I Have A Question...

We all have them.

You know, a friend or an acquaintance who only seem to call you when they need something; perhaps a question regarding something you are more familiar with, or maybe they want you to help them with a project or two. 

That happened to me the other day, and when I got off the phone, I was a little perturbed.  And then the Lord smote my heart, I will explain in a minute.

But first, what to do?  Help them, and then pray for them.

I immediately thought of Matthew 5:44. Jesus says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you;"

Of course, these friends and acquaintances don't 'despitefully' use us, but use all the same, which led me to several verses in the bible concerning flattery.

My how the tongue seems to have a mind of its own when it want's something.

On the flip side:  Are you a friend or acquaintance that tends to only contact others when you need something?

 

And now my confession:  Sometimes I do the same thing with my Lord.

Of course, the Lord wants us to ask Him for what we need, many verses in the bible tell us so, but my heart was smote because I had to ask myself, "How many times do you pray just to thank the Lord for what He has already done?"

How many times have I just said, "Hi Lord, it's me Tracy.  I just wanted to thank you for saving me and providing for my every need every single day.  I just want to praise You for Who you are today!"

I admit, not very often.  Oh sure, I thank Him and praise Him BEFORE I ask Him for something, but it's not very often I just pray because I want to praise Him and ask for NOTHING.

I think it brings joy to our Father's heart when we just praise Him for Who He is...

    And it will bring joy to our own hearts as well...

        But that's just me!