April 14. Ezra ch 10-Nehemiah ch 3
MAKING YOUR PRAYER EFFECTIVE
Then they will call upon me (Wisdom), but I will not answer; They will seek me eagerly but they will not find me, Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord [that is, obeying Him with reverence and awe-filled respect], They would not accept my counsel, And they spurned all my rebuke. Therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their own [wicked] way And be satiated with [the penalty of] their own devices.
Proverbs 1:28-31 AMP
GOOD DAY God is not to be the spare tyre of our life’s journey. Most people make Him the spare tyre to be referred to only when they have a breakdown and are stranded. In fact, rather than ask Him for counsel, some will blame and even curse Him for happenings in their lives or the world in general. God however keeps calling us to want to point us to the right way. The world is worried about climate change on earth but the people are violating one important precept that is causing great changes with consequences showing up now. It is written “The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, But the earth He has given to the children of men.”Psalms 115:16 AMP. Man has left the earth and is exploring the heavens. These have consequences though we claim it is advancement. We violate His moral code for living and persistent abuse leads to bad consequences which we do not like. Then we rush to either call on Him or blame Him. Either way, He refuses to answer. A flash change of heart or ways because we are in trouble and want relief is as bad as not having a change of heart at all. He cannot be deceived, whatever a man sows he shall reap. Whoever will want to call God and have Him answer instantly must purposely live for Him by His own terms.
It may be difficult to live by His terms in some situations but He sees the heart. This story of Naaman comes to heart. Read it in 2 Kings 5:1-20 but here is the relevant summary of when it is impossible not to shift in nature. Naaman said,
“In this matter may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” He said to him, “Go in peace.” …’2 Kings 5:18-19 ESV. At such times, God sees the heart. Before you blame God for matters of your life or unanswered prayer next time, ask yourself if you have been on His side consistently in your thoughts and actions.
PRAY: Dear Lord God, help me to live in a way that keeps me close to You all the days of my life.
Bose Olatunbosun
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