07/12/2011 - THE ONES WHO NEVER RECEIVE ANYTHING

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For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.

James 1:7

How sad it is to see people wasting time and opportunities! Some think that their youth will last forever or that they will stay in this world for an indefinite period of time. As if that were not enough, we find – even in evangelical groups – many lazy people who are no longer interested in learning the Word or surrendering to God completely, and as a result they live a troubled life. Some even blame the Lord, saying that their shortcomings are the result of His will. However, he who puts into practice what the Bible reveals becomes a winner.

One of the worst things that can happen to anyone who embraces the Gospel is to imitate the religious and superstitious people for they have nothing of God in their life. They are taught by demons to create many strange practices – and in some cases, even funny ones – and they start having a life style that differs from normal people. They drift away in such a manner that even their gait and speech change. They take on mannerisms and have an air of superiority. But those who live this way are not pleasing the Lord and oftentimes they are attacked by all kinds of problems.

God only answers the prayer of those who act according to His instructions. However, these instructions are not imposed on us whimsically as if the Almighty decreed that if we do not act according to His will, He will not hear our petition. Absolutely! The Lord gives us His guidance to show us how everything works. However, he who rebels against the ordinances of the Lord is, unconsciously, being carried away by the spirit of error. Sadly these people do not know that in the spiritual world they are labeled as rebellious and foolish and if they do not mend their ways they will never receive anything from the Lord. They could be given the same opportunities as those granted to the ones who hear what the Word of God teaches, but because they prefer rebellion to obedience they are excluded from the heavenly boon.

For a better understanding, let us imagine that a certain farmer has in his land a great electric potential. As a matter of fact, it was the Creator who made at that farm a large waterfall formed by a huge lake, which, in turn, is formed by an immense river. All he needs to do is to install the energy producing equipment there, but because that farmer is a mystic man, he stands before the waterfall praying, asking those bulky waters to produce the necessary electricity. This will not happen, right? The same principle is applied to those who despise God\’s guidance.

Be wise and do not waste the potential that your faith has in the Lord. Act correctly and be prepared for heavenly surprises, because you can do everything through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares