And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
1 John 5:14, ESV
Whatever will bring God glory and spread His love and grace, God will give us when we ask, and He gives us the Holy Spirit so that He can help us to know what to ask for.
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:1-3, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Jesus came to live amongst us, teaching the truths of God and proving them with miracles, signs, and wonders.
Even the religious elite could see it.
The Messiah had come! It must be the Prophet that Moses spoke of (Deuteronomy 18:15-22), the one who would restore Israel!
Yet, God came to us, showing us how little we understand, that we need to be different.
The Savior had indeed finally come, but He was not what was expected.
To follow Him, to be saved, means becoming a new – renewed – person.
Jesus said we must be born again, but even one of the great teachers of Israel could not comprehend it.
Salvation is simultaneously so simple to grasp yet so difficult to understand.
Like Nicodemus, we must be wise enough to seek the Savior and to understand His teachings.
Christ has come, but we must seek Him and ask for wisdom. (Matthew 6:33; James 1:5)
May we seek the Lord who has offered us His wisdom and salvation.
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:7-8, ESV
God knows what we need, so we do not need to try to please Him with many words or flowery speech. He lives in us by the Holy Spirit, so He helps us to ask.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
1 John 5:14, ESV
We can know we are saved in Christ, and as we become more Christ-like, we want the same things as God. We will ask for the things He wants more and more, especially that which brings others to Him and bring ls Him glory.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6, ESV
It is okay to be concerned about things, but our concern should not become worry and anxiety. Rather, we should talk to God (pray and ask), thankfully remembering that He proved His power and faithfulness through the cross.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!