Asking for Directions

John 13:1 - Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

One of the reasons prayer can be so difficult is because it requires us to admit that we need a higher power in our lives. For those who like to be in control of things, this is not always an easy thing to do. This is one of the reasons so many don't pray until absolutely necessary. It is that age old question again about "why some people (stereotypically men) don't stop to ask for directions." The reason is simple. We don't want to seem like we came unprepared. It makes us look incompetent. In a world where we are supposed to have it all together and provide for our families this is inexcusable. So we would rather drive around until we either figure it out for ourselves or are forced to admit that we need outside help. Many people take this approach to prayer. They do everything they can do before they pray. There is a little saying that "God helps those who help themselves." While this may be a great admonition against slothfulness, it has nothing to do with prayer. When we pray first, we avoid making so many pitfalls. We keep ourselves out of a lot of trouble that could have been avoided had we asked God what he thought about the matter.

Prayer is the greatest resource we have. God help us to learn to pray before any decision. Yes, it requires us to admit to God and ourselves that we are not independent of him. But what greater place to be in. God may help those who help themselves but I'd rather think of it this way: God help's those who put their trust in him.

One other reason we may not like to ask people for directions is we don't feel like being told, "I don't know." Or worst yet, we don't want to be given the wrong directions. Some people would rather give incorrect directions than admit they don't know what to tell you. With God you will never have to worry about that. He always knows where he is going and the best way to get there. Ask God for directions today. You'll get to your destination a lot quicker and with a lot less stress. He will not laugh, he will not find you incompetent, and he always knows the way. Try it and see.

Trusting Him Daily,

Sullivan Jones 

Speaking Softly

Living abroad I was often asked where I was from. The reason was simple - this accent stood out and definitely being foreign. At different times I was asked if I was American, British, German, and even French. One someone actually asked me if I was from Spain. That was a good day! 

As Christians our speech should identify us as being different. Yes, we speak the same language as others around us. But our speech should not be peppered with vulgarity. Our conversation should not be filled with off colored jokes or callous remarks. We should not tell jokes that are racially inappropriate either. We are representatives of the King of Kings. Paul said that we are ambassadors for Christ. Our co-workers should know that they can be counted on to tell the truth and we should not be knowns as backbiters and gossipers. It is easy to get frustrated but how we respond to that frustration tells a lot about who we are. 

Though none of us are perfect, our conversation will identify how much time we have spent in prayer and Bible reading. It will also tell how much time we spend on other things. Is our conversation about God? Does he even come up in daily conversation? Do we only talk about what we saw on television or the latest football games.  We must remember that our words will betray the contents of our hearts. Perhaps we would do well to record ourselves for a few days. Personally, there have been a few days when I would have been afraid to listen to my own conversations replayed. But God is recording every conversation and he knows exactly what's in the heart. Let us guard our hearts and our words will be no problem. 

Words are powerful; use them wisely. 

Speaking Softly,

Sullivan Jones 

Praying and Doing

Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 

It is clear from these words of Jesus that there will be people who professed to be Christians that do not make it to heaven. While these words are considered judgmental in many Christian circles, they are a direct quote of Jesus own teaching. True Christian discipleship is about putting action behind our words. None of us like to hear someone tell us they will do something when we know they do not actually mean it. The same is true with our prayer life. It is easy to make vows to God in a moment of contrition but it is what we do after the fact that really makes a difference. Prayer is more than just words, it is communication with God. Just as we can tell when someone is giving us lip service so can God tell. Let our prayers be from the heart with determination to do what is right. Anything else is not really prayer, it is sacrilege.

God, help me today to follow up my prayer with actions that please you. Amen!

Striving for Obedience,

Sullivan Jones