Ripe for Harvest

40 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

Successful prayer is overcoming satanic opposition to the purposes of God. The missing element in faith that does not triumph is praise – perpetual, purposeful, aggressive praise. Praise is the highest form of prayer because it combines petition with faith. Praise is the spark plug of faith. It is the one thing needed to get faith airborne, enabling it to soar above the deadly miasma of doubt. Praise is the detergent that purifies faith and purges doubt from the heart. The secret of unanswered prayer is faith without doubt continuous, massive, triumphant praise, praise that is a way of life. This order of praise is the solution to the problem of living faith and successful prayer.

~ Paul Billheimer. Destined for the Throne . p. 126.

The Ten Cleansed Lepers

One crying, two crying, three crying lepers Four dying, five dying, six dying lepers Seven hoping, eight hoping, nine hoping lepers Ten lepers came to Jesus Ten cleansed lepers feeling just so fine One complained of poverty, and then there were nine. Nine cleansed lepers picking up their gait One grew weary of the march, and then there were eight. Eight cleansed lepers – they’d felt the touch of heaven One was afraid of losing friends, and then there were seven. Seven cleansed lepers avoided the devil’s tricks One fell prey to selfish pride, and then there were six. Six cleansed lepers so glad to be alive One bragged “My faith healed me,” and then there were five. Five cleansed lepers no longer spiritually poor One plotted toward riches and wealth, and then there were four. Four cleansed lepers as happy as could be One took a long nap and then there were three. Three cleansed lepers wishing to say, “Thank-you.” One grew “just too busy” – and then there were two. Two cleansed lepers returning to thank God’s Son One discovered his beauty, and then there was one. One cleansed leper, new life poised for living Did, in fact, find Jesus, and there proclaimed his THANKSGIVING!

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