PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 7:7-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” (Matthew 7:9)
Jesus uses the family relationship of love to illustrate God’s way.
The ‘open door policy’ (ask, seek, knock) is an expression of family love.
Made in the image of God, this is how we normally treat our children.
This is how God is with us, and how we are to be with each other.
Every person is a child of God, and therefore our brother or sister.
God does not want anyone in his family hungry, hurt, harassed or helpless.
God feels the pain of a parent when he sees any of his children struggling.
God feels the anger of a parent when it is another of his children causing it.
Jesus as the son of God shows us what love for God and people looks like.
His way of living and loving is what the Law and Prophets is all about.
Treat others as you want to be treated, as loved children of God.
Honour the family by giving, sharing, caring, helping, blessing, serving.
God has offered us the bread of love, and not a stony heart of indifference.
If our God is asking for the bread of love; what will we give in response?
PRAYER
Lord, we are family! God, you, me and everyone else. Help me to stop throwing stones at family, and instead share the bread of love.
The Father – my heavenly Father knows what is good for me. Let me receive gifts from Him and not take lessor gifts from other sources – or for me to take them. Lust and desire – goes contrary to that – it is me trying to take – instead of receiving. Lord help me not to take but instead receive your good gifts! That I instead of taking may be giving good gifts to others!
Kids of the Kingdom, that’s who we are. We are loved by our Father and as His children we need to love and serve one another. Love makes the world go around. As I desire others to love me I need to love others. That’s the greatest command – love God. Love mankind. Be an instrument of His peace.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace
Where there’s hatred, let me sow love
And where there is injury, pardon
And where there is doubt, then faith
And where there’s despair, then hope
It’s in dying that I will be born
And in giving that I will receive
It’s in loving that I will be loved
This is my faith, it is what I believe
Lord, make me an instrument
Make me an instrument
Lord, I am a stranger traveling
In a brutal yet wondrous land
Far from the promise of home
On a journey led by Your hand
To where the lion lies down with the lamb
Father, grant that I’d never seek
To be comforted as to console
Let the blood of Your Son cover me
Touching my spirit
Seizing my soul
Lord, make me an instrument
Lord, make me an instrument
Lord make me your instrument
Let Your divine mystery guide my heart
It’s in dying that I will be born
And in giving that I will receive
It’s in loving that I will be loved
This is my faith, it is what I believe
Christ within me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ above me
Christ beneath me
To my left and my right
Christ where I lie and where I arise
Christ in the hearts of all who think of me
Christ on the lips of all who speak of me
Christ in the eyes of all who see me
Make me Your instrument, Lord
Make me Your instrument, Lord
Make me Your instrument, Lord
Make me Your instrument, Lord
Make me Your instrument