Open Graciousness

During World War I, General Marshal Foch was in America on a diplomatic mission. During an interview, he was confronted by a brash American who launched into a tirade against what he called "old-world French politeness."

“There is nothing in it but wind,” he sneered.

“There is nothing but wind in a tire,” Marshal Foch politely replied, “but it makes riding in a car very smooth and pleasant.”

In much the same way, the smooth and gracious way of life has been given to us by Christ through the Spirit of Truth—the Holy Spirit—who comes to us as the wind of Christ’s Presence.

When we are gracious and polite in Christ’s Love toward others, there is a noticeable difference in our relationships. We come more vitally alive in Christ, as our best self is offered through courteous words, gentle gestures, and genuine listening. In listening well, we begin to discern the deeper needs of those around us. And it is here—within our prayers and our participation—that the Spirit of Truth works. The Holy Spirit unites us in God’s Kingdom of kindness.

Jesus says:

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

And when He comes, He will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:

about sin, because they do not believe in Me;

about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see Me no longer;

about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but will speak whatever He hears, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.

He will glorify Me, because He will take what is Mine and declare it to you.”

– John 16:7–14

With you in Christ Jesus,

Rev. Patricia E. Walker

Alpha Church, www.AlphaChurch.org

PO Box 33097, Tulsa, OK 74153

Alpha Church Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Church organization

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Prayer Requests:

New: Cody and Megan, and baby boy, Jesus' healing from injuries in car accident in Temple, Georgia.

Young Hazel, healing for her adrenal gland tumor growth found during chemo, increased prayers.

Young John who is struggling to get healed from cancer.

Young Wyatt, who was hit by a car

Baby Ashley, under doctors' care

Young Cooper, facing complications related to leukemia

Young Ryder, with a serious form of cancer

A nearly teenage girl, recovering from a heart transplant

Kevin B., facing cancer concerns due to brain tumors

Young Lawson and family, battling blood clots and recovery challenges

Lennon, a toddler whose cancer has relapsed— prayers for healing and renewed hope

Waylon B., who has a brain tumor

Jake C, born 12 weeks early, prayers that he thrive

Colton, a teenager in a terrible car accident, multiple surgeries already, healing from Jesus.

Branson, healing for t-cell acute lymphoma leukemia. Prayers for healing for this young boy.

Prayers that Israel be spared any more distress in the Nuclear Protection program that is initiated with Iran.

Healing prayers for family and friends of the airliner which crashed after takeoff in India.