7: The context of this verse tells us that Jesus is talking about asking Almighty God for things. He is not just commenting on asking for stuff from others in general, but asking our heavenly Father for things. The attitude of the request is revealed. To ask is to request, even, in some cases, to beg. Some would have the attitude that we are not to ask Almighty God for anything because He has already provided for our needs. But Jesus tells us to ask. To seek implies that we are willing to put forth some effort. Besides being willing to request a thing, we are then also to be willing to seek the answer. In other words, we must be listening for it, expecting it. Many have asked, but never expected and answer. This is not the prayer of faith. Faith asks and then earnestly looks for, listens for, and expects, an answer.
Also, Jesus say to knock. This means that we must be willing to be persistent. Many will fail to appreciate this point, but it is what Jesus means. Those who have prayed for years for the same thing may finally have their answer in the end. Prayer is a practice of faith, not the rubbing of a lamp, or dropping things into a wishing well. One must be willing to continue knocking on the door until it is opened. The Father will not fail to answer a request for a good thing.
Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 14:1-18:7
Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:12 “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;”
Daily Tidbit: November 11, today, was originally Armistice Day. Armistice Day, of course, celebrated the end of Word War I in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year of our Lord 1918. It was not until 1954 that Armistice Day became Veterans Day in the United States. Also, as of the year 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance was started. The National Moment of Remembrance is at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day. It would probably be a good idea to take a moment this afternoon as well to pray for, and thank Almighty God for, our Veterans.
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to give You the praise for what You have done in our nation. Those who would try to understand how we have arrived at this point without the blessings of Almighty Providence will indeed find themselves at a loss. Many of the men and women who formed this nation understood that the credit for it all must be given to You, the Maker of Nations. We have today the chance to praise You for those who have given their lives to the service of our country. May we give our lives to the service of our country and the God of our country. Whether nations may recognize it or not, Father, You are God over all. Your Sovereign control of the universe is a comfort to our hearts. It is not simply the continuation of our great nation that keeps the dead from dying in vain. It is the existence and delight of our Almighty Creator and Sustainer that makes our lives, and our deaths, worth something in eternity. May the Lord God Almighty bless America! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for our veterans. Pray for our nation. Pray for the lost, and that the Lord will send forth laborers into the harvest.
Personal Journal Entry #12213