I started reading a 'new' book last night, written by a friend. It's call THE FINAL HOUR by Andy Lovenduski. As I read it, I kept thinking, I've read this book before! I tried to remember if Andy had given me chapters to read before he published it (it shows published on 9-10-2025 on the cover) or how did I get it and how do I remember it? I have puzzled about it - and then I realized this morning - I bought it months ago when it came out as an e-book on Kindle. I read through 14 of the 24 chapters last night (yes, it is that good) before going to bed. I will finish it this morning, once I fix breakfast and figure out what I'm doing today (which is basically nothing) other than baking.
Yes, it is thundering outside; it rained yesterday, and I think I already hear it raining this morning - so it means it is a baking day. I made peach muffins for hubby last night (he has informed me that he likes them with his coffee in the mornings) and I may make strawberry bread today. But I do want to clean out the freezer before I do any more baking - it's pretty full and I need to figure out what I have in there.
Mmm just happened to remember I laid out ribs the other day - and although I won't go outside and use my new grill (for the first time) because of the rain and because it's electric, which means it plugs in ... don't want water to get in the wrong place - I bought a new crockpot the other day (which is a hoot when hubby saw it) that I am thinking I will use to cook them in. What was the hoot? When I opened the box form Amazon, hubby asked what I got (as he has gotten prone to do). Sometimes I can just answer 'Christmas' and he leaves me alone. But this time I just told him 'a crockpot'. He asks, "Don't you have two or three crockpots already?" And I responded "Actually, I think I have 4 or 5, but I don't have one like this one!" I'm sure he rolled his eyes, but I walked away before I could see it. This one IS different; it is long and flat, versus the ones that are round or oval and high. Anyway, going to try cooking ribs in it today. They need to cook on low about 8 hours so it will be perfect come dinner time.
My oldest son is heading south this morning to visit his daughter and granddaughters. My youngest son is heading to Wisconsin today from Minnesota to have breakfast with his wife's relatives and then heading on to their next stop. I forget where that is - he didn't call me (yet) this morning to let me know where they are gong. He's been pretty good about calling me at least once a day to update me on where they are. I like that touchbase. No idea what's going on with the daughter today; I know she had one of the granddaughters yesterday, and may still have her.
I want to bake, but there is so much other things that I NEED to do this morning. I really need to break down the Amazon boxes for recycle. I really need to clear off the bed in here. I really need to straighten bookcases. I really need to..... yes, there are a lot of things I really need to do. But what will I end up doing? I have no idea. First thing will be to cook breakfast. Hubby frequently reminds me that Saturday mornings (unless I have something going on) I always cook breakfast on Saturdays. Whatever. I plan to cook my potato, eggs, jalapenos, onions, green peppers, and whatever else I decide to throw in it - dish. I don't always put green peppers in it, but since I have some, I guess I'll use them. I WANT to make up a grocery list, but don't want to go to the grocery store. Not much I need to get, but replenish my spices and flour/sugar, etc. I have enough to bake a few more batches of anything, that's no problem, but I do like all I need available when I bake and not have to stop in the middle and go get.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
How many times have we prayed for 'something' and nothing happened? And many times we wonder why it wasn't answered, and we get angry, we get confused, we get sad.... because our prayers, the things WE wanted, were not answered. We didn't get what we wanted; what we asked for, and we pout. Yes, I'm just as guilty of pouting at not getting my way at times - and you know that you are too. Don't pretend you are not. You can't just shrug it off. It hurts and it makes you sad.
So why doesn't God answer the way we want Him to? Most times it is because we are selfish in our requests. We don't want a parent or a spouse or a child or a friend to pass away.... we don't want an 'F' on a test that we didn't study for.... we want car repairs to be done for 'free'.... we want a new house but don't want to have to pay for it.... we want, we want, we want.... and His Word SAYS that if we ASK, we will receive, right? So why don't we get it?
Because for one, we can't just pop up and ask God for something when we ignore Him or take His name in vain all the other times. Now this is just My opinion, and you know - and I know - that I am not always right. But sometimes, I have an inkling that may be right. Sometimes. And I'm banking on that this time.
Now you know that I seek God first every morning that I am able to. So why don't all my prayers get answered? Some do, I admit, but not all of them. Unfortunately, I remember the ones that DIDN'T get answered sometimes more than the ones that DID. Does that happen to you as well? We are quick to whine and complain because God didn't answer our prayer(s), but how many times did you go to God in prayer and spend time with Him, seeking His will, His kingdom, His righteousness? How much time did you spend sitting with Jesus and just being with Him? Sometimes we let ourselves get so busy that we push Jesus off to the side until we need Him. We are all guilty of that, aren't we? But - even though I seek God daily and study His Word, all my prayers do not get answered.
This morning as I was reading in a book, something struck a chord. Many times I pray, but it's to God (Father) and I ask Him for things, but I leave off Jesus. Does that make sense? Oh we tag on the 'In Jesus' Name' at the end, but still, when we give Him 1001 requests to take care of, don't you think we need to ask a few more times 'In Jesus' Name'?
(quote) When you begin to pray about specific requests and tie them one by one to the authoritative name of Jesus Christ, God is drawn to you quickly. He wants to know your heart. His specific interest in you and His interest in your specific prayer requests prove that God wants a personal relationship with you. This relationship is developed through practicing effective prayer principles. God will answer specific prayers that are directed to Him an linked with the authoritative name of Jesus. (unquote)
Any time you take a request to God the Father in Jesus' name, you are tying it to the most authoritative name that has been given in the entire world. Think about that! Jesus is the Gateway to our Heavenly Father's heart. You want God to hear your prayers? Pray in Jesus' name!
Seek the kingdom of God. Seek His righteousness. Surrender your life to Him. Walk in His ways. Trust Him - no matter what. Live for Him. Love Him with all of your heart, all of your sour, all of your strength, all of your mind. Surrender. It's that simple.
We surrender our will to the One and Only - Jesus. When we do that, life is good.
Blessings!
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