God is Not A Vending Machine
God is not a vending machine… but there is a direct connection between those who seek Him, and those who are dispersed blessings in this life and beyond.
Image courtesy of: bcostin
Scripture:
“this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.” – Ezra 7:6
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” – Ezra 7:10
Observation/Application:
The more that I read the Bible, the more that I am convinced that this one book contains anything and everything that we need to know and grow in this life. God’s Word protects, corrects, and guides us in all that we need to know. It nourishes us with all that we need to grow. And there is a direct connection between those who earnestly seek the Lord, and having a life of abundance.
One of the patterns that I see over and over again is that God blesses those who earnestly seek Him. In today’s scripture we see this to be true in the life of Ezra. in verse 10 we read how Ezra was devoted to the study of God’s Word, and to teaching and sharing this with others. And because of this, he was blessed by the king during that time. Note that Ezra didn’t study the Word of God so that he could become blessed. God’s blessing was however a result of his commitment to the Lord and to being diligent.
If God’s Word is the same yesterday today and forever, then the same holds true in our lives. When we are diligent in the study the Word of God, and seek him with all of our heart, the only result that we can expect is God’s blessing. The pattern appears over and over again throughout the Bible. That is not why we should seek God. God wants us to seek Him because we want to know him more, because He loves us and wants a relationship with us. Just like any relationship, others don’t want us to be in relationship with them because we want something. I heard it said this past week that God is not a vending machine that we come to only when we want something. He knows our hearts, and He knows when we are coming to Him not because we are sincerely seeking Him, but only wanting to use him like a vending machine.
That being said, God is like the ultimate vending machine in that He does have anything and everything that we will ever need. God is like an endless warehouse with all that we ever need in this life and the life beyond. But he doesn’t take our money in exchange for what He has. All God wants is our hearts. God wants us to seek Him first. And for those who do, there is an unlimited supply of love, peace, strength, wisdom and understanding, hope, joy, and blessing.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. We seek you first and come to you with our whole heart, wide open. Fill us with your goodness today Lord. Let your Holy Spirit overflow in us. Help us to be obedient to your Will Lord, and walk in your ways. Help us to love everyone who you bring across our path today Lord. We know that nothing in your great plan for us is by accident. For what the enemy intends for harm, you turn around for good. We love you Lord. Help us to seek you first each and every day. Reveal your purpose to us, and give us the courage and strength to walk boldly in that direction. We give you all the honor and glory, in Jesus mighty name. Amen
Image courtesy of: Rubin Starset
Photo By bcostin
About Author
