PODCAST
Free To Receive
November 17th, 2012
Matthew 7:7-14
We are used to thinking of God as our heavenly Father, so we forget that most people don’t think of him in that way. For example, the Jews in Jesus’ day thought of God as a king or judge and they treated him accordingly. Some people I know think God is angry with them. They often give up trying to please him. Others figure he has more important things to worry about; so they do whatever they please.
Jesus wanted to change the way we relate to God, so he gave us a spiritual exercise. He challenged us to “ask” of God so he could prove his love and concern by giving us “good gifts.” That is what God decides is good for us. God won’t bless bad behavior or reinforce selfishness. He does, however, help those who seek the good of others. God really is a “father” who wants to train the hearts of his kids.
Have you been asking for the wrong things? Are you tempted to spend God’s blessings on “selfish pleasures” (see James 4:1-3)? Why not ask God to help you bless another person; and then watch as your heavenly Father pours his blessing into your life.
November 17th, 2012 at 5:48 am
“Why not ask God to help you bless another person; and then watch as your heavenly Father pours his blessing into your life.”
Make sure that you are “free to receive” the blessing by not announcing to others that you gave a special gift to someone. In doing so, you’re choosing to get the praise of people in lieu of God. (Matthew 6:1-4)
Likewise, if you keep the gift to someone else between you and God, you’re “using” (practicing God’s Word) and will receive more. (Luke 6:38)
*Prosperity ministries may use this verse and the reference to tithing (Malachi 3:10) to receive more blessings of money. However, the practicing of God’s Word to receive more spiritual knowledge appears to be the most logical (since the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil 1 Timothy 6:10 and it is wise to use knowledge to become closer with God Colossians 2:2-3).