Dear John and Doves,

I'm not sure if there is anyone who remembers me, however I have remained a reader of Five Doves and I am pleased to report that despite my declining health (and declining finances but that's another story, ha!), I have begun calling myself "Timex" because like the famous wrist watch, I seem to 'take a licking and keep on ticking' thanks to our Great Physician, Doctor Jesus. Every day when I open my eyes, I thank Him for allowing me to wake up once more.

May His Name, that Name which stands alone as worthy, be praised.

I had a disturbing experience the other night - I found myself on a website which presented itself as a 'Christian Prayer Center' and visitors were encouraged to sign up and submit their prayer requests so that a global community of like-minded Christians could lift them up and offer prayers in their behalf, it sounded very inspiring and uplifting.

Then after carefully typing out a request, I found myself prompted in the following manner:

Do you believe in what the Bible tells us about prayer?
		No	Yes
Do you have faith in God to answer this prayer request?
		No	Yes
Do you believe that God provides for those who are generous to others?
		No	Yes
Are you willing to share God's gifts with others in need?
		No	Yes
How important is your request?
Not important	Somewhat important	Very important	Extremely important
How much would you like to offer with your request?
$9	$15	$25	$35

"How much would you like to offer with your request?"

Is it just me fellow Doves, or is there something exceptionally disheartening about such a solicitation?

So here is what I did after momentarily feeling a bit like a fool: I thanked God for opening my eyes and for watching over me constantly, never abandoning me, never forsaking me, just as His Word promises. And the next day (today actually) I received what I consider "words of affirmation" when I just happened to tune into my local Christian radio as the announcer was ending his program prior to the news, and he said to "remember, that God loves us, and that He will NOT love us more than He does right now, nor will He love us any less, His Love is constant and unchanging and unconditional". And those words hit me like the proverbial 2-by-4 upside the head, to which I said and I say "thank you JESUS!"

The Lord has never failed me. I have failed Him many times, but He will never fail me.

I continue to believe that I will live long enough to see His Word manifested as it was described in that great hymn we all know so well, "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord" and see it we shall.

The Lord be with you all.

Marc McIntosh