A man was found dead next to a dumpster. As they looked in his pockets for his identification, they discovered several checks. They were worth more than a thousand dollars. But they did him no good. He never surrendered them to receive their value.

As we read God’s Word, we find promise after promise – all having value to the believer. But as with the checks, they must be “turned into cash” to have any value. We must go to God and claim His promises to meet our needs.

James said that God “does not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea…”

There are times when it is easier to believe in God than it is to believe in the fact that He deeply cares for each of us and our every need. Surely, if He is bound by His Word, we can go to Him “in faith believing.” We must always remember that nothing is so small that it escapes His concern or that any problem is so large that He cannot solve it.

We limit God by the limitations we place on Him. The problems we have with our faith are our problems – not God’s. “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you,” said Jesus.

Prayer: Give us a faith, Father, that is larger than our problems and a trust that matches Your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:1-8 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

A group of mountain climbers was preparing to climb Mount Everest. As they stood at the foot of the mountain, a psychologist met with the group to interview them.

As the interview came to a conclusion, he asked one final question: “Will you make it to the top?”

Almost in unison, they responded, “I hope so.”

But Jim Whitaker said in a strong voice, “I will!” He was the only one from the group to make it to the top and the first American to reach the summit.

Doubt defeats, but courage conquers.

Jesus summed up this idea in just a few words. On one occasion He seemed to be chiding the disciples when He said, “What do you mean, ‘If I can?’ Anything is possible if a person believes!”

These words of Jesus do not mean that we can have anything we want if we just apply positive thinking. He wants us to understand that anything is possible if we believe, because everything is possible for God to accomplish through His disciples when we pray in a faith that believes. Prayer is not wishing for our wants. It is faith, trust, patience, and persistence at work wanting His will.

Prayer: We look to You, Lord, to answer our prayers as we pray in Your name, believing in Your Word to accomplish Your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Mark 9:23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Admiral Samuel DuPont, recognized by many as having played a significant role in the United States Navy, was victorious in many battles at sea. He is also credited with improving the curriculum at the Naval Academy and for his forward thinking in making navy ships more effective.

However, on one of his missions he suffered a humiliating defeat. He went to his commanding officer and presented his reasons for being defeated. After listening carefully, his superior said to him, “There’s one more reason. You did not believe you could do it.”

Our doubts defeat and destroy us. When we pray and doubt, doubt cancels our prayers and makes them ineffective. Faith and doubt cannot exist together in the same prayer.

On one occasion, Jesus said to His disciples, “Have faith in God…All that’s required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart…You can pray for anything and have it.” That’s a great beginning.

God only answers the prayers of believers, we must forgive others and have no grudges, we must pray unselfishly for things that benefit God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, we know the rules of prayer are quite simple - but not easy to fulfill. Help us to live right, do right, and pray right. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.