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NASB | James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 4:3 You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. |
Bible Question:
Is coveting Blessings from God a good thing? More so, is working out principals laid out by the Word of God for the purpose of gaining HIS blessings a good thing? Ex: Malachi 3:10, the Lord wants us to test him in tithes and offerings. I've heard it said that even the heathen can follow this principal and it will be done unto them. For me personally, since I have started tithing with a joyous heart, I have been blessed with all I need. And also with some of what I dont need. But, my heart wasnt to tithe out of a principal to gain a blessing (heavens opening up). Yet, we (congregates)are taught by our pastors/teachers that its ok to pray and desire Blessings from GOD. What to do...... Personally, IF our motives are GODLY who is going to refute the Hand of God on your life? Am looking forward to another string of Godly wisdom from you and our other bretheren. *SHALOM* D |
Bible Answer: Discipled: There is a certain popular movement today that stresses coming to the King's table, not for the sake of the King and who He is, but rather for the sake of what you can GET at the King's table. Those who give money to get money in return, "I say unto you, they have their reward [already, in this life]." Is it OK to pray and desire blessings for ourselves? It may be that it is OK. " . . . and yet show I unto you a more excellent way" (1 Cor 12:31 KJV). Consider the words of this old hymn: * * * * * * * * * * * * * Others Lord, help me live from day to day In such a self-forgetful way That even when I kneel to pray My prayer shall be for others. Others, Lord, yes, others. Let this my motto be: Help me to live for others That I may live like thee. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Doesn't much sound like the give-to-get schemes of today, does it? "...men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness [actually] is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment." NASB 1 Timothy 6:5-6 kalos |