James 4:2-3 KJV
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

How often I hear the comments on why the Lord is not answering prayer? What must I say or do to gain his attention? Have I not been loyal and performed to his will? If we discern the opening verses and take some time to ponder its wisdom, we may recognize our answer.

Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the members. Wordly and fleshly lusts are distempers, which will not allow content or satisfaction. Sinful desires and affections stop prayer and the working of our desires toward God.

And let us beware that we do not abuse or misuse the mercies received, by the disposition of the heart when prayers are granted When men ask of God prosperity, they often ask with wrong aims and intentions. If we thus seek the things of this world, it is just in God to deny them. Unbelieving and cold desires beg denials; and we may be sure that when prayers are rather the language of lusts than of graces, they will return empty.

Here is a decided warning to avoid all criminal friendships with this world. Worldly-mindedness is enmity to God. An enemy may be reconciled, but “enmity” never can be reconciled.

We should love the Lord, with our Strength, and our Salvation; we should call on him in every trouble, and praise him for every deliverance; we should aim to walk with him in all deliverance righteousness and true holiness, keeping from sin. If we belong to him, he conquers and reigns for us, and we shall conquer and reign through him, and partake of the mercy of our anointed King, which is promised to all his seed for evermore. Amen.

What comes to mind that might unfold some hidden enmity within the lives of believers is the following parable Matthew 19:20-22 KJV
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

So, when I discern this parable, I recognize our Lord was asking this young man to give up his worldly luxuries and comforts in exchange for heavenly ones. I question how many of us have been asked to perform the same actions as that young man? Now, my question is how many of us responded in the same manner?

Giving up our worldly luxuries and comforts is not a simple task! As you ponder this spiritual request, you must keep in mind our Lord is measuring the intent of your heart as he did Solomon. 1 Kings 3:11-13 NKJV
Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, [12] behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. [13] And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.
1 Kings 3:14 NKJV
So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

In these verses, we should recognize the importance of being obedient and submissive to our Lord’s calling and requests. I am not suggesting we will be made as rich as Solomon, but our blessings will be in the same manner befitting our situation.

We know not the depth of heavenly blessings nor what may be available and this is where our trust and faith must enter in as a part of our obedience in answering our Lord’s request similar to  Matthew 19:21 KJV 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Or will our response in the spirit be similar to the young man’s Matthew 19:22 KJV But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions

Matthew 7:14 KJV
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Robert a humble obedient servant to Yeshua and his Father in heaven Yahewa.