Our Giving God

"I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. . . . If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. . . . You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (Jn. 14:13-14; 15:7, 16)

Do you think Jesus really means it? To ask "in the name of Jesus" doesn't necessarily refer to speaking his name at the end of our prayers. It means to pray in harmony with the person of Jesus--his values, his priorities, the things that are precious to his heart. When we pray that way and live that way, our prayers are answered in amazing ways (and sometimes even when we're not--it's called grace). The power of God is felt when you know you're praying for the success of his mission. Your prayers are more confident and intense. Your faith is stronger. And God shows up.

Last week was a busy one and a fruitful one. We had been praying for God to quickly bring us a good, reliable buyer for our house, and that the timing would work out so that we wouldn't have to move twice. We sold our house Monday after having it on the market for just one week! And we don't have to move out until our new house is ready in December.

We had been praying for God to open up a good opportunity for an initial meeting place for the new church we're planting in Pearland. God provided one within an hour of our selling our house! It's an elementary school near 288 and 518 (Challenger Elem.).

Our prayers have been earnest for God to provide the funds we need for this mission. We prayed specifically several times about a certain family that we visited and shared our vision with. We received a $6000 offering for the new church from that family! And here's the most interesting part--they aren't even Christians or church-goers!

We've asked God to bring people alongside us who can help in ministry with us. Yesterday, we added a highly motivated and gifted family to our Launch Team!

God is truly leading us along this journey. He is just all over it, and we praise him. He loves to give when we are pursuing his priorities and mission. We don't deserve his goodness by any stretch of the imagination. We will continue to trust you, God, to provide. We will take you at your word, Lord, that whatever we ask in your name you will do. Amen.