God Never Declines an Invitation

Greetings,

As you may or may not know, I am currently learning French via an app on my phone.  This has been going on for almost three years, and I am ever so slowly but surely making progress.  One of the things I love about studying this romantic language is seeing how some of its words have infiltrated our American culture.  RSVP, for example, stands for rèpondez s’il vous plait, which means please respond. 

I am sure each of us has, at some time or another, issued invitations and then waited for folks to respond.  Sometimes people say “yes,” and sometimes people say “no.” And we respond to invitations the same way; sometimes we can go and sometimes we can’t. A couple of years ago, Jorge and I were invited to a wedding that was on the same day as our 30^th wedding anniversary.  We had already made plans and had to politely decline. 

Oh, but do I have some great news: GOD NEVER DECLINES AN INVITATION!

Matthew 7:7 “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.”

In other words, every single time you invite God into your situation, answers are given, solutions are found, and door are opened.  I would feel a lot differently if this verse said, “Ask, and keep on asking, and I, the Lord your God, will get around to helping you at some point but not right now.” Or, “Seek and keep on seeking, but I am busy right now so who knows when you will, if ever, find what you need.” Or, “Knock all you want.  I don’t feel like getting out of bed this morning;I have a bigger better party to attend to and can’t deal with you right now.”

How much better would your life be if every single time you prayed and asked God to show up, you accepted as fact that He did and always will? That You never ever have to include a “please RSVP” because He only has one response? His response is simply that He responds.

Psalm 120:1 I cried to the LORD in my distress, and He responded to me.”

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that You always respond. And if we have to wait for a situation to improve or change because You know the best timing, we know that in the meantime, Your answers to us are always filled with peace and assurances that once we seek You, You’re are in control. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Carte Blanche

Greetings,

A little over three years ago I downloaded a language app on my phone and have been learning French ever since.  I would say that at this point I am slightly conversational.  One thing I have really enjoyed is how French words have found their way into our English vocabulary.  For example: matinee/morning, bon voyage/have a good trip, and déjà vu/feeling of experiencing or seeing something again...

There is even an implied French phrase in the Bible: Carte blanche, which means "complete freedom" or "blank check" (dictionary.com).

Ephesians 6:18 "Pray in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is..." (GOD's WORD Translation).

If we were to rewrite that verse to accommodate my love of French it would say, "Pray always and about everything and anything. You have carte blanch with me, your Lord. You are completely free to pray about whatever you want to.  There is no request too big or too insignificant. You have a blank check at your disposal. Fill it out with whatever is on your heart. I welcome you every time you whisper My name."

When we think about what's happening in the world right now it almost seems silly to grab the hand of a little child and pray to find their lost toy.  It seems rather insulting that we would waste God's time by asking for a better parking spot.  Certainly God cannot be bothered with my need to have the energy to finish painting the family room.

Except, that He wants to be asked about it all! The verse above makes it clear that He is 100% concerned about every aspect of our lives.

I am glad that I don't have to worry whether my prayer request is valid or not or important enough. And  I find it monumentally comforting that when I pray for a fifth grader to make friends and for God to guide a wayward teenager - all in the same day - God hears, receives, cares, and answers both requests!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for the glorious freedom You offer us in prayer.  It is wonderful to know that You want to hear about every little itty bitty detail about us.  We need You so much and are so blessed that You are so merciful, kind, and generous.  We are grateful for Your willingness to extend Your comfort and provision to every single area of our lives.  In Jesus' name, AMEN.