GOD IS THE GIVER OF GOOD GIFTS
- Key Verse
“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.” (Matthew 7:11, NLT)
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Central Truth
Our lives are filled with the many good gifts we receive from God. We should be thankful and acknowledge Him for what He does.
Reflections
There are three types of people who will be disappointed in life and particularly with living as Christians. People who don't request gifts and blessing from God will feel left out and neglected. They might even be envious of others who have requested help from God and received it. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus commands us to ask for God's gifts. God wants to give us spiritual, relational, and physical gifts. He is a kind Father who helps us grow into maturity.People who are ungrateful for God's work in their lives will also be disappointed. An important part of living for God is recognizing His hand in your life. God's blessings are around us each day but if we miss seeing them altogether it means we are blind to our Father in heaven.
The third type of person who will be disappointed is the one who only seeks gifts for their own benefit. God has given gifts so that others can be blessed as well. Selfish desires will not be rewarded (James 4:2-3).
Since I became a father, I have begun to grasp how God loves us and His motivation for giving gifts. I wanted and still want the best for Theresa and John. Sometimes as a father I had to withhold things from them that would harm them. They certainly didn't always get what they wanted! They may have wanted to eat candy everyday, but Laurel and I instead saw that they had a healthy diet. I did, however, want to know their desires. When Theresa wanted to enroll in gymnastics, we paid the money for her to do so. When John wanted to play baseball, we attended games and took him to the practices.
In James 1:17 we read, “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.” (NLT) Remember that all you receive from God will always be good. His gifts don't harm you. His gifts are wonderful and through His blessing your life you will be a help to others.
Discussion Questions
1. What good gifts has God given to you? Are you missing seeing them? Here are some Bible passages that may open your eyes to what God has done and is doing: Psalm 8, Psalm 139, and Ephesians 1:3-14.
2. Are you interested in seeking great fulfillment in your life? Will you ask God today for other gifts? (Matthew 7:7)
3. How are you imitating God today by sharing your talents and giving good gifts to others?
Priscilla Cole
January 11, 2010 08:27 AM
Thanks, Terry for this wonderful reminder of how blessed we are by our Father's gifts. It is a reminder of how, sometimes, God's greatest gifts are "unanswered prayers" - as well as the beauty of intercessory prayer! I also wanted to wish you a happy birthday today and welcome home!
Pastor Keith
January 11, 2010 08:54 AM
It is amazing to me that giving gifts to His children brings pleasure to God, but as a father, I completely understand it. I love giving my kids gifts and seeing the delight it brings them. This is a great reminder that when I ask God, with right motives, he delights in giving.