Am I Talking to the Wall?

The Question:

Does God actually hear the prayers that I offer?  This is the age old question asked by many people from various walks of life.  Whether it is a prayer murmured before a game, a prayer uttered for a future spouse, or a prayer offered for good health, one may still wonder if it is actually being heard by God.

The Doubt:

The reason that there is room for doubt to creep into one's mind, concerning the receiving of prayer by God, is largely due to the manner in which said prayers are answered(see footnote*).  As mortal beings are bound to time, and ultimately the fate of death, there is a natural earnestness for expediency when one's desires are at stake.  A quick, and obvious, response to prayer is usually expected, but not always given; since the answer might not be given until a future date, since it might be given in a subtle response, or since it may even be just a simple 'no', one may begin to reason that the prayers are even heard and received by God.

The Promise:

 Fortunately, there is more evidence to work on than simply 'God works in mysterious ways' when answering the question about God hearing, and answering, prayer; quite a bit more, actually.  There are several scriptures providing assurance that prayers are indeed heard by God**.  James 1 says that God will give wisdom to those who ask.  James 5 says to pray when you are suffering(vs13).  It also states in verse 14, and verse 16, that prayer will restore the sick, and also that the prayer of the righteous will accomplish much.  1 John 5:14 states even clearer that Christians can have confidence that God will hear their prayers.  These scriptures indicate that God not only hears prayer, but that He also answers prayer.

The End:  

Sometimes it can be easy to become discouraged, feeling alone and lost, and thinking there is nobody there to help. But take courage because there is somebody who is always there to listen to your struggles and sorrows.  He will help you through the hardest times of your life, because He understands who you are, what you are, and what you need. God does indeed hear your prayers; they are not muffled and trapped by mankind's structures, and they do not dissipate into the atmosphere.  So the next time you are praying in your car, in a closet, or maybe even in a shower, have faith that your words are not falling upon deaf ears, but rather know that they are being received by your Creator who loves and cares for you.

 

* This blog does not intend to offer a conclusion on the manner in which prayers are answered.
** I feel the need to restate that this blog is not intended as an explanation of how prayers are answered, but simply that God does hear prayers. 

The Right Way to Suffer

1 Peter 3:17 -
"For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong"


The Dilemma

'But, I was good!  I did what I was supposed to do. I have always done what I was supposed to do.  Why am I being punished for doing what is good?'

Have you ever found yourself asking this question? I can think back to times in my life where this question came to mind when I was facing consequences of which I felt were undeserved.  When you make every attempt to do things right, and still you face tribulation and hardship, it can seem unfair.

The Truth

The fact of the matter is, you may be a really good person, and still have bad things happen to you.   Suffering is an inevitable part of life on this earth. To Christians, Peter is saying that if God should so will you to suffer, it is best to go through the suffering for doing what is right.  The alternative would be to suffer as a consequence of your own sin. And Peter plainly states that there is no credit for patiently enduring ill-treatment that you brought on yourself. 

The Hope

The great thing about righteous suffering is that there is value found within; it is pleasing to God, and you are blessed for doing so.  Peter even states one chapter earlier, in chapter two, that you actually find favor with God for patiently enduring unjust suffering.

This coincides directly with the thought that is portrayed in Romans 8:28. All things truly do work together for good to them that love God.  Is it not a great feeling to know that even in the face of unjust suffering, you can still bring glory to God, and blessings upon yourself?  There is no better thing that the created man can do for his Creator

The End

So the next time you find yourself saying "Why me?", think about the opportunity you are being presented, and what you can accomplish.  Do not be shocked when bad things happen in your life. You must face that, even while living an obedient Christian life, you are still living in the world. But take comfort that there are blessings for those who suffer for righteousness sake.

1 John 1:5-10 :: Conditional Servitude

It is often the case in our politically correct world of universal acceptance that God's word is changed, or at least "softened around the edges." In order to not hurt feelings, the stark and blunt truth is often discounted to a watered-down version that is open to anybody's personal interpretation of what they "feel" its meaning to be.  John makes a series of very honest and very blunt points in 1 John 1:5-10.

1. If you walk in darkness, you do not have fellowship with God, who dwells in the light, and you are a liar to claim that relationship status (v6).
2. Only when we walk in the light do we have fellowship with God and with His church, for when we are in the light, Christ's blood cleanses all sins (v7).
3. If we claim perfection, we are liars, the truth is not in us, and we are walking in darkness. This means that the blood of Christ does not cleanse our sins, that is, while we claim that we have nothing needing cleansed (v8).
4. If we confess our sins, Christ will forgive them (v9).
5. Once again it is stated if we claim we have not sinned, it is in turn making God out to be a liar. Paul claims through inspiration that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23).

This message is not politically correct, because it singles out people. It also says that some people are right, and some people are wrong, which is nearly a taboo thing to believe in this day and age.  Along with this, those who refuse God's gift of salvation are not continually cleansed by Christ's blood. This is the doctrine of "once saved always saved" and it simply does not coincide with 1 John 1. There might be arguments that exist based upon certain portions of scripture in a limited context, but we need to remember that God's word is complete, and it consists of the entirety of scripture, and not just a section here or there.

Let us hold fast to the truth of God and not be calloused by this perverse generation that seeks to block out God's glory and His justice. Remember, we will all face the judgement, and in that day it will bode well for those who read and obeyed God's word.

Initial Post

I have contemplated for a long time whether or not I would start a blog. I have finally decided to do so, and I am excited about it.  I am going to share my thoughts on faith, theology, devotional thoughts, and posts along the nature of said thoughts.