April 09, 2024
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us,” Tozer said. If you believe there is no God, then you will never have the joy of a relationship with your Creator. If you think He is harsh and filled with imperfections, you will never trust Him (and trust is the heart of every relationship).
But if you know Him as the Bible presents Him in its fullness, you will realize He is (and must be to be God) perfect in every dimension … in love, mercy, justice, and on and on. The more you walk with Him, the more you will love Him.
FOR INSTANCE …
Jesus’ disciples observed their Master’s constant praying. They saw that His unceasing prayer was the key to His fruitful life, so they asked Him to train them in prayer. He gave them a pattern for prayer that would last them till eternity—the Lord’s Prayer.
But then He reminded them of God’s willingness to hear and grant their prayers. He used three parables: a friend who asks for bread at night to feed another friend who unexpectedly comes to his table, a son who asks for a fish, and a son who asks for an egg. In each case, the kindness of the friend and then the father led them to respond.
Then Christ tells them the truth about persistent prayer.
So I say to 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 he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened … 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?” (Luke 11:9-13)
“God is easy to live with,” Tozer also said. He is not only perfect in holiness (He must deal with sin as it comes) but also flawless in kindness. If He were a man you related to, you would find Him always doing the right, gracious, benevolent thing. You would be stunned by His interest in you; awed by His acts of kindness. Overwhelmed by His unceasing generosity.
So, come to the Father in prayer. You can only enter His presence through dependence upon what His Son, Jesus, has done for you. But all who trust in Christ can come at any time.
Ask Him to align your will with His, for His is surely better. Then, ask what He is initiating in your heart, and keep asking. You will find Him perfect in His thinking and eternally generous in His gifts. And your prayers will grow with gratitude for your great Friend and Father.
December 20, 2024
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