PLEASE, LORD, NOT THAT - Introduction - Chapter 1: I Am Sorry

Sep 29, 2026

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A devotional Christian book reflecting on faith, conscience, and practical repentance. The introduction and preface describe pastoral experiences that lead to a message shaped by prayer and spiritual prompting, culminating in “10 Things, Please, Lord, Don’t Let Happen.” Chapter 1 centers on the difficult practice of apologizing, restoring relationships, and seeking forgiveness through humility and prayer, illustrating how inner conviction can produce lasting peace within a church community.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages60

Reading Time2 h 31 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Preface

Chapter 1: I Am Sorry

PLEASELORD NOTTHAT Not One But Ten! SALEM BIBLE COLLEGE LIBRARY4303 MARKET ST.N.E.SALEM,OREGON 97301(503)399-0977 PLEASE (503)399-0977 LORD NOTTHAT Not One But Ten! ByHARRY F.TAPLIN Author of: “CAUGHT IN THE TIDE”“MY CHURCH” "AN INVENTORY OF THE SOUL""TIME ON THE MARCH"“THOSE LAUGHABLE,LOVABLE LAYMEN” Order FromHARRY F.TAPLINP.O.Box 893Mitchell,S.Dak.57301 Printed in U.S.A. 1978 SALEM BIBLE COLLEGE LIBRARY4303 MARKET ST.N.E.SALEM,OREGON 97301(503)399-0977 TO OURTWO CHILDRENLYLE EUGENEANDILENE MARIEAND THEIRFAMILIESTHIS BOOK ISLOVINGLY DEDICATEDBY THEIRDADDY AND MOTHER CONTENTS SECTION ONE PLEASE, LORD, NOT THAT Dedication 2 Introduction 4 Preface -5 CHAPTER TITLE PAGE 1. I Am Sorry 7 --10 2. God’s Money in My Pocket ……… 3. The Miserable Miff Tree ………………… -12 4. The Blessed Center of God's Will …… --15 5. Anywhere But in My Church 17 6. The Deeper, The Better …………19 7. A Fruitful Search …… 20 --一一-- 8. The Book of Life-- 9. One, Two, Ten Sins?………… 10. God’s Cure for Impurity ……………………………………24 Conclusion ………………… …………27 # INTRODUCTION It was several days after coming to the churchin Mitchell,South Dakota,that I met Rev.Harry F.Taplin.He had been the interim pastor here forseven weeks previous to my coming.He had held astrong bastian of strength in the church,findingfavor with the people. Upon meeting him I sensed in him a friendly,likable spirit.In April 1977 I invited him to joinour Staff as Visitation Minister.He accepted thechallenge of the task,and went to work. He not only loves people,but,he thoroughly en-joys preaching to them.Within him is a compellingforce to tell it like it is.To present God's Word insimple and forceful fashion has been a life's goalwith him. Credit should be given where it is due.His wife,a teacher,chose the title for this book,and also titledthe chapters.Thank you,Viva,for this fine contri-bution to your husband’s book. I commend this book to the reading public witha sincere prayer that God will use these words fromhis pen to bring glory to the name of Jesus. Warren Koker,PastorChurch of the NazareneMitchell,S.Dak. # PREFACE The following pages record some thoughts thatcame to me one morning quite early.I was an over-night guest in the parsonage in Fargo,N.Dak.Thepastor's wife was very ill,and I was there trying toease his load,and give her some words of encourage-ment.She went to her eternal reward just a few daysafter this visit. I was awakened earlier than usual.The Spiritof God began to speak to me in His tender,convinc-ing,persuading manner.At first,I just listened,try-ing real hard to get His message.Finally,my heartbegan to pray.As we communed together there inmy bed,He impressed me with this thought,“Thereare some things that I hope will never happen to me.”He was so close,and so real.Not wanting to missnor forget His words,I reached for my note-pad andpencil. Here are some of the thoughts I jotted down:"Iwould not want to drive my car in a careless manner,and run over an older person,causing broken bones,an ambulance ride to the hospital,maybe fatally in-jurying him.I hope never to leave medicine or poisonwithin the reach of a child,causing a serious illness,maybe death.I hope never to injure a young boy whohas darted out from behind a parked car,chasing aloose ball or frisbee.” Then my thinking shifted gears.I pondered,“These things,though bad,tragic,might happen inspite of precaution.But out and beyond this life isan endless eternity.There are many things I maydo or fail to do during this short trip from the cradleto the grave that will directly affect my future,mylife after death." Following are“10 Things,Please,Lord,Don'tLet Happen.” # CHAPTER 1 I AM SORRY The words,“I am sorry”are not easy words tosay.It is not easy to take blame,admit it,and apolo-gize for it.But in the long run,it is the best waythrough. In a church board meeting I was conducting onetime,I spo

FAQs

What is the purpose of the book presented in the introduction and preface?

The introduction and preface frame the book as a set of spiritually guided reflections, culminating in “10 Things, Please, Lord, Don’t Let Happen.” The aim is to shape lives through prayerful conscience and God-centered counsel.

Why does the author emphasize saying “I am sorry”?

Chapter 1 explains that “I am sorry” is difficult to say because it involves taking blame, admitting fault, and apologizing. The chapter presents apology as the best long-term path for restoration.

How does prayer influence the author’s decisions and relationships in Chapter 1?

When the author recognizes harm done in a board meeting, he prays, seeks God’s guidance, and returns to apologize in a board setting. The chapter portrays prayer as the means to prompt humility and lead to improved fellowship and peace.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by dhado