Once A Man Was Asked, “What Did You Gain By Regularly Praying To God?”

The man replied ‘nothing…but let me tell you what I lost…’

Praying to God is an amazing blessing and honor. He answers prayer in a variety of ways. In addition to all that we gain from His generosity, sometimes the best answer to prayer is not gaining but losing, which is gain.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She’s a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net. 

The Lord changed me in numerous ways when I accepted Christ at age 27. Most people probably wrote it off to maturity, but I knew that I was a brand-new person. It was wonderful to begin regularly praying to God and experiencing real change.

The Lord moved in and did a deep cleaning of my life. In addition to many changes, He renewed my mind and gave me wholesome thoughts. He gave me a new heart; replacing anger with love, compassion and concern for others. He helped me to discard all questionable reading material and He gave me a love for reading the Bible. I gained by losing negative habits and traits.

Countless lives, including mine, have been transformed by praying to God and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as I did. This is because Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, make it possible for us to be reconciled to God.

Through Christ we receive forgiveness and eternal life. This is the power of the Gospel!

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8 NIV)

When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior by praying to God, they enter God’s kingdom and through a process of regeneration, become “born again” (John 3:7 NIV).

Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (NIV)

2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)

Christians are changed when we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. We become new creations in Him.

Praying to God in Jesus Name is so wonderful. Through salvation and prayer, we gain so much, but sometimes the greatest answer to prayer is not gaining but losing, which is gain. We can lose anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, and the fear of death.

Because God is in the business of transforming people and lives; we can lose negative traits, habitsand fears.

Sometimes, praying to God results in immediate deliverance, sometimes the answer comes later, while at other times we wait on the Lord to grow our faith. But, God always answers prayer.

We are saved by grace and made new as God changes us, but, we our responsible for our own spiritual growth.

2 Philippians 2:12 says, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

Spiritual growth is also known as the process of sanctification and understood as God working in us to conform us to the image of Christ. We cooperate with Him by yielding to the indwelling Holy Spirit.

I like this quote about praying to God and transformation:

God has established things so that prayer, on the basis of redemption, changes the way a person looks at things. Prayer is not a matter of changing things externally, but one of working miracles in a person’s inner nature. –Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

What have you gained and lost by praying to God?

Please click here if you would like to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

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“Once a man was asked, ‘What did you gain by regularly praying to God?’ The man replied, ‘Nothing…but let me tell you what I lost: Anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, and fear of death.’ Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is not… | CLICK TO TWEET

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• Podcast: Will someone lose their salvation if they commit terrible sins?

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• Podcast: Have I committed the unpardonable sin?

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The Bad News Is Time Flies…

…the good news is you’re the pilot.

The bad news is that time flies and sometimes it seems to move quickly, while at other times it seems to move more slowly. But, the good news is we are the pilots and that means we can choose how we spend our time.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

This quote reminds me of when I was in my teens and 20’s and how I piloted my own life. I was in control, charting my own course and spending my time chasing selfish pursuits. I lived a self-directed life and as a result, I spent time doing things I now regret. But, God in His mercy, changed my life when I accepted Christ at the age of 27.

I remember my Pastor giving me a short essay called: A Tandem Ride With God, to explain how God wants control of our lives when we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. It’s an analogy that describes new believers and at first, they are usually the ones pedaling and sitting up front on a tandem bicycle with Jesus sitting on the back seat. But, then Jesus suggests that they switch places and let Him be the driver. As a result, life becomes a thrilling adventure with Him in control and leading the way.

I don’t know about you, but I would much rather have Jesus in control and piloting my life than me. I willingly and gladly take the co-pilot seat and trust Him so that I can safely reach the right destination. He made this possible when He died on the cross for our sins.

God has given us free will to choose to live either a self-directed life or a God-directed life in Christ.

I’ve lived both ways and I can tell you that His way is best.

But, perhaps you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Please click here if you would to do so now.

The Lord can help us with time management. Each day a Christian can pray, asking Him to fill and empower us with His Holy Spirit. By surrendering our lives each day to Him, we can trust Him to help us use our time well; and to let us know if we get off track.

This is the essence of doing as Jesus commanded His disciples in Luke 9:23 which says,

Then Jesus said to all the people: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me. (CEV)

Life is a gift from our Creator and one day we will have to give an account of how we’ve lived as Romans 14:12 says, “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” (NIV)

Living God’s way helps us to use our time well.

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (ESV)

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NIV)

We need wisdom to use our time well. To gain wisdom, we need to know God’s will for us and understand how He wants us to live.

In order to know God’s will, we can seek Him by spending time with Him in prayer and Bible study.

Meeting daily with the Lord is a good investment of time and an essential component of good time management.

In addition, we can regularly schedule an extended period of time with the Lord to receive greater insight and guidance from His Word.

There are so many different Bibles versions, Bible apps, devotionals and Bible websites available to spend time in God’s Word. Biblehub.com is a Bible study site and some Bible websites such as Biblegateway.com have an audio version of the Bible.

See the Recommended Resources page on this website for many great resources.

I use an internet Bible for study, an audio version while walking, and in the evening, I read from a hard copy edition.

Using these tools can help us to grow in our understanding of God’s will and help us to use our time wisely.

We don’t know how long we have to live, so it is important that we take stock and reevaluate our lives to make sure that we are using our time well.

In addition to receiving help from the Lord, prayer and Bible reading; good time management requires an investment of time, organization, tools and effort.

Setting and achieving goals can motivate and encourage us as we see the fruits of our labor. We can use a specific method to set and monitor goals on a daily, monthly and annual basis. This type of planning requires careful thought and prayer.

The first step is to identify your purpose. Then next begin by identifying and prioritizing core values. Next, write your life vision.

An excellent book to help with time management and all of the necessary steps for setting goals is the: Don’t Miss Your Life eBook.

These resources are great for successful time management and can help us stay accountable and gain confidence.

But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand. (Isaiah 32:8 NIV)

What would you like to accomplish with your time?

Could you use some help with time management and setting goals?

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

The bad news is time flies the good news is you’re the pilot. –Michael Althsuler | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Who Needs a Vision Retreat?

• So You Think You Can’t Take a Prayer Retreat?

• 7 Steps to a Productive Vision Retreat

• 3 Wonderful Ways to Read the Bible

• 4 Steps to Identify Core Values and Make the Best Decisions

• Setting Goals or Solving Problems

• DOO IT: Four Steps to Accomplishing Your Dreams

• 4 Easy Steps to Set Goals and Become Far More Productive

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Will Christians Escape Judgment In The End Times?

Here’s what the Bible says.

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Many Christians think that they will escape judgment in the end times. They are sadly mistaken—the Bible is very clear that Christians will be judged. But how they are judged must be understood.

Here’s what Scripture says about judgment for Christians: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)

The word translated “judgment seat” in this verse is the word “bema” in Greek. Thus, this judgement of Christians is often referred to as the Bema Seat judgment. All Christians will stand before the Bema Seat of Jesus Christ, and we will give account for what we have done.

This judgment is not to be confused with the Great White Throne judgment where unbelievers will be judged and sentenced to hell. (see Matthew 8:12, 25:41, 46; Luke 13:22-30; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Jude 7; Revelation 20:11-15)

Here are 3 very important things to know about this Bema Seat judgment of Christians:

#1. If we have NOT been faithful, we’ll be ashamed.

The Bema Seat judgment of Christians is a judgment of works, not of salvation. Our salvation is secure when we receive Christ as Savior and Lord.

To learn how to be saved, click HERE!

But at the Bema Seat, the Lord will reveal how we have served him. We will not escape judgment entirely!

If a believer has not been faithful, 1 Corinthians 3:15 says, “… he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (NIV)

Notice that the person is saved, but just barely.

John tells us that some will be ashamed at this Bema Seat judgment: “Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” (1 John 2:28 WEB)

Do you want to be “ashamed” and “suffer loss” at the Bema Seat judgement? If not, then the next point should be your focus.

#2. If we have been faithful, we will receive rewards.

Not only was the Greek Bema Seat a place of judgment, it was also the place of awards for winners in the annual Olympic Games. Just as today the winners of Olympic events step up on a platform to receive their gold, silver or bronze medals, in Bible times, they stepped up on a Bema platform to have a wreath placed on their heads.

Likewise, Christians who have been faithful will be rewarded at the Bema Seat judgment.

The Bible tells us about some of the wonderful rewards for faithful believers:

James 2:5 and Matthew 25:34 both say we’ll inherit God’s Kingdom.Matthew 25:23 says we’ll be made rulers over many things.Revelation 20:6 says we’ll be made priests.Revelation 5:10 says we’ll be made kings.1 Peter 1:3-4 says we’ll be given an incorruptible inheritance.Luke 12:33 says we’ll be given treasures in the heavens.Revelation 3:21 says we’ll sit with Christ on His throne.

But not all Christians will receive these rewards equally. See the next point to understand how we’re rewarded.

#3. We receive rewards by building the church in the right way.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 tells us how to build the church in order to receive Christ’s reward at the Bema Judgment:

10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. 11For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; 13each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. 14If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. 15If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.

Notice that verse 12 says we can build with either one of two kinds of materials:

a. Fireproof materials: gold, silver and costly stones

b. Flammable materials: wood, hay and stubble

Verse 13 says that eventually fire will reveal what kinds of materials we have used to build God’s work.

Fire represents God’s judgment.

The flammable materials will burn and become nothing. The fireproof materials will remain.

But what are these two kinds of materials? Here are some biblical examples:

Summary:

a. Building with flammable materials means living for today and by the philosophy: “Let’s eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die!”

b. Building with fireproof materials means living for tomorrow and to please the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says that we should make it our goal to “please him.”

The same Greek word translated “please him” is used several other places in the New Testament and each instance helps us to better understand what it means to please the Lord:

• Romans 12:1 says it is pleasing to the Lord when we offer our bodies as living sacrifices.

• Romans 14:18-19 says it is pleasing when we help others and avoid causing them to stumble.

• Ephesians 5:10 says God is pleased when His children separate themselves from evil.

• Philippians 4:18 says God is pleased when His children bring their offerings to Him.

• Hebrews 13:20-21 says God is pleased when his saints permit Jesus to work out His perfect will in their lives.

Here is the bottom line: Will you be ashamed at the Bema Seat judgment, or will you receive a great reward?

I hope you’ll receive a great commendation and reward! May you hear: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21 KJV)

What reward will you receive? Your thoughts are welcome! Please leave your comment below.

Note: For this article, I’m especially indebted to The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible, a fantastic resource.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• How to Handle the Death of a Loved One

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• Hungry for Heaven

• Podcast: What will the afterlife be like?

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth