We are invited to come to Jesus, “just as I am.” He “receiveth sinners” (Luke 15:2). We don’t have to make ourselves good before we come, in fact, we can’t.
But there is one thing we must “do” before any prayer can be listened to and answered; don’t misunderstand, this is not a “work” that we must do; but it’s a serious step that we must take if we are serious about coming to God.
It’s not that God is putting up a barrier to keep people away; it’s just that we have already put up a bad barrier ourselves that is hindering us, and it’s only common sense that any barrier we have erected between ourselves and God must be removed—by ourselves.
Here it is: “He that cometh to God must [1] believe that He is, and [2, believe] that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6, KJV).
This is a step that you and I must take.
I know someone who confesses that she is tempted to believe that God has dealt with her severely, that He has been, well, not nice to her in permitting all the trials He has suffered to come upon her. Everything looks like it has been against her, from girlhood. (She probably has many “sisters” around the world!). I know someone else who believes that God made a promise to her many years ago which has never been fulfilled.
And yes, I have had “dreams” which have never been fulfilled.
Dear friends around the world, whoever you are, yours and my job is right now to get on our knees and tell the Lord frankly, “Father forgive me for doubting You; I choose to believe that you are ‘a Rewarder of those who seek You diligently.’ It’s the hardest thing I have ever done, to confess that I believe this, for it makes me now to be a fool ever to have doubted Your goodness, your faithfulness, Your, ... yes, Your love. But You told me to pray this prayer and if I do, I can never be lost: ‘Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief’” (Mark 9:24). Thank You, Lord, for welcoming beginners in your kindergarten.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" web page resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" phone message is available via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
