I WANT

Good morning. Once again, I would like to thank you for taking the time to allow me to share what God has laid on my heart. I pray that you had an excellent weekend and that if you work, you are one of the lucky ones to have today off. Sunday is that one day a week when everything is suppose to stop, our focus is to turn to the Lord and worshiping Him and fellowship with other believers. O what the majority of the world is missing by choosing to to observe this Holy day.

Today's topic comes from something I heard at a singing sometime back and I still hear the man on the radio say it form time to time. IF, God answered everyone of my prayers for the last six months, how would the world be different. It made me stop and think of areas in my own life where I am lacking to please God, and that it's not all about me.

In the book of Acts, chapter 3 we read about a beggar, lame from birth, who was sat daily at the gate of the temple to beg for alms (or money) for his support. He had been doing this for many years. On this particular day, Peter and John were on their way into the temple to pray at the appointed time when they saw this beggar and this is what the scriptures tell us. Acts 3:1-8 says, "1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God."

You see, this beggar thought he knew what he wanted and/or needed, money. But God knew he needed healed. James 4:3 says, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

I challenge you today to examine your prayer life, your wants, needs and request that have been made lately. Then I want you to think of what you have done for Him lately, or what excuses have you made for not doing what God would have you do. Now, I wonder, what kind of shape we would be in, if when we went to God with our long laundry list of "wants and needs", He gave us back some of the excuses, we pawn off on Him.

PRAYER: "Lord please help me with my rebellious child?" GOD: "Not today, I'm too tired from hunting yesterday, maybe next week. PRAYER: "Lord help me with my finances?" GOD: "Maybe in a week or two, but right now I'm just too busy enjoying this beautiful weather." PRAYER: "Lord help my mom or dad past this trial they are going through please?" GOD: "I would, but I didn't realize it was Sunday already and I have made some other plans. You understand don't you? Maybe later." PRAYER: “Father please spend some time with Mr. Smith, he is so lonely?” GOD: “I was going to do that, but it is baseball, softball, football, basketball, soccer season and I just have to many irons in the fire right now.”

You say, "this is ridiculous" right? But it is the same bologna we give God daily. Now before you start throwing stones at me, I am not saying that you have to do for God, for Him to do for you, but what I am saying is how can we go to Him and "expect" action and results, when we give little to nothing in return.

Just as God knew and provided that lame man what he needed through Peter, He will do what is best for us. So let's make a commitment today to seek God's will and what pleases Him, and as we are told in Matthew 6:33, "these things shall be added to you". It is not about what " I want", but what He knows is best, and we will be the better for it.

Which do you think the lame man would rather have looking back, a coin or two, or his body whole? Do for God because you love Him, and see how He blesses you.

Remember: "I want", no, it is what He wants and we will be the better for it.

Until next time, please pray for each other, and me, as I continue to pray for each of you. Love in CHRIST,

Brian Hanvey

Associate Pastor