Friday, May 24, 2013

By: Brandon Bilbo

Knock Knock

John 14:14 You may ask me for anything in My Name, and I will do it.

Have you ever had a friend who only stops by when you have the grill going or when you are boiling crawfish? BUT, when you are painting or moving, this friend is nowhere to be found! That friend is only topped by another friend -- the guy who only calls to ask you for something...

I don't want people to like me or befriend me because I have a specific talent, something they need or something I could do for them. I want people to like me for me. Sadly, what most of us don't understand IS that many times, WE ARE "THAT FRIEND!"

Yesterday's devotion challenged us to always "ask" God first for the things that we need, but James 4:3 explains why some of our prayers may not be granted in the way we expect. The verse says, "And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole MOTIVE is wrong..."

Most of the time - when we pray - it's because we have a need. While there is nothing wrong with praying for our own needs, it is important to evaluate the motive behind the need.

Jesus tells us in Mathew 6:8 that our Father knows what our needs are before we even ask! He cares SO much about us and WANTS to bless us, but He doesn't want us to call Him JUST when we need to borrow the mower. He wants us to reach out to Him....to talk to Him....because we love Him!

Some have interpreted today's scripture to mean that God will do ANYTHING we ask. The fact is, God CAN do anything, but answered prayers are all about finding the will of God. Mathew 6 records the Lord 's Prayer, which is an example of what our prayers should sound like. In verse 10, Jesus tells us to pray, "let Your will be done".

If you want your prayers answered, I challenge you today to always examine your motives. If your prayer is that God's will would be done in your life, then your prayer is right on track!

How can you know God's will? Spend time with Him and study His Word. Thankfully, He confirms again and again in His Word that He desires for us to live long, prosperous lives.

Lord, You have been so good to me. Thank you! Today, I don't just ask you for the things that I want or need. I ask that Your will would be done in EVERY aspect of my life.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.