In the midst of an unconditional loving God, the word "if" saturates our divine scripture over 1,467 times with conditions we must meet as legal heirs to God and His promises.

The Word "if" in the American Heritage Dictionary is defined as "On the condition that...."

In other words, you just may have to do more than "show up" on inheritance day.

Having said that, are you now feeling a little "Iffy" about your walk with the Lord? Do you know much about the blessings and/or promises reserved for us by Almighty God? Do you know what you need to do in order to obtain them?

Speaking of satisfying certain conditions, how do you feel you are doing with your life? Your family? Your church involvement?

If these areas seem to pose more questions than answers, then you may need to better understand your spiritual roots. Let the precious Word of the Lord bring you back to reality as we get ready to feel the ribbon of life's race touch our blood-stained garments!

IF my word abides in you and you abide in me ask what you will and it will be given unto you.
(John 15: 5)

If this scripture isn't true in your life, then we have to find out why.

The 'Why' Question
Often times I get people asking me, "How do I get closer to God? How do I get in shape? How do I improve my life?"

I love receiving these types of questions. But no matter what people ask me, the answer is usually the same: IF!

IF you eat well and drink lots of water...IF you exercise daily and are consistent with your workout plan...IF you abide daily in His presence...IF you make it a point to pray to God everyday...and IF you communicate with Him through His Word, then you will be _____________ [fill in the blank]!

You see, people usually begin with good intentions, but often what happens is that over time, that same old unbelieving voice begins to rear its ugly head. Pretty soon you find yourself starting to say things like, "Well, I tried, BUT...," or, "I really want to pray, BUT...," or "I know someone else who tried that, BUT...."

We can't allow ourselves to talk like that. The word "but" is a faith killer! In fact, the longer we make excuses over the truth, the longer our excuses will hold us back from experiencing the power and results from that truth.

I encourage you today to get together with other like-minded believers and break down the "BUTs" in your speech with an "AMEN" (so be it!).

Consider what Jesus himself said:

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
(Matt. 18:19)

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....
(2 Chron. 7:14)

The First Step Is Ours
Often times we are waiting for God to take the first step when in fact the entire time He is waiting for us.

If there are others who have been waiting patiently but still have no answer, to them I offer the following promise of scripture:

If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.
(John 13:17)

We must know and do. That's why the Bible says that IF we would only believe, THEN we would see the glory of God. Therefore, keep standing, believing, and doing what you know to do—just like the Word says.

Remember, the only way we as believers are going to receive is IF we believe. True belief stems from a heart trusting in the Lord. This trust is only developed through an intimate knowledge of Him. Therefore, take time and seek Him this week.

What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
(Rom. 8:31-32)

If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.
(John 14:14)

I encourage you to study the following words in scripture: "IF A," "IF YOU," "IF I," "IF THEY," "IF WE," and "IF MY." After this study, it will become clear that if we don't meet certain conditions of scripture, then we won't inherit or experience God's promises.

"Iffyness" is reserved for those who can't (or won't) make a decision to act on the Word of God. "Godliness" is reserved for those who do. Since you will always have these two ways in which to direct your faith, the real question is...which one will you choose?

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