Can we "demand" something from God?

[THE Gypsy]

Oh my you sound like you expect Jesus to be a payout officer. He is the farthest thing from it.

She's not the one that said it. Her "friend" at church was. MrsMopar has done the right thing by seeking counsel from a variety of Christian perspectives. God bless her.

 

[MrsMopar]

There are regrettably some spiritually cold individuals on this board... Even more unfortunate is that they are not aware of their spiritual coldness.

Sadly there are many who go to Church every Sunday as well.

And while I realize when you post on a forum you are opening up yourself to any and all criticism, I fail to see how my question on the subject of demanding in prayer qualifies me of "looking for a payout"....but then again, I know a few Christians who are the most judgmental, one-sided people I've ever met! :blink:
It's ok though, I simply pray for them and tell them to try to remain positive in life. I have to chuckle when I tell them I will pray for them...they just don't seem to get it.

Have a great & blessed day Rocky! :)

 

[FHII]

I believe you will do well, Mrs. Mopar! If it is his will, may God bless you in his time!

Rockytopva.... It sounds like you have been truly blessed! 50K a year isn't a lot, yet you've seemed to do much with it. Our overall income is more than that, and we aren't doing as much with it, so I am inspired to do better. Can I offer something to you though.... Perhaps you shouldn't tell anyone how much you give in offerings. Don't forget what Matthew 6 says in the first 10 or so verses. I know that wasn't your intention -- as you saw it to inspire others to do well. But it seems to me it is something that should stay between you and the Lord.

Sadly there are many who go to Church every Sunday as well.

And while I realize when you post on a forum you are opening up yourself to any and all criticism, I fail to see how my question on the subject of demanding in prayer qualifies me of "looking for a payout"....but then again, I know a few Christians who are the most judgmental, one-sided people I've ever met! :blink:
It's ok though, I simply pray for them and tell them to try to remain positive in life. I have to chuckle when I tell them I will pray for them...they just don't seem to get it.

Have a great & blessed day Rocky! :)

I never saw you as demanding anything, but rather asking about the practice of doing so. I hope my answer didn't come off wrong. Sometimes I type things with what I think is kindness, but it comes off differently to others. If I did, please let me know, because it wasn't my intention.

 

[rockytopva]

I give God glory for 100% of everything I have. And am well aware that it can be taken away from me too. I think we can have nice things as Christians. I hate to see people like Joel Osteen get carried away with the prosperity thing buying themselves multi-million mansions. Note that the man in Texas upped his giving to God when blessed with increase. In which... We as Christians... Have a duty to be generous givers.

 

[FHII]

I give God glory for 100% of everything I have. And am well aware that it can be taken away from me too. I think we can have nice things as Christians. I hate to see people like Joel Osteen get carried away with the prosperity thing buying themselves multi-million mansions. Note that the man in Texas upped his giving to God when blessed with increase. In which... We as Christians... Have a duty to be generous givers.

I agree 100%. Joel Osteen ain't the worst of them in the prosperity thing. I think he's the last fella who should be preaching the Word, but he isn't the worst at preaching the teaching of prosperity gospel of seed-faith giving. Let's face it, when Benny Hinn can take you to town, you ain't that good!

The problem with the proserity teaching is that it is all true on the surface. God will bless you and your finances, but what is not taught is that you can't give for the reason of getting. It's a very thin line. Yes, if you give, God's going to give back to you, and bless you. But if you give for that reason (to increase your own wealth), it won't work. It's not giving, its investing. I like investing, but it's not giving. Giving is something that you do without expecting anything back. I suspect that you, Rockytopva, never did anything with the intention of getting something back in return.

Paul also said it was ok for Christians to be wealthy, and in a backhanded way, so did James. Both of them suggested that such people should be ready to step up to the plate when needed.

You know, as bad off as I am, there is a friend I have that is worse... I won't let him down nor the Lord. I won't go into detail, but thanks for what you said.

 

[rockytopva]

Gee... Had I acquired faith earlier I would be in the maintenance shop making the really big money. But this faith thing is something I acquired with time. Very valuable!

 

[rockytopva]

It is very important... In my opinion... Not to 'boss' God around. We make our pleas before him hoping on in faith.

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. - Joshua 10: 13,14


However... When Peter and John saw the lame man in the temple they did issue a command rather than a prayer...

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. - Acts 3:6

 

[Perspectives]

Isaiah 45:11 Thus says the Lord,The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.

 

[Nomad]

Isaiah 45:11 Thus says the Lord,The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.

The KJV botched this one. God is actually asking a rhetorical question. The context demands it. You need to read more than just this one verse to see what God is saying. Read the surrounding verses and it becomes clear. If any wants to challenge this, I will be happy to explain the context later this evening.


Isa 45:11 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: "Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands? English Standard Version

 

[Prentis]

Greetings in the Lord MrsMopar, welcome here! :)

Wisdom would be to say 'not my will but your will be done'. Much of Christianity today sees God as the God of capitalism, or the God who wishes to make your ideals, or american ideals, come true... But it is not so!

Maybe it's the Lord's will for you to have a house, or maybe he's been the one stopping you! Only he knows. Which is why we must ask him for what he wants to do, and follow the Spirit! :)

May he guide you in his ways, and reveal his will to your husband and yourself!

 

[MrsMopar]

I believe you will do well, Mrs. Mopar! If it is his will, may God bless you in his time!

Rockytopva.... It sounds like you have been truly blessed! 50K a year isn't a lot, yet you've seemed to do much with it. Our overall income is more than that, and we aren't doing as much with it, so I am inspired to do better. Can I offer something to you though.... Perhaps you shouldn't tell anyone how much you give in offerings. Don't forget what Matthew 6 says in the first 10 or so verses. I know that wasn't your intention -- as you saw it to inspire others to do well. But it seems to me it is something that should stay between you and the Lord.


I never saw you as demanding anything, but rather asking about the practice of doing so. I hope my answer didn't come off wrong. Sometimes I type things with what I think is kindness, but it comes off differently to others. If I did, please let me know, because it wasn't my intention.

Hi FHII! No, your resonse is just fine! :) I understood what you were saying. And trust me, I am the same way sometimes, putting my thoughts and feelings into words...
It's like as I'm typing them I can hear the inflection in my voice and then when I read it, it comes across differently...
I really appreciate your insight! Thank you and bless you!!

And thanks Prentis, for the kind words....

Heck, thank you one and all!!!! :)

We will just continue what we are doing. Praying; being faithful to Him, and doing the right things in life.

On a side note, as far as giving to get, gosh that just doesn't make it fun....personally I love to give because it makes me feel so good! All our kids are now grown so we donated a large amount of clothing and toys to the church recently. I was able to meet one of the men who's children benefitted from our plethora of Barbie's... (we have seven kids between us, 5 being girls, so you can imagine how many Barbie's and accessories were in there)......this mans wife passed away a few months back so he's a single parent. He's struggling to say the least. We met him and gave him the toys and some clothes for the children. Those little girls just went to town on those toys, they kept thanking us...it brings tears to my eyes now as I type this, because the joy I felt in watching them enjoying that small gift just made me feel so good...thankful that God had allowed me to be a part of bringing some small amount of cheer to their and their fathers life. The dad simply stood there, teary eyed. My husband gave him a big hug and started talking to him about his car...guess it had issues too. We were able to help him with that as well...it made my husbands day to be able to do that.
So I will admit, I selfishly enjoyed giving to those little girls...and I'd do it again all over again too...their joy is mine. :)

Have a blessed day all!!! Thanks again!