May 2024

Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayers?

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Is that a question you’ve asked? Most of us have at one time or another. How would you answer that? What are your thoughts about unanswered prayers? Or, are all prayers answered? Many might debate that answer but I do believe that God answers all prayers. Why? Simply because I’ve learned that silence is as much of an answer as spoken words.

In James 3:1-3 we read, “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” These verses have much to say but perhaps the most important part is related to our motives and desires. James rightly points out that there are several things that get in the way of what we want. They are: “evil desires,” “wanting what we don’t have,” “jealousy,” “Not asking God,” and “Motives,” All of these play a part in prayers that seem to go unanswered. Perhaps the one thing we fail to do is to look at what we’re asking for and judge it by the passage in James. There is also one other measurement tool that we could utilize as well, it’s simply what we call the Lord’s Prayer.

How does what I’m praying for relate to His Kingdom? After all I am praying that His Kingdom would rule over my life and circumstances on earth just as it would if I were in heaven. What has it to do with my daily needs? Remember, the prayer is about needs, not wants. Is my prayer hindered by things like unforgiveness or general attitude like wanting things my way and only my way? Is what I’m asking in prayer, if answered, going to lead me into a place of temptation for other things? Even things that might not be good for me? How would you answer that? Think about it.

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday (weather permitting) from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, May 24th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

*  The outdoor market is held each Friday from May through October (weather permitting; on very rainy days, we will relocate into the Riley Gallery (if available)).  In November, the Farmers  Market goes indoors for the winter market.

 *  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]

ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday.  We will have a selection of hand made products that contain milk from our goat. We make all the products in small batches. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page. 

BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market with local, organically grown beautiful plants ( weather permitting ).  We will have tomato, pepper and black raspberry plants.  We accept cash, checks and credit cards. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com 

JOANIE’S APIARY will be at market this week with Raw Local Honey, along with beeswax products, hand cream, wood polish, and candles. I will also have corn heating pads.  At the same table will also be TOM AND LUCILLE’S creamed honey and cinnamon creamed honey.  Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted. You can always buy my honey at the Artisan Center or from my home. 814-697-7586

QUIET ACRES will be at market May 24th with our selection of Haldeman Mills products – NEW Stauffer’s cornmeal,Teff Flour (African Ivory and Dark) and buckwheat flour for the gluten sensitive, Buttermilk and Buckwheat Pancake Mixes, Shortcake/Cobbler Mix, Funnel Cake  and Soft Pretzel Mixes as well as Brinser’s Best Cornmeal.  On the craft side: NEW rope coasters, trivets,trinket bowls and baskets. We will also have upcycled braided rugs/runners/mug rugs of all sizes as well as aprons for kids and adults including summer sports teams.  Orders are welcome. We accept cash payments. You can contact us at QuietAcresPortAllegany@gmail.com 

CARRIAGE HOUSE RUGS will be at the Farmers Market, Friday, May 24. Loom woven rugs made in my home. One of a kind, many colors and sizes to choose from. Weaving at the Market coming soon! Cash & checks accepted.

MIKE THOMPSON will be a vender  Friday, May 24th.   Bringing fresh Green Onions, Radishes, and Spinach. Also knife sharpening while you shop other venders or just wait.

CARING CRAFTS will be attending this week’s Market! Weather Permitting! We will be bring a variety of Homemade Travel Pillows! Along with our Plastic Canvas Magnets/Ornaments! Our selection of both is very wide and unique! Don’t forget to like us Facebook! If your not able to stop by or would like to place an order please contact Jess at 814 203 2482! Caring Crafts excepts Cash or PayPal (cowgirl_jess16915@yahoo.com) payment! Hope to see everyone there! 

FOX & FERN CO. will be at the market on Friday. We will have a variety of common and unique potted houseplants and ready to plant succulents. Now offering ceramic pot drainage hole drilling on site! See our Facebook page for more details. And don’t miss out on our Memorial Day Weekend sale! All Pothos varieties will be 25% off! Contact us for any special orders. We accept cash, check or credit card. Email: fox.fern.collaborations@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555867491704&mibextid=LQQJ4d 

ALPACA CREATIONS will be a vender on Friday at the Potter Co. Farmers Market.   All hand knit / woven alpaca  apparel, large variety of styles and sizes of socks.   Natural and hand dyed alpaca yarns of different weights, boot inserts as well as rovings for spinning or needle felting.   Credit accepted.  Not to early to start your Christmas shopping. https://alpacas75.wixsite.com/website Alpaca Creations, follow on Facebook

THORNY BUSH FARM will be there with Goat Milk fudge  and Herbal Honey.  Cash or check is fine.

MOUNTAIN VIEW SHEEP FARM will be attending the farmers market May 24 weather permitting. With hand woven wool blend shawls and scarves .   Also  lovely delicate designed, scented and fragrance free handmade sheep milk soaps  all from our own sheep.  Pa preferred and Juried. We accept cash, check and cards. Follow us on Facebook @mountainviewsheepfarm Or contact by email, mountainviewsheepfarm@yahoo.com

CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the Farmers Market May 24. We will have Artisan  and loaf breads, sweet treats for brunch, lunch, and after dinner. Jams and jellies made from local fruit  will be available. Some people have made requests for this week. I always enjoy knowing what you would like  each week. Message me anytime .

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised a two-year bridge rehabilitation project continues on Routes 6 and 2005 (Main Street) in Tioga County.

The Week of Tuesday, May 28
Night work will continue on Route 6 between North Academy Street and Railroad Street and on Main Street between East Main Street and Route 1002 (East Elmira Street).

Work includes utility relocation and drainage improvements.
Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Work on the ADA ramps throughout the business district will continue. Work will be performed between the hours of 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. There will be minimal impact to traffic while work is being performed at these locations.

Future Detour