29 June 2008

Morning sermon

When I listened to the sermon this morning, it got me thinking. What do we want from Jesus? Do we approach Him for His gifts? Is He not gracious enough that we must 'buy' His blessings through tithing? The Law is a reminder to obey the Lord's command, to put the Lord as the first priority in your life, to remember that the Lord is the One you must worship not His blessings. I do not think it is particularly intended to give you a blessing formula: "You give then you are blessed, if you refrain then you are cursed." Have we loved gifts more than our Giver?

No doubt, He did miracles in the NT. Do you think He did the miracles to satisfy you? Far be from it. He did it with the purpose to point people to the true God. Jesus said a couple of times about forgiving the sins of the person when the person actually asked for healing. Why Jesus ask him so? this shows that the most important need of the person is salvation not physical healing. Are you saying those missionaries that died because of their sickness were cursed by God? because they did not tithe enough? Do you say that the pain Job went through were the result of God's curse? Job was blameless. In the end, God did not reveal the reason of striking him. He is God, He does what He pleases including bringing good and bad things. Yet, we know that good and bad things happen in our life is for our best. We do need His gifts undoubtedly. But, we should surrender to Him for it is His right to give, which we tried to steal by telling Him what to do for us. Not that the stealing is possible. Be careful, those who were given what they asked so earnestly. Be careful, lest God had given you away because you insist so much in getting the desire of your heart.

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