Posted on

PREACHER’S POINT (cont.)

Share

If you are praying for something to happen, and it does not occur, rest assured that God has something better in mind than what you were asking.

At this point, someone will usually bring up a loved one’s death and how so many people were praying for healing. They will also note how life cannot possibly be better without Grandma. As in the case of Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1-6), God may delay death, but death is inescapable.

Ecclesiastes 8:8, “There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.“ All of us, including the ones we love the most, will someday come to their last day on earth.

Another thought Christians have about prayer is to place the abracadabra at the end of the prayer – “In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Just for the record, if you have ever heard me pray, you know I say this at the end of ninety-nine percent of my prayers. However, I called it abracadabra because many Christians think God will answer any prayer in the affirmative if the phrase, “In Jesus’ name” is used.

Jesus does tell us to pray in His name. John 14:13, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

However, we must ask – What does “in my name” mean? Is it a magical phrase, or is there more to it?

Here is an example to help explain, “in my name.”

Tom is the bookkeeper of a business. Tom has the responsibility of writing the checks and paying the bills. The bank accepts Tom’s signature. Every month Tom writes checks for all the money paid out by his employer.

Tom is authorized to write checks in the name of XYZ Manufacturing.

If Tom starts using XYZ Manufacturing checks to pay for his groceries, rent, and car payment, he has crossed the line. Tom is writing checks for his personal use – his desires, not his employer’s wishes.

To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray with Jesus’ desires as the goal. To ask for what He would ask. When we pray in Jesus’ name, we are essentially writing checks on His behalf. If we don’t use those prayers for what He wants, we are outside of the realm of praying in His name.

When it comes to prayer, remember that a “no” usually means God has something better planned. Also, praying in His name is only accurate when we are praying on His behalf.

Tim “ Preacher” Johnson is Pastor of Countryside Baptist Church in Parke County Indiana. Website: www. preachers- point. com; Email: preacherspoint@ gmail. co m; Mail: 410 S. Jefferson St. Rockville IN 47872.

Facebook: https:// www. facebook. com/ Timothy- Preacher-Johnson-101171088326638.

LAST NEWS
Scroll Up