Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Trusting in our Abundant God
by Tom Goodman
October 27, 2010

I guess it's not easy to cash a check from God.

Maybe you missed the story of the 21-year-old who was arrested at an Indiana bank after he tried to cash a check for $50,000 that was signed "King Savior, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Servant."

Upon his arrest for bank fraud, a felony, authorities found several other checks that were signed the same way but made out in different dollar amounts, including one for $100,000.

Last I heard, he was being held on a $1,000 bond.

And, no, the court wouldn't take a check.

Now, this isn't really a devotional about curious bank transactions. This is a devotional about prayer. And on that subject, our God really does offer some sizeable checks to his people. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Luke 11:5-13).

Our prayers don't always reflect that confidence. Instead, we assess the data and calculate the odds and then bring a request to God that we think is within reason. That's why I can identify with the story in Acts 12 that we'll study this Sunday. Herod had arrested Simon Peter with plans to execute him, "but the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (verse 5). When an angel miraculously rescued the church leader, Peter arrived at a home "where many people had gathered and were praying." He knocked, and when the servant girl heard his voice, she exclaimed to the prayer circle, "Peter is at the door!"

Their reply? "You're out of your mind."

Yep. The church that had witnessed so many miracles couldn't believe it when God answered their prayers for Peter.

We can be a lot like the folks in Acts 12. We're often more prepared for God to say "no" than for God to say "yes" when we pray to him.

Don't get me wrong. God doesn't say "yes" to our every prayer, and we need to learn to trust him when our requests are turned down. But I think we disappoint God when we decide ahead of time what kind of requests match his ability and willingness. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

And you can take that to the bank.

--Tom

Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them at www.HillcrestAustin.org/beacon.

Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its Links to Your World -- interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday.

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Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas	Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Trusting in our Abundant God by Tom Goodman October 27, 2010 I guess it's not easy to cash a check from God. Maybe you missed the story of the 21-year-old who was arrested at an Indiana bank after he tried to cash a check for $50,000 that was signed "King Savior, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Servant." Upon his arrest for bank fraud, a felony, authorities found several other checks that were signed the same way but made out in different dollar amounts, including one for $100,000. Last I heard, he was being held on a $1,000 bond. And, no, the court wouldn't take a check. Now, this isn't really a devotional about curious bank transactions. This is a devotional about prayer. And on that subject, our God really does offer some sizeable checks to his people. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Luke 11:5-13). Our prayers don't always reflect that confidence. Instead, we assess the data and calculate the odds and then bring a request to God that we think is within reason. That's why I can identify with the story in Acts 12 that we'll study this Sunday. Herod had arrested Simon Peter with plans to execute him, "but the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (verse 5). When an angel miraculously rescued the church leader, Peter arrived at a home "where many people had gathered and were praying." He knocked, and when the servant girl heard his voice, she exclaimed to the prayer circle, "Peter is at the door!" Their reply? "You're out of your mind." Yep. The church that had witnessed so many miracles couldn't believe it when God answered their prayers for Peter. We can be a lot like the folks in Acts 12. We're often more prepared for God to say "no" than for God to say "yes" when we pray to him. Don't get me wrong. God doesn't say "yes" to our every prayer, and we need to learn to trust him when our requests are turned down. But I think we disappoint God when we decide ahead of time what kind of requests match his ability and willingness. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." And you can take that to the bank. --Tom Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them at www.HillcrestAustin.org/beacon. Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its Links to Your World -- interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday. Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them! Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail. FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.hillcrestaustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here. MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.