“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:5-10 NLT
If we want something badly enough, we are determined and insistent. Persistent. Downright tenacious in our pursuit. Or as the NLT states, we pursue with shameless persistence - what a great phrase! Shouldn't we be even more so when going after the things of God? Max Lucado expounds on this beautifully.
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From the NKJV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible:
Jesus used a parable to show them they should be persistent in prayer. He said that everyone who asks would receive.
I like the King James translation of Hebrews 11:6: “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”
Diligently—what a great word. Be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, relentless in your pilgrimage. Let this book be but one of dozens you read about Jesus and this hour be but one of hundreds in which you seek Him. Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions and seek your King.
Don’t be satisfied with angels. Don’t be content with stars in the sky. Seek Him out as the shepherds did. Long for Him as Simeon did. Worship Him as the wise men did. Do as John and Andrew did: Ask for His address. Do as Matthew: Invite Jesus into your house. Imitate Zacchaeus: Risk whatever it takes to see Christ.
God rewards those who seek Him. Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus Himself. And what is the reward? What awaits those who seek Jesus? Nothing short of the heart of Jesus. “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Can you think of a greater gift than to be like Jesus? Christ felt no guilt; God wants to banish yours. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to remove yours. Jesus had no fear of death; God wants you to be fearless. Jesus had kindness for the diseased and mercy for the rebellious and courage for the challenges. God wants you to have the same.
He loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.
From the NKJV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible:
Jesus used a parable to show them they should be persistent in prayer. He said that everyone who asks would receive.
I like the King James translation of Hebrews 11:6: “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”
Diligently—what a great word. Be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, relentless in your pilgrimage. Let this book be but one of dozens you read about Jesus and this hour be but one of hundreds in which you seek Him. Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions and seek your King.
Don’t be satisfied with angels. Don’t be content with stars in the sky. Seek Him out as the shepherds did. Long for Him as Simeon did. Worship Him as the wise men did. Do as John and Andrew did: Ask for His address. Do as Matthew: Invite Jesus into your house. Imitate Zacchaeus: Risk whatever it takes to see Christ.
God rewards those who seek Him. Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus Himself. And what is the reward? What awaits those who seek Jesus? Nothing short of the heart of Jesus. “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Can you think of a greater gift than to be like Jesus? Christ felt no guilt; God wants to banish yours. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to remove yours. Jesus had no fear of death; God wants you to be fearless. Jesus had kindness for the diseased and mercy for the rebellious and courage for the challenges. God wants you to have the same.
He loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.
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Prayer:
Father,
We, too, want to be just like Jesus! Give us Your strength so we have the ability to diligently pursue Him. Give us the Holy Spirit so that we are focused and purposeful in our pursuit of all things Godly. Give us clean hands and pure hearts, Father, that we may fulfill Your plan for our lives in service to those You have placed within our sphere of influence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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