Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Our God is a gracious Lord, a generous giver, and a good Father. In response to a question on how to pray, Jesus started by teaching them this amazing prayer that began with, “Our Father in Heaven” (Matt. 6:9). He is our Father, but like no other: heavenly and holy, whose Kingdom is righteousness and peace and whose will is pure. Yet He is our gracious, generous, and good Father, who is unlike any earthly example. What if an earthly friend was asked for bread during the night? He might live in a single-room house, which is common, and in responding he would disturb all the family. Yet, even if friendship wasn’t crucial for him, his friend’s shamelessness in asking would compel him to give. Hospitality is a crucial obligation in Middle Eastern contexts. How much more would our good, gracious, generous Father give us! Let us go to Him in boldness, courage, and shamelessness. Finally, the greatest gift a giver can give is himself. God gave us His only Son (Rom. 8:32), and He gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. What a God, and what a Father!

Haggai has been very helpful in encouraging us to focus on evangelism, leadership training, and equipping leaders to grow in their evangelistic lifestyles. I am grateful for my time at Haggai and for being able to teach in the various Haggai Leader Experiences.