Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt
When I grew up as a boy, I thought my parents were poor because there were ten children in our family. I never asked mom or dad for anything because I didn’t want the family deprived. My sister closest in age to me was that same as me. We both didn’t want to inconvenience our parents so neither of us asked for hardly anything and you know what we got? Hardly anything! We were a little jealous because we saw that dad give our “asking brother” much of what he asked for.
As a Christian learning these truths, I look back at my brother now and realize, he was the smart one. He asked – not because he was more selfish but because he had a better sense of faith in my parents to supply his needs.
Many religious people have this sense of guilt toward asking God to help supply their needs. Many have been taught or led to believe that God is too distint to care about your needs. Others get worried about you asking covetously. When you have needs and you don’t know where to get help, to NOT seek God for His supernatural help is wrong. James 4:2-3 says, “You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. YOU DO NOT HAVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT ASK GOD. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
Their is a difference between needs and lusts and it takes time to learn which is which but you can learn. Isn’t the Holy Spirit big enough to teach you and help you develop discernment? Phil 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, BUT IN EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. “
Your view of what God is willing to help you with might be way too small! Many can’t imagine God caring about the detailed needs of their life but He does. “But in everything ask!” God cares about souls being saved and about people being helped in this defiled world. He cares about each and every one of us. He is a Father and is personal!
I have asked the Lord for so many things over the years. I have done so because when I ask in faith, it is pleasing and honoring to the Lord. He wants us dependent upon Him for everything. When we find we are leaning on ourselves we know we are in trouble. There are far too many things that we are incapable in ourselves of getting, doing, or accomplishing. Asking God for right reasons and out of a pure heart is a product of discerment that comes with time. God is not upset as you navigate throught the learning process. The thing we should be guilty about is NOT asking for fear He won’t hear or that He doesn’t care. You can’t believe how many people there are that just don’t ask God in sincere faith for anything. He says, “WE HAVE NOT BECAUSE WE ASK NOT!
Psalm 84:11 tells us “For the LORD God is our light and protector; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
When you ask and you don’t see things happen right away, please keep this in mind. It isn’t because HE is not working on it. Much of what He brings us in life comes through people. God does not usurp people’s will. He has to lead them in their heart to reach out just like He tries to encourage you to toward others. Hopefully they will respond. If they don’t’ He looks for someone else. Yes He could do a miracle and sometimes does, but He primarily chooses to bring His blessings to others through people. Remember also that He wants to teach you to be a giver as well as a reciever. Actually it all starts with finding ways to give to others. Luke 6:38 says, If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.”
Do you have a need? Ask in faith believing. Let the Lord teach you. Be patient and be confident that no good thing will he withhold from you. Say it and believe it! And if you can find something to give or sow into another’s life. Plant that seed!
In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
Published by Pastor Tim Burt
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http://todaysfreshmanna.wordpress.com/
Truly enjoying stumbling across your blog tonite, Pastor!
“Don’t Be Afraid To Ask God When You Have Needs!”!!!!
We weren’t! We didn’t!
Now we have a wonderful Christmas testimony on our lips!
http://mayiblessyou.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/christmas-presence-christmas-presents-lets-see-you-top-this-one-santa/
Isn’t He Wonderful!
off to read your fasting posts now
Posted by mayiblessyou | January 26, 2011, 12:27 amThank you SO much for writing this! I was the exact same way as a kid, never asking because I have 5 siblings and was afraid my parents couldn’t handle it, and that somehow spilled over into my relationship with God. It was just recently that I realized that the last time I ever truly asked God for anything was when I was in my early teens (I’m in my late 20′s now). I’m glad I came across this post. And that bible passage you quoted is the same one I keep running across since I’ve come to this realization. Once again, thanks for sharing!
Posted by Veronica Twizzler | March 1, 2011, 11:53 am