What Kind of God Are You Praying To? (Matthew 7:7-11)

In this episode of The Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller shares a progressive reflection on Matthew 7:7–11 from The Message, emphasizing Jesus’ invitation to approach God directly and honestly, without bargaining, performance, or secret formulas. Using the tender example of his young granddaughters confidently asking their grandpa for what they want, Dr. Brad illustrates how our relationship with God is meant to be just as safe, simple, and direct. He unpacks the image of God as a loving parent who “conceived you in love,” contrasting it with harsh or distant views of God, and speaks especially to those walking through fear and struggle—like people facing cancer—who wonder if they are still loved and held. The episode concludes with a practical action step: pray one honest, straightforward prayer, trusting that the God whose first posture toward you is love will hear and respond in wisdom and care.Key TakeawaysGod invites directness, not bargainingJesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:7–11 shows that we don’t need special words, rituals, or “magic formulas” to reach God—just honest, direct asking.A childlike relationship with God is healthy and desiredDr. Brad’s story about his granddaughters asking him straight for ice cream, toast, or playtime illustrates how God wants us to come with the same openness, confidence, and lack of pretense.God’s posture toward us is love, not punishmentThe phrase “conceived you in love” highlights a progressive view of God—not as a cosmic scorekeeper waiting for us to fail, but as a loving source who wanted us into existence.Even flawed humans want good for their kids—God is infinitely betterIf ordinary parents and grandparents naturally give good things, Jesus’ logic is that God, who is perfectly loving, desires our good even more deeply and consistently.In fear and suffering, the deepest question is about loveFrom conversations with people facing cancer, Dr. Brad notes that beneath questions about healing is the deeper concern: “Am I still loved and held?” This passage answers that with a strong “yes.”Links referenced in this episode:voiceofgoddaily.comThe "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your lifeApplicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the readingA recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.A prayer for your day.A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)