Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Surrounding Verses

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

And you are disappointed when you ask God for one specific thing, and it is not given to you, you cannot find it, and doors are slammed in your face. Did you stop at that verse seven? Read on:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:7-11 KJV)

Key words – Father, give, good. Is it possible that which was asked for is not good enough for what God has in mind?

We’ve been given instructions for millennia. An example is just a few verses below: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12 KJV)

This was not a new rule from Christ – it was inherent in God’s laws. When asked, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:36-39 KJV)

Having that love requires giving what is good to those who are loved. John tells us: We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV)

His love will keep us, always, even though we feel doors closing around us. For we have His promise: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV)

We may not recognize the path as the one we’ve sought, and it may appear to lead away from what we want, but God has told us that … all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 KJV)

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Thank you for taking time to read and comment on the blog. Comments should take into consideration this verse: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)