Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Controlling God

Have you ever found yourself doing things (or not doing things) in order to reap a reward from God? For instance, do you pray especially hard prior to a big event in your life? What motive do you have for doing so? Have you ever fasted in order to get God to respond? I want to explore this topic more fully as we journey together. I do not have a firm answer at this point. The essence of the discussion in "motive". Why do I do something? If for my own self-interests, then that is leading me away from God even if it involves Him (ie. fasting or other sacrifical prayer means). But I also know that God wants us to fast and move into seasons of sacrifice and that God responds to them. But here is the rub. Matthew 5 states emphatically that God is interested in not only your actions but your thoughts and reasoning behind doing something. Maybe that is the place to start. Till later. Todd

posted by Todd Nelson at 4/18/2006 11:31:00 AM

1 Comments:

Blogger Scott said...

I know I've fallen into the trap of treating God like a cosmic slot machine. It doesn't work! Only when I've been broken down do I feel my prayers have an effect. The sad thing is, even though I know I shouldn't barter with God. I still fall back into the trap from time to time.

Thanks for the great thought! KUTPs.

1:46 PM  

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AUTHOR: Todd Nelson TITLE: Controlling God DATE: 4/18/2006 11:31:00 AM ----- BODY:
Have you ever found yourself doing things (or not doing things) in order to reap a reward from God? For instance, do you pray especially hard prior to a big event in your life? What motive do you have for doing so? Have you ever fasted in order to get God to respond? I want to explore this topic more fully as we journey together. I do not have a firm answer at this point. The essence of the discussion in "motive". Why do I do something? If for my own self-interests, then that is leading me away from God even if it involves Him (ie. fasting or other sacrifical prayer means). But I also know that God wants us to fast and move into seasons of sacrifice and that God responds to them. But here is the rub. Matthew 5 states emphatically that God is interested in not only your actions but your thoughts and reasoning behind doing something. Maybe that is the place to start. Till later. Todd
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