Using God Like An ATM
Ξ June 2nd, 2008 | → 8 Comments | ∇ End Times, Prayer |
Welcome back!
The truth is that most people do use God like He is an ATM machine. No? How about the fact that most people pay little to no attention to God until they need something. This is one of those things that is really important, especially in these times. We are coming in to the end of the age. Your Bible goes into the Book of Revelation in the last days of the age. We are on a precipice of time and prophecy. It is so close that you can feel it in the spirit realm if you spend any time praying and talking to God at all.
But so many people do not spend that time but they get mad at God if He does not produce exactly what they wanted in the time frame they thought it should happen. That makes God either a handy corner ATM machine to be used only when necessary or, at best, He ends up being some type of sugar daddy that gives and gives and gives. The other end of that is that the person takes and takes and takes without giving anything back.
Now, this is my take on the subject just from reading what God has to say about many things. I believe that when the time comes for Jesus to call His own home, He will only take those who have had a personal relationship with Him and the Father. Does that mean that if you asked Him into your heart that you will be left behind. I did not say that. But it does bear thinking about, doesn’t it.
What type of relationship do you have with your Lord? At times, I have to think about that because I want the best relationship and fellowship I can have with Him. I want my Lord to tell me that He is pleased with His servant. I just wish I was more of a servant than I am. Do you think that? Do you feel that way? You are not alone. I once heard Billy Graham say that he was not sure of how Jesus would see him, that he had done nowhere nearly enough for God. It shocked me. If that blessed man of God does not see himself as having accomplished anything, how can I be seen as a servant??? Actually, God sees us individually and uniquely. He does not compare our works or serving to others. He does compare us to what we are supposed to be. Is that scary or what?
God made us in His image and called us to do His will which includes serving Him. We should be so grateful to be Christians because of the sacrifice on the cross that Jesus made that we would literally do anything for Him. Is that how you live your life for the Lord? Mine is sadly lacking in that area. But I hope I do not use Him as an ATM machine only wanting, wanting, wanting and not giving back to Him.
One of the ways you can give back to the Lord is simply talking to Him and listening to what He has to say. I realize that sounds simple but is it? Most people go about their business not paying any attention to what God has to say at all. I am guilty of that myself so I know that happens. What’s going on? We are wanting what He has to offer but we are not interested in learning all He can teach us. Weird, huh? Do you realize that if you were to listen and learn all that God could teach you, you would not have too much trouble right here on this incredibly evil earth? Why? Because He can teach you how to live here and walk in divine health, be available to serve and help as many as God sends your way. But, the big problem is that we do not want to listen long enough to learn all that. After all, we have our lives to live, right? And Who was it that gave you that life?
It is time to talk to the Lord, have a very personal relationship with Him especially at this very dangerous time in our lives. For those who live in the US, this is going to be a crucial time for us depending on who enters the White House. We are not looked on as the biggest power in the world anymore. In fact, our reputation is quite soiled now. We are not the greatest, most honest country anymore. The truth is that with the housing market what it is, the gas prices doing what they are and the whole security thing going on, we are on our own precipice and it’s about to break off. Things are going to get MUCH worse before they get better. If we are not prepared, we will have all the problems we have now and then some. Will you survive such a life?
Our lives have been truly blessed in so many ways. Despite the fact that we may not be able to always pay our bills, even if we are homeless, we have ways to deal with the problem. There are shelters and places to get food and supplies. We can find ways to live. But in other countries, that is not the case. Look at some of the truly poor countries. People are starving. We do not have that too much in this country. But, and that is a big one, when you see those other countries, if our country does not wake up to what God wants, it will be much like the ones you see that are so poor. Believe me, I did not want to say that but it is the truth and it will happen. We, as Americans, have been too full of ourselves. We MUST learn to walk with the Lord before it’s too late to do it!!!!
It is time to pray, to talk to God, to seek His kingdom because He says that if we do want anything from Him, that we MUST seek the kingdom first. DO NOT WAIT until it is too late. Seek God, seek His Face and begin to do what He wants you to do now!!! And for goodness sake, quit using God as an ATM machine that never runs out. It will.
8 Comments
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God is more like a bottomless water pitcher. He pours out abundant love and life far beyond what we can even imagine to ask for. He gives first before we even know to ask for anything. As we spend time with him, he helps us to desire and ask for the things of Christ–things that do not wear out: such as strength to shine for Jesus, peace to rest in, God-given wisdom, a gentleness that can only come from God. An ATM machine is a tiny box to put a huge God into. New life, abundant life, eternal life is what we need and what he is an expert in giving.
Tanya T Warringtons last blog post..Feeling Dry?
He may be what appears to be a bottomless water pitcher but if we do not spend the time with Him as we should, it will not last. Yes, we can have things before we even know to ask, however, at some point, He does expect us to acknowledge Him as Lord and Master. The key is that one thing you said…As we spend time with Him!!! But that is the one thing lacking in so many people’s lives, spending time with the Lord. If we do not do that, we are all the less prepared at a time when it is imperative that we do as He asks of us. If we are to be covered by the Lord, we must be in His will, don’t you agree?
Thank you for your comments!! It is a blessing to see that faith in action!
great
One of the most inspiring sermons I ever heard was as a teenager, when the preacher made this point, that you were to pray all the time and keep in touch with God, and not just when you needed something. I have never forgotten it. We don’t do enough in return or in gratitude for all the really good things we have been given.
I do not think I really have to say anything else. Thank you for sharing that. Awesome.
[...] what they wanted as soon as they demanded or begged for it. A few posts back, I was talking about using God like an ATM machine. That is still the case with the people who simply will only believe God if He does it right, the [...]
Except that GOD’S NOT REAL.
Actually, God is quite real. So many folks deny God because they do not want to believe that He exists. Because if he does exist, then everything that they do is going to accountable to Him some day.
Some folks just want to believe that they are in charge. They do not believe that God ever did anything for them. The problem with that is that it’s a buy into a lie. If you breathe, it isn’t because you made the body nor is it because some cosmic blob turned into a person.
The body is divinely and amazingly made. That took intelligence not primordial goo.
I do respect your opinion. Please respect my knowledge. Thanks for your comment.