- Details
- Written by: Don Goulding
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete. (John 16:24)
When we were children my siblings and I bought our father an Easter present—a fluffy, live chick. It was a thinly veiled ploy to get something we wanted. Dad named the bird No No. After the first screeching attempts at cock-a-doodle-do at five a.m. in the city, No No was sent away. So much for manipulating our father.
Later, as a young adult I tried to maneuver God into answering prayers my way. Like that Easter chick, I pretended my requests were made on behalf of his kingdom. In actuality, they centered on what I wanted.
Today, I still can’t claim to fully understand how prayer works. I’m fairly sure that to ask for anything in Jesus’s name is not a magic phrase tacked on the end that forces the genie to perform. I believe calling on his name is connected to praying in the Spirit, as the New Testament encourages in several places. It means I pray in harmony with his will, not mine.
The rare occasions I allow the Holy Spirit to pray his prayers through me in Jesus’s name, are the times I see doors open. A joyful assurance confirms my requests are heard, and I can rest in God’s perfect timing for the answer.
Prayer: Patient Father, teach me to pray in Jesus’s name.
- Details
- Written by: Don Goulding
So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
I am not bound to win
But I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed,
But I am bound to live up to what light I have. (Abraham Lincoln)
In 1888, Canadian born Dr. William Leslie began a career as a medical missionary in Africa’s Congo. After years of fruitless ministry among the cannibals, he had a fallout with a tribal chief, and was told to never return. Dr. Leslie retired in 1928 believing his ministry had failed.
Jesus of Nazareth was the most inspired speaker of his, or of any era. He demonstrated the power necessary to overcome his enemies, whether they be Roman or Jewish. But on a dark Friday, Jesus, the Son of God, was captured, beaten, and crucified. His followers defected, and the greatest potential ever known to mankind was squandered.
These two lives share something in common. By the world’s standards they both died abject failures. However, God views success differently.
In 2010, eighty-two years after Dr. Leslie left the Congo, another missionary expedition flew into the same jungle. They discovered the seeds the good doctor planted had taken root in the form of eight village churches spread over thirty miles.
We also know the outcome of the tragic death of Jesus—how he was celebrated by angels as the greatest victor in history.
Earthly failure is the soil that best grows heavenly success.
Prayer: Gracious Father, redeem my failures.
- Details
- Written by: Don Goulding
You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying,
“This is the correct way, walk in it,”
whether you are heading to the right or the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
I’m directionally challenged. I’ve been lost in Spain, China, Panama City, the Fijian jungle, and the Canadian ocean. To travel with me is to spend blocks of time puzzling over our location.
Enter GPS mapping technology. Thank you, Jesus. Somewhere in the unseen space above, satellites beam location data to my smartphone. A pleasant voice says, “Turn right in five hundred feet.” On land or sea I know where where to go.
We also have a GPS for life—the Holy Spirit. Like my phone, I keep the Spirit with me here on earth. He stays in communion with my Father in heaven and, largely through the Bible, relays love and direction to my heart. I can navigate life with confidence.
I would have expected God’s GPS to give me directions like, “In one year there will be an obstacle of a job change, so get ready.” Instead, the stream I receive is, “I love you, I’m with you, peace, joy, you are mine, turn left now.”
My life plans are only revealed on a need to know basis—and mostly, I don’t need to know. My gracious Father is in charge of directions, not me.
God’s primary message repeated to my simple heart is, “I love you.” When I receive that, I find I know where I’m going, to whom I belong, and what to do in the next moment.
Prayer: Sweet Holy Spirit, help me receive your guiding love.