Making you Requests in Jesus name

John 14:13 - " And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

John 15:7-8 - " If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

These are two well known verses have been used extensively in our Christian walk. These are two verses that are the bed rock of name it claim it preachers. At a glance, it seems that Jesus is saying ask it and I will snap to it and give you what you ask.

Yet with greater reflection, we see some truths that are necessary to understand in order to grasp the full implications of these verses.

In the first text, there are two keys to receiving your answer (request). It is to be done in Jesus name, more specifically according to His will. Jesus name is not a magic wand to get what you want. If I ask for something in president Trump's name, it is because he told me to ask for it. If he didn't tell me to ask for it, and the person checks with president on the matter to find out president Trump never said such a thing. I will not get what I asked for, but maybe get jail time or a fine. It is the same with God the Father, when we ask for something in His name. The Father checks with the Son on the matter. When we ask something in Jesus name without His authorization, we are using His name in vain. Another aspect of this is that the Father responds to the request that the Son may receive glory.

In the second text, there three reasons to receiving the answer to our prayers (requests). The first is remaining connected with Christ in a healthy relationship that involves us obeying His Word. The second reason is the purpose of bringing glory to the Father. The third reason is that you might bear much fruit that people might see you are Christ's disciple. This fruit is not only referring to the fruit of the Spirit, but the work of the Spirit as well.

Lord help us to be more thoughtful in our prayer life and be lead by your Spirit in prayer. Help us to remain connected with you, and may your purposes be accomplished.

The Night is coming where no man will be able to do the work of Jesus

John 9:4 - "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work."

Darkness is coming over the earth. Now is the time to shine our brightest because there will be a time when we will no longer be able do the work of the Lord. He could be referring to the coming of Christ and His judgment on the earth. Yet, I believe he is speaking of the persecution of the church. When we the church will not be able to work in the open.

The light of Christ will never be diminished, but the freedom to do the work of Christ will be diminished. A look over history shows us how time and time again governments and people have tried to snuff out the Gospel. Even though man has failed to do this, it doesn't negate the fact believers have gone under ground in many countries.

I am glad that Haiti has freedom of religion even more then the United States, but let us not become lazy in our witness and work for the night is coming. It is now as we see night approaching that we must give our all to the work of the Lord.

Hebrews 10:25 - "not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

As night approaches, and Christ coming is approaching, we need each other more then ever. Even though for a time believers being hindered from coming together, it must only be for a time. We must as the church not except this to be the new normal.

Preparing others for Greatness

John 3:30 - "He must become greater; I must become less.”

John the baptist was the forerunner of Christ. He ushered Jesus into His ministry. He prepared the peoples hearts to receive the Christ.

John 4:1-2 - "Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples."

Jesus ministry grew, and surpassed John's ministry. Sometimes God uses us to usher in another ministry or minister that becomes greater than our own. This is a great thing when God uses us to enable others in ministry. Jesus did it from the very start of His ministry. It was the power of the Holy Spirit that propelled Jesus into a powerful ministry, but it was John the baptist who was catalyst by the Holy Spirit to lay the ground work for Jesus ministry.

There is no greater thing than being used by God as catalyst for another person ministry and greatness. I rejoice that their are those whom I have prepared for service. Who are doing greater things than me.

Matthew 11:11 - "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.."

John was great because he faithfully fulfilled his calling and ushered in the ministry of one who was greater than him.

Greatness is is being a servant, and allowing people to stand on your shoulders to reach greater heights then you in Christ.