Understanding Enough

Understanding Enough

Exodus 16: ¹⁷ Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. ¹⁸ So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s need. ¹⁹ And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning.” ²⁰ Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. ²¹ So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted.

 

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GOD provided bread from heaven and arranged for quail to show up every day. HE gave specific instructions on the amounts to gather. But there were some who did not heed the instructions and the food rotted the next day and worms appeared.

 

My Observations:

• Some of the children of Israel collected more than they needed.
• GOD seemed to be addressing a mindset of independence that the children of Israel had.
• The children of Israel probably had to tell Moses that they had rotten, stinking food with worms.

 

Following GOD required a change of mindset. When HE gave instructions, it was for protection versus punishment. GOD knew how long the food would last. HE specifically made the food last for the duration HE prescribed. The children of Israel were not used to food from heaven and thought it would keep like earthly food.

 

GOD seemed to be showing the children of Israel that what HE provided was enough. HE also seemed to be telling them that HE was enough to believe in. Unfortunately, they had become self-reliant.  They were so used to gathering food for the Egyptians and for themselves, that they could not believe that GOD would provide what HE said HE would.  GOD tells us that HE is enough.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the disobedience of the children of Israel regarding gathering food daily?
• Are there some things that GOD has said that are difficult for you to surrender to?
• Is there something that you need to surrender that GOD has clearly said for you to let go of?

 

Special Delivery

Special Delivery

Philippians 4: ¹⁸ Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

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Looking in my mailbox, I received a note that was unusual for me. “Pick up your package at the front desk” it said. It did not have a return address so it was from someone in the dorm. It had gifts in it.

 

• I was delighted.
• I felt great receiving something unexpected.
• I did not know I needed what was in the package.

 

Paul received many care packages from the people in Philippi. While he was spreading the Gospel, they supported his needs with many packages. Epaphroditus was the delivery person who spent time keeping the packages safe.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my heart open to become a supplier of needs.
• GOD sends me to deliver packages from others when I cannot provide them myself.
• GOD has plenty to give and HE wants me to be a distributor.

 

For many years I thought this passage was about getting stuff. I mean, GOD supplying all “Y” needs sounds cool. But it seems like the sweet aroma to GOD was from those who gave or supported people who were spreading the Gospel. Giving is often overlooked in this passage because I usually want more.

 

Having enough is a strange concept. It means I am thankful for the little I have. It also means I can give someone some of what I have and GOD will be pleased. I gladly will become a delivery person when I don’t have much to give but when I  do, I will give to those in need.

 

Challenge

• What aroma does the writer speak of?
• What needs do you have?
• Will you supply someone’s needs today or become a delivery person if you have nothing to give?

Value Proposition

Value Proposition

2 Corinthians 11: ⁷ I did not charge you a thing when I preached the Good News of God to you; I humbled myself in order to make you important. Was that wrong of me? ⁸ While I was working among you, I was paid by other churches. I was robbing them, so to speak, in order to help you. ⁹ And during the time I was with you I did not bother you for help when I needed money; the believers who came from Macedonia brought me everything I needed. As in the past, so in the future: I will never be a burden to you! ¹⁰ By Christ's truth in me, I promise that this boast of mine will not be silenced anywhere in all of Achaia. ¹¹ Do I say this because I don't love you? God knows I love you!

 

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“Would you like to buy some candy?’ were the dreaded words I heard from my boss. “It’s for a good cause” was the explanation. I dug into my pocket and bought a candy bar with the money I had planned for lunch. “I guess this is part of the game to get ahead” I thought to myself.

 

• I gave even though I did not value what I was giving to.
• I supported something because I valued my job and comfort.
• I added this cause to the list of many others I was being pulled into.

 

Paul speaks about this group not being charged for his services. He spoke to them, spent time with them and taught them something extremely valuable, namely the truth of CHRIST. But he did it for free. He brought this to their attention, not to guilt them, but to have them value what they got.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to value HIS servants.
• GOD wants me to support those who speak on HIS behalf.
• GOD wants me to understand the need to spread the Gospel everywhere.

 

Telling people about the Great news of JESUS is the most valuable thing a person can do. I mean, giving up the world’s pursuits to speak about JESUS is a huge step that the world’s structures fight against. Obstacles are placed in front of those who are determined to live for CHRIST.

 

“What will they eat?” or “Where will they stay?” are a couple of questions that come to mind. But in these days of many causes, supporting someone to speak about JESUS becomes noise. I have to make a choice at some point and support those who speak on HIS behalf or be the one who needs support to speak on HIS behalf. I am glad GOD has provided many people to support me as I was sent out to speak about JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What value proposition is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever gotten so overloaded with the world’s bills and structures that you could not see yourself giving money to those who speak on CHRIST’s behalf?
• Have you ever thought that maybe it’s you who need the support to speak on HIS behalf and need to pray about accepting HIS calling on your life today?

Decide and Supplied

 

Decide and Supplied

Acts 28: ⁷ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. ⁸ His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. ¹⁰ They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

 

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With a car that no longer worked and creditors calling, I was at wits end. I got a little angry that I was in a small town and did not have anyone to call for help. As I sat in my apartment, I decided to turn back to GOD.

 

Maybe I’m going about things wrong. I went to a place where I could learn about GOD. After months of focusing on HIM, I noticed my entire life had changed. Not only were bills paid, I was able to purchase my first new car. But that wasn’t all. I was able to teach people about GOD.

 

• There were times in my life when I felt empty.
• There were times in my life when I felt worried.
• There were times in my life when I felt like I had no help.

 

The chief official of the island invited everyone over his estate. Paul noticed the official’s father was sick in bed and went in to see him. GOD healed the father through Paul. Everyone on the island brought their sick to Paul and were cured. Afterwards, the crew and Paul were supplied with all they needed to sail to Rome by the thankful islanders.

 

• GOD wants me to decide to follow HIM without expecting things to change.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM because of our loving relationship.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE supplies my needs when I am obedient to HIM.

 

When GOD gives purpose, HE supplies the means to carry it out. I mean, when HE tells me HE is going to do something in my life, it may not happen as fast as I think, but it will happen. GOD sees the moment I decide to sincerely follow HIM. HE supplies me with everything I need to carry out HIS great plan HE has for me. I am glad HE sees me in the time of need.

 

• Are you in need right now?
• Have you been worrying for a long time?
• Will you decide to follow GOD anyway and praise HIM for supplying your needs before you get them?

Fully Supplied

Luke 9: Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. ² He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. ³ And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.

⁴ “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. ⁵ And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

⁶ So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

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“I wonder if I should take another class” I said to myself as I sought to be in a leadership role. I sat with mentors and asked their advice. After getting training and advice I wondered what else I was missing.

• There are times when I feel inadequate.
• There are times when I feel insecure about myself.
• There are times when I feel I do not have what it takes to amount to anything.

JESUS does something radical. HE sent HIS disciples out to spread the Good News about HIM being the one who would save all of humanity. HE didn’t send them with money, clothes, food or a change of clothes. They had nothing the world could see. But they had something else.

• When JESUS saved me HE gave me all I needed to do HIS ministry.
• When JESUS pulled me into HIS family HE provided me with a purpose.
• When JESUS washed me of all my sins HE sent me to tell everyone that HE can do the same for them and their families and their family’s families.

JESUS proved that ministry does not take money in order for HIS power to be spread. HE gives anyone who asks the power and abilities to spread HIS message of love and salvation. The message doesn’t need buildings, staff or tee shirts. GOD’s message can be preached daily to those who desire to hear. HE sends me with a grateful heart.

• Are you broke?
• Do you feel GOD’s word cannot be preached without money?
• Will you accept the gifts and talents you already possesses and use them to preach HIS message of love and salvation today?

Earthly Needs are Met Too

Psalm: ¹² The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
    He will bless his people Israel,
    he will bless the house of Aaron,
¹³ he will bless those who fear the Lord—
    small and great alike.

¹⁴ May the Lord cause you to flourish,
    both you and your children.
¹⁵ May you be blessed by the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Bored, my mind began to drift. “When will this be over?” I said with the thought of excruciating pain. I mean it’s bad enough that I have to be here in church, but do I have to listen to this “old” person drone on and on? I have important things to think about and whatever these people are talking about doesn’t seem to help “my” situation! They don’t know what “I’m” going through, I said as I was about to enter high school.

• Sometimes I think GOD only cares about heaven.
• Sometimes I think JESUS only cares about salvation.
• Sometimes I think the HOLY SPIRIT was placed in me to watch me like “big brother” and catch me in my sins.

What a dismal view of GOD, the ultimate blamer and the ultimate punisher. I saw GOD how I saw life at that time. I felt alone and directionless with no guide to pave my path. BUT GOD had a plan that I was unaware of.

• GOD saw me lying in the dust and picked me up.
• JESUS numbered the hairs on my head and walked “with” me though troubled times.
• The HOLY SPIRIT lived through every sin I ever did and begged for forgiveness on my behalf

FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are ONE GOD, not separate entities as I write about each. GOD cares about my day to day activities just as much as HE cares about my eternal health. HE wants me to live a sinless life but understands when I can’t. HE is full of grace, full of love and full of mercy. JESUS said “It is finished!” GOD said “MY grace is sufficient ‘for you’.” GOD made me to flourish in heaven and earth.

• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Do you think GOD is not listening to you because HE is punishing you or because you are wrong?
• Can you focus on GOD’s grace?
• Will you allow GOD to heal your heart by accepting the fact that HE loves you? 

Maturity outside of the desert

Joshua 5: ¹¹ The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. ¹² The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.

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Silver was my choice as I went inside to do the paperwork. I was very excited because this was my first major purchase on my own.  I waited years for my credit to get better because of all of the tickets, debt from college and poor payment habits. It seemed like I would never come out the other side.

I remember taking my credit cards and cutting them up so I would only spend cash. It was very difficult as I reached in the cabinet and only had a can of corn to eat for dinner. “Here are your keys” the dealer said. I don’t know if I thanked GOD or not but I was elated!

When I’m in the desert I grumble about GOD’s support.

When I’m in the desert I complain about GOD’s sustenance.

When I’m in the desert I murmur about how other people who don’t follow GOD seem to have it all and I don’t.

GOD has a time and place for HIS plan to be executed in my life. HE doesn’t want me looking at someone else’s situation and compare it to mine. HE also doesn’t want me complaining about where HE has me. GOD is growing me.

GOD has a purpose for taking me through “desert” times.

GOD grows me by taking me through “desert” times.

GOD matures me to be able to handle more territory by taking me through “desert” times.

The Israelites were not mature enough to enter the promise land so GOD took them through the desert to rid them of the desire of being back in Egypt where they were on a path of totally forgetting HIM. The desert had nothing to sustain life, yet GOD supported them for 40 years without wearing out their clothes.

GOD brings me out of the desert with new eyes, new ears and a new heart. Instead of blaming people for falling in their own holes GOD enables me to see people with grace, like HE does.

Are you coming out of a desert time?

Do you think you will have other desert times?

Can you focus your attention on GOD and give with joy?

Won’t you take this moment to strengthen your faith in HIM so you won’t pout next time?

How do I know when the LORD is speaking?

Deuteronomy 18: ²¹ You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” ²² If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.

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Pricey but sleek was my dream car at the time. It was next on my list of toys I was going to purchase. GOD must want me to have it, because I want it and I have the means to purchase it. I think I even had a date in mind. When the company cut positions, I no longer had the means to buy this pricey hunk of metal. Was my desire from GOD or me?

• Just because a thought pops in my head doesn’t mean it’s from GOD.
• Just because I really want something doesn’t mean GOD has blessed my desire.
• Just because a circumstance is placed in front of me doesn’t mean that circumstance is flowing towards GOD’s plan.

I have heard preachers tell me the end of the world was supposed to happen on a specific date but the Bible says “No man knows the date or time” for this event. I have thought a person was or wasn’t going to do something BUT GOD did opposite of my thought. Is GOD opposing me on purpose? How do I know when HE is speaking?

• GOD speaks through HIS HOLY SPIRIT HE placed inside of me and has written HIS laws on my heart and the HOLY SPIRIT reminds me to follow them.
• GOD speaks through ordained humans, not always pastors or teachers, but those HE consecrates to say some tough messages that I sometimes do not like.
• GOD speaks through HIS Bible which documents past, present and future events.

Why the mystery?  I mean if HE would just open up HIS mouth and audibly say something then everyone on earth would believe, right? Wrong! HE walked on the planet for years and years and many did not believe. Instead of begging for my love HE showed HIS by dying on the cross in my place.

• Have you asked GOD to show you the way?
• Have you given GOD the chance to say “no” to your idea or desire?
• Have you sought GOD by reading HIS Bible?
• Are you listening to what GOD is saying through other humans or are you critiquing them?
• Do you check what humans are saying with what the Bible says?

Do I really have to give?

Exodus 25: The Lord said to Moses, ² “Tell the people of Israel to bring me an offering. You must receive the offering for me from all whose hearts move them to give.

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“Snorkeling would be a great activity” I thought to myself as I planned our vacation. Let’s see… we’ll stay in one of the top hotels, spend days at a famous amusement park in Florida and really enjoy ourselves. Wait, that’s not enough. I know, I’ll throw in a cruise! Why not, I mean I worked hard so I needed a vacation!

• Vacations are nice but I wonder if I should give before I go.
• Buying nice things is okay but I wonder if I should give before I buy.
• Investing is nice but I wonder if I should give before I invest.

Somehow I think my money is mine. I dream of nice things for me and never once think about those who are hurting or without cash.  I work so hard to acquire my cash so I think I deserve new gadgets, clothes, cars and stuff. Throw in a lavish vacation here and there and I’m okay. BUT GOD has other plans for my cash.

• GOD wants me to take a portion of my wealth and give it to others.
• GOD wants my heart to be conditioned to give not just receive.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes and look for those in need rather than worrying about my cash.

GOD owns everything so HE isn’t looking for more stuff.  HE is looking to see if I can let go of things I consider precious and trust HIM to take care of me. Giving isn’t a cash matter it’s a heart matter. HE isn’t looking for me to be wealth with cash rather be wealthy with my heart.

• Are you looking to receive and are pouting about it?
• Can you give and not look to receive?
• Are you giving out of obligation when GOD wants you to give out of desire?
• Can you stop trying so hard to please GOD and start loving others knowing this pleases GOD?

GOD will provide

Genesis 22: ¹⁰ Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. ¹¹ But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

¹² “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

¹³ Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. ¹⁴ So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

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Shuffling through a pile of bills I felt a sense of accomplishment as I paid a little extra on some bills to get ahead. I even had a little surplus so I felt I was on my way.  Then the phone rang.  “We need a new home, appliances and furniture for this person, how can you help?” My first thought was “Let’s buy the cheapest stuff possible then I won’t be that far in the hole.”

Then that feeling came over me “Do exactly what you would want someone to do to you.” I bought the better appliances and went in the hole for a while. A couple of months later I got a raise for more than the amount I owed.

• When I look at things through unfaithful eyes I can only see bad things happening.
• When I view the future through crooked lenses I can only see a dismal end.
• When I scan the horizon through my broken filter I can only see a land of doubt and fear.

Money is where GOD and I disagree. I think I should have a pile of it and HE feels I don’t need much.  Why do I feel this way? Because whenever I seem to have a pile of cash, something comes along to nip at the pile until the pile is gone. Stuff breaks, gets stolen or lost. But GOD has an answer.

• GOD wants me to fear HIM instead of fearing losing my cash.
• GOD wants me to sacrifice for HIM instead of doing anything for money.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE will provide no matter how dark things may seem.

I may not understand the trials GOD allows in my life but I do know HE has strengthened me through each one and HE has provided every step of the way.

• Are you full of fear?
• Do you think GOD has given up on you because you are down a few dollars?
• Can you realize that GOD may be strengthening your faith in HIM by getting rid of your fear?
• Won’t you face your fear today and allow GOD to grow you?

It’s the GOD in me

Galatians 2: ²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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Many of my “mom’s” and “dad’s” are aging now. They have been through many circumstances, situations and impossible surroundings that would make you cringe just listening. When I go through my situations I always wonder… how did they make it? I mean I think I would have given up. What kept them going?

• My situation blinds me to what I am here for.
• My circumstance blinds me to what is truly important.
• My surroundings blind me to what really matters.

When I am feeling down and despondent I think the world is crashing around me. I think there is no way out and I feel like just sitting and doing nothing. Then I start feeling “deserving” where I ask “Why don’t YOU care anymore LORD?” The answer always comes back the same… “I do love you.”

• GOD loves me dearly and knows what I am going through.
• GOD loves me wholeheartedly and gave HIS own body to save mine.
• GOD loves me unconditionally and forgave ALL of my sins.

GOD placed HIS SPIRIT in me to seal my eternal life. HE wants me to live for HIM instead of trying to live for me. When I live for HIM my circumstances seem to diminish, no matter how large. I can face the day knowing that whatever happens, it’s part of GOD’s plan and what a great plan it is.

• Are you living for you or GOD?
• Are you focused on your situations or HIS?
• Do you believe you are in the middle of HIS plans or are you nervous about yours?
• Will you stop focusing on you for a moment and focus on what GOD wants you to do?

Got any spare change?

2 Corinthians: ¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

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My first assignment downtown was an eye-opener. As I stepped off the train I found myself marching to the rhythm of the massive crowd migrating toward my destination. Amongst the flurry of activity of taxis, coffee shops and traffic I heard a voice, “got any spare change?” Of course I do was my first response and I donated gladly.

Days, months and years into the routine my zeal for giving turned into a critical statement. “Look at them… I bet they are using the money for drugs or alcohol. I’m not giving my hard earned money to them.” Then it hit me, I forgot to make my reservations in the three star hotel for our vacation. Three stars instead of five kept me humble right?

• Many times I avoid people in need.
• Many times I avoid direct contact with someone who wants something because I think I don’t have enough to give.
• Many times I rationalize not giving and wind up using the money on myself.

It is extremely easy to avoid giving. In fact the more I had the easier it was to avoid seeing people who truly needed my help. I found myself in conversations with people discussing wine cellars and humidors when at one point I didn’t even know what those things were. Lavish vacations were quite enjoyable BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD says “The poor you will always have” and HE desires I seek to serve when I’m wealthy or be served when I’m poor.
• GOD says “When you serve someone a cup of water you have served ME” so HE wants me to seek other to serve.
• GOD says “Show and share your talents and I will give you more” which means HE will give as long as I’m willing to give.

GOD isn’t looking to make me wealthy just to be a snob, HE wants me to give when I have plenty and if HE takes my wealth away HE wants me to accept gifts from others. Humility in giving and accepting gifts is GOD’s balance.

• Are you nervous about giving?
• Do you think you don’t have enough to give?
• Are you hoarding money for yourself or are you purposefully seeking opportunities to give?
• Does GOD want you to give to “that” person today?

Tired of being on my own power

John 6 ¹⁸ A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

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Adversity was a staple when budget time came rolling around. How am I going to keep this large headcount while providing value? Attacks from other ancillary departments had to be considered so we put our heads together to strengthen our position.

It was an exhausting season that sometimes had neither fruit nor friendships but our plans got us through the conflict. Many came out wounded, sometimes fired, but we got our budget.

• When adversity comes I try working a little harder thinking I can triumph over GOD’s trial.
• When adversity comes I think I can “plan” my way out of the trouble, only to find more trouble.
• When adversity comes I try to turn my fright into courage but this usually wounds many around me.

An unexpected storm caught the disciples by surprise. They didn’t have any options it was either row or die. They tried with all their might but nothing was working. JESUS showed HIS GODLY power by doing the impossible for any human, HE walked on water. This supernatural act frightened the disciples more. What were their expectations?

• GOD is always with me in the middle of the storm, it takes me to open my frightened eyes to see HIM.
• GOD is always ready to do supernatural things right in front of me if I am willing to accept how and what HE will do.
• GOD is always willing and able to rescue me if I use my power to focus on HIM and not the storm.

Just because I’m good at planning my way out of some adverse situations doesn’t mean GOD won’t put an obstacle in front of me to show me “I need HIM.”  In fact running the race of life can be quite tiring without GOD.

When I invite JESUS into “my boat” adversity cannot touch me and while the turbulent waves of life are still there, HE enables me to make it to shore unscathed.

• Are you trying to change your situation yourself?
• What tactics are you using to manipulate GOD or the people around you to get your way?
• Can you let go of your life and ask GOD “what do YOU want me to do?”
• Won’t you let GOD change “you” instead of changing “that” person?
• Will you give up your worries about “that” situation for a moment to praise GOD?

I "am" asking, how come I'm not "getting?"

Luke 11:9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

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The entire Bible is special, but anytime words are repeated, they are truly special. It seems like over the past few weeks I have run into GOD saying "ASK." I have to say to myself, "am I asking for the right things."

I pondered again, "what does GOD want me to ask for?" I thought about the things HE definitely won't or can't do. HE won't answer selfish prayer. HE can't cease to exist. HE can't make me GOD. HE can't go back on HIS promises to humans. HE can't and won't save me if I don't believe in HIS SON. Okay, maybe some of those things are obvious. But what about some of the lesser obvious prayers that HE won't or can't answer.

HE won't have my enemy drop dead if I'm the offender. HE won't shower each human with earthly riches instantly. HE won't force someone love you. HE won't force me to love HIM.

Wow, so HE says "ASK" but it doesn't seem like I get what I'm asking for. Check the rest of the story. JESUS had just finished teaching HIS disciples about prayer. The model HE gave them was to praise GOD, ask for needs not wants, ask for forgiveness of sins and ask to not be tempted.

I hear you. If you are like me you are thinking "what about my bills?" "What about the people in my life?" "What about my comfort?" "What about my desires?" Then I notice something. HE says "I'm evil."

I think I've glanced over that for years. HE says that an "evil" person like me knows how to give "good" gifts to my children. HE is right. I know how to provide for my family and I occasionally bring a smile on their faces. In my evil selfish way of thinking I still can give a "good" gift.

Then it hit me. GOD is telling me to "trust" HIM. HE is saying to me that HE has better gifts than I could ever know how to ask for. so HE says ask for the one very obvious thing that HE can provide namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

• To be filled with the SPIRIT means I am full of joy!
• To be filled with the SPIRIT means I can face today's issues knowing they can't hurt me.
• To be filled with the SPIRIT means I go through trials to strengthen my faith not weaken it.
• To be filled with the SPIRIT means I look forward to the day of CHRIST's return.
• To be filled with the SPIRIT means I will love humans the way HE loves me.

I now know what to ask for. GOD please give me a healthy dose of YOUR SPIRIT today. Please give me the drive and determination to keep my thoughts and actions focused on YOU. Please remove the frustrated thoughts that take me away from YOU and give me peace.

• Are you asking GOD for the wrong things?
• Have you asked GOD "what should I ask for?"
• Have you asked GOD to reveal HIS plan for you today?
• Have you asked GOD to change you instead of changing that person?

Ask and HE will give it to you! Is this real?

Matthew 7:7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If 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! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

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I have seen this scripture for years and sometimes I find it hard to believe. You mean all I have to do is ask? Okay then, where is my money, fame and riches? Why didn't my favorite team win? Why is my friend still sick?

For years I thought this was the blank check to get whatever "I" wanted, but after closer examination I see this scripture, like all scripture, is associated with GOD. Anything associated to GOD has to have a pure motive.

When my motive is selfish then my prayer isn't heard. "Wait a minute", you say... I pray "for" people and it seems like they aren't getting "their" way. It still comes back to motive. I have prayed for people and haven't believed in the thing I was praying for.

When I hear GOD say "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you" I hear a message that is no longer paved with greed or lust. So what does GOD want? GOD wants every human to be saved. HE wants the well being of every human on this planet.

• When I ask for a person to be saved and that it is not necessary for me to see their salvation, GOD gives it to me in abundance.
• When I ask for my heart to be changed towards the person I am angry with, HE gives it to me in abundance.
• When I ask for better relationships with family and friends, GOD gives it to me in abundance.
• When I ask for GOD to supply all my "needs", GOD gives it to me in abundance.

The problem is sometimes I can't separate "needs" from "wants." A "desire" pops in my head and then it may turn into an "expectation." When I expect to get my selfish desire then I get disappointed with GOD when HE remains silent. I pout for a while and then I blame GOD for not listening.

Now I see it... GOD knows that if I get my selfish way I would continue to move away from HIM. The more money I have, the more lavish my lifestyle becomes. After a while I judge “who” are my "true friends" or I judge who gets “some” of my money, or I judge my family’s’ motives asking "do they love me or my money?"

Now this isn't about living a poor life barely existing, but it “is” about motive.

• If GOD sees a good steward of finances, HE will bless that person with more to distribute to HIS people.
• IF HE sees a humble person who points their actions to CHRIST, then HE will grant miracles of healing.
• If HE sees faith in a person then HE will show them more and more of the future which always points to GOD.

Then I read "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Finally, I get it. "Asking" is yet another tool for me to have better relationships with people. When I "ask" for the best for others, GOD blesses me and grows their faith.

• Do you think GOD hears you?
• Check your prayer... Is it all about "you" or about your relationships?
• Do you really believe GOD will supply your "needs?"
• Do you need the thing you have been asking for all this time?
• Do you have bad thoughts about how GOD answers prayers?