Hello my loves!
I hope you all are doing well.
I will try to keep this post short as I always do in my posts. This post might not be the best read for some people.
I will start with the tough pill to swallow - God is not a transactional God. I had to learn this myself. I learned it through tears, pain, and not getting what I wanted in the time I wanted it.
When I was in my 20s, a former family friend of mine who lives life in the reality and not by the Christian things she tells me, used to tell me "When you pray and fast, you move the hand of God". Let's just say I spent over a decade and a half, fasting and praying for somethings I still do not have in my hand as of today 4/1/25. It's very clear God doesn't work through transactions. God blesses when He sees that it's the best time for His blessings. God also blesses if it is in His will to bless you with your heart's desire.
The church that I used to attend when I lived in Ohio, just as many other churches do, as well as people do, will use Malachi 3:10 to tell me why I should tithe. News flash - that promise was not for gentiles. Read Hebrews 7. Also, only Levites should collect tithe. Also, it was never every paycheck thing, or every time you had a harvest. There are many other Bible verses that are weaponized to get people to tithe. Breaking News - God does not bless us because we tithe! Also read Numbers 18:20-24, to help you understand that Pastors who connect tithe should have no land/property, their inheritance is their tithe.
This same principle goes for living a righteous life, giving gifts and offering, worshipping, sowing seed, praying etc. You cannot win favor with God.
The book of Psalms reminds us that God sits in the heavens, and He does as it pleases Him. The Bible also reminds us that God has mercy on whom He chooses to have mercy on. There are so many scriptures to remind us that we are not in control, everything we have is by His grace, starting with Salvation.
As real Christians will say - God wants a relationship. God wants a transformation in us.
My life as a Christian has not been a walk in the park. I have wrestled a lot with God because I thought when I pray, or live a righteous life (fill in any of the others), I am getting His attention to my heart's desire. I spent many years (a good portion of my adulthood) trying daily to live a righteous life in hopes to get His attention. God must have laughed many times at me. The Bible says our righteousness is like filthy rags. So, it's very clear it doesn't impress God. One thing I have learned is, the people who really strive daily to live a life for God tend to have many battles than that of lukewarm Christians or Christians who live a double life. I am not saying in every situation, and I also used the words 'tend to'.
My loves, get rid of the prosperity gospel mindset, live a life of integrity instead (be true to yourself). Love God, love others. Let God do the rest.
I leave you with this:
God's love for us is not dependent on our actions or worthiness. He loves us unconditionally, regardless of our behavior. Instead of viewing prayer as a way to get what we want, prayer becomes a way to connect with God, share our thoughts and feelings, and seek guidance.
God bless you, my loves!
