Ask and You Shall Receive

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~ Matthew 7:7

It’s true. It works. But sometimes God blesses us by not answering our prayers exactly.

This “Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier” was part of a letter found on the body of a Confederate soldier killed in the line of duty:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak , that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for – but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, most richly blessed.

It’s easy to tell God what we want – a miracle, a spouse, things, money, a new car, a better job, a job -period and we also tell Him how exactly we want it delivered.

Have you ever bargained with God? “Oh, God, if I win the lottery I’ll give half to charity!”

It doesn’t work that way.

Our Creator has his own purposes for us. Many times it’s just to teach us that He is in Control. No matter what our will is, it’s His Will that wins in the end.

We need to stop ignoring God.

Click here to get to know God personally.

God Bless,
Giselle
http://www.giselleaguiar.com/
Phoenix Singles Examiner

Life is not a Love Song

Why am I still single? I’m still looking for my love song. I grew up singing along and dancing to American Bandstand. Music has always been part of my life. I imagine myself living love songs like “More than a Woman” (Bee Gees/Tavares), “God Only Knows” (Beach Boys), old Beatles classics: “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” ‘Eight Days a Week,” and “P.S. I Love You.” My theme song of late has been Linda Rhonstadt’s “When Will I Be Loved.” Oh, and I can’t forget “I Wanna Know What Love Is” (Foreigner).

Yeah, I know. It’s like dreaming for Prince Charming. I can truly say I’ve never been “in love.” At 50-something, some may find that depressing. Am I missing something? I’ve been “in lust” and infatuated, but never truly “in love.”

Recently, I’ve come to realize that our happiness is in our own hands and I’ve stopped thinking that another human being is the key to my happiness.

I was a victim of great expectations. I expected too much from each relationship I had, and each expectation led to disappointments. If you don’t expect anything, when nothing happens, there’s no disappointment. But if something does happen, it’s a surprise.

But it’s not that easy, is it?

Remember that line from “Jerry Maguire,” “You complete me.” You don’t need someone else to complete you. Only God can do that. If you’re seeking to fill an emptiness inside you, you’re looking in the wrong place. It’s not so much what we’re missing is what we fantasize we’re missing. There is no fulfillment in 1, 2 or 3 night stands. There’s fulfillment in a good relationship not based on sex, but based on love.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ~ 1 John 4:8

Tho it would be nice to have a companion, it’s OK if I can find fulfillment on my own thru my relationship with God. We need to trust that God will bring us what we need — be it a relationship, job, security — in His timetable — not ours. God answers prayers, but it’s not always the answers we want to hear when we want to hear it.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. ~ James 4:8

If you don't have a relationship with God and Jesus, pray this prayer wholeheartedly right now:
Dear Jesus, I am a sinner and need you in my life. Please forgive me of my sins. I believe that You died on the cross and rose from the grave. Please come into my heart and life. Thank you for helping me turn from my sins and follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you received Jesus into your heart, welcome to the family of God! The following will help you deepen your relationship with Christ:

1. Pray. Just talk to God no matter where you are. He doesn’t care what the words are, just that they are sincere.
2. Read the Bible everyday to learn about Jesus and how to live that pleases God. Start with 1 John, then the Gospel of John, the Philippians.
3. An important part of helping your relationship with Christ grow is to tell others about Him. Demonstrate God’s love and be active in telling others about Jesus.
4. Find a bible-based church and become active getting to know other Christians. Find one with a singles ministry or groups for people your age. Many have groups for different interests. Shop around, but commit yourself to finding one and joining a church family. (Read the Benefits of a Church Family).

God Bless.
Giselle
I welcome questions.
E-mail: deovolente.love1@gmail.com
http://www.giselleaguiar.com/
Check out my new column for singles at Phoenix Examiner.com