Making a Deal with God

Look for what comes first.

  All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith.

Doctrine & Covenants 103:36

Have you ever tried to make a deal with God?  Usually that pleading prayer goes something like this: “Lord, if you will just…, then in return, I will ….”  Usually that deal with God is to give us some kind of victory; passing the test; having that person’s affections; get that job.  But what is wrong with this idea is not necessarily what we are asking for, it is the order.  We want God to first do something, and then we promise to do something in return. But with God, almost always He wants us to do something first. The Lord wants us to move forward in faith first.  We want to say, “Lord, if you get me that job, I’ll become a full tithe payer.” But God works the other way around. What works is us saying, “I am now committed and will do all I can to be a full tithe payer. Will you help me get that job?”   As the scripture says, the Lord wants us first to be diligent, faithful and praying with faith, and then He will bring the victory and success.

Today’s Takeaway: Is there some blessing you are desiring from God?  Pledge your faithfulness, and start acting, in some related area first.  Then you will see God blessing you in that area.  He might even bless you in a way far greater than your plans detailed. 

Fair & Foul Weather Christians

Look for what the troubles of life can bring.

  In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.

Doctrine & Covenants 101:8

Have you ever had a “fair weather friend”?  They are great to have around when everything is going well. But the moment you have difficulties in life, they disappear until the trouble is over.  There are also fair weather Christians.  When life is going well, and the Church activities are interesting, they are OK with God.  But when life’s storms come, they feel betrayed and abandon their faith.  There is also the opposite of “foul weather Christians”.  You rarely see them at Church or see their faith or devotion until the storms of life come. When they need help, they seek the refuge of the Church and God.  But instead of being “fair weather” or “foul weather Christians”, we need to be “all weather Christians”.  

Today’s Takeaway: Through thick and thin, good times or bad, we need to be faithful and trust in God’s goodness. Decide once and for all your devotion to God and His goodness. It isn’t enough to be converted; we must also be committed to the Lord.