James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss [with wrong motives], that you may consume it upon your pleasures.
Recently, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made headlines by canceling 146,000 U.S. government credit cards, a decisive step toward more effective resource management. This move not only underscores the importance of trust and proper usage in handling responsibilities, but also carries a hint of irony as many of these cards had their credit limits reset to just one dollar, emphasizing the strict controls now being enforced.
Imagine you’re an employee at a major corporation, and recognized for your dedication and trustworthiness. One day, you’re given a company credit card for work-related expenses, symbolizing your employer’s trust in your judgment for the company’s benefit.
Similarly, those of us who follow Yeshua (Jesus) are part of God’s “company.” We’ve been entrusted with a powerful tool—prayer, akin to a company credit card. When we ask for things in Yeshua’s name, it’s as if we’re making a purchase on behalf of the Kingdom. We receive what we ask for as long as it serves the Kingdom’s interests.
However, why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? James offers a revealing insight: we often ask with wrong motives, aimed at fulfilling our own desires rather than the Kingdom’s needs.
So, the next time you pray, pause to consider if your request aligns with the benefit of the Kingdom. Pray with sincere faith and the right intentions, trusting that God will respond. If you’re unsure, seek God’s direction to ensure your prayers match His will, aiming for the ultimate good of His Kingdom. And remember, the great advantage of our “company credit card” in prayer—there’s no spending limit!
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy Devotions. This devotional was originally published on Worthy Devotions and was reproduced with permission.
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In Biblical Hebrew, the verb tenses are not like our “past”, “present”, and “future” – there are only two: “perfect” and “imperfect”. The “imperfect” tense is that which is not yet, not done, or not completed. The “perfect” is that which is done, complete and finished.
In 2nd Samuel Chapter 9 we read of the story of King David and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of the first king of Israel, King Saul. After Jonathan’s death, David went forth to show kindness to Saul’s house. Mephibosheth had become lame at the young age of five — he had lived his entire life as a cripple.
Let’s consider Daniel for a moment. Here is one of the great rulers of the Persian empire, in charge of the King’s affairs and of the affairs of the entire government. If anyone is really busy — it’s Daniel! But in spite of all this responsibility, he makes it a point to set himself apart from the world and pray three times a day.
The burglar froze in place, allowing the woman to call the police and report the burglary calmly. When the police arrived and detained the man, the officer curiously asked him, “Why did you stop when she cited scripture?” The burglar, still shaken, replied, “Scripture? I thought she said she had an ax and two .38s!”
We’ve been serving in full-time ministry for over 25 years now, and throughout that journey, we’ve certainly experienced our share of trials and tribulations. Sometimes in life, we ask, “Lord, will this ever end?” And if you haven’t noticed, the challenges often don’t stop. But here’s the encouraging part: with every faith-testing moment, our spiritual endurance grows, our character is refined, and our trust in God deepens.
Epraphras is not a name you hear much of. He was a member of the church in Colosse, and obviously a dear saint in the Lord. We know that he suffered imprisonment with Paul at one time. But the thing that really impresses me about this saint is what Paul wrote about him– he always wrestled in prayer!
We often develop strategies, game-plans, life-plans – and then, at some obstacle or critical point, we say – “Just stick to the plan!” It’s usually good advice.
Life is always sending unexpected surprises, but praise God, nothing takes Him by surprise. He’s the master planner. Our family might turn against us, our friends let us down, illness, afflictions, problems and “situations” on every side…God still has a plan, for you, and for me.