Wednesday, Febuary 8, 2006
GodThoughts Wired!
"Unseen Power"*
BUILDING THE HOUSE OF PRAYER: Final Thoughts
BUILDING THE HOUSE OF PRAYER: Final Thoughts
Whether it was the devil trying to tempt Him (see Matthew 4:4-10), or various others simply seeking direction, Jesus was consistently in the habit of using the scripture to answer any and all questions. More times than not, Jesus would begin a response by saying, "It is written" (see Matthew, chapter 5, for example). He was constantly down-playing the opinions of man, and we are called to do the same. Why?
"There is a way which seems right to a man,
but its end is the way of death."
Proverbs 16:25
Indeed, when someone asks you a question, I wholeheartedly believe that the most effective disciple-makers among us will consistently begin our responses with, "The Bible Says..." In this light I recently had a sincere subscriber respond to our recent series on prayer. He wrote:
"Your February 3rd GodThoughts, "Unseen Power," was one of those that made me think. I would like to share these thoughts with you, not necessarily to debate or rebuttle, but simply because a diversity of thoughts is one of the greatest keys to an open mind. I believe that God answers every prayer. Please do not misunderstand--"answer" does not mean "grant." My definition of answer is "to acknowledge and respond to." Perhaps a clearer statement would be
I believe that God responds to every prayer. I think many Christians forget
that "no" can be an answer too."
While it is certainly comforting and hopeful to believe that "God answers every prayer," let's take a look at what the Bible actually says:
"Though you multiply prayers, I will not listen...
Though they will cry to Me, yet I will not listen to them...
Then they will cry out to the Lord, but He will not answer them...
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear...
And we know that God does not hear sinners..."
Isaiah 1:15; Jeremiah 11:11; Micah 3:4; Psalm 66:18; John 9:31
Opinions are just that, opinions. But there is only one inspired, infallible, completely trustworthy and utterly reliable word of God. Indeed, there is a way that SEEMS! right to a man...but all of our opinions, ALL OF THEM, must be sifted through the grid of the word of God, if we are to continue walking in the resurrection power and presence of the Lord.
Amen?
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