Blessed Are They

            Reading our scripture below, we know about Doubting Thomas.  Jesus tells Thomas, “because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”  We will be blessed in our belief.

              How many times yesterday was our belief tested?  Probably more than a few times, especially if we prayed, and read our Bible.  I doubt you were tested, if you didn’t spend any time with God.  “But, Bro John I was busy, I had things to do, places to go, Bro John I just didn’t have time, but Lord willing I will tomorrow.”   Well what about today?  The Lord is willing that we converse with Him in prayer and by reading our Bible.   

                We have called ourselves Believers of Jesus the Christ.  We call ourselves Christian, yet, we don’t take fifteen minutes and spend time with God, and receive a blessing.            

              Thomas wasn’t at the first meeting that Jesus appeared.  Knowing now what happened, can’t you just hear Peter telling Thomas what had happened.  The expression on Thomas’ face, and his voice would tell the tale of doubt in his heart.  Not only did Thomas doubt the women, he also doubted the other Disciples.

              In this day and times, isn’t that what is going on?  People are walking away from Bible preaching churches because the message is too hard to believe.  The message they have trusted over the years is now in their minds fanatical tales.   Just like Thomas, they doubt the bearer of the Good News of God.  

              They are requesting that publishers make the Bible easier to read, and the publishers are obliging.  At the same time, they are changing the context of God’s Holy Word.  

              Yet, when Thomas came face to face with Jesus, “what did he say?” “My Lord and my God” Isn’t that what happened to us when Christ Jesus confronted us eyeball to eyeball via the Holy Spirit?  I know it wasn’t really eyeball to eyeball, but it was heart to heart.  Wasn’t it then that He became “My Lord and my God,” and all those doubts were erased?  We then became true disciples of Christ.

              Erase those doubts accept Him and become a new person with a new character, and have that new assurance and that new hope of everlasting life.

Bro. John Chastain

(John 20:24-29 KJB)  But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.   25  The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.  26  And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: thencame Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace beunto you.   27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.  28  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God 29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Believe That He Is

              The scripture Hebrews 11:3-6 quoted below tells us a lot.  First, we see the reiteration that God created the worlds, and it wasn’t done with an arbitrary “Big Bang.”  If there was a “Big Bang,” God created it and directed the action.   I don’t know past the Biblical explanation how the universe was created, and for sure neither does anyone else.

              We then see a discussion of faith, now faith in God, not the lottery system.  Although Abel was murdered by his brother, he spoke from the ground through his blood to God.  Then we see Enoch.  Because of his great faith, he was translated up to walk with God.  Enoch pleased God.

              All these verses talk about faith, faith in God, faith about God, and faith of God.  The problem we see is that without faith in God, we cannot please God.  Most who read this will claim God, and most who hear the message of the Gospel have already claimed Him.  Yet, if we as a people who are called by His name:

(2 Chronicles 7:14)  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

will (or shall) “humble themselves.”  Maybe this is our problem.  We, in our pride want to have the faith that, “I can do it by myself.”  It is our pride and our stubbornness, which keeps us from God.  (Of course, maybe you have humbled yourselves, or maybe it is we are not praying and seeking His face in faith.)  

              If we do not believe that He is a rewarder, how do we expect to hear from Him?  We are told it is those who diligently seek Him; not with a faint heart, not with doubt in our minds, but a heart that loves the Lord Jesus, and believes through Him nothing is impossible.

(Deuteronomy 6:5)  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

              Do you love Him with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might?  If not that may be your answer as to why God’s blessings (rewards) have not passed your way like you think they should.  If you do not have the faith, you may need to look at your heart.  Maybe you have an overriding pride, a doubt or two, or a sin that is holding you away from God.  If after giving yourself an honest check-up, then talk to God and ask for the forgiveness you need.  Then repent, and stay right with God.

Bro John R. E Chastain

(Hebrews 11:3-6  KJB)  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.  ⁴By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. ⁵By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ⁶But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The LORD Is Good

            In Psalm 100 quoted below, we see that we as a people, and as a nation are to “make a joyful noise unto the LORD.”

              What is a “joyful noise?”  The noise is our conversation with the LORD.  It is our “knee time.”   It is you and I praising God from “whom all blessings flow.”

            We as individuals must understand, (regardless of what the world states) God is our Creator.  “He…made us.”  We are His, the sheep of His pasture. Yet, most of us are more like goats or cows.  We must be driven rather than being led as a lamb. God’s sheep follow Him, 

(John 10:4) “…and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”

            How do we as one who professes Jesus, (we who are called Christians,) justify our personal walk with the Lord?   We may pray and give noise unto the Lord, however, the remaining question is, “Is it a joyful noise?”  Have we entered into His House with a meek, thankful heart?   On the other hand, is it because it would look bad to the Jones’ if we didn’t go to Church, (you know how nosy they are,) if we would stay home?

            [1] Dr. Raymond Barber stated, “You should never make recommendations to God.  Instead, you should simply report for duty.”

              You and I are simply to bless His name, and rejoice over what has been given, whether a mountain or a valley.  He, as the song tells us is the same God in either place.  “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;”  Trust Him today.        

Bro John R. E Chastain

Psalms 100:1-5  Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  (2)  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  (3)  Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  (4)  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  (5)  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

[1] Dr. Raymond Barber, “Golden Moments with God” Crown Christian Publications, 2008, page 464.

Are You Revealed?

              As I read the scriptures in Matthew 11:25-28 quoted below, and give consideration to these verses, the question that lingers in my mind is, “Are You Revealed?”

Matthew 7:21-23  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Will God say to you, “…I never knew you: depart from me...”  This is what you, as the reader must determine.  Your Pastor or Sunday School Teacher cannot tell you.  We each determine our eternity through our own heart. 

              God, through the Holy Spirit gives us the “saving faith” by which we can get saved.  However, in order to activate that faith, we must learn what our faith is.  In the Book of Romans, we find:

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Three things must happen:  1.)  We confess Jesus to others (include your heart also,) and 2.) Believe that “…God hath raised him from the dead,..” then 3.) God will save you.  Our given faith must have some knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

              Therefore, the question still stands for you to answer.  “Are You Revealed?”  Again, only you can know the depth of your Salvation.  Once we have accepted Jesus, we are to repent of our sins and follow Jesus in Baptism.  We must remember that we all will be judged at some point, regardless of who or what we think we are.  We will be judged. 

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The saved will have their “works” tested for reward.  The “un-revealed” will be cast into hell.  Where do you stand with God?  Do you stand with God?  When you are called into eternity, will Jesus “reveal” you to His Father, our Lord God in Heaven?                                                     

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Matthew 11:25-28  At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.  (26)  Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.  (27)  All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.  (28)  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

What Sayest Thou Of Thyself

              In John 1:19-23 quoted below, we see the world wanting to know what John the Baptist’s duty was to the Church.  Finally, after John answered their questions, they asked him one final question, “What sayest thou of thyself?”

              Today we could have a problem answering that question.  Do we know what our duty to the Church is?  Have we searched our heart to find that answer?  If not, that is what we all need to do.  We need to spend some time with God and ask for direction concerning our Church.

                        

Mark 12:30-31  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: thisis the first commandment.  31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Our problem in asking ourselves this question is: do we Love the Lord thy God at all, let alone with all our heart, soul, mind and strength?   By the way, do we love our neighbor?  Do we love them as we love ourselves?

              We as Christians must decide whether we are a “a voice crying out in the wilderness,” or are we just a voice never heard for Christ?  We, in our daily walk are to Glorify God in all that we do, not just in those “churchy things.”  

              So where do we stand with God?  I concern myself at times with this question.  I do  understand it is a hard question; however, we each must answer it in the humbleness of our heart.  

              We will one day be required to pour our heart out to Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

              Whether it is good or bad, whether we want to or not, we will confess to Jesus one day.  

              So put your heart on the altar, bring yourself to your knees, throw your pride out the window, and confess to Jesus today. Get to know Him like you will know Him in eternity.

Bro John R. E Chastain

John 1:19-23  And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?  (20)  And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.  (21)  And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.  (22)  Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?  (23)  He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

Shew Me Thy Ways, O Lord

              In Psalm 25:4-8 quoted below, we see King David asking, or we might say begging for God’s mercy.  Not only is he asking for mercy, he is admitting that he is a sinner, and in dire need of God’s Amazing Grace.

              Isn’t that where you and I ought to be?  We must at least know we are sinners, yet we call on God and instead of asking for His help, we have the unmitigated gall to tell Him what must happen.  We go to God the Righteous, Righteous of Righteousness, Holy of Holies, the Holiest of All, and we have the “brass” to flaunt our sin in His Face, and then tell Him what He must do.  We as Christians must realize what we are first, then as King David, get down on our knees, repent of our sin, our lifestyle, and transform our minds to God.

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We must not only transform our minds, but also live a life that is acceptable to God.  We must make the transformation willingly, and in the humbleness of our heart.  We must make the change.

              Several years ago, (just after my wife and I were saved,) I heard a TV preacher tell his audience; “Demand that God answer your prayers, because He promised to do so.”  King David certainly was of God’s eye, yet I never read where he ever demanded of God anything.  As I read my King James Bible, I have found King David generally begging and pleading for God’s mercy.

              Demand of God, never.  He, God is the Infinite One, we are the finite, the limited ones.  God doesn’t change.  We do, we have, and we will.  

              So is your next change to God, or towards the world?  It is your decision. What are you going to do?  Beg God not to remember your recent transgressions.  You know how you voted for “same sex marriages,” and where you voted for those who are “pro-choice,” taking the lives of the innocent.  

              Our secrets will find us out one day, and we will answer to Jesus regarding these travesties against God’s Law.  Get right today.  Beg Him for mercy today, right now.

Bro John R. E Chastain

Psalms 25:4-8  Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.  (5)  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.  (6)  Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.  (7)  Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.  (8)  Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

Our Sins

            Read our scripture below, and do understand this was written to the Jews.    However, Paul tells us in:

(Hebrews 8:12)  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

So we, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, can know our sins will not be remembered by God no more. 

            Some have told me, that to be forgiven is the equivalent of Salvation.  Jesus died on the cross, for you and I.  He died so that we might have Salvation and that we might have the opportunity to be saved from Hell.  We are told in:

(Romans 10:9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

            In other words that if I will believe that God raised Jesus from the grave, and confess Jesus to others, that He would save me.  There is no other requirement, nothing else to do.  Once we have accepted Jesus, and we know He is our Lord, and then we need to come to Him with a sincere heart and ask Him to help you identify your sins and help you remove them from your life.  

(Hebrews 10:22)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

            When we go to God it must be with a sincere, true heart, then we need to clear our heart from all evil thoughts, grudges and hate.  We need to be as spiritually clean as we can get.  

            So the question remains, have you gone to the Lord recently asking for His forgiveness of your current sins?  In some of us it might need to be a daily thing, but regardless it ought to be done with a sincere repentant heart.  Knowing you have sinned against God.  What are you going to do?                                   

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Jeremiah 31:33-34  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  (34)  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

It Shall Come To Pass

              When I read the verses below, I needed to put it into context.  Most of what Peter quoted came from Joel 2:28-32.  The question is why Peter was quoting a prophecy concerning the “Day of The Lord?”  

              Joel was foretelling what Matthew, John, and Peter would later write.  Joel was talking of the time when Jesus returns to earth to exact His judgment on earth.  “The Day of The Lord” will be a terrible time for any resident on earth. We must also know this is not the Rapture. This is seven years after the Rapture.

              So, why was Peter quoting Joel?  He was talking to the Jews and was telling them from their Scripture what to expect in that terrible “Day of The Lord.”  He was warning them that a time was coming that no one wanted, and that they needed to call upon the name of the Lord,

                                    

(Joel 2:32)  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: ...

Joel is defining to the Jews to call upon the name of the Lord and be delivered.  It will come to pass.  Peter in:

(Acts 2:21)  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Paul tells us in:

(Romans 10:13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

              If we carefully read and consider the context of these passages, we can know that God has given us a plan of Salvation that all can understand.  If we will decide in our heart that Jesus is God’s Son, and by accepting Jesus, we can be saved from Hell and the “Day of The Lord.”

                                    

(John 3:16)  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The “whosoever” is anybody, regardless of their sin condition.  If they will believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, Salvation has happened.

(John 3:18)  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Without a sincere belief, you are condemned.  Prior to hearing of Jesus, you were already condemned to hell.  By accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour, you are no longer condemned, and Heaven becomes your home.

              Accept Him before it is eternally too late.  Do it today.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Acts 2:17-20  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  (18)  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:  (19)  And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:  (20)  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

How Dwells The Love Of God In You?

              These scriptures from (1 John 3:16-20) below should tug at our heartstrings.  Sometimes our heart gets out of tune and becomes sour and “dodgy.”   We want to be in tune, and sing of His love and our love for Him.  However, some days it’s just the blues.

              We have all heard a friend tell us, “I’m sorry,” and know they don’t mean it.  It is just a means of getting past the hurt.  

              Jesus Christ laid down His life for each of us.  So where is your life?  Is it acceptable to God?  On the other hand, is it an “I hope so” kinda situation?

(Romans 12:1-2)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,which is your reasonable service.  2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove whatis that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

              We as Christians need to know what we are and where we are.  We see what our reasonable service is, and it involves us transforming our minds by renewing what we do.  You and I cannot do this on our own; we must have a desire to want to be what God expects of us.  God has never expected us to hang on a Cross and die.  This living sacrifice is letting our Spiritual life control our worldly life.  

              Show Christ in you, and work to remove (renewing) the world from controlling your life.

(Hebrews 10:22)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

              This desire must be done with a true (sincere) heart with the faith that God will give what He has promised.  This verse also tells us we must rid ourselves of all the hatred, anger and all that miserable stuff in our minds.

              So where do you stand?  Are you a living sacrifice, do you love others in word only, or is your heart in the right place.  Only you and God knows.  Talk to Him about your sacrificial life.

Bro. John R. E Chastain   

1 John 3:16-20  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  (17)  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  (18)  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.  (19)  And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  (20)  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Did You Leave The Light On?

                As I read the scriptures in Isaiah 66:1-2 quoted below, we see God asking a couple of questions: “Where is My house and My resting place?” 

              When you and I have guests who have traveled a great distance to see us, the first thing after the initial greeting is to show them a place where they may rest for a bit.  It is a normal thing we do, and our guests appreciate.

              Therefore, what is it God is asking of us?  When we have accepted Jesus as our Saviour, we have been regenerated into a new creature.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

As a new creature, we are now the Temple of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

God has given us the Holy Spirit, and since God is the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, we are His house and place of rest.  As a Christian, can we say with surety that God has found that “house and resting place” that He is seeking?

              Our walk as a Christian is very hard, bouncing between the sin of the world and God’s Word.  We face sin daily, yet we do not rely on God to help us from our sinful ways.  We rely on ourselves and fail miserably.

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

It isn’t as if we want to fail, it is the temptations around us that cause us to fail.  The problem is always with us.  We could reject the temptations.  It is our choice. 

              Do we want a house in which God can abide and rest, or are we so within our pride that God’s situation doesn’t concern us.  Is it always me, myself, and I?

              God tells us in Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Consequently, in order to achieve this “house and place of rest,” we must be under God’s Word.  We must concern ourselves with God more than we concern ourselves with me, myself, and I.  So what are you doing?  Did you leave the light on for Him?

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Isaiah 66:1-2  Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?  (2)  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Who Will?

When I read Isaiah 6:6-8 quoted below, I am reminded of:

(Acts 9:6)  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

              I think of Paul lifting himself up, probably with help, in absolute wonderment of what just happened.  I have that portion of this scripture, which asks the question, “…what wilt thou have me to do?” on the wall above my computer monitor.  I need to ask myself that question many times a day.  

              However, in our text below, “The Lord” is asking “Whom shall I send?” He is asking who will go and warn the others, warn them of their impending doom.  Who will tell them what they must do?  

              God is looking for willing hearts.  He is looking for men, women, and children who will accept Him in their heart personally.  

(1 Chronicles 28:9)  And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

              God searches ALL hearts and He knows the imaginations of your mind. He knows your sincerity. He wants someone, anyone who through conviction and desire of the heart, wants to serve Him in the capacity in which you are called.

(Joel 2:13)  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

              Notice in this verse where Joel puts the responsibility.  It is square on our shoulders.  It is not God’s responsibility to change us.  It is our responsibility to desire to be reshaped into His image.  Once we have rendered our heart, repented, and accepted Jesus, God will change us.  He will use each of us in a capacity related to our abilities.  The question is, “Who shall I send?” The answer should be “Here am I; send me.”

              Paul asked a similar question while on the road to Damascus.  We will not see Jesus as Paul did, but we, you and I, need to first tell God, “Here am I; send me.”  Then ask, “…what wilt thou have me to do?”  

              Have you asked?  I guess the best question would be, would you ask God the serious questions, or will it be for some more blessing for nought?

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Isaiah 6:6-8  Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:  (7)  And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.  (8)  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.