Today's Verse - Matthew 7:7

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

—Matthew 7:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God wants us to seek his blessings. This is not because he wants to manipulate our lives, but because he longs to bless us and have us know the gifts in our lives come from him. So let's seek his presence, his grace, and his blessing. As we do, let's remember this promise is in a section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount where he clearly states that a disciple obeys what God, the Scriptures, and Jesus command. In that context, we can be sure we have what we seek, ask, and knock to receive. When we love and live according to his purposes (Romans 8:28), Jesus' promise is our assurance of the Father's blessing and our Savior's delight as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

My Prayer...

Dear Father, I yearn for your blessing and guidance. I need your presence and blessing in several specific areas of my life that weigh heavily on my heart... (share with God some things that are on your heart). In addition, dear Father, I need your wisdom in the following matters... Finally, dear God, please make your presence in my life very clear to me this week. I don't doubt your love for me, but I sometimes need reassurance of your nearness as I face the challenges that lie before me. Please hear me asking for your nearness, see my search for your way in this world, and open the door to my knocking on your door of grace as I seek your blessing. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Trust, by definition, can't be half-hearted. Either it is a full trust or it is clouded with suspicion and doubt, and not authentic trust at all. As we face the everyday challenges of life and as we look for answers to deep and difficult problems, let's put our full trust in the LORD. Let's ask for his wisdom and guidance as we make our choices. Let's give him praise for the good in our lives and seek his blessing for the days ahead. Why? Because he longs to bless us with life, both now and forevermore with him.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

O LORD, my LORD, I place my trust in you. Please guide me in my steps as I seek to bring you glory. Please help me with the decisions, those challenges that I face. Give me discernment as I seek to influence others and to share your grace with them. Give me the right words to say so that I can have a redemptive influence on my family, my friends, my co-workers, and those people in need of your grace that you place in my path. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 103:5

[Bless the LORD] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

—Psalm 103:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our heavenly Father is the God of new things, the God of renewal and blessing (Isaiah 43:18-21). His desire is to renew and bless us. He wants to not only bless us once with our salvation, but God desires to bless us daily. His steadfast love is new every morning as he faithfully pours out his blessings (Lamentations 3:22-23). But more than just giving us what we want, he satisfies us with good things. He brings us what we need and what truly satisfies our deepest desires with his godly good things!

My Prayer...

Abba Father, Almighty God, I praise you for your power, majesty, glory, faithfulness, mercy, wisdom, and grace. Thank you for blessing me with your salvation, the gift of your Holy Spirit, the blessings of your church family, the promise of a home with you, and the daily assurance of your renewing presence. You have repeatedly blessed me with good things, godly things, and renewed me with your grace. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise you with all of my heart. Amen.