Probably the biggest compliment I’ve every received was a recent one. “I like it when Chuck prays. He’s talks to God like he was a friend.” Though mine is the reverse, it reminds me of Exodus 33:11 when “The LORD would speak to Moses personally, as a man speaks to his friend.” It seems to me that God wants that kind of a relationship. Even though the compliment was a meant to encourage me, it got me to thinking of my depravity. You see, though I may speak to God as a friend it’s because He’s been more of a friend to me than I have ever been to Him. Sometimes I feel like one of those friends that always come to you with his problems, needing to borrow something (and maybe never return it), looking for a favor, or asking for money. God keeps on giving to me, but what have I done to make him want to give to me so freely? Another verse comes to mind: Luke 11:13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?". (I understand this more now that I have a child of my own.)
We in the U.S.A. are very blessed already. We keep asking God for more, and because of His nature he wants to give (just like I want to give to my child). Yet, when He decides not to answer us for a while or says "no" we get all pouty. Like the Israelites who were blessed beyond measure, more blessings tend to make us “Expect” certain things from God rather than realize what we really have. Again, I am reminded of a verse: Luke 12:48 “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required;” Consider this more of a reflection than a sermon, because it will take a lot of faith to actually take these words to heart…even though that’s where they originated.
4 comments:
Great post Chuck! I am so with you, what an amzing reminder of God's love for us. Thanks.
great to hear from you, Chuck! God's providence is amazing, as are His gifts. i try to recognize, remember, and even forecast them. He knows what's best, no doubt...
Awesome to hear from Chuck in any capacity, even more so in the cafe' and even MORE so with an awesome post.
I was there when Chuck was given that compliment, and I agree with it, Chuck prays in ways that makes alot of "pew warmers" uncomfortable becasue it doesnt follow that set path of prayer... Chuck literally talks to God. He doesnt recite a prayer.
But, having said that, I give all teh glory to God that He can hear the prayers of a sinner like Chuck or any of us and bless us with more than we could ever need.
Good one Chuck, I thank God for you and our friendship and I think little statements like this that get our thoughts moving around are what he's looking for.
Maybe sometimes you're a better friend than you think you are simply because you're sharing him with others.
sometimes it's not what you can say to those around you but how you act. Perhaps you'rethe example folks at your work need to see to wonder, why is he always smiling or nice to me.
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