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Matthew 7:7-11 - In Prayer We Ask, Seek and Knock To Receive, Find and Open.

Matthew 7:7-11 (ESV) Ask, and it will be 
given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and 
it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks 
receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one 
who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of 
you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him 
a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give 
him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know 
how to give good gifts to your children, how 
much more will your Father who is in heaven give 
good things to those who ask him!  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   This summer, we are participating in a 
farm share. Each week, a box arrives with 
vegetables harvested at the local farm. The selection 
depends on many things. If the spring was cold, we 
might get peas longer into the summer. If too much 
rain floods the fields, the potato crop may be 
thin. The farmer may be experimenting with plants 
that are new to us: garlic scapes, kohlrabi, or 
amaranth. 
   The element of surprise is part of the 
fun. After we pick up the box, we figure out how 
to make meals from what we're given. If I'm too 
set on making zucchini bread and, instead, get 
loads of green beans, I might feel disappointed. 
But if I'm open to whatever gift arrives, it's 
exciting and rewarding. 
   I need more of that attitude in my life. 
Sometimes, I get a goal stuck in my mind and then I'm 
disappointed if things don't go my way. I know Jesus 
won't send a stone when I ask for bread, but I 
forget that there are times when the thing I'm 
asking for is something He knows to be a stone or a 
serpent. Instead of demanding what I want, I can 
trust Him to fill my box with all the best. 
   When we welcome each day looking forward 
to unexpected blessings, our lives become an 
adventure. We can trust that whatever Jesus sends will 
be nourishing, strengthening, and exactly what 
we need. by Sharon Hinck 
   Faith Step: Sign up for a farm share or 
visit a farmers' market. Open yourself up to 
unexpected options and thank Jesus for His unexpected 
blessings. [Mornings With Jesus 2019 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

COMMENTARY

   There are certain conditions upon which 
we may expect that God will hear and answer our 
prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel 
our need of help from Him. He has promised, "I 
will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and 
floods upon the dry ground." Isaiah 44:3. Those who 
hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long 
after God, may be sure that they will be filled. 
The heart must be open to the Spirit's 
influence, or God's blessing cannot be received.  
   When our prayers seem not to be answered, 
we are to cling to the promise; for the time of 
answering will surely come, and we shall receive the 
blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will 
always be answered in the very way and for the 
particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is 
too wise to err, and too good to withhold any 
good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do 
not fear to trust Him, even though you do not 
see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely 
upon His sure promise, "Ask, and it shall be 
given you."  
   If we take counsel with our doubts and 
fears, or try to solve everything that we cannot 
see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities 
will only increase and deepen. But if we come to 
God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really 
are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our 
wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees 
everything in creation, and who governs everything by 
His will and word, He can and will attend to our 
cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. 
Through sincere prayer we are brought into 
connection with the mind of the Infinite. SC95-7 

   Every promise in the word of God 
furnishes us with subject matter for prayer, 
presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as our 
assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we need, it is 
our privilege to claim through Jesus.  
   Do not forget that in coming to God as a 
father you acknowledge your relation to Him as a 
child. You not only trust His goodness, but in all 
things yield to His will, knowing that His love is 
changeless. You give yourself to do His work. It was to 
those whom He had bidden to seek first the kingdom 
of God and His righteousness that Jesus gave 
the promise, "Ask, and ye shall receive." John 
16:24. MB130-4   

ONE LINERS

God wants us to have all our interests 
interwoven with His interests, and then He can safely 
bless us; 2BC1034,5 

Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to 
provide for us, of which we know nothing.  DA330 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

Matthew 7:7, 8 - Ask, Seek and Knock To 
Receive, Find and Open. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190814-0932.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.revelationnow.com/ 

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: 
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657