Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article All good gifts Thursday, February 21, 2013 Matthew 7:9-10 Jesus asked the gathered people, "Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish?" Now, of course, if I'm the son I might not like what my dad gives me. It might seem like a stone, or worse. Ever gotten brussels sprouts for dinner, along with a tufu omelet? Healthy stuff, but I asked for fish! Perhaps beauty (along with truth and goodness) is in the eye of the beholder, but Jesus' words take us a different way. His father Abba is our father Abba, and our father loves us. Therefore, whatever he does is loving. Even when it feels wrong for the moment, it is still loving. We are still loved, and made more whole by the loving. This God Jesus describes does not indulge me; indeed, sometimes he disciplines me. But it is always love. Indulgence does not deserve to be called love, and loving discipline never deserves to be called punishment. So it is wise not to be too sure of myself when I ask, and seek, and knock. Can I learn to ask God for wisdom to want what he wants for me, and then seek it with all my heart? When I lose my way, to knock on his door again without fear? God will never shame me for losing my way. But I have trouble remembering that. On the day I cry out, Lord, you answer and strengthen my spirit. In the midst of danger and while my enemies rage, you guard my life. You stretch out your hand, and your hand saves me. You are with me to the end. (Psalm 138) "; Add      Edit    Delete