THE CHOSEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL...EXAMINE YOUR MOTIVES

THE CHOSEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: Monday, April 10th, 2017.

TEXT: James 4:1-4.

THEME: EXAMINE YOUR MOTIVES

MEMORIZE: “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand ” Proverbs 19:21

MESSAGE

Sometimes it is important for a person to step back and examine his or her heart especially when it seems that God has turned a deaf ear to our persistent cries. The person may have fasted, prayed, sowed seed and yet it seems as if the yoke will not break. At times like this it is important that we take stock of our lives to make sure that we are not the ones causing our own delays. Is there any unconfessed sins? Are you resisting doing restitution? Is there any area of your life where you are in disobedience to the Word of God? Whatever may be the case, you need to ask God to reveal it to you so you can deal with it.

There is however another aspect we should consider and that is what our main motive behind our request is? Is it to glorify God or to satisfy our vanity or lust? Why do you want to become a billionaire? Is it to finance the work of God and to be a blessing to His numerous people who are in need? Or is it so that you can become a mover and shaker in the society so everybody can be singing your praises and you become a ‘god’ to people below or around you? Is it to buy the latest and fastest cars and live in big mansions? Many have received God’s blessings and ceased to follow Him. They no longer come to fellowship. They are now too big to sit on plastic chairs. Whatever your motive is, God knows. He sees your innermost heart. He knows the beginning from the end. He is not interested in your comfort but your soul. For those He loves, He will delay the blessing till your heart and motives are aligned with His word. He will not give you a gift that will condemn your soul to hell.

In our text of today, James told us we ask and do not receive because we ask amiss. Are we into that category of people that seek the blessings of God to satisfy our lusts and not to deploy such for His use and glory? If so, we need to seek His face and ask for a change of heart and forgiveness. Remember we came with nothing and will go with nothing. Therefore we need to learn contentment and godliness. In both there is no sin.

Worship/praise God and then take the following prayer points:

1. O God expose my innermost thoughts to me. Let me see myself the way you see me, sanctify and purify my heart in Jesus' name.

2. Father teach me contentment and godliness and to use my resources to your glory in Jesus' name

3. Lord provide for the Chosen Ones so that we may have dominion in this world.

4. Father, I pray that you will provide for our GO and Mummy in the Lord in every way.

AUTHOR: PST LAZARUS MUOKA