Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church
May 29, 2009 
Pastor Barksdale Online
"Greeting One Another In The Love Of Christ"
In This Issue
Weekly Message
News Update
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FWMBC Members and Friends, 
Congratulations to all graduates.  We are so proud of your efforts.  I agree with the UNCF slogan that says: "a mind is a terrible thing to waste.  FWMBC will have our "Recognition of Graduates" service on June 14, 2009 at the 11:00 hour.  All graduates should notify the Education Committee if you will be able to participate.  In addition, those who are going on to college, should make sure that you have applied for a scholarship.  Check with Sis. Sandra Baxter for more information.    
   
 Thanks are in order for Min. Patricia George in her efforts to keep our services focused on prayer this month.  I can truly say that I have been strengthened through some difficult times.  Of course, let us keep it up.  Prayer works!
    
 
Pastor Barksdale
 
pastor 
  
Weekly Message 

 WILL PRAYER CHANGE GOD'S MIND?
 
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death.  And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die and not live.
2 Kings 19 (vs. 1)   
 
And he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord---(vs. 2)
 
And I (the Lord) will add unto thy days fifteen years---.   (vs. 6)
 
Several years ago I heard a woman tell a man who was very ill that she would pray for him.  I remember his response was, "will that do any good?"  That answer represents the thinking, unfortunately, of many people. They feel that once God makes a decision, nothing will change his mind.  What do you believe?  Will God ever change His mind?  If so, what would cause Him to do so?  Well I am not dogmatic about some of the arguments that attempt to explain the passage above.  I urge you to read the passage in its entirety to get a clearer picture of the circumstances.  However I think we can look at the facts given and clearly see the following:
1.  God sent word that Hezekiah was going to die.
2. Hezekiah prayed that he could live.
3.  After the prayer, God gave him 15 more years to live.

In his prayer (vs.3, not included here) Hezekiah pointed out that he had walked before the Lord in truth and with a perfect heart.  In other words, he reminded the Lord that he had attempted to live Holy. At the conclusion of the prayer, Hezekiah wept.  His sincerity in prayer appeared to move God to add fifteen years to his life.

I believe that Hezekiah's story should give us hope.  God "does" respond positively when we pray earnestly.  Maybe we don't always get what we want, but prayer always has a positive effect.  If you have been praying for something and it has not happened yet, don't stop praying.  God is listening.  Remember that Hezekiah pointed out that he had done that which was good in God's sight (vs. 3).  Accordingly, our actions should also be in line with God's Will.  Perhaps God is more likely to answer our prayer when our lives are submitted to Him. 
 
So will prayer change God's mind?  I say yes, and I am sure Hezekiah would say that too!

 



 
News Update: 
I am sending this Weekly Pastor Online a couple of days early because I am about to have major work on my computer system and I don't want to lose anything in the process. 
 
Remember the Revival May 27 - 29.  See you there!