Can we really ask for anything?

You can quote Jesus on this.   Yes ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  John 14:14

What great news.  Because I saw this really nice red muscle car the other day.  I don't have the money for it.  I can just ask Jesus for the new car.

Right?

If you have been studying the Bible for long, you have learned some rules of interpreting literature.  Read the context.  If you quote the president out of context you could make him look better or worse than he actually is.  You could do the same with the Bible.

Jesus did not say this in the temple.  There were many religious leaders in the temple.  Most of them were out of touch with God.  They were better at teaching rules, traditions and keeping their success in religion.  

Jesus did not teach this to the crowds.  He did tell the crowds to bring requests to God.  He told them how God cared like a father cares for his children.  

But, the Bible teaches that selfish prayers are not answered.  And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure.  James 4:3

Jesus told his disciples to ask for anything.  In John 14, this is the night before Jesus dies on the cross.  The disciples would take on the work that they had been doing, but without Jesus leading them.  Most of them would die for declaring the truth about God.  In prayer they would still have everything they need to do the work that God wanted them to do.  

You can ask Jesus for anything if you are living in the way of the disciples.  If you have decided to walk in the ways of Christ.  If you live life to help people the way that Jesus did.  

When I go out to help people the way Jesus did, I need his help.  I need an understanding to know how God sees people around me.  And yes resources as I sacrifice what I have to live on this mission.  

Working to live this out today.  

There are times when prayer does not work

Does prayer work?  If I ask for something, will God give it to me?

Prayer does work, but not for everyone.  The Bible says if I continue in sin God does not listen.  If I do not love my wife the way I should, my prayers are hindered.  If I will not turn from my ways that are wicked, God does not hear.

This makes sense.  As if God would help me steal something or cheat on a test.  If I keep on living against God, why would I think he would help me.  

When you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-- you want only what will give you pleasure.  James 4:3

So, as I pray today, what can I ask from God that is not selfish.  This is not about me.  How can I adjust my ways to move in harmony with God.  Not my plan or my will.  

Just thankful that we can turn from our ways and walk with God.  He invites us to be part of what is good and right.  I want him more than all the stuff.  

Still much to learn about this.  For me.

Can I believe even if I never saw one?

I hear a lot of talk about miracles.  From the sunrise to a baby that is born.  Are these miracles?

I have never personally had anything happen that I am not able to explain.  All of my life has happened inside of the laws of nature.  I do claim to walk with God in an imperfect way.  Perfect on God's part.  My part is more like keep getting back up to pursue him.  God is at work.  Just no miracles like the ones in the Bible.  

I have never healed anyone or raised anyone from the dead.  Many times I have gone to the hospital to encourage and pray that God would be with someone who is sick.  I do pray that God would help the person to get better.  I remember years ago when I went to pray with a man. But, he died while I was in the room.  

Signs and Miracles were given to Jesus so that people would know that he is God.  Here is a quote about miracles from the Bible-  so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah-  John 20:31

No one does signs and miracles like Jesus, Moses, Elijah and the apostles.  Today we have the Bible that shows us everything we need to know about God.  It has been confirmed by miracles.  Written so that we can know and believe.  

Read the book of John to see what John is talking about.  So that you can believe.  If you need help finding resources from history, let me know.  I am not a historian, but I can find them.  

and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.