The author was expounding on the part of James 4:2 that says, "You do not have because you do not ask." He writes:
Many prayers fail to achieve their purpose because there is no faith behind them. Prayers that are filled with doubt are requests for refusal. Imagine that you wrote to a friend and said, "Dear friend, I am in great trouble. I am telling you this, and I am asking for your help, because it seems right to do so. But though I am writing to you, I do not believe you will send me any help. Indeed, I would be shocked if you did, and I would speak of it as a great wonder."
Classic.
And here's another quote from the same writer. This one made me stop and check myself in regards to SCBC's impending vote on the property. As we wait with bated breath for the outcome of next week's vote (okay, maybe that was a little too dramatic), let's all take one more opportunity to make sure we have the right motive, but especially the right perspective.
You can get that new, clever minister and that new church, and that new organ and choir. You can even get them without prayer. However, you cannot get the heavenly anointing without prayer. The gift of God is not to be purchased with money.
Some members of a small village church thought that they would build their congregation by hanging a very handsome chandelier in the meetinghouse. Indeed, the villagers talked about this chandelier, and some went to see it, but the light of it soon grew dim.
You can by all sorts of fancy furniture, you can purchase any kind of paint, brass, and fine linen, together with flutes, organs, and all kinds of instruments. You can get these without prayer. In fact, it would be disrespectful to pray about such rubbish. But you cannot get the Holy Spirit without prayer. Like the wind, He goes where He wishes. He will not be brought nearby any process or method apart from asking.
All I'm saying is that by all means let's buy stuff. Let's spend money and set goals and have vision. I'm thrilled that we are blessed to do so. But I sincerely pray that we never, EVER rely on the stuff to draw people in. I hope we never put the material things that we purchase in His Name above His Name.
Well then. Have a great day.
