My Father's Giving
God's ability to give is beyond our prayers, and we can ask for more, but God's giving is beyond our prayers.
Charles E. Cowman preaches on the powerful message of Malachi 3:10, where God urges His children to test Him by bringing their full tithe, promising overflowing blessings beyond measure. He emphasizes that God's windows of Heaven are still open and ready to pour out abundant gifts, waiting for His people to fulfill their part by giving generously. Cowman reflects on the limitless ability of God to exceed our prayers and expectations, highlighting the vastness of His grace and provision that far surpasses our requests.
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"Prove me now" (Mal. 3:10).
What is God saying here but this: "My child, I still have windows in Heaven. They are yet in service. The bolts slide as easily as of old. The hinges have not grown rusty. I would rather fling them open, and pour forth, than keep them shut, and hold back. I opened them for Moses, and the sea parted. I opened them for Joshua, and Jordan rolled back. I opened them for Gideon, and hosts fled. I will open them for you--if you will only let Me. On this side of the windows, Heaven is the same rich storehouse as of old. The fountains and streams still overflow. The treasure rooms are still bursting with gifts. The lack is not on my side. It is on yours. I am waiting. Prove Me now. Fulfill the conditions, on your part. Bring in the tithes. Give Me a chance. --Selected
I can never forget my mother's very brief paraphrase of Malachi 3:10. The verse begins, "Bring ye the whole tithe in," and it ends up with "I will pour" the blessing out till you'll be embarrassed for space. Her paraphrase was this: Give all He asks; take all He promises." --S. D. Gordon
The ability of God is beyond our prayers, beyond our largest prayers! I have been thinking of some of the petitions that have entered into my supplication innumerable times. What have I asked for? I have asked for a cupful, and the ocean remains! I have asked for a sunbeam, and the sun abides! My best asking falls immeasurably short of my Father's giving: it is beyond that we can ask. --J. H. Jowett
"All the rivers of Thy grace I claim,
Over every promise write my name" (Eph. 1:8-19).
Sermon Outline
- God's Ability to Give
- The Lack is Not on God's Side
- Our Asking Falls Short of God's Giving
- Our prayers are immeasurably short of God's ability
- We can ask for more, but God's giving is beyond our prayers
Key Quotes
“I will pour the blessing out till you'll be embarrassed for space.” — Charles E. Cowman
“My best asking falls immeasurably short of my Father''s giving: it is beyond that we can ask.” — Charles E. Cowman
“All the rivers of Thy grace I claim, Over every promise write my name” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We must fulfill the conditions, such as bringing in the tithes, to give God a chance to pour out His blessings.
- Our prayers should be based on God's promises and not on our limited understanding.
- We should ask for more, but trust in God's ability to give beyond our prayers.