April 11th, 2007
My Motives for Asking
“Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name.”
Psalm 79:9
I have been reading through the One Year Bible that the church gave out in January. I enjoy seeing how the Bible weaves together with common themes. In the last few days it hit me how God warned Moses at the end of Deuteronomy that the Israelites, who adamantly promised their allegiance to the Lord, would turn from him once they got established and prosperous. Before they even entered the Promised Land God said they would reject him. Then, in the Psalms, Asaph writes how God has brought judgment on the Israelites because of their rejection of Him. Was I convicted by God’s judgment on those who don’t live wholly for Him? Yes – in fact, the last few days I have been searching my own heart because of God’s warnings of judgment for those who don’t obey Him completely. However, that’s not what hit me today 
Asaph writes in Psalm 79 about God’s judgment, and he begs God for relief from the devastation that is occurring. In the midst of his prayer he states that his reason for asking for God’s help is so that God looks good – for God’s glory.
God wants to help us – so many of us have dreams, desires and real needs, whether it be health, a new home, a job, a new car, more wisdom, more respect… And, we read in Luke 12:22-32 that it pleases God to give gifts and to take care of his flock. I guess my question comes, “Why do I want what I want?” Can I honestly say that I am praying for something so that God gets glory? Or is it for my own comfort, self-esteem or community standing? Am I prepared that when God grants my request, He may ask me to use that gift in a way I don’t want to? Or what if he grants my request for awhile but then takes away the gift? Do I get upset with what God is not giving me, or am I looking at WHATEVER God gives me – whether a house, children, health insurance, job, as mine?
This challenges me as I pray. When I pray for my own requests, I want to make sure that my ultimate desire is for God to look good. When I pray for you (which I want to do – please let me know how I can), I can promise you that I will pray not only for your need, but also that God will get the total glory from whatever His answer. And what is my prayer for the church, its programs, finances? That He would help us for the glory of His name.
April 12th, 2007 at 10:58 am
I think this will be a wonderful way for the women of our church to connect as if in a bible study or small group but in a much more convenient way. Face to face is definitely the preferred way but this will allow each and everyone of us to participate if we want to at a time when it’s most convenient. Thank you for allowing God to work through you and for obeying the Holy Spirit’s promptings to continue to find ways to serve the women!
Love & Peace!
April 13th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
You’re so right - and hopefully this will spark conversation not only online but face-to-face! I am also very interested to hear people’s feedback or further insights that I didn’t see. I am praying that God will use this medium for His glory!