DAY 29
James 4:3
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
THOUGHT
When I think about this verse, I often think back to when I was in high school, and I would ask my parents for money, spending it on temporary pleasures such as clothes. I wasn't wise with what I had been given. Over time, my parents quickly caught on and stopped giving me money because they saw how unwise I had been with it and how it was not benefiting me. This reminds me of our heavenly Father. He wants what is best for us at all times. He is a loving father who gives His children good gifts, often even when we don't ask. But, when we do ask with wrong motives, He doesn't want to see us fail or be unprepared for what we ask. God sometimes says no to protect and prepare us for things He has in store for us. When we ask the Father for the right things with the right motives that align with what He has in store for us, He gives it to us generously!
ACTION
Reflect- It's important to have time for reflection. When you evaluate where you are emotionally,
spiritually, and mentally, you know what to ask the Father for during your prayer time. You can understand and discern your request to ensure it aligns with God's direction.
Give thanks- The Bible talks about giving thanks to God. Thus, it’s important to practice gratitude, for it helps recenter your motives when praying.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You for what You have done for me, for the things that I have, and for the situations You have spared me from. Thank You for knowing what I need before I even ask. God, I pray that You would purify my heart and give me a clear vision of the things that I want for myself. I pray that You would make my motives pure and allow them to align with Your plans for my life. I pray that the things I speak life into and pray about will benefit Your kingdom. In Your name, I pray these things. Amen.