THE NARROW PATH TO RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - DAY 48

by Rev. Robert John Cericola, Carroll, OH - EUA 

Day 48

Asking

James 4:2–3 (NKJV) You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

As we follow the Narrow Path to Relationship with God, we are being changed inwardly into the image of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Our selfish nature, that lives to fulfill the lusts of the flesh is transforming into the love nature of God that lives to serve others.

Love motivated God to send Jesus. John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  Love motivated and continues to motivate God to action and as our transformation process progresses our character and motivation for asking our Father in the Name of Jesus changes. 

Jesus instructs us to make no request of Him but take our requests to God the Father and when we make our request make it using His Name. The name of a person does not always represent the character of the person, but the Name, Jesus used in these verses do represent the character of Jesus the Son of God.

John 16:23 (AMP) And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions] I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM].

John 16:24 (AMP) Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.

James clearly points out a selfish prayer request receives no answer from God and that principle applies even if we attach the Name of Jesus at the end of our prayer request. However beloved, when you approach the Throne of Grace with your heart breaking for the lost, the hurting, or those bound in disease, you will be asking in The Name of Jesus which represents all that He is. And God will move into action.

Ending Thoughts

No turning back beloved. There are many in the valley of decision that need you and I to go to the Throne of Grace with the love in our hearts that represents The Name of Jesus and ask on their behalf.