Stunned

Stunned

Genesis 24: ¹⁵ And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. ¹⁶ Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. ¹⁷ And the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher.”

 

¹⁸ So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and gave him a drink. ¹⁹ And when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” ²⁰ Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. ²¹ And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.

 

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Abraham’s servant was praying to the LORD, probably because he had seen Abraham do this often. He was not testing GOD or even trying to muster up faith by forcing GOD to do the impossible on his terms. He simply asked GOD to help him not make a mistake in choosing a wife for Isaac. Before he could finish speaking, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulders.

 

My Observations:

• The HOLY SPIRIT orchestrated the perfect timing of Abraham’s servant being at the well when Rebekah came out.
• Rebekah had a servant leader’s heart, able to serve strangers without complaint or personal gain.
• Abraham’s servant was stunned because the LORD answered his prayer exactly as he asked.

 

“Is this too good to be true?”, the servant may have asked himself. He asked a very specific prayer and it was answered so quickly and specifically. I believe GOD still does this. HE does not mind a specific prayer that is coupled with the right heart.

 

Abraham’s servant would gain nothing from this prayer being answered. The wife would be for Isaac, and Abraham would get the promise GOD had for him. Abraham’s servant wanted what was best for everyone else because he was already blessed by running Abraham’s household. He had everything Abraham had so he was as wealthy as Abraham. His prayer was answered.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention to Moses that Abraham’s servant remained silent, “wondering at her?”
• Have you ever asked GOD for something and it came through so quickly that you were stunned?
• Are you willing to ask GOD for something for someone else without the need for personal gain?

Knowing How to Ask

Knowing How to Ask

1 John 5: ¹³ I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life—you that believe in the Son of God. ¹⁴ We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. ¹⁵ He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him.

 

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“Can I go outside?” was my innocent question “No, it’s about to rain” was the decline. “Can I use the car?” “No, you don’t have your driver’s license yet.” “Can I have time off?” was the question I asked my boss later in life. “No, the company is in a state of emergency and we need everyone.” “Why does ‘everybody’ tell me NO!?

 

• I was tired of hearing NO for an answer.
• I was tired of not getting “my” way.
• I was tired of having to ask for stuff!

 

John addressed those who had needs. He first provided comfort to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior, by telling them they have eternal life. But what about life on earth? He addressed that to by saying “HE hears us if we ask HIM for anything that is according to HIS will.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is sovereign and has the right to hear all of my requests and can say “Yes”, “No” or “Not Right Now.”
• GOD wants to help me be part of HIS plan.
• My requests work best when they align with GOD’s will.

 

Asking GOD for anything does not mean I will get everything. I mean, if I were to ask for something sinful, HE will say “No.” He will then guide me to grow up and ask HIM “What do YOU want?”

 

GOD gets excited when I try to align with HIS will. HE sees my efforts to do what pleases HIM, namely seeking the lost and serving my neighbors. HE cam to seek and to serve, so should I. I am glad GOD hears and answers my prayers with a “Yes” when I align to HIS good and perfect will.

 

Challenge:

• Why does the writer mention courage?
• Have you ever wanted something that you knew was not good for you?
• Will you align your request to GOD’s will and seek what HE wants today?

Alignment

Alignment

Ephesians 1: ¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers ¹⁷ and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him.

 

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Complaints about the preaching became the norm for me. I went to sleep on one set of sermons and others I tried to escape by being “busy” during the discourse. And what was it with the uniforms people wore? And why don’t they update the music?  And why was church service so long? And…

 

• I was blind to what people were doing for GOD.
• I could not value how people were serving GOD because I was too busy complaining.
• I saw myself as being right and “they” were serving GOD wrong because “I” did not hear what I wanted to hear.

 

Paul compliments the people on their faith in JESUS. He heard about their faith and had to do something special. He gave thanks. He also asked GOD for them to receive wisdom as given only by the HOLY SPIRIT. Paul aligned to GOD’s will.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to seek and admire those who put their faith in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to value what people are doing for HIM and give thanks for them by remembering them in prayer.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to provide wisdom from the HOLY SPIRIT so they may know HIM.

 

Recognizing other people is important to GOD. I mean, seeing what people ”are” doing for HIM rather than harboring a complaint is wonderful to HIM. Unfortunately, I look at things from my selfish perspective and wonder what is in this for me? GOD sees my complaint and knows my justification attempts for acting foul.

 

HE forgives me, opens my eyes to HIS servants and cleans my heart to see HE has a multitude of servants who love HIM. HE wants me to see that HE has placed many people around the world who show love for all HIS people. I give thanks for those who serve GOD because of their faith in JESUS and I align to GOD’s will.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers heart for the people?
• Are there people you can think of who have been faithful and could use your prayers?
• Will you take a moment and remember those who serve GOD and ask that HE provide the HOLY SPIRIT to open eyes and reveal who HE is today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for his or her faith in YOUR SON, JESUS. Please open our eyes and reveal who YOU are today. amen

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

John 14: ¹² “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. ¹³ And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

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“LORD help me pass this test” I said quickly. “Oh, I forgot, in JESUS name” I added. Days later I received my failing grade. “LORD, please pay this stack of bills” I said frustrated. “Oh, yes, in JESUS name” I grunted. I got final notices that they were going to shut off my utilities if I did not pay. I gave HIM an honorable mention.

• When I get nervous, I simply want a quick way out of the problem.
• When I get in trouble, I simply want the fastest way out of the trouble.
• When I get frustrated, I simply want relief from my frustrations.

JESUS says some very profound words when HE tells the disciples they will do greater works than HE did. HE then goes on to say, “If you ask for anything ‘IN MY NAME’, I will do it. But why doesn’t this always work?

• JESUS wants me to ask for the things HE stands for.
• JESUS wants me to desire what HE desires.
• JESUS wants me to bring HIS lost sheep back to HIM.

Asking a florist to fix my car will yield the same answer, namely “I cannot do that.” No matter how many times I ask, it would be out of character for the florist to do something that is outside of their “name.” GOD will not do something that is out of HIS will.

JESUS wants me to understand HIS desires, so when I ask, HE will give it to me in abundance. If someone is sick, it is not just about healing, it is about people giving their life back to GOD.

HE wants people to see HIS healing power, but only for the purpose of them, or those around them, to be excited enough to go out and tell others about HIM. I ask JESUS for the salvation of those HE has placed around me so they will be HIS disciples to reach others.

• What do you think you need?
• Is what you need part of GOD’s desire to bring mankind back to HIM?
• Will you seek first what GOD desires, so HE will bless your requests abundantly?

Knock, knock

Luke 11: ⁹ “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ¹¹ If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?¹³ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

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Rubbing my hands together, I tried to keep warm but there was no sign of relief in sight. The bus was nowhere to be found and my friend and I danced around just to keep the blood flowing in our feet. A car pulled up and the driver looked like one of people who was going to our destination who we knew. Should I ask for a ride? “Yes!” It was delightful being in a warm car!

• There were times when I asked and I received.
• There have been many times when I was given exactly what I asked for.
• There were times when I thought I would not get what I asked for so I didn’t ask.

JESUS explains the heart of the HEAVENLY FATHER to HIS disciples. Right after HE explains how to pray, HE tells them to “Ask and it will be given to you.”  HE also explains that the HEAVENLY FATHER gives much better gifts than any human can give.

• GOD wants me to depend on HIM for all my needs.
• GOD wants me to believe that HE desires to give me what is best for me.
• GOD wants me to know HE can and will provide when I ask.

I guess asking is part of the free will GOD gave me. Even in my “evil” state I know how to give good things to people and GOD says “Ask ME for anything. I know how to give to you beyond anything you could ask for.” GOD’s heart is for me and HE seeks me daily. HE does want the best for me.

• Are you tired of asking?
• Do you fear GOD will say “no” so you have stopped asking?
• Will you simply believe GOD has the best in mind for you and ask HIM to fill you with HIS SPIRIT today?

Simply Be

Luke 6: ³⁷ “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

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Asked to interview for the position, I felt delighted and suspicious at the same time. “They will not like me” I said to myself. I looked at their “evil” “sneaky” “low-down” ways and automatically said, there is no way I want to work with “these” people. I had no idea they wanted me to work on changing the culture.

• When I judge people I make assumptions.
• When I condemn people I may be missing out on opportunities.
• When I treat people as throw away, then I am measuring them.

JESUS says some very difficult words to absorb. HE breaks through the natural act of self-preservation by teaching people not to judge or condemn people too fast. HE knows humans use filters that may be inadequate to truly assess the situation. HE has different expectations.

• JESUS wants me to be generous instead of judging.
• JESUS wants me to speak life instead of pouring out poison.
• JESUS wants me to recognize the need for forgiveness so I can recognize that I need to be forgiven.

Blindness comes from a judgmental condemning attitude. Soon, no one can meet “my” standards. BUT GOD wants me to behave differently. HE want me to “Welcome”, “Edify”, “Build”, “Forgive” and “Love” as I want to be treated by HIM.

Here is another way to put it… Each thought I have and action I do, I am saying to GOD, “Please do the same to me.”  GOD gives me an abundance of what is in my heart.

• How do you treat people?
• Are you suspicious and judgmental so you can protect yourself?
• Can you stop judging and condemning people and start lifting them up so you can be lifted up by GOD?

What to Ask For

Matthew 7: ⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

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New to this “asking” thing, I prayed “Please, please let me win the lottery!” I was sincere and I thought my motives were right because I just wanted to “quickly” help those around me who were in debt, me included. I purchased a ticket and watched zealously. Strangely each number on my ticket was off by exactly one or two. What are the odds?

• There have been many times I asked for the wrong things.
• There have been many times I sought after things that were not good for me.
• There have been many times I knocked on the door that would have led me to my destruction.

Asking, seeking and knocking are powerful, yet dangerous abilities. Sometimes I ask to get into trouble and GOD allows me to do it abundantly, then when I ask to get out of the trial, it seems like HE leaves me there long enough for me to wish I never had asked! What can I ask for?

• GOD wants me to ask for wisdom, knowledge and understanding in order to grow HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to seek first HIS kingdom so HE can draw all who seek HIM back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to knock on the hearts of those who have turned their backs on HIM.

Asking for “that” person to be successful or better yet, saved, is what I find being aligned with what GOD wants. If money is required, then I truly have to check my motives to ensure the “ask” is not rooted in all kinds of evil. GOD also wants me to seek out those who are lost. HE then wants me to press on their heart by knocking on the door of their soul.

GOD also knows my needs. HE has granted me stuff, jobs and relationships. HE even showed me the location of my lost keys. HE allows me to ask for anything, but the more I ask for things that align with what HE wants, the more my prayers are answered with “Yes, of course!”

• Are you asking for something GOD does not want you to have?
• When is the last time you asked for something that would enable a person to seek GOD?
• Are you seeking GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you allow GOD to show you how to knock on someone’s heart to accept JESUS as their Savior?

Ask to come home

Hosea 14: Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.
    Your sins have been your downfall!
² Take words with you
    and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
    “Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
    that we may offer the fruit of our lips.

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⁴ “I will heal their waywardness
    and love them freely,
    for my anger has turned away from them.

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Demanding that I be set free from the trial did not seem to work. I mean the more I squirmed, the more I seemed to stay right where I was. “Haven’t I been good?” was my weak question. “I mean years ago I served YOU that one time, remember?”

• GOD is not impressed by my filthy righteousness.
• GOD is not impressed with service to manipulate HIM to do my bidding.
• GOD is not impressed by my negotiation tactics.

Proving to GOD that I am deserving of more is like proving to water that it is not wet. HE sees through my attempts to be good and sees a heart of corruption. What can I do when GOD sees through my plan?

• GOD says to me “Return to ME, I AM the LORD your GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Take words with you and return to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Say ‘forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.’”

After a while I had to take a humble approach to speaking to GOD. Nothing had worked at this point. I had to humble myself and say to HIM “I have sinned” rather than telling HIM how wrong HE was for not fixing the problem of the day. “Please receive us graciously” are more appropriate words that say “I don’t deserve grace but please give it anyway.”

GOD responds by turning away HIS anger, healing me of my waywardness and loving me freely. I humbly approach GOD and HE pours out HIS blessings on me.

• Have you turned your back on GOD?
• Do you feel you deserve to be out of the trial?
• Can you humbly approach GOD and ask HIM to forgive you and to receive you graciously?

Recognizing the Need to Ask

Isaiah 64: ⁶ All of us have become like one who is unclean,
    and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
    and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
⁷ No one calls on your name
    or strives to lay hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us
    and have given us over to our sins.

⁸ Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
    We are the clay, you are the potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.
⁹ Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord;
    do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look on us, we pray,
    for we are all your people.

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Arriving to perfection is something I strived for. I mean I had dropped off about 85% of the sins I did before, sometimes 90%. I attended church weekly, almost all the time. I read the Bible and gave biblical advice. When stuff around me still fell down I asked “Why?”

• At one time I had false thinking that “I” could be perfect.
• At one time I thought perfection was something to strive for.
• At one time I had the thought that I controlled GOD by my self-declared righteous acts.

Who wants another lesson or a spanking from GOD, not me! I thought that if I were to act “good” then nothing “bad” would happen to me. On the contrary… as soon as I said to GOD “I want to live more for YOU” it seemed like everything started falling apart. Money, fame and relationships disintegrated and I had more questions than answers.

• When I live for GOD I have to realize my righteous acts are coming from a sinful perspective.
• When I live for GOD I must know that perfection is out of my reach but is granted only by HIM.
• When I live for GOD I must recognize the need to “Ask” versus telling HIM what I need.

Assuming I know what I need and placing GOD’s name on it is worse than simply asking HIM and letting HIM dictate my direction. Becoming clay means I allow GOD to mold me in HIS likeness which means HE is allowed to take things away from me HE feels I do not need.

My trust grows as I allow HIM to mold me and shape me daily. I “Ask” that HE comes into my life more and more, erasing sins that I did not know I even had. Asking means I recognize the need for help and that help only comes from GOD.

• Do you feel you can reach perfection?
• Are you “on your way?”
• Can you stop seeking for self-perfection and self-preservation and seek GOD for a change?
• Will you allow HIM to mold you so HE can instill joy, trust and faith in you?

Each Request has to be Blessed

Psalm 127:¹ Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
² In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

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Broken glass and missing tapes were the only evidence of my problem. It took me years to collect this group of sounds. I started over. I locked my car like a warden and hid my collection under the seat. Five years of amassing a wealth of music, broken glass, a dent and missing tapes showed that my efforts of protecting my precious melodies were in vain.

• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” wealth.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” possessions.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” ideas.

Many times I have run into situations where “I” thought “I” could think my way out. I would plan, put contingencies in place and execute my plan only to have that plan fail. I roll around on the ground asking “what went wrong?” GOD answered.

• GOD says to me “Unless you include ME in your plans first, they will not succeed."
• GOD says to me “The bigger the plan the more reliance you will have on ME.”
• GOD says to me “Don’t worry about stuff that can rust or moths can eat, think of ME.”

Having a relationship with GOD is so much more important than getting “my” way. When GOD is involved in my life, my plans become HIS. When HIS plans are enacted, no one or nothing can stop them. Unless GOD is involved, my labor is in vain, but when GOD is involved the fruit is plentiful!

• Are you losing sleep?
• Do you feel exhausted?
• Can you give your efforts over to GOD and let HIM solve the problem?
• Will you take your hands off the situation and stop thinking you have to be in control?
• Will you be content with GOD’s way of solving the problem?

Daily Excitement

Psalm 116: ¹ I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
² Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.

³ The cords of death entangled me,
    the anguish of the grave came over me;
    I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
⁴ Then I called on the name of the Lord:
    “Lord, save me!”

⁵ The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.
⁶ The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.

⁷ Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.

⁸ For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
    my eyes from tears,
    my feet from stumbling,
⁹ that I may walk before the Lord
    in the land of the living.

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Clouds overhead made it glum and it seemed like that was the beginning of my mood. “Why is it raining?” I asked in futility. I asked to borrow a car instead of taking the bus and my brother relented. The car was old and each time I shut the engine off I would have to open the hood and hotwire it to start it. No, it wasn’t stolen, the ignition just didn’t work well. “Why?”, was my question all day as things fell apart one by one.

• Sometimes I allow the weather to guide my mood.
• Sometimes I ask “why” on things I cannot control.
• Sometimes I let my mood be affected by my surroundings.

I met someone who absolutely loved storms. This person loved the rain and its purpose. That fascinated me and soon I looked at the rain differently. I saw purpose in the rain and GOD’s hand on the storm. I saw HIS power in what looked like destruction and might in what seemed to be devastation. GOD wanted me to see a different view.

• GOD wants me to be excited every day so I must change my mind when I think something is glum.
• GOD wants me to see HIS power during a storm rather than complaining about the storm.
• GOD wants me to call on HIM rather than complaining to HIM, this shows I trust in HIS way, HIS time and HIS power.

When I started seeing GOD in everything, I noticed I could handle the day a little better. Knowing GOD is at work makes me understand HE has compassion, HE is gracious and righteous. GOD saved me and my soul can rest instead of waiting for the perfect circumstance.

• Are you waiting?
• Do you want out of your circumstance?
• Can you recognize GOD’s wonderful might through the storm?

Asking Shapes Me

2 Chronicles 1: ⁷ That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

⁸ Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. ⁹ Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. ¹⁰ Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, ¹² therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

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GOD knows everything right? Then why does HE ask Solomon to “ask” HIM for something? I mean HE knows what Solomon will ask so why doesn’t HE just give it to him and be done with it? In fact, why doesn’t HE just give me my cushy life with plants that never die in a warm tropical bug-free place with people surrounding me who are praising GOD day and night?

• GOD has given me free will to choose HIM.
• GOD somehow allows me to actually pick my direction.
• GOD enables me to make choices and HE has rewards and consequences attached to them.

GOD doesn’t always just step in and steer things in my life. HE lets me choose my path. Unfortunately if sin and fear get in the way, I won’t choose HIM. That’s why HE had to die for me because I would never choose HIM. When GOD takes me to a very scary place my choices are critical. Choose HIM with faith, trust and obedience or cower away with fear, doubt and disobedience.

• GOD wants me to choose HIS way which shapes me to obey HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask for the items that please HIM which grows my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has a wonderful plan for me which strengthens my trust in HIM.

Asking actually is like exercise. The more I ask for the things GOD wants me to ask for, the stronger my faith becomes. The reason I will be able to believe larger things will come to fruition is because I would have seen GOD deliver me from the multitude of smaller things.

• Are you ready to grow your faith?
• Can you begin asking GOD for smaller things and watch HIM deliver you?
• Will you begin to put your trust in HIM today?

Ask HOW to do it

1 Chronicles 15: ¹² He said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 

¹³ It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.”

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Three O’clock in the morning and I could not get to sleep.  My boss who was hard as nails gave me little instruction for my daunting task. I fumbled to get something together for her but felt it wasn’t my best work. I nervously gave her my report and she stopped me from leaving. “Uh-oh” I thought.

She said in a calm yet firm voice, “All you had to do was ask and I would have clarified what I wanted.”

• Sometimes when I feel intimidated I back away.
• Sometimes when I feel inadequate I put together a flimsy plan.
• Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed I want to ball up and crawl in a corner.

Fear drives me to stand in the road and get hit by a truck. It makes me dream of problems more and more rather than focusing on what I am supposed to be doing. The more fear I have the more problems I see. BUT GOD wants me to behave differently.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM how HE wants to be served.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom before I seek my plans.
• GOD wants me to give HIM worship daily which means I need to stop and have time with HIM.

When I feel like GOD has disappeared and withdrawn, HE wants me to ask HIM what HE wants me to do next. HE can handle as many requests I can give HIM regarding clarity to serve HIM. HE knows my intentions and knows when I am trying to manipulate HIM to get my way.

HE will always see beyond my sins in order to being me to a better place. HE knows HIS wonderful plans for me, plans to prosper me.

• Are you trying to accomplish something?
• Do you feel your plans are falling apart?
• Can you ask GOD for clarification of what HE wants you to do today?

Asking GOD the right questions

1 Chronicles 14: ¹⁰ so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”

  

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Struggling to get the extremely large piece out of the garage, a few of us tussled with what I call “the Rock of Gibraltar furniture.” Three of us put our heads together, plotting our path carefully, hoping the furniture would get lighter. As we saddled this mountainous piece of furniture in our hands we struggled at the first set of steps just getting it into the house.

Once in, we had to climb steps, I believe these folks had 50,000 or so. I walked backwards and the other two gentlemen were on the end, pushing upward. When we reached the top of the stairway to my dismay, there were boxes blocking our path. We were holding this heavy thing and could not set it down!

• Sometimes I run into obstacles and feel discouraged.
• Sometimes I run into barriers and feel like giving up.
• Sometimes I run into road blocks and feel like dropping heavy loads.

My tendency is to “plan” better and cut GOD out of the picture. I mean we could have checked the full path and been successful right? Wrong! The path was clear but boxes were placed in the path as we were on our way. GOD wants me to plan but do it in a different way.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM if I should even be doing what I’m doing.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for success rather than focusing on my own power.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to handle extremely large problems as well as the small.

David’s army was but a flea compared to the Philistines. BUT GOD was with David and nothing could stop him. When GOD is with me who can be against me? GOD’s power is infinite, so it is up to me to ask HIM the right questions to determine my success that day.

• Are you making decisions on your own?
• Do you think you can accomplish things on your own power?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to do today?
• Will you look to GOD to provide “success” to you HIS way?

What would you ask for?

1 Kings 3: ⁵ At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

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⁷ “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. ⁸ Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. ⁹ So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

¹⁰ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 

¹³ Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. ¹⁴ And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”

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Each of my “very” big steps began with a feeling of inadequacy. Could I rise to the task or will I be a huge failure? Many times I just dove in “hoping” for the best.  BUT GOD wanted me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM for HIS strength when I feel inadequate.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for wisdom instead of another bill payment.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for a discerning heart to be able to see HIM working in spite of my sins.

Yeah, I know, “ask for the cash” sounds great, but GOD knows something about money that I don’t.  HE knows I’m corruptible and weak so HE would rather have me ask for HIS wisdom so I can follow HIS way. If HE decides to pour out wealth on me, then I will have the wisdom to use it to further HIS kingdom rather than building one of my own here on earth.

• Are you in need?
• What are you asking GOD for?
• Can you ask HIM to open your eyes to what HE is already doing in your life?
• Won’t you submit yourself to HIS guidance?

Asking for the correct path

2 Samuel 5: ¹⁸ Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; ¹⁹ so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

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When I began college I jumped right in, doing as I was told and failing miserably at it. In fact one professor said to me “unless you write a brilliant final, you WILL fail this class.” Ugh, the words still shutter in my mind!

When I graduated I thought to myself… “That was rough! How can I do things differently?” I got on my knees and began to pray this simple prayer “LORD please make me successful.” When I got up, nothing changed. I mean I still had a beat up car, bills and a job I had no clue how to conquer. But for some reason, I felt different.

• When I proceed in my plan without GOD I fail miserably.
• When I think I can do things without GOD I am sadly mistaken.
• When I march forward without GOD I run into many problems that HE allows me to stay in.

Desires and goals pop into my head and they seem quite innocent. I mean it’s not like I’m trying to hurt someone or perform a crime. BUT GOD wants my entire life

• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans because HE may have something different in mind.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans to give HIM the chance to say NO or NOT NOW or YES.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans so HE can add something special to them and truly make it a blessing.

When I leave GOD out of my plans, I leave out answers about the future that only HE knows. I leave out power to remove obstacles that only HE can remove. I leave out compassion for others that HE adds to my plan.

GOD answered my simple prayer and may me wildly “successful.” When I don’t include HIM, my plans fall apart, so I try to ask HIM for HIS blessings on a daily basis.

• Are you trying to do things on your own?
• Do you think you can execute your plan without GOD?
• Are you trying to execute a plan that has not been blessed by GOD?
• Won’t you ask HIM for direction today and allow HIM to work in your life?

Do not stop crying out to the LORD!

1 Samuel 7: ⁷ When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. ⁸ They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” ⁹ Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.

¹⁰ While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.

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One of my peers became my boss and all of us groaned.  He was a sneaky one who prowled around desks looking for the next idea he could take credit for. Our groan was because this was yet another person placed above us who could care less about us.

I found my energy to be low and my innovation hit rock bottom. Someone pulled me to the side and said, “You still have to perform even in difficult situations.”

• Sometimes when things look difficult I want to give up.
• Sometimes when circumstances seem against me I want to stop trying.
• Sometimes when situations seem bleak I want to throw up my hands and surrender.

It seems like when I say to GOD, “I will follow YOU”, I face the most difficult times. Israel had just pledged their commitment to GOD and threw away their idols. No sooner than they uttered those words, they were faced with total destruction. BUT GOD had a different plan.

• GOD wants me to give my fears to HIM by crying out to HIM with what I am fearful of.
• GOD wants me continue to cry out to HIM so I can put total trust in HIS ways and timing.
• GOD wants me to place my faith in HIS plan knowing the battle is already won.

I worry most when I work on my own plans under my own energy. I mean if I haven’t hear from GOD then my efforts seem unsure. Only when I cry out to the LORD for an extended period of time, do I hear from HIM and can gain clarity in my actions.

HE doesn’t always work on my worries right away, but HE always works on them right on time!

• Are you facing a large challenge?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you write down your specific worry and give it to GOD?
• Won’t you seek HIS power instead of exhausting yours?

My plan can only work one way

Judges 1:1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?”

² The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.”

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“Swagger” was another term for arrogance in the business. As I sat back and observed the partners of the company, I noticed they were very tough and deliberate.  In an effort to model their behavior, I had to become tough, but something else emerged. I learned how to “self-promote” in a smooth and cunning way.

I began to believe in myself so I set off in the direction “I” dreamt of. After a while it seemed like the partners who I patterned my style after, turned against me. My plans fell apart. I wonder who I could have consulted.

• When I develop plans without GOD they fail.
• When I think I make my plans successful under my own strength I fail.
• When I doubt I need GOD and try things on my own I fail.

GOD wants me to consult HIM and ask HIM which way HE wants me to go. HE wants me to allow HIM to say “No” or “Wait” or “Yes” when I ask HIM for something. If my heart is aching over the answer then I am not giving GOD the room to do as HE pleases with my life.

• GOD wants me to believe HE has the best plan for me no matter how strange it may look.
• GOD wants me to share my belief publicly so HE can get the glory and draw people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIS plan and to quit sulking when things look bleak.

After asking and listening, I should act in total belief of GOD’s blessing. When GOD says “go” I need to be ready to do as HE says. I must admit, HIS methods seemed quite strange to me and HE had me do some things in a very strange fashion, but when I look back, I can definitely see how HIS kingdom will grow and how HE has grown me!

• Is your plan falling apart?
• Are you feeling exhausted?
• Can you consult GOD to see if HE is in your plan?
• Won’t you ask HIM for clarity today and accept HIS answer

Too prideful to ask

Joshua 15: ¹⁶ And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” ¹⁷ Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.

¹⁸ One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”

¹⁹ She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

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Sitting in my apartment I had finally hit rock bottom. Bills were mounting, I was not in school but should have been and to top it all off, I had been dumped! My escapades from the previous night made me question whether I should even pray or not. I mean, I seemed to have been too much of a sinner so maybe I shouldn’t ask for help.

• When I think for GOD I get in the way.
• When I am too ashamed to pray I get in the way of GOD.
• When I feel I can’t ask GOD for anything I may be getting too prideful.

GOD said “ask and you will receive.” I always felt a little nervous about that because I am scared of becoming greedy, but going to the extreme and never asking GOD for anything is probably just as bad. I want to be the giver, not the one who is in need.  And I certainly don’t want to admit I am a sinner because it points out even further that I don’t deserve favor!

• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom first and all these things will be added to you.”
• GOD says to me “Ask and you will receive.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the poor in heart for they shall see ME.”

When I have too much pride or too much sin or too much fear I forget GOD has too much grace! GOD’s grace is sufficient so that blows away any excuse for me to come to HIM over and over and over confessing my sins.

GOD’s love is everlasting so that crushes any lie that says HE feels indifferent to me. GOD’s kingdom is everywhere and HE doesn’t mind if I ask HIM for what I need and believe HE will supply it.

GOD wants to bless me, in spite of me. HE didn’t wait for me to clean myself up before HE blessed me. In fact HE is blessing me right now in marvelous ways!

• Are you afraid to ask GOD for more than your needs?
• Are you ready to give in a greater way once HE does bless you?
• Can you recognize HE is blessing you even through your trials?
• Won’t you put aside your pride and ask HIM for what you desire?

I know that I know that I know

1 John 5: ¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

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“GOD please wake me up at 5:00 A.M.” I was told to say as an exercise in faith. I woke at 7:00 A.M. “Heal my eyes” I said with hopes of a self-claimed miracle. I still wear glasses to this day. “Please let my fantasy football team win” I lost. I could have used the cash to buy new golf clubs. I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         Sometimes I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         There are times when I doubt HE even cares because it seems like HIS answer is always “no.”

·         Sometimes I think I shouldn’t even pray because it seems like I’m wrong anyway.

My doubt in prayer leads to doubt in GOD.  It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom when I say to GOD “YOU wouldn’t want to give me what I want, would YOU?” After doubting my prayer then I walk away doubting my relationship with GOD. Then the thought popped in my head, “I wonder if there is a GOD?”

·         GOD says to me “Believe and I will forgive” and HE has never let me down.

·         GOD says to me “I love you and have a great plan for you” and HE has never steered me wrong.

·         GOD says to me “Have a little faith and I will show you MY unfailing, unchanging faith” and I have seen HIS greatness in action.

GOD isn’t a made up being for my amusement and sanity, rather HE is the creator who loves me and guides me daily. I can ask HIM whatever I want that is in alignment with HIS will and HE will provide it abundantly. I have learned to ask HIM “What do YOU want me to have” before asking for my item.

I now know that GOD loves me dearly and HIS answer is usually “yes” but it may be in a form I wasn’t anticipating.

·         Do you believe you will have eternal life through belief in JESUS being GOD and dying for your sins?

·         Do you believe GOD will answer your prayers?

·         Can you start seeking HIS will by asking HIM “is this what YOU want for me?”