GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYERS

(Phil 4:19 KJV) - (19) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

(Luke 11:11 KJV) - (11) If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

God always answers prayers.  Sometimes He says yes, sometimes He says no, sometimes He says maybe, and sometimes He just says wait; answers none the less.  Now here is the dilemma, we oftentimes do not like the answers.  Therefore, we decide that God didn’t answer our prayer requests.  For these reasons, some will say, God does not exist. 

We must be specific with our prayers.  Yes He does know our heart but do we know what we are asking.  You cannot make a prayer request for transportation to and from work and the answer to your prayer is a co-worker who lives near and gladly takes you to and from work.  Isn’t that an answer to your prayer?  Maybe you should have been more specific if you were hoping for a car instead of carpooling.  I can almost hear your grumbling now.  You are mumbling, “if God knows everything He knew I was praying for a new car.”  Maybe He did but maybe He knew best.  Just maybe you couldn’t afford a car; car note, insurance, gas, maintenance and parking fees.  So the prayer was answered just not in the manner that you thought it should be.  Imagine that, we don’t have the mind of God.  Here is the other side of the coin suppose God in His permissive will answered your prayer request of a new car.  Over a period of time, you begin to struggle with the financial obligations attached to your new (I’ve got to have it) car.   It is possible with the added expense you get behind in your other financial obligations; lights, water, gas, rent/mortgage, child care, healthcare, credit cards etc.  Let us not forget groceries, toiletries and household staples and unexpected costs.  Now the things you used to do for entertainment for instance; movies, books, music or eating out, perish the thought.  I am well aware of this because it is a testament to my desires, wants and not my needs.  Wouldn’t it have been better for me to continue carpooling?

You are saying what does this have to do with you?  You have not prayed for a car.  Well let’s get personal about interpersonal relationships.  Most of us at some point have prayed for that perfect mate.  After we pray we want instant results, microwave answers.  Consequently, we believe the first person we encounter after begging and pleading with The Lord is him (her).  If outward appearances are important to you then don’t think you can turn Godzilla, Mothra or Swamp Thing into Adonis or Aphrodite.  A drug dealer is not a pharmacist.   One who earns their income through illegal activities (i.e. embezzlement) is not a financial manager or investment broker.   A “creative dancer” in a night club is not a ballet dancer (danseur or danseuse).  Laundering illegal money doesn’t make him or her a successful entrepreneur.

You cannot change anyone.  This doesn’t mean that God can’t effect change in you or someone else.  It may very well be the skills one uses for illegal activity was a misused and misguided talent.  (Psa 27:14 KJV) - (14) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. 

Finding Life By Losing It

A Paradox

Mat 16:26 KJV - For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

So often when we attempt to witness to others their main concern; whether spoken or unspoken; is what they might lose as a result of becoming followers of Christ.  Some will even say - I'm not ready yet; I will when the time is right or I'm having too much fun right now. We are creatures of habit.  Bad habits will destroy us.  Giving up something we are familiar with, comfortable with, attracted to or attached to is seemingly very hard.  Have you ever tried to take something potentially harmful from a baby's mouth or hand?  The baby will put up what seems like a fight for his or her life.  That is all they know; immediate gratification until given an alternative that is equally or greater in satisfaction.  You as the parent or guardian know best.  That is the way it is with God. He knows what is best for us.  He has offered us an alternative, Jesus!

We are sometimes in need of or addicted to things, food, activities, people or lifestyles that are potentially harmful to our health, finances and lives here on earth. Our human vision is limited.  Quite often we feel we are having the time of lives; living life to its fullest until as our parents would say, "It's time to pay the piper."  Bad feet from ill-fitted shoes; over-weight or under-weight from poor eating habits; alcohol, drug, sex, and over-spending addictions that require the need of rehabilitation, counseling and/or medical treatment.  We sob (Save Our Bodies) relieve me from this discomfort.  Why not send up a distress signal - SOS - Save Our Souls.

We can have fun without it being a detriment to our souls. If you are of my generation, maybe you can remember an old tv show by the name of Father Knows Best and if you make God (the father) the head of your life He knows what is best for His children.

Come To Jesus!!!