A BUSHEL OR CUP

James 4:2 states: “You lust, and have not (meaning such a person is not looking to God, but rather operating form self-will): you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain (the word “kill” refers to destroying the reputation of another in order to gain advantage, and to do so by slander, etc.): you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not. (This refers to Believers who little seek the Lord for anything, but rather depend upon: other sources that are irregular to say the least!)

James 4:3 states: “You ask, and receive not (and there is a reason), because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts. (Such a person is not asking in the Will of God, but rather from his or her own selfish desires.)

     “Many Christians pray for a bushel, but carry a cup.”  I read this on a sign in front of a church.

      

     In John 16:23 the bible states: “And in that day you shall ask Me nothing (meaning; will not ask Me Personally, as you now do). Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My Name (according to what He did at the Cross, and our Faith in that Finished Work), He will give it you (in other words He places us in direct relationship with the Father, enjoying the same access as He Himself enjoys).

     Listen: It’s obvious that God never intended for His children to lack anything. Jesus said so. Why then do we have prayers that seem to go unanswered? WHAT GIVES?

     Well there is one thing that we seem to forget. Jesus said in John 5:30 “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” Could it be that all our “needs and wants” are not in the will of the Father? We have a bad habit of doing what we want, and then asking God to bless it. God loves us to much to let us get by with that. With loving hands He nudges us back into His will. Whether it’s soft or had nudging depends on us, not Him.

    

     God wants to bless us by the bushel, but most of us only carry a cup.

The Gift Of God’s Grace

     I’m sure most of you received some to many gifts this Christmas. But may I take a few moments to tell you about a gift that everybody can receive.

     Many who work in a mechanical field are familiar with what is called an “access panel.” For the most part, this is a small door which gives technicians a handy access to strategic parts of the device on which they are working.

     In much the same way there is a special “access” by which we can tap into God’s Grace – namely the person of Jesus Christ. His substitutionary death on the cross opened the way for us (gave us access) to the Grace of God.

     Without the work of Christ and without the exercise of faith on our part, the Grace of God would be outside the scope of our experience. But God has made provisions for anyone to make use of that special access to His Grace.

     No wonder so many church hymns and Christian songs deal with the Grace of God. It is so unexpected, such a great gift – that the heart has difficulty grasping the magnitude of this underserved gift of God’s love and mercy.

     For those who have yet to gain access to God’s Grace, it is important that you realize that it is the goodness of God (His Grace) which leads you to repentance. Will your share this good news with someone today? May they see and know God’s Amazing Grace.

     I pray each of you prosper not only in your physical, but also in your spiritual life this coming year of 2012. God wants to bless you!

What Is Your Conversation?

Suggested Reading: Matthew 12:30-37; Proverbs 15:1-2

     In our conversation, people hear what we “say.” They hear words we use, and our tone of voice when speaking. But God hears what we are “thinking” when we’re speaking.

     In Luke 6:45, Jesus explained it’s the heart (mind) that first produces evil. The mouth only gushes forth what has already been placed in the heart. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus said that out of the heart, springs the evil deeds that people do. Our heart then, is the source of our speech and actions.

     In Hebrews 4:12, the writer says that the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

     How many times do we say “I didn’t mean to say or do that?” But if we are really honest with ourselves, deep down inside, maybe even in our sub-conscious mind, something made that off color or rude comment come out. Was that apology you offered genuinely sincere, or was it just words to make you feel better, and to pacify someone? Was that “cute” remark you made, to lift up someone, or to cut them down? God knows doesn’t He?

     We are held accountable for what we say, AND what we mean, whether we say it or not.

     When you pray, ask God to make you listen to your conversation and be aware of what He and others hear you say.