Today's Verse - Matthew 7:7-8

"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; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

—Matthew 7:7-8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ask! So often, we're afraid to ask. To do so means we have to admit that we don't have all the answers and need someone else's help.
Seek! Searching with effort, interest, and perseverance is necessary, and often difficult for us.
Knock! In an era of doorbells, front door cameras, and instant access, this personal effort is a forgotten action.
You see, God wants us to use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him and pursue him and his will. So let's not whine, complain, desire, and hope. Let's A.S.K. - ASK, SEEK, KNOCK - our Father for help and pursue his answers by asking, seeking, and knocking!

My Prayer...

Waiting Father, I am sorry that too often you only hear my whines, complaints, and concerns because that is all I share with you. You have been so generous with your love, mercy, and grace. Help me to keep my heart set on you and your will today as I ask you to minister to the things on my heart. As I A.S.K. you for them, in Jesus' name. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Galatians 6:7-8

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life.

—Galatians 6:7-8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it incredible how huge trees grow out of such tiny seeds! This principle runs throughout all of life. We can never completely get away from the seeds we sow. So let's not try to fool ourselves. We ARE going to reap what those seeds sow. Let's make sure the seeds we sow are the ones we want sprouting up! And as we sow to please the Spirit of God and not the world, let's remember we are going to harvest eternal life, and share that life with others.

My Prayer...

O Eternal God, who lived before time began and who will be the Great I AM when time is no more, please bless the seeds I sow with my life. May they bear righteous and gracious fruit to honor you and to bless those I love, and those who don't yet know Jesus. Through Jesus, the grain of wheat (John 12:23-26) who died and was buried so that true life may flower forth, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

—James 1:2-3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Hang in there!" There are few traits more important than perseverance - hanging in there. Most important accomplishments in life happen because of perseverance. Most "luck" occurs when we've persevered long enough for the "magical moment" to come along - in other words, I don't believe in luck. Edison said it best: life's most extraordinary feats, the world's most significant discoveries, and his own most fantastic inventions are "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." Hang in there! Persevere! And do it with joy! Why? So you can see the glory of God come through for you and in you, not because of luck, but because of God's grace, love, and power partnered with your perseverance!

My Prayer...

Unchangeable and Unshakeable God, help me to stand up and prove my character is true when I am under fire. Use the friends you have sent into my life and the power of the Holy Spirit to help me persevere. Please give me faith, courage, and endurance so that my life displays your enduring strength. And, dear Father, please help me find joy in persevering when under trial. I pray for these graces, in the name of him who remained faithful even unto death, and who, "for the joy set before him endured" and persevered through the cross! Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.