{"id":22423,"date":"2018-02-15T00:05:33","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T08:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=22423"},"modified":"2018-02-08T11:50:11","modified_gmt":"2018-02-08T19:50:11","slug":"february-15-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2018\/02\/15\/february-15-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"February 15, 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

HIS WORDS<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAsk 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, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.\u201d <\/em>Matthew 7:7-8<\/p>\n

Wholly Dependent<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/em>HIS EXAMPLE TO US<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Matthew 5-7 is the eloquent presentation of the Father\u2019s will known as the Sermon on the Mount given to those who would listen and desire to follow Jesus.<\/p>\n

In Jesus\u2019 instructions in the Sermon on the Mount\u2014sandwiched between overwhelming instructions not to judge, being watchful not to give what is holy to the dogs, not to cast your pearls before swine, and narrow is the gate to heaven\u2014is this precious, personal invitation to depend on Him wholly, with instructions to ask, seek and knock.<\/p>\n

Jesus knew for those who believe in Him and desire to follow His instructions, our only hope of obedience in these things is to be wholly dependent on Him, and ask, seek, and knock.<\/p>\n

Ask: to call on for an answer, to strongly request.<\/p>\n

Seek: to go in search of, to try to discover using effort.<\/p>\n

Knock: to make an insistent noise to be heard, an insistent sign of importance.<\/p>\n

Jesus prayed to the Father for hours on several occasion, thereby being an example to us of our need to do the same.<\/p>\n

MY STORY<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve had some difficult family events that require much wisdom and patience. I know our only hope of handling things in a Christlike way is by His constant help and guidance. He indeed has been extremely faithful and miraculously things have fallen into place beyond expectation. I love the sweetness of His meeting us with perfect answers when we\u2019ve waited patiently and not reacted to others\u2019 difficult opinions or expectations. It\u2019s not over yet, but I have a sense of expectancy because I know \u201cHe works all things for good for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose\u201d<\/em> (Romans 8:28). I can\u2019t wait to see the outcome, because He is faithful.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us\u201d <\/em>(Ephesians 3:20).<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>MY RESPONSE<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I love the Lord and desire to follow Him more than anything else, but also know what a loser I am without His constant help. I have no discernment and share things I\u2019m not supposed to, if I don\u2019t ask for wisdom first; I judge others and jump to conclusions by their actions or past failures, if I don\u2019t seek His counsel. I know my great need and am in awe of His great love and willingness to respond when I\u2019ve asked, sought after Him, and knocked relentlessly for His intervention.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u201cTo Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever!\u201d <\/em>(Ephesians 3:21)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>MY PRAYER<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cLord Jesus, thank You for Your example and willingness to respond in our need. May we remember in all things to ask, seek<\/strong>, and knock<\/strong> to see Your perfect will happen. In Your wonderful name, Amen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>

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