GENEROUS GIVER
Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Some traditions send the wrong message about our heavenly Father under false “honoring God” claims. They are pointed out here so that we can re-program our minds the correct way that our heavenly Father acts. Usually, the wrong ideas about God spring from human intellect.
Without knowing that Satan was behind God’s allowing his problems, Job wailed, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked will I depart. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
The Father’s never wanted Job to lose his children and property. (Job 1:1-20).
Preachers attempt to comfort the grieving at funerals with Job’s same thinking. “The LORD giveth and the LORD taketh. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Surely, our Father can call home loved ones anytime.
Yet, let us always remember that it is the devil who takes!
John 10:10 says that Jesus warned the devil who He calls the thief “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Then He softens and reverses the passage with, “I have come that they may have life; and have it abundantly.”
That is our Father’s position, too! Cancer is a scary disease that strikes men, women, boys and girls alike. When that disease robs people of dignity and even their lives, God gives comfort to those who mourn.
When Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 16:19, He instructs His followers to use them. Christians are authorized to pray for things that bring the Father’s will from heaven to earth! We may “loosen” the cancer from another and pray that healing and wholeness be “bound” to that same person.
John 16:23b and 24 is the first time Jesus tells His followers to ask for things in His name. Jesus’ name gives us authority to ask the Father whatever we want. See the lesson linked below for why Believers can act on Jesus’ authority to do God’s will.
Take Home Nugget
As God’s kids, Jesus taught us what the Father’s will is. He said in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” God is a giver, not a taker. Jesus met every need and healed every sickness brought before Him. Then He went willingly to the cross to sacrifice His own life to redeem us! Jesus NEVER took anything from anyone.
Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will we also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
Thank You, heavenly Father, for giving me every good thing in life! Amen.
Adapted from “God is a Giver, Not a Taker” by Rev. Joseph Prince. www.josephprince.org. July 19, 2017.
J.D. Griffith
For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Latest Christmas book by J.D. Griffith:
Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment