April 19, 2018
You Can’t Out-Give God!
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him (Matthew 7:7-11, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Dan and I now have six grandchildren … and I am in so much trouble. I want to give them everything! I know love is the most important gift I can give them, but I love to give in other ways, too.
I usually have a list of the hottest toys in hand when I go shopping, as was the case the last time I took our daughter-in-law shopping. But I only found half of the items on my list. I was not happy!
When Jodi hugged me and thanked me for the gifts, I looked at her and said, “You are welcome, honey, but it’s not enough!” Jodi chuckled, but I was serious!
“No, you don’t understand,” I continued. “We have to go shopping again, because I haven’t given the kids enough and my heart is not excited enough yet!” I know. I am totally ruined.
On the way home, I analyzed my words and my heart.
I fully realize that material things won’t satisfy the deepest needs of our grandchildren. I am totally committed to investing time in their lives in order to help them find Jesus Christ and discover His plan for their lives. I know I can love them in so many ways, but I always want to give them more.
Our Father has the same heart - a giving heart - when it comes to giving His children good things. The problem is that we don’t really believe that truth.
We tend to measure His love by how much we have done or accomplished - or even by what we haven’t done and promise not to do. We are missing the truth that God’s love simply cannot be measured.
God doesn’t love us because we are so lovable.
God loves us because He is love.
One of the most tragic results of our unbelief is an ineffective prayer life. We pray, not really believing God wants to or really will answer those prayers. Jesus addresses this issue in Matthew 7:7-11.
Jesus is teaching about prayer and that the love of God is like the love in the child-parent relationship. The son has been out in the fields working all day long. When he gets home, he is starving. His family is seated at the dinner table, and dishes of steaming, delicious food are being passed around. I can almost see that boy’s eyes zeroing in on the food, salivating in anticipation of the meal before him. Then imagine the Father, seeing the hunger of his child, picks up a rock, tosses it to his son and says, “Here! Eat this!”
Jesus is driving home the truth that good fathers want to give their kids good gifts … and if this is true of earthly parents (and grandparents), imagine what our Heavenly Parent wants to give us … if only we would ask.
No one’s voice sounds sweeter to God than your voice.
Nothing in the universe can keep Him from giving you His full attention when you pray. In fact, He longs to hear your prayer.
Don’t think you have to figure out a way to steal a blessing from God.
Don’t think you have to trick Him into giving up what He would rather keep for Himself.
It is God’s very nature to give to His children. Do not doubt for a moment that He is a giving God with a heart that longs to bless you. God is not only able to answer your prayer, but God wants to answer your prayer. Just ask.
Let’s Pray
Father, I thank You for loving me. Honestly, I don’t understand that love, but I revel in it today! Please help me catch a glimpse of how You see me. Teach me to see others through Your eyes of love. I want to give Your love away so that others will know You and be drawn to You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
- Do you really believe God loves you unconditionally?
- Do you consider yourself worthy? Why or why not?
- Read Psalm 139 each day for one month. Record the new truths that you learn, the changes in your perspective and any fresh insights in your journal.
- At the end of the month, write Psalm 139 in your own words and share it with a friend.
More from the Girlfriends
The love of God is beyond comprehension but God’s gift to us all. Do you really believe that? Mary’s powerful message, Love That Never Fails, will help you understand and accept the love God has for you. Check it out!
Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.
Seeking God?
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Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.
Originally published Thursday, 19 April 2018.
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