Drew57...my prayers are with you on your lose. It's true isn't it that when we go thru hard times we put things of more importance in its place. I agree with you about the Father loving their kid's comparison too. I am reminded of my three boy's when they were young...
My youngest was a bit of a hoard monger when it came to fast food runs. Maybe it was because the older ones took whatever they wanted from him, but he had a bit of a chip on his shoulder when it came to sharing. I was at McDonald's one day, this was years ago, and I remember thinking I would give Him an object lesson about God's grace.
So I bought him a small fry and that's all. He was around 12 I think. He immediately got concerned the small wouldn't suffice his needs, so he gave me the whatever routine. I noticed but acted as if I hadn't. I normally would have ordered one for myself but I didn't on purpose. As our conversation continued I noticed His still displeasure to the size of his bounty.
I asked him if i could have a piece, saying I just wanted one I was hungry. He immediately used that opportunity to unload his oracle of displeasure at me saying you already got me a small and now you want to take some from me?
Kindly and patiently I said yes..I think he was shocked. He hadn't thought I would cross that line with his clear warning, for I had never done that before. He said quietly....not really!... I paused for a moment...stalemated... I proceeded forward..well...I said I just want a couple. And I took two not just one. Completely defeated he sat back angry. He folded his arms and decided right then and there to go on a hunger strike.I decided to ask him if he was going to eat those. Obviously in protest he assumed I would get the point when he said no!...I did but I said oh ok I will have them then and took two more..calmly eating them.
almost in tears and turning to me he said that's not fair.....I was hungry. knowing I had gone far enough I immediately got up and calmly walked to the counter and ordered a large fry for him and a small fry for me. brought it back and gave him the large . He was quiet.
He wasn't sure what was happening... I said you got frustrated did't you?...Why? You know I don't ever do that. You know I love you right? He said yes angrily.You know I have enough money to buy you a fry if I want right? Starting to sense the lesson plan he just sat listening..Did you ask for more food from me or just pout?. You don't need to be frustrated all the time.
If you want a larger fry I will get you one. but if I need a fry for whatever reason you could learn to respect my wishes.You know my heart has always been to please you. And you know I have the resources to supply you with what you want. In the same way God may ask for things from you in the future. And know He has your back as well and as you humble yourself before Him He has even better resources than I do to meet your needs. And I want to make you happy. And God too wants to make you happy. He acted like he didn't really want to acknowledge me then but a week later he was telling his friends around our kitchen table the story like he was the one who planned it. smiling and laughing.Including the God parts.
Which broke me into tears in the backroom overhearing it.
Year's later he told me that kind of taught him a lesson. He still had moments of selfishness, but I think God used that moment for him to see the Father in Heaven better.
God tells us we are under a curse those who do not tithe. For this is a tenth that is His money. If we do not bring it into the storehouse [Church] we have robbed him. He can call us out like that because he is after our hearts not money. He made the money. He gave you the other 90% as well as His 10%, to be used for the purposes of the kingdom.
And just like me and my son on that Saturday morning in McDonald's- Jesus want's to know He has our Heart, when we obey Him in the area of Money the curse is lifted and the blessings begin. This is a promise.Pressed down and flowing over blessings. One of the few spots in scripture where He say's test me on this.
It's not about an investment for money gain for the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. And although money can be used for good or bad it is described as mammon which describes a spirit that rests upon money when monies stewardship priorities are out of order.
God wants our hearts. As such he wants our first fruits, a sign of our obedience in relationship to our hearts.. not the left overs that which we can give when everything else is dealt with first.But the best of the Best . For He knows who He is the king of kings and the Lord of Lords. And just like this Dad to my son, He Delight's in our respect to him and will bless us for it.
