Why doesn’t God answer all of our prayers?
When it comes to prayer, people have been all over the map when trying to explain why some prayers are answered and some are not. There is probably not a person who has prayed more than once who cannot say that they didn’t get everything they asked for when they prayed. Why is that?
Well, the first answer is that not everyone who prays has put their trust in the God of the Bible as revealed in Jesus Christ. And, a complete reading of the Bible makes it clear that God listens to those who have placed their trust in Him. The same cannot be said of those who have not done so. Now, that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t answer prayer for “pre-Christians.” But what promises there are are only made to Christians in the New Testament.
Another reason that the New Testament itself gives is that sometimes our motives are less than proper. At one point we are told that we “ask amiss,” that we might have things only for our own selves. As any parent knows, indulging every whim of someone is a way to destroy their lives, not build them up – and God loves each of us too much to spoil us.
But we all know that there are still many prayers that are selfless and prayed by devout Christians that go unanswered. Why is that? Well, maybe one reason is that to do so would undermine God’s best will for not only us, but for all humanity. What I mean is this: If God answered every prayer clearly and promptly whenever a Christian asked, then we would have to ask ourselves if we are serving God for the rewards or for the joy of knowing him. God seems to think that having a close personal relationship with you and me is worth more than anything else – even the life of His Son. If God was willing to give the life of His own Son for us, why would we expect that he would undermine the relationship that He has enabled through that sacrifice by satisfying every whim of creatures who, even at their best, take each other and him for granted. The fact is that answers to prayer are very hard to prove. For every study that seems to suggest that answers can be quantified, there are dozens of others that show the exact opposite. And perhaps that is for the best. I want my children to love me for who I am, not what I give them. I suspect God feels the same way.
Shalom!
Pastor Ken

Global Warming?

Our church has just gone on line with our new Solar Electric Generating system, and the reactions have been interesting. I hate to admit it, but I have had a couple of Pastors who have made comments about the “conspiracy” to convince us of supposed “non-existent” global warming, and asking if that was why we were doing this. So let me address this whole question of global warming.
First, let me say that I completely understand those who have doubts about the subject. I am old enough to remember when we were being told in the 1970s that we were in the middle of a “global cooling” that threatened to bring on another Ice Age. And, the question of global warming has been used as a political tool by both parties in our country, as well as being a sort of “orthodoxy” that many feel they can disagree with only at their peril. None of this affects whether or not global warming is a reality, but it certainly makes it hard for those not in the scientific community to know. So what are we to do? Is there a “Christian” response to all of this? I believe there is.
I believe that our response to this possible crisis can be informed by two scriptural principles. The first is that, in Genesis chapters 1-3 we are told that God has made humanity “stewards” of this creation. And, as the Bible says, Stewards are to be “found faithful” above all else (1 Corinthians 4:2). In other words, when someone is entrusted with something that belongs to someone else, they have a responsibility to do their very best to make sure that it stays in good shape. And, whether you believe in global warming or not, no one can deny that we have done a pretty poor job of keeping our environment clean. This world is not ours! It is God’s. And we are responsible to Him for how we use and treat it. So, the first reason I am so firmly committed to taking good care of this creation is because I am a steward appointed by God to do so, at least the part I have any control over.
The second principle comes from the teaching of Jesus that it is not even what we do that determines our responsibility, but our state of mind. You may remember that Jesus said that even looking at someone with lust is the first step to adultery and just hating someone is the first step to murder. How does this apply to the question of global warming? Just this: if I believe that global warming might be happening, then if I don’t do what I can to stop it, I am guilty of intentionally causing it. It is what happens in my mind that determines my responsibility.
Taken together, I must do what I can to make a difference. So, have we installed our PV panels because we have fallen prey to the global warming conspiracy? I guess in a sense we have. My position as a steward of God’s creation along with my responsibility for my intentions means that I have no other choice. Besides, they look cool!
Pastor Ken