20150826 GOOD FATHER GOOD GIFTS

GOOD FATHER GOOD GIFTS

Matthew 7:7-11 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  (8)  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.  (9)  "You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?  (10)  Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!  (11)  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.

Just as we are not to get tired of doing good things (Galatians 6:9), we are not to get tired of praying. As in all of this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus again deals with a matter of the heart. Jesus came in part to show us the true nature of our Heavenly Father. Our perception of Him is often one of a cruel task master glaring over the ramparts of heaven, just waiting for one of us to step out of line so He can smite us. But the picture that Jesus gives here is that of a loving Father who delights in blessing His children with “good gifts.”

The danger here is that we might see Him as some kindly old gentleman who turns a blind eye to the mischievousness of his grandchildren. No. Our Father is Holy and deserves our respect and worship and when we approach Him with the right attitude and with the knowledge of His love we can approach Him with boldness and without fear. Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

1 John 4:18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.

Father in heaven, Thank You that we can boldly approach You without fear, because You do love us. Thank You we can bring every need, desire, request to You, knowing that You hear and that You will answer with the best answer. Today I pray especially for Your children who still walk about afraid You are set upon punishing them. Open their eyes to see Your love. Give all of us undivided hearts that respect You, worship You and truly understand the depth, length and width of Your love. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!