsthere. He told them to go back out and
watchHim do to Og what He did to Sihon. Same song, secondverse.
Remember: God did not give them all of the land they journeyed through.
Sometimes, they were to acknowledgethis land did not belong to them, but at
other times they were to listen to God�s instructions and take everything He

was giving them. So Moses calledthe congregationtogetherand gave them
their marching orders.
The Roles and the Rules
Their marching orders had some rules and those rules defined their roles. The
men were chargedwith going into battle to watch God work. The women were
forbidden from going into the battle, but were to remain behind to care for
the children and to wait for the men to return. Both were tough tasks, but
both carried with them divine instructions and thus guaranteedthem divine
grace if they obeyed. Verses 18-20 tellit like is:
Deut 3:18 And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God
hath given you this land to possessit: ye shall pass over armed before your
brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.
19 But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that ye
have much cattle,)shall abide in your cities which I have given you;
20 Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you,
and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given
them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession,
which I have given you.
Note that everyone who was qualified was drafted. That phrase "meetfor the
war" literally means "allyoung men who are able". One translatoruses the
phrase "allable-bodied men". That pretty well says it. Anyone who was not
physically handicapped and was young enough to go and old enough to fight
was consideredto be in the reserves. I don�t think God ran ads in the Israeli
Gazette with pictures of a unit of troops lounging by the sea of Galilee while
the text read: "See the world and enjoy the sights: JoinGod�s Army". No, I
think God simply said "Okay, gang, we�re ina war. Everyone who can is the
infantry. Let�s get a move on."

As we mentioned, there was one limitation and it was a crucial one. The
women and children were to remain behind. The fighting of the war was to be
the task of all able-bodied men. The task of the wives was just as critical, but
not as dangerous. Theywere to man the home front while the men were
guarding the front lines. God added "I know you have much cattle".
As a goodTexan, I can�thelp but be impressed that God was aware of how
many cattle they had. They had a bunch. Don�t everthink for one minute
that God is not aware of all of your resources. "The cattle on a thousand hills"
belong to God. Therefore, it makes sense thatGod knows where every cow is
and who owns it. The people are His, what they own belongs to Him, and He,
therefore, keeps goodinventory records. He doesn�tneed a computer, either.
God keeps a goodaccount.
There Will be Rest
Once again, God makes this incredible promise:
19 But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that ye
have much cattle,)shall abide in your cities which I have given you;
20 Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you,
and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given
them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession,
which I have given you.
Possessing the land would bring about something called"rest". Restis defined
in your concordance as "to settle down and be quiet, to remain in a state of
repose or quietness". It was nationally a state of peace;the absence ofwar and
hostility. It was personallyan inner state of peace;a quiet repose in the arms

of God that transcendedhuman understanding. The one was a visible picture
of the other. Jesus describedthe rest that awaitedthe Christian this way:
Mt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
The Greek wordused for "rest" in this passage is a word that means "the
cessationofanything that produces turmoil and the resulting quietness of
heart that remains". Jesus is saying that this thing called"rest" is designed
for those who have been in the battle; those who are laboring and loaded
down with cares. The thing God wants them to have is a gift. It is something
God gives;not something we earn. We get it by grace, having takenthe yoke
or the harness or the mentality of Christ Himself, which is a yoke that binds
the soulto a spirit of humility and lowliness, ratherthan releasing it to exalt
itself. It is an easyor "well-fitted" yoke.
It isn�t hard at all to wear, in fact it chafes far less than the yoke of pride. It
is easyto wearbecause you aren�t doing the pulling; Godis. When you enter
into that kind of yoking relationship where He pulls and you follow, there
comes into your life an amazing thing called "rest". Moses was saying that
God had promised His children a seasonof warfare, followedby an oasis of
this thing called"rest". It means that the battles of life are to be endured, but
they will be followedby a seasonofrest. It required obedience, and because of
that, their parents missed it totally. ReadPsalm 95:8,9:
Psalm95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of
temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.

10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people
that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:
11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.
The writer of Hebrews referred to this passageas he defined the restof God.
He wrote:
Hebrews 3:7 �Wherefore (as the Holy Ghostsaith, To day if ye will hear his
voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in
the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alwayerr
in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
That rest was not given to that generation. It was, however, promised to their
children, if they would obey. Look at what happened when they, indeed,
completed the course God had laid out for them:
Joshua 21:43 And the LORD gave unto Israelall the land which he sware to
give unto their fathers; and they possessedit, and dwelt therein.
44 And the LORD gave them restround about, according to all that he sware
unto their fathers: and there stoodnot a man of all their enemies before them;
the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.
45 There failed not ought of any goodthing which the LORD had spokenunto
the house of Israel; all came to pass.
Does that passagenotcause your heart to enter into quiet rest? Every foe was
vanquished. Every enemy defeated. Every square inch of land possessed.

Then, (and only then) did Godgive them rest. But it had to happen. Why?
Becausethere has never failed one word of that which God has promised. All
came to pass. And it always will.
Look at Jesus in the wilderness. Bitter spiritual warfare. What followedafter
the lastattack was met with the word of God? An angelcame and ministered
unto Him. That�s what happened. When God�s people obey and follow Him
into the conflict for the purpose of claiming the victory, Goddelights in giving
them rest. Look at some of the Biblical promises that relate to the rest of God:
1Ch 22:9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I
will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be
Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israelin his days.
1Ch 22:18 Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you
rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine
hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.
1Ch 23:25 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his
people, that they may dwell in Jerusalemfor ever:
Ps 37:7 Restin the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because
of him who prospereth in his way, because ofthe man who bringeth wicked
devices to pass.
Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse,whichshall stand for
an ensign of the people;to it shall the Gentiles seek:and his rest shall be
glorious.
Zep 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he
will rejoice overthee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee
with singing.
2Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall
be revealedfrom heaven with his mighty angels.

The writer of Hebrews then defines and describes the inner rest of God this
way:
Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his
rest, any of you should seemto come short of it.
Heb 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
swornin my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world.
Heb 4:4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And
God did restthe seventh day from all his works.
Heb 4:5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Heb 4:8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have
spokenof another day.
Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a restto the people of God.
Heb 4:10 Forhe that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceasedfrom his own
works, as Goddid from his.
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after
the same example of unbelief.
The rest of God is available to the child of God who ceases trying to please
God through his own goodworks and learns to rest even as God rested on the
seventh day. It is a calling so noble, so incredible, so desirable that we are to
literally labor to enter into that place where labor ceases.Spiritual warfare is
a prelude to entering into rest. It is so often God�s way of stripping the
believer of his self-motivation and his self-determination until there is nothing
left but to crawl up into God�s everlasting arms and "rest".

When you get there, you know it. You tried to "do things for God" but it
didn�t work. Finally, as the bombs fell, you reachedthat point where you
knew you couldn�t fight it any longer and you couldn�t win. So you came
wearyand heavy laden to the King and He said, "So happy you have come.
Crawlup into my arms, now, and rest". Suddenly, the panic passed, the
storms ceased, the raging rivers turned to quiet streams. God was in control
and you were. . . at rest.
Praise God, He is giving us a tangible illustration in Deuteronomyof the
awesome explanationHe was to give in Hebrews. If you have never entered
into Sabbath rest, it is not too late. You, too, can ceaselaboring in your own
strength and come to the One who even now is reaching out with outstretched
arms beckoning to you and to me that we might come in our weariness and
come bringing our self-imposedburdens and lay them at His feet. He can take
those burdens from us. He canrelieve us of the weariness thatweighs us
down. He calls to us. "Castallyour cares upon Him. He carethfor you."
I Will Finish What I Started
The passagegoeson:
Deut 3:20 Until the LORD have given restunto your brethren, as well as unto
you, and until they also possessthe land which the LORD your God hath
given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his
possession, whichI have given you.
21 And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seenall
that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings:so shall the LORD
do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

God doesn�ttease His children. He doesn�tlead them up blind alleys or onto
dead-end streets. He promised them rest. He would give it. He promised them
that they would return to their homes and their families. They did. Then He
told Moses to see that Joshua and all the others neededto know that what He
had done to Sihon and Og, He would do againand againuntil all the land was
taken. This was not a tempting display of pre-nuclear powerthat would lead
them right up to the gate, but not through it. It was a living demonstration
that "whatGod had promised He was able also to perform". (Romans 4:21)
God is in the finishing business. He never puts one coaton and forgets to
complete the masterpiece. Butbefore He can put on the secondand third
coats, He often must do some sandpapering to prepare the surface to receive
an even higher gloss. Thatis why God�s promise to us in Philippians 1 is so
incredibly encouraging:
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
God plans to finish what He started in your life and in mine. We may look
rough around the edges now, but by the time we reachthe heavenly mansion
where we will become trophies of His work of grace, we will, like Him, shine
like the sun, for we shall see Him as He is. Don�tquestion the path God is
taking you over. He sees the end from the beginning. He knows whatyou need
to be a finished product. And He will not stop until the Master�s touchupon
you, be it a gentle polishing of your spirit or the heavy hand of abrasion
that�s neededto remove the marks of sin, has run its course. He will not stop
until He it is done. You may screamand complain at the intensity of the pain
as His hand presses upon you. Still He will continue. He will perform the good
work He beganin you. He has chosento, for He has chosenyou to be a trophy
of His grace, a trophy so transparently beautiful that when men look at you,
they do not glorify you, but rather say, "What a master craftsmanto produce
such beauty." And as they see you and glorify your Father, you will bow down
before His throne in awe and in joy.

When God Says "No"
Which brings us to the final thought of this study. The passagecontinues:
Deuteronomy 3:22 Ye shall not fearthem: for the LORD your God he shall
fight for you.
23 And I besoughtthe LORD at that time, saying,
24 O Lord GOD, thou hastbegun to shew thy servant thy greatness, andthy
mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do
according to thy works, and according to thy might?
25 I pray thee, let me go over, and see the goodland that is beyond Jordan,
that goodlymountain, and Lebanon.
26 But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, andwould not hear me:
and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this
matter.
27 Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and
northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes:for
thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthenhim: for he shall go
over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou
shalt see.
Moses was the meekestman in all the earth. He was one of the most obedient
men who ever followedthe Lord his God. He was a man after God�s own
heart. He was, however, human. And on one hot and steamy day in the desert
of Zin, he was testedonce againby that rebellious crew of self-centered
followers he had inherited as a people. He had been there before. People out in
the sweltering sun, needing only a cup of water to satiate their seemingly

impossible thirst. On that occasion, GodallowedMosesto take his rod and hit
a rock. The stone burst open, waterflowed, their thirst was satisfied, and God
was exalted. (Exodus 17:6)
This time, however, the angerof the people and their obvious ungrateful spirit
got the best of him. God tells us the story in Numbers, chapter 20:
1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the
desertof Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam
died there, and was buried there.
2 And there was no water for the congregation:and they gatheredthemselves
togetheragainstMoses andagainstAaron.
3 And the people chode with Moses, andspake, saying, Would God that we
had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
4 And why have ye brought up the congregationofthe LORD into this
wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?
5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto
this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates;
neither is there any waterto drink.
6 And Moses andAaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door
of the tabernacle of the congregation, andthey fell upon their faces:and the
glory of the LORD appearedunto them.
7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
8 Take the rod, and gatherthou the assemblytogether, thou, and Aaron thy
brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes;and it shall give forth
his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them waterout of the rock:so thou
shalt give the congregationand their beasts drink.
9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

10 And Moses and Aaron gatheredthe congregationtogetherbefore the rock,
and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels;must we fetch you waterout of
this rock?
11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice:
and the water came out abundantly, and the congregationdrank, and their
beasts also.
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses andAaron, Because ye believed me not,
to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring
this congregationinto the land which I have given them.
13 This is the waterof Meribah; because the children of Israelstrove with the
LORD, and he was sanctified in them.
You, I trust, remember it well. He was to speak to the rock this time, for truly
"ThatRock was Christ". And the Rock could not be smitten but once for the
sins of the world. He implied that he had a part in the process by saying,
"Must we fetch you water out of this rock?" And he not only smote the rock,
he smote it twice. God�s answer:"Becauseye believed Me not, to setMe
apart in the eyes of the people, ye shall not bring this congregationinto the
land which I have given them."
God still loved Moses.He was still God�s man of the hour. He continued to
lead His people. He became the elder statesmanofthe nation. But he could not
lead them into the land. God had spoken. It seemedlike a harsh sentence, but
remember, Moses was notchosenby God because ofhis goodworks. Moses
was chosenby grace. He tried in his own energyto free God�s people and
failed. God in His mercy let him become a nobody that nobody knew and then
lifted him off a mountainside and used him to perform miracle after miracle.
God, however, did not owe Mosesanything. Everything Moseshad, Godhad
given him. And don�t get the idea that if you earn enoughBrownie points

serving God that you can getby with blasphemy. Moses was allowedto
continue to lead and to serve. But the sentence was not setaside. It could not
be without denying God�s word. So here as we see the grand finale of this old
man�s life, we see him leaning on his staff, looking out across the valley at the
land he had dreamed of; the land God had promised through him to give to
Israel. He was begging God to reconsiderand revoke His word.
"Geta goodlook at it, Moses," Godanswered. "Youcansee it with your eyes,
but your feetwill never touch the richness of its soil, and you will not partake
of that luscious fruit it bears so readily. My word must stand or it ceasesto be
infallible and immutable. I love you, Moses, but you cannot go."
The most loving Father ever to bear the name "Father" has just told His
favorite child "no". BecauseHe did not love him? God forbid. He told him
"no" because His word depended on it. And were He to change His word, it
would forever be less than what it is. There was one Son God loved even more.
He, too, was told "no". It was in a beautiful garden called"Gethsemane" and
this Son cried out: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.
Nevertheless,thy will be done." It wasn�tpossible for God to take awaythat
cup without erasing from His word the multitudes of passagesconcerning
Messiah�sdeath, burial and resurrection. So The Father told the Son, "No".
And the Son, "for the joy that was setbefore Him, endured the Cross,
despising the shame, and is setdown at the right hand of the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12:2)
God has, no doubt, on more than one occasion, said"no" to you. There have, I
am sure, been times when your cries of pain or cries of grief or cries of
weariness have been met with silence;only to realize that in the quiet moment
of that silence, your heart could hear the voice of God say;"No, my child, I
cannot grant you that request. It would violate My word to do so, or it would

not be best for you. I love you too much to say "yes", my child. A goodparent
knows when to say "no". This is one of those times.
Maybe like Moses you thought about it and continued to plead: "But Father,
I�ve been faithful in so many things. Can�tyou bend the law just this once?"
And the Masterreplied, though not in audible voice, "Child, just once is all it
takes. To break My word once is to render it powerless. No, my child, I cannot
give you what you ask. I can, however, give you all my love. The two are not
incompatible. In fact, the very act of saying "no" is My greatestactof love of
all."
There may be something you are praying for even now and God knows that if
He gave you what you want, it would send leanness into your soul. (Psalm
106:15)So amidst your cries, you still hear Him whisper "no". There may be
someone you are praying for even now, and yet they, with hardened heart,
will not say "yes" to Christ. You want Him to violate the free will of man that
gave you your salvationand force Himself upon that one. He will not. His love
is too greatto break His word.
Maybe, like Moses,you violated the picture of God�s grace in marriage or in
some other way, and God has causedyou to suffer some greatpain in the
process. He has forgiven you, if you have askedHim. Forgivenesserases the
stain of sin, but it does not remove the process ofsowing and reaping. You are
cleansedand renewed, but when you dare Him to make the consequencesgo
awayas though it had never happened, He may have to lovingly, gently say
"no", just as He did with Moses.
No man ever served God more faithfully than Moses. No man ever led God�s
people more meeklythan Moses. Buteven Moses, whenhe challengedGod to
break His word, had to hear him say, "no". Be careful, beloved, when you say

"Goddid not answermy prayer". "No" is a valid answer. That�s why prayer
is a request, not a demand. It isn�t because Godcannot do what you ask. He
is omnipotent. It isn�t because He doesn�tlove you enough. He is perfect
love. It is rather that He loves you so much that He will not let you be the
recipient of that which violates His nature just to give you what you wanted.
So you cry, and the heavens are silent. Praise God. For in the midst of that
silence, if you listen carefully, you will hear His gentle voice say, "no". Praise
Him when you do. It may well be the most beautiful answeredprayer you ever
hear.
For Further Study and Application
1- Why do you think God was so specific about the roles of womenand
children in the midst of the warfare they encounteredentering the land?
What percentage ofthe male population do you think was eligible for the
draft?
2- What significance do you place in the factthat God knew how many cattle
they had? Can you make personalapplication?
3- How would you describe the "rest" of God for someone. Do you live in such
a way as to demonstrate it? Do you know of someone whose heartalways
seems to be at rest, even amidst times of greatwarfare? Why do you think
warfare often precedes the restof God?

4- ReadMatthew 11:28,29.Whatwere the prerequisites for receiving the rest
of God in verse 28? Canit be earned? What does God use to describe the yoke
of His characterin verse 29? How could His burden be light?
5- What promise concerning the rest of God had Mosesgivento the previous
generationin Psalm95:8-11? How did that differ from what He gave their
children in Joshua 21:43-45?
6- Readthe verses on pages 8 and 9 of your transcript. What characteristics of
God�s restdo you find in those passages?
7- Has God ever said "no" to you? What was your response? Why do you
think He said "no" to Moses?Had God trained up someone to take his place?
Who?
8- The next time you do not hear an answerfrom God, thank Him that His
answermay wellbe "no". Thank Him that a loving father demonstrates his
love in its greatermeasure when he has to say"no".
9- Memorize Hebrews 4:9,10.
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Strength to Say No
By Billy Graham • June 30, 2010

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DecisionMagazine
June 2010
Strength to Say No
More than 100 years ago a man living in London was convertedto Christ. He
became pastorof a church in the slums of London. He went to the poor, the
down and out and the oppressed. He formed a little group of people calledthe
Hallelujah Band, and he would stand on streetcorners and preachthe Gospel.
Many of the clergy were embarrassedby it all. The man was calledbefore a
conference ofreligious leaders, who said, “William Booth, will you go where
we tell you to go? If not, you will be defrocked.” In the balcony a woman
stood. She was Booth’s wife, Catherine. She said, “William, say, ‘No, never!'”
And he said, “No.” Thatno changedhistory in GreatBritain and in many
other parts of the world, as Booth founded the Salvation Army, which has
given help for both body and soulwherever it has gone.
I want to ask you a question: What is the most difficult word for young people
to pronounce? It’s the word no.
In the Bible there is a story about a woman by the name of Vashti (Esther1).
She was queen of Persia and the wife of Xerxes (Ahasuerus), who reigned over
territory from India to Ethiopia.
Xerxes gave a feastfor the various princes, governors and leaders of the entire
country—they came from everywhere. His feastlasted sevendays, and it was
a paganfeast.
On the seventh day of the feast, as Xerxes became drunk, he did something
that absolutelystartled his guests. He said, “I’m going to bring my queen out
here. I want you to look at her. She’s the most beautiful woman in the world.

And so he orderedVashti, his wife, to come to that drunken orgy. She sent
word back and said, “No, I will not come.”
Vashti was ready to give up every luxury that she had to keepherself pure.
She would not expose her body, would not degrade her character, even though
she surely knew there would be grave consequencesif she did not obey.
When we sayno, Godwill help us to stand by it. He will give us courage. You
say, “But the temptations are so great. I can’t resistthem.” Of course you
can’t. In my own strength I can’t either. We cannot live pure lives without the
help of God. We need to give our lives to Jesus Christ, let Him come in and
help us to live during these times of wickedness.
There was a man in the Scriptures who said no. His name was Daniel. He
“purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the
king’s delicacies, norwith the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8).
Daniel was a young man who had found a purpose in life. As a teenager, he
had been captured by the Babylonians. He was takento Babylon to be trained
in all their ways. But Daniel refused to eatthe king’s meat or drink the king’s
wine, even though he knew how dangerous that refusal would be.
How different Daniel was from those who can’t wait until they getawayfrom
home to live it up. Daniel was a long wayfrom home. He could have yielded;
no one back home would have known the difference. Daniel knew that it
might mean death to refuse the king. This early no in Daniel’s life prepared
him for the big no when he faced the den of lions (Daniel 6:4-23) and when he
refused the gifts that Belshazzarpromised him if he would interpret the
handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:16-17).
We defile ourselves. How? By eating too much; drinking too much alcohol;
taking drugs; watching movies that are wrong; watching too much television.
In Luke 21:34 we read, “Take heedto yourselves, lestyour hearts be weighed
down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come
on you unexpectedly.” What day? We don’t know the day or the hour, but we
know there is a day coming in which we will have to give an accountbefore
God at the Judgment, because Godis a God of judgment.

There’s another man in the Bible, by the name of Joseph. He also saidno.
Josephwas soldinto Egypt and became a slave to Potiphar, who was a top
man to the emperor, Pharaoh. Josephwas strong;he was handsome. And
Potiphar’s wife found him appealing. She beggedhim to have sex with her.
But he said no.
Day after day she beggedhim, trying to wearhim down. And time after time
Josephresistedand said no.
One day, when everyone was out of the house, she grabbed him and said,
“Come with me to bed.” Once again Josephsaidno, and he pulled away. As
he did, she took his coatand kept it. Then when her husband came home, she
accusedJosephto her husband and said, “This slave has tried to seduce me”
(Genesis 39:1-20).
The Bible doesn’t saythat sex is a sin. Sex was given to us by God for a
purpose—for enjoyment within the bonds of matrimony, for the continuation
of the human race. It is a gift from God. But we abuse it and use it the wrong
way. Godhas judged nation after nation, and family after family, and person
after person because ofmisusing this gift of God.
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “Keepyourself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).
And he told him, “Flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). He said run! When
the temptation comes, don’t just sit there and think about it. Run as fast as
you canaway from it.
Paul also wrote, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1
Corinthians 9:27). He did that with God’s help.
Another man in the Bible who encountereda similar situation was Moses.The
Bible says, “By faith Moses, whenhe became of age, refusedto be calledthe
son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people
of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:24-25).
Moses hadto make a choice, just as we have to make choices. Moses, as heirto
the throne of Egypt, had the choice ofaccepting all the pleasures ofEgypt. But
one day he made a choice. Mosessaidno to all that was offered. He said, “I’ll
go suffer with the people of God. I choose Godrather than these pleasures.”

There is a difference betweenpleasure and joy. The Bible says, “He who loves
pleasure will be a poor man” (Proverbs 21:17). When we love pleasure, we are
poor, if that is what we are seeking. Scripture also talks about people who are
“lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4). Do you love
pleasure more than you love God?
When we come to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our hearts.
Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit. More than 100 Scriptures talk about the
joy of the Lord. That was the announcementat that first Christmas: “Do not
be afraid, for behold, I bring you goodtidings of greatjoy which will be to all
people” (Luke 2:10).
If you take a stand and mean it, you may suffer persecution. Some of your
friends will drift away. They don’t want to be with people like you. You speak
to their conscience. Theyfeeluncomfortable in your presence becauseyoulive
for God. Jesus said, “Blessedare you when men hate you, and when they
exclude you, and revile you, and castout your name as evil, for the Son of
Man’s sake.Rejoicein that day and leap for joy! Forindeed your reward is
greatin heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets” (Luke
6:22-23).
Jesus said, “Rejoice, because yournames are written in heaven.” Make the
choice that Moses made—he turned his back on pleasure and followedGod’s
way. The Scriptures say, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials”
(James 1:2). Moses chosethe joy of following Godrather than having the
pleasures of Egypt.
Are you following the Lord Jesus?Or are you following the pleasures ofthis
world and fulfilling the lusts of your own heart?
When Jesus was tempted, He didn’t debate the devil. He quoted Scripture: “It
is written … It is written … It is written …” (Matthew 4:4-10). And eachtime
the devil was defeated.
Satancan be defeated! When we are filled with the Spirit of God, obeying
God, in His will and quoting Scripture, Satanwill be defeated. The devil left
Jesus, and angels came and helped Him.

Are you willing to say no, whateverthe cost? Thensay yes to the claims of
Christ. He will come into your heart right now.
Jesus Christ loves you so much that He died on the cross and shed His blood
for you. That’s the reasonthat He came to this earth. That’s the reasonthat
He died on the cross. He died for you. Your sins have been placed on Jesus
Christ, and He rose from the dead for you to give you everlasting life.
You need to do three things:
First, repent. What does repentance mean? It means to change—to change
your mind, change the way that you’re living—and to determine that with
God’s help you will live for Christ.
Second, come to Christ by faith. You cannot understand it all. You never will.
I don’t understand, but I come by simple, childlike faith and surrender to
Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I’m asking you to make that commitment.
Third, follow Jesus Christ. Follow Him, obey Him and serve Him as best you
can. You won’t be perfect. But you will be changed.
You may be a member of a church. You may have been baptized or
confirmed. You may be a “goodperson.” But deep inside you are not sure
how you stand before God. You know that you need Jesus Christin your
heart.
You know that you need to change. Make thatchange now.
*Bible verses markedNKJV are takenby permissionfrom The Holy Bible,
New King James Version, copyright ©1979,1980,1982Thomas Nelson, Inc.,
Publishers, Nashville, Tenn.
9 PowerfulReasons Why"No" is a Beautiful Word
Kevin Harney
Author

2019
9 Jan
As children, we do not like being told no. We believe that freedom is all about
doing what we want, when we want, any way we want. We believe that this
definition of freedom leads to the bestlife possible. What we don’t know is
that declaring no cansave our life!
“Hey, Mom, canI jump off the roofusing my bedsheetas a parachute?”
“No!”
At that moment, the child asking the question feels disappointed. They think
they are missing out on greatfun. What they don’t realize is that Mom is
protecting them from a broken leg or worse. The word no cansave lives.
Here are 9 more reasons why no is a beautiful word:
1. No can add life to your years.
Slide 1 of 10
“Would you like a slice of triple chocolatecake?”
Everything inside me screams, Yes!A big slice, and a nice scoopof vanilla ice
creamon the side, please!My heart and my flesh want to say yes, but instead
out of my mouth come the words, “No, thank you.”
What they don’t know is I am training for a triathlon, and I understand that
this no, along with countless others, will impact my training and the outcome
of the race. When I cross the finish line, there will be a sense of
accomplishmentthat surpasses the momentary pleasure of a delicious dessert.
Saying no can add years to your life. And it can add life to your years.
No is a beautiful word. Maybe one of the most beautiful you will ever speak.

2. No creates space, slowsthe pace, and saves face.
Slide 2 of 10
There is a freedom in saying no. No creates space, slowsthe pace, and saves
face.
“Canyou help out with the Girl Scoutfundraiser?”
“You know, I believe in what you are doing, but right now I simply don’t have
the time to help. I can give a donation, but I can’t be on the team that plans
the fundraiser. I’m going to have to say no.”
Once you make it clearthat you can’t invest time in weeklymeetings for the
next five months, you exhale a sigh of relief. You have retained your freedom.
You won’t have to lose an evening eachweek, a loss you can’t afford at this
time.
You know the feeling. Whenever you give a clearno, you feel a sense ofpeace.
You’ve protectedthe joy level of your life. Becausewhena personis
overextended, their joy evaporates, no matter how hard they try to protectit.
3. No can lead to joy after the pain.
Slide 3 of 10
But there is the hard reality as well. The moment you say no (even if you say it
diplomatically and graciously)is always difficult.
No one finds joy looking into the eyes of an excitedchild and saying no. You
don’t delight in disappointing someone who wants your help or your
involvement in a project. It can be painful to look into the mirror and sayno
to your own desires.
But if no is the right answer, the result will open your schedule, grow your
relationships, and bring peace to your soul. All of these things are gateways to
a more joyful life.

4. God says no, so you cantoo.
Slide 4 of 10
Sometimes God says no.
Let’s look at two examples. The first is silly and the other quite serious.
In the movie Bruce Almighty, Jim Carrey plays the title character, Bruce,
who encounters God in the form of actorMorganFreeman. God has decided
to delegate his responsibilities to Bruce for a short period of time. As you can
imagine, Bruce experiments with his unbounded poweras he deals with an
unending stream of prayer requests from billions of people around the globe.
In utter exasperationat the sheernumber of requests, Bruce decides to hit the
yes button and affirmatively answerevery prayer request flooding his
computer and his mind.
This would seemlike a goodidea, exceptthousands of people now win the
lottery on the same day. They are expecting millions of dollars, but because
the payout is split among all the winners, they end up with just enough money
for a modestdinner out, leading to disappointment, riots, and mayhem.
Behind this humorous scene is a serious point.
God is not really concernedwith whether we win or lose the lottery. He says
no on a daily basis to the self-centeredbarrage of requests we make for easy
money without work or responsibility.
God is the wisestand most beautiful being in the universe, and he does what is
best for us, even when we don’t understand why. He is far too loving to give in
to self-centeredprayers that cause more harm than good.
5. Jesus shows us how saying no protects our focus.
Slide 5 of 10

In Mark 1:21–39 we geta fascinating glimpse of how Jesus lived and loved. As
the day begins, Jesus goes to a localplace of worship and preaches. His power
and authority amaze the people.
Suddenly, a man who is spiritually tormented begins shouting out questions
and making wild statements. Jesus silenceshim and speaks to the demon
terrorizing the man. The man convulses, screams, andis set free.
After the worship service, Jesus walkswith friends to one of their homes,
where a woman is sick with fever. Jesus goesback to work again. He shows
love, care, and compassionby healing her.
That same evening, a massive crowddescends on the home where Jesus is
staying. This leads to a spontaneous time of Jesus healing the sick and freeing
those who are lockedin spiritual bondage. Sicknessis defeatedand demons
are sentrunning for the hills!
But let’s see how he later choosesno, to complete his mission to help us all.
Then Jesus makes a positive decision.
Slide 6 of 10
Very early the next morning, Jesus wakesup and takes a walk. He finds a
quiet place where he can talk with his heavenly Father, but some of his
disciples track him down to let him know that there are people looking for
him.
The disciples request that Jesus return to town and do more miracles and heal
even more people.
Jesus says no.
He is crystalclearin his response.
Jesus knows there are still needs he could meet. He is profoundly aware that
many will be disappointed if he does not come back.

But Jesus is committed to his mission. And his primary focus is not healing.
He has come to be a teacherand a preacher. So, Jesus says to his disciples,
“Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—soI canpreach there also.
That is why I have come” (Mark 1:38, emphasis added).
His response to the requestis clear, simple, and mission-driven. And it is an
emphatic no. In his wisdom, Jesus—who is God in human form—says no to
the urgent requests and needs of people so he cansay yes to something
greater, something better.
6. When God says no, there is a blessing in it.
Slide 7 of 10
When we look back on our lives, I believe, all of us will be thankful that God
said no to some of our prayer requests. I dated a couple of nice girls before I
met my wife, Sherry, and there were times when I askedGod, “Could this be
the womanI will spend the rest of my life with?” God said, “No!”
When I finally met my wife, I lookedback and thanked God for his kind no.
His no was preparing me for a better yes!
Jesus was “Godwith us” (Matt. 1:23). It was in his power to say yes to every
request, yet there were times he said no. And if God says no, what does that
teachus about the need for us to sayno as well?
Take a moment to reflect on your life. Has God ever said no to something you
wanted? Are you able to see wisdomin that no today?
If God says no, you canbe confident that there are times when you need to say
no too.
7. Saying no isn’t negative, it’s positive!
Slide 8 of 10

The word no is not about limiting ourselves;it is about setting ourselves free.
It is not about what we won’t get to experience, purchase, orenjoy; it is about
the exactopposite!
It is not about being cruel. It is often the kindest word we canspeak.
When you utter a thoughtful and clearno, you are not being negative. You are
actually being positive! It is time for you and me to become positively negative
so we canlive with freedom, peace, andproductivity.
What is one no you can speak today that will make your life better?
8. Saying no is a yes to something better.
Slide 9 of 10
The powerof no is about learning to sayno with strategic focus so you can say
yes to the things that are most important and that hold the greatestvalue.
When your life is full and your margin limited, every time you sayyes to one
thing, something else falls off your plate. When you say yes, you are also
saying no.
As you learn to utter your strategic nos, you are freed up to say yes in a way
that will revolutionize your life.
Saying no can bring the greatestjoyand value to your life. You must learn to
say it and mean it.
God says no. You cantoo.
The most positive thing you might do today is sayno.
9. Youcanfind comfort, freedom, andpeace inyour faithful no.
Slide 10 of 10
Still have trouble saying no? Here’s anexercise foryouto try:

Find a quiet and private place, maybe yourbedroom, a bathroom, oryour car.
Practice saying no. Letitcome out ofyour mouth, and allow your ears to hear
your voice saying this powerful word. Sayit at leastthirty times.
You canvary the volume, change the tone, andevenadd “thank you.” You can
practice saying it with a smile and with a firm gaze.
Getcomfortable saying this word, becauseyouwillbe saying it for the restof
your life.
This excerptis adaptedand usedwith permissionfrom Kevin G. Harney’s
book No is a Beautiful Word: Hope and Help for the Overcommitted and
(Occasionally) Exhausted.
Kevin G. Harney(kevingharney.com) servesatShoreline Community Church
in Monterey, California. He is the author of many books andstudies, including
Organic OutreachforOrdinary People, Seismic Shifts, andRecklessFaith.

Jesus was able to say no

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Jesus was able to say no