God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

Hello All,

When you hear something good it is human nature to want to pass it along. I was doing research for my next book and came upon an old video by Joel Osteen’s dad, Brother John Osteen- who has since passed on.  It’s a video entitled “What To Do When Nothing Seems To Work.”

I like the work of the late John Osteen.  His preaching consisted of opening the Bible and reading verses with his congregation and then putting them in layman’s terms. He would occasionally insert poignant stories to get his point across.  I believe all those who share God’s wisdom need to have Scripture to back it up.  Although it is nice to hear someone else interpret Scripture, we don’t need anyone to be able to understand the Word of God.  If we are sincere about gleaning wisdom from the Lord we will receive it. The Bible states “I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me find me.” (Prov 8:17)

John Osteen had a list of 7 things you need to check when you feel that your prayers aren’t being answered.  I will give you his list and explain each point in my own words. I will include scripture to support his statements.

When you feel your prayers aren’t being heard, check your “connections” to God. (John Osteen)

First, check the arena that you are coming from.  Are you filled with faith that God can help you?  Or, are you using your mind to reason away why it’s simply not possible for God to get you out of your life situation. If you use your mind to rationalize your situation, the devil will step right in and manipulate your thoughts. You will lose confidence every time if you use your mind to reason out your circumstances. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”(1 Peter 5:8). Also, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”(John 10:10). Any thought that causes you to fear and doubt that your circumstances will never change, are thoughts brought to you by Satan. You must have supreme faith in God’s ability.

Second, you need to check the Bible to make sure that there is a promise in the Bible that pertains to your situation.  For instance, one of the many bible verses for healing is “By His stripes we are healed.”(Isaiah 53:5).  The promise that pertains to legal justice states “Those who convict the innocent by their false testimony will disappear. A similar fate awaits those who use trickery to pervert justice and who tell lies to destroy the innocent.” (Is 29:21).  Look up God’s promises and find yours!

Third, you need to check up on the words that you say- this is your confession.  The words we speak have a way of influencing our mind and our ability to have true faith in what God says about us. Remove from your mouth any words of fear, doubt and lack. Maintain your hope for a better future.  You may not see it in the natural, but what God says about you will come to pass as you become a true follower of His teachings.“And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you heed the word of the Lord…”(Deut 28)

Fourth, This one follows the third one.  We have to check to see if we are obedient to God’s word and it’s more than following the Ten Commandments.  Are you using alcohol to alter your mind or are you drinking wine moderately as a beverage with a meal? Do you use foul language, spread rumors, bully or other such behaviors? If so, you are not following the Lord and your prayers will fall on deaf ears. “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.”(John 9:31)

Fifth, you need to check who you are hanging around.  Yes, God is concerned with who we spend our time with.  Living too near or spending too much time with people who don’t follow the teachings of God can cause you to lose blessings. “The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”(psalm 15:2-5)

Sixth, you must forgive those that have caused you harm.  This is a hard one but entirely necessary to move forward in your walk and knowledge of the Lord. “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt 6:15) John Osteen goes on to say that he believes many sicknesses could be healed if we would only forgive those who have come against us.

Seventh, you need to check the amount of praise you give God.  We all have so many blessings in our lives that we can be thankful for. Be thankful for your dear friends who stand by you through thick and thin. Thank God for your health, home, job and freedom!  The list is endless and our Creator deserves to be thanked often.” Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)

It is clear that the Bible gives us instructions on how to live life and how to receive blessings. I encourage you to review this list and make changes when necessary.  Then step back and see your prayer life turn around for the better!

In God We Trust!

Lisa