This is where the idea of ‘abiding in Jesus’ is juxtaposed with the idea of ‘abiding in God’s Word’. The Gospel is a Person to be welcomed in one’s life, and at the same time, to believe truths taught by that Person. You cannot have one without the other. One cannot profess acquaintance with Jesus and not do what He commands; or to be well conversant with the Bible but not having a personal relationship with Jesus. It just isn’t fair at all. It is a personal relationship and a willingness to act and abide in the truths that He taught. One needs to accept both ends to have the assurance of answered prayers. But sadly, this phrase “ye shall ask whatever you will, it shall be done…” has been grossly pulled out of its context and turned into a health, wealth, and prosperity gospel by modern day Christianity. Has it been your Christian experience that everything you ask for, you get? Has that been your experience in your prayer? It has not been mine. have we asked sincerely? Have we asked with enthusiasm? Yes, but the Bible also lists conditions for answered prayers. It’s not just whatever you ask. One of the conditions is, “whatever you ask in my Name” (i.e. Jn. 14:13). Now that is not just sticking in “Jesus Name” on the end of your selfish prayer. In “Jesus Name” means, in His personality and in His character; “Keep on seeking, keep on knocking and it shall be opened” – Persistence; “Whatever you ask not spending it in on your own lust” – James; “Whatever you ask without doubting” – James. These are all conditions to answered prayers. The worst thing God could do to most of us is to answer all our selfish, materialistic, “more and more for me” prayers; because people will become Christians for all the wrong reasons. Do you become a Christian for what you can get out of it? Or do you become a Christian because of Him who died in your place. Are you in this just for what you can get? Or are you in this because you found peace and joy and forgiveness in Him?