LUKE 11:5-13 – And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
THEME OF THE DAY: THE ABUNDANT HEART OF GOD. Ever question the goodness of God? Maybe a little when life seems to be everything but working for good – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). What about this one . . . ever question the providing and giving heart of God when it seems like our needs are not met, emergencies are stretching limited resources, and our immediate future looks grim? We might be tempted to question this promise – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Well, on all fronts, we may dismiss any thoughts of doubt and unbelief of God’s goodness, and His providing, giving heart from the truths in today’s scripture. There are two things of our God to encourage us to trust Him even as circumstances tempt us to do otherwise.
First, God is our Heavenly Father and not like any human fathers. Even the best of human fathers fail in their benevolence toward their children, not out of maliciousness, but simply because they are flawed. Not so with our Heavenly Father. He is holy, righteous, just, always loving, and cannot fail or deny providing goodness and good things to His always needy children. Trust His heart when we cannot see His hand.
Next, if God is so willing to provide for our spiritual well-being in giving us His Son, the Lord Jesus, as well as His Holy Spirit to dwell forever with us, He will not refuse to give us everything for life and health in this world. And here is an amazing truth to dispel any thoughts of doubt of God’s goodness and benevolence; God delights to give to us. The Psalmist would remind us of this so encouraging truth – Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” (Psalm 35:27).
So, child of God. Trust our Heavenly Father. He is good, always good, and will never abandon His children now and forever.
PRAYER: “Father, forgive me for doubting Your goodness to me.”
QUOTE: “God is never a reluctant giver but abounding in giving.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim