Thursday, May 26, 2016

SOAP 05/24/2016; 1 John 5:14-15

Today's reading: 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5*

S) "14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him."

1 John 5:14-15 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 John 5

O) This is a wonderful promise, and it also defines a proper heart-posture. The promise, is that our prayers are heard and will be answered, if they are according to God's will. The reason that it also addresses the posture of the heart, is because it starts with asking according to His will. That really requires humility, a desire for Him and His ways, and a willingness to be taught by the Scriptures and godly wisdom.

A) The confidence gained from this promise is great, indeed! When I am desiring God's will, trusting in His plans and lovingkindness toward me, then I really have no reason to worry at all. I can still pray for the things I want, but if I am humbly accepting that what I want may be different than His will, and I am deferring to His will as being correct and good for me, then I can confidently accept whatever the answer is. If He grants my request, then I am confident His will is happening. If my request is not given, then I am confident what He has for me is better.

P) Father, this grace is astounding. I am humbled when I consider how good You are to me. Father, help me constantly and consistently seek Your will, and desire Your will, over anything else for my life. May every prayer I ever utter, ever form in my heart, always be bent in submission to Your will alone. You are Lord over my life, but You are righteous and compassionate and good. I never have anything to fear, when I am in Christ Jesus, living in Your grace. Thank You for this confidence. May it always reflect Your glory, and never be cause for pride in my heart. Everything good I have is because of You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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