Wednesday 3 April 2013

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTION MONDAY 1ST APRIL 2013 REQUEST: CREATE THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

Memorise: And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight:1 John 3:22

Read: 1John 3:22-23
Bible in one year: Isaiah 16-18

One lesson from Esther 5:1-3 is that there are certain conditions to fulfil before entering the presence of a powerful king, of which if one does not meet the requirements, one could lose one's life. Thank God that Jesus Christ has given us access to God by His blood shed on the Cross. The fact that the king offered Esther even up to half of his Kingdom is another point to learn from. It shows that giving can be influenced. Considering the circumstances under which the offer was made, it is glaring that he was very pleased with his queen. In other words, the best time to ask for something is when the person to be asked is very pleased with you. At such a time, the giver can get to the peak of his or her generosity. Herod was another case in point. When Herodias wanted to make a request she knew he would not easily grant, she planned for his daughter to dance in such an amazing way as to get the standing ovation of all the lords and special guests of the king, thereby making the king very proud. At that point, he reached the height of his generosity and told his daughter to ask of anything, even up to half of his kingdom. She met her mother and she was told to ask for the head of John the Baptist. He painfully had to yield (Mark 6:17-28).

Just like Ahasuerus and King Herod, everyone can be worked to a height of generosity. If you want to get something from somebody, you would need to first determine the atmosphere under which you would request for it. When some sisters ask their husbands for certain favours, they get different results depending on the atmosphere they have created. There is an atmosphere that will turn down your request: that is if you ask when the giver is displeased, sad or sorrowful. There is an atmosphere that will deliver you a little; another atmosphere will give you much, while a conducive atmosphere will get you almost anything. However, you are the one to create or influence the atmosphere you want, depending on what you want. We can also use this knowledge to interact with God. If you can make God very happy with you, and prove to Him that you are His obedient child, ready to obey every command He gives, there is nothing God cannot give to you. What legitimate and godly steps are you taking to create a favourable atmosphere for your request with both God and man? Do you consider if the time is appropriate before making your request?

Key point: The wise studies the atmosphere before making a request. The foolish however asks without considering the atmosphere.

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