If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11
This morning I got to eat breakfast with my middle child. Just him and I up at the break of dawn. Sharing bowls of cereal. Fun intimacy! I could tell by his smile, he was cherishing this quality time with mommy and I was too! Summer is a good time to carve out quality time with the kids. Mine are early risers so I get lots of quality time with them in the AM. Jesus would often rise early to meet with His Father. In the morning quiet He had sweet intimacy with His Abba.
How do I know what God wants to share with me or give me that day if I have no intimacy with Him? My kids always want to know how you hear from God. I tell them He speaks to your heart when you open His word – His love letter to you.
Love Letters
God’s love letter to us is the Bible. Like all true love letters it is a work of art and can be read and reread over and over again. Simplicity with complexity. Something always to be shared. In it lies the secret to true agape love. Devotional love, not fictional love. Sacrificial love. As I contemplate this love, it is hard to grasp or imagine. It is like good food for the soul that is beyond description – it must be tasted and enjoyed.
Favorite Foods
I know my husband’s favorite foods and his favorite meal. When I want to shower him with my love, I will take the time to make these delicacies for him. God knows us even more intimately. He created us. He designed us with a hunger and a longing for intimacy. An intimacy that can only be fulfilled by Him. He knows the foods that will satisfy our souls. He gives them freely, generously and daily in proper portions.
Quality Time
What keeps me from tasting this food? Lack of intimacy. Time with the Father. I read recently what all kids really want from their parents is them. Not gifts, toys, or entertainment. Just quality time with them. The Father created us to desire and be fulfilled in Him. He is and wants to be a Father to you. Whether your earthly father was a good example or set the tone for this intimacy, your Heavenly can fulfill that void.
Ask Him, seek Him and knock down any obstacle to get to Him. Even if it means waking up at the crack of dawn to have a bowl of cereal. Enjoy more mornings with Him!
Fatherly Gifts
Love letters. Favorite Foods. Quality Time.
“For everyone who asks receives, and the ones who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:8
How am I doing in my intimacy with the Father? What gifts am I seeking?