A few fun fall finds ** Our motives

James 4: 3 

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Prayer connects our heart with God’s heart.

However, for many people, when they think of the word “heart” they think of their emotions.

Particularly feelings like love… sadness… and hope.

We often think the heart is for feeling, and the brain is for thinking and logic.

Almost as if the two are opposed against each other.

However, the Bible teaches, that the heart is the center of every facet of being a human.

Which includes our reason… our emotions… and our will.

The heart directs our affections, and shapes our decision making.

This is why Jesus said in Matthew 6:21; “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.

And our intentions reveal something deeper and that is to whom [who] do we serve… God or self?

Because if our identity is in Christ, then the intentions of our heart will line up with the Word of God  and righteousness. 

But if our identity is wrapped up in our self… then the intentions of our heart will be in seeking personal gratification.

You see, it is useless to ask God to bless any area of our life when we willingly indulge in worldly behaviors and attitudes.

If we really want our prayers to be answered, then we’ll be willing to let God have His way... no matter what.

The pattern for our prayers is to be like that of our Lord Jesus… “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Our heavenly Father loves to answer the prayers of His children when they are asked from a humble heart that loves and trusts Him and is seeking to do His will.

Just one renewing encounter with God can change everything.

And it’s always just one prayer away.

God Bless and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the video...