Today was one of those early mornings when sleep had forsaken both myself and our very early, two years old riser. My mind was most hungry for something spiritually appealing during these hours, so I decided to have a light snack from the Bible buffet😋. Sure enough I couldn’t be satisfied with just a snack, I ended up having a feast. Yes, yes yes- 😌, of course I saved some just for you.
I have read the gospel of John chapter fourteen, many times, but this morning I had one of those ah-ha moments.
In verses thirteen and fourteen Jesus was telling His disciples, and by extension, you and I, that whatever you want, and ask for, in His name, He will give it.
That’s like a blank check, isn’t it🤑? It is at these verses many people stop to demand the house, car, healing, money, spouse, children, job, etc.
But if we keep reading, we will realize that the next verse hinges on these two verses. It’s the caveat to demanding certain things of God. It’s the key to open the door of possibilities; the signature to cash your blank check. Without the application of this one verse, your demands to God, may continue to be just that-demands.
Verse fifteen says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
At first glance, one would think this verse is independent of the verses that preceded it. But to me, it’s the stipulation to receive the demands you make.
One of my favorite authors puts it this way, “Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah.”
Let’s put it in context, shall we? You beg, “Lord heal me from this disease”, yet you continue to eat or drink the things He bids you not to eat.
If we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a “paycheck” to be cashed when we have not fulfilled the conditions that would make it payable to us. We present to God His promises, and ask Him to fulfill them. But if God fulfilled these promises, He would dishonor His own name.
In her book Christ’s Object Lesson, E. G. White says, “[We] bring the name of Christ as [our] authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.”
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “Keep My commandments.”
Claim the promises, but while you’re waiting for God to do His part, make sure you’re doing yours; keeping His commandments.
I hope I’ve whet your spiritual appetite. Now go taste and see that the Lord is good!
Merry Melodious Melody
You had me at the edge of my seat holding my breath couldn’t exhale looking for more. I look forward to these nuggets every week , Thanks sis, they’re always a blessing.
☺️☺️ thank you Jill. I’m encouraged by your comment.
Yes indeed! My spiritual energy is up. Way up! After eating this nugget I’m full. It’s delicious. Thank you for the goodies.I’ve taste and I’ve seen that the Lord is good Let’s praise the Lord!!!
Praise the Lord! If only many more would develop a taste for His word.
I am so inspired
Psa 34 : 8 says Oh
taste and see that the Lord is good Blessed is the man that trusted in him .
He said taste and see , when we are cooking we usually taste to know if it is good enough,so the Psalmist reminds us to taste and see
God is extremely good to me, His goodness and His grace overwhelmed me just taste and see he never fails he also invites us to come to fountain of living waters drink where we will never thirst again St John 4 :14
So good to taste let us keep on tasting so we can have well of waters springing up into everlasting life
May God help us all
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Yes Mother Wil, He’s our bread of life. It’s so reassuring to know His fountain never runs dry. I will eat and drink along with you.