The Word For The Day – February 20, 2009

Hello, Everyone!

I’m sorry I didn’t get to do this the past couple of days but things have been a bit crazy .  I’m so glad it is Friday! 

Now, on to our scripture for the day!  Tuesday, I talked about the steps to prayer and I wanted to continue a bit along those lines so today’s scripture is:

1 John 5:14-15:
14And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.

15And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.

As I mentioned Tuesday, a lot of people go to God as if He is the lottery and it’s a hit and miss sort of thing.  Part of the problem is that when people pray, they aren’t often sure God is listening or even cares, so they don’t pray with much confidence.

This scripture teaches us how to have confidence in God.  It says that if we ask anything according to His will, He listens to and hears us.  So, what is God’s will?  God’s will is His Word.  Just as I said on Tuesday, God is only obligated to fulfill what He’s promised to fulfill and Isaiah 55:11 said that His Word cannot return to Him void.  That means if you pray His Word regarding the situation, you have His Word that He will do what He says.

I heard someone say once that the reason most people have a problem believing God is because they don’t keep their word on things.  God is not like us.  He doesn’t say one thing and do something else.  He backs up His Word.  It is His integrity.  But you have to follow His rules for His Word to work.

One of those rules or commands is to walk in love.  This is not always easy but it is possible.  That means if you are walking around with a chip on your shoulder and barking at everyone you come in contact with, don’t expect God to answer your prayers.  Faith works by love so you have to choose whether you want to walk around snapping at everyone or whether you want your prayers answered.

I know someone who thinks that yelling and screaming is her personality.  That’s not a personality trait, that’s a behavior.  We have a tendency to think we can’t control behaviors but we most certainly can.  It’s a choice we all have to make.  Sometimes, the choice and controlling certain behaviors isn’t easy but it is possible if you choose to do so.

I have to stop for today but will continue along these lines tomorrow.  I hope this has blessed and encouraged you.  Have a blessed day and may God empower you to prosper in every area of your life.