Verse of the Day 6-23-22

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Jesus encourages perseverance in prayer. The tense of the Greek verbs in verse 8 carries the meaning of action that keeps going on. This means we must keep on asking, seeking and knocking. This does not mean that we need to beg God to answer our prayers. Rather, it means that instead of worrying about a certain issue, we take it God and acknowledge that the situation is in his hands. Asking means that we recognize our need and that we trust God to hear our prayers. Seeking means that our request is earnest and that we are willing to obey God and pursue his purposes when he responds with an answer or instruction. Knocking means that we keep bringing the request to God even when he does not respond quickly. Such “active patience” does not show a lack of faith, but rather a constant admission that we need God’s help and have turned over our needs to him. Christ’s assurance that those who ask will receive from God is based on:

1. Keeping our priorities focused on God and seeking his kingdom purposes first
2. Recognizing God’s fatherly goodness and love
3. Praying according to God’s will and keeping our desires in line with his
4. Maintaining communication and friendship with Christ
5. Obeying Christ

Today’s Bible Readings:

2 Kings 4:18-5:27, Acts 15:1-35, Psalm 141:1-10 and Proverbs 17:23