Ask and You Shall Receive

 Ask and You Shall Receive

As believers, we often find ourselves in situations where we need guidance, wisdom, or provision. In those moments, it's essential to remember that God is always willing to provide what we need. The Bible reminds us that we have not because we ask not (James 4:2-3). In this blog, we'll explore some powerful scriptures that encourage us to ask and trust God to provide.

The Importance of Asking

Proverbs 4:7 says, "Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment." Wisdom is the principal thing; it's the foundation upon which we make decisions and navigate life's challenges. James 1:5 reinforces this idea, saying, "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it."

The Blessings of Righteousness

Proverbs 11:1-12 highlights the blessings that come from living a righteous life. When we live according to God's principles, we can expect:

Honor: "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him." (v. 1)
Security: "The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness." (v. 3-5)
Prosperity: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon." (v. 28)

The Power of Humility

Proverbs 13:4 says, "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and diligence. When we humble ourselves and work hard, we position ourselves to receive God's blessings.

Conclusion

As we reflect on these scriptures, we're reminded that God is a loving Father who desires to provide for us. He wants us to ask for wisdom, guidance, and provision, trusting that He will supply all our needs. As we ask and seek, let's remember to live righteously, walk humbly, and trust in God's goodness.

Special thanks to Keith M. Craddock for conducting the family Bible study that inspired this blog.

Assistance provided by Meta AI

God's Ways Are Not Our Ways: God's Ways Are BETTER Than Our Ways

 God's Ways Are Not Our Ways: God's Ways Are BETTER Than Our Ways

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Have you ever found yourself questioning God's plan or wondering why things didn't go as expected? It's natural to feel that way, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties. However, as believers, we must remember that God's ways are not our ways. In fact, His ways are far better than ours.

God's Ways Are Rooted in Love

God's ways are motivated by His unconditional love for us. He desires the best for us, even when we can't see it. His love is not limited by our understanding or finite perspectives. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

God's Ways Are Filled with Wisdom

God's ways are guided by His infinite wisdom. He sees the beginning, middle, and end of all things. He knows the intricate details of our lives and the lives of those around us. His wisdom is beyond human comprehension, and His ways often defy our logical understanding.

God's Ways Are Filled with Mercy and Grace

God's ways are characterized by mercy and grace. He is slow to anger and abounding in love. Even when we fail or make mistakes, God's ways provide a path for redemption and restoration. As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

God's Ways Are Not Limited by Our Circumstances

God's ways are not restricted by our circumstances or surroundings. He can work miracles in the most impossible situations. He can bring light into darkness, hope into despair, and joy into sorrow. As Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Trusting in God's Ways

As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that God's ways are not our ways. His ways are better, higher, and more loving than ours. Let us trust in His goodness, wisdom, mercy, and grace. Let us surrender our limited understanding and finite perspectives to His infinite wisdom and love.

As the prophet Isaiah wrote, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3) May we be people who trust in God's ways, even when we don't understand. May we experience the perfect peace that comes from trusting in His goodness and love.

God is Solid Ground

 God is Solid Ground

In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, it's easy to feel like the ground beneath us is shaking. But as Christians, we have a promise that God is our solid ground, our rock, our refuge. Let's dive into some powerful scriptures that remind us of God's unwavering presence and stability in our lives.

Staying Awake and Alert

In Revelation 3:2-3, Jesus warns the church in Sardis to "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent." In a world that's increasingly hostile to our faith, we must stay awake and alert, holding fast to God's truth and promises.

A Place Prepared for Us

In John 14:2-3, Jesus reassures us that He's preparing a place for us in heaven. "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." This promise gives us hope and security, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure in Christ.

Persevering Through Trials

In Luke 21:9 and Matthew 24:4, 11-14, Jesus warns us about the trials and deception that will come before His return. But He also encourages us to persevere, promising that "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). We can trust that God is our solid ground, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

God's Protection and Guidance

In Psalm 25:20-21, David cries out to God for protection and guidance. "Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you." We can trust that God is our refuge and protector, guiding us through life's challenges.

A Way Out of Temptation

Finally, in 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul reminds us that God is faithful and will provide a way out of temptation. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." We can trust that God is our solid ground, providing a way out of temptation and guiding us towards victory.

Conclusion

As we navigate life's challenges and uncertainties, let's remember that God is our solid ground. He's our rock, our refuge, and our protector. May these scriptures encourage and strengthen you, reminding you of God's unwavering presence and stability in your life.

Credits:

This blog post was inspired by Keith M. Craddock's leadership in our family Bible study. Meta AI assisted with writing and editing the post.

Call on God

 Call on God

A Family Bible Study By: Keith M. Craddock

Have you ever felt like you're facing a difficult situation, and you don't know where to turn? Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about the future. In times like these, it's easy to feel like we're alone, like we're facing our challenges without any help or support.

But the Truth Is, We're Not Alone

In 2 Timothy 4:16-18, the apostle Paul writes:

"At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it."

Even when everyone else deserted Paul, the Lord stood by him, giving him strength and enabling him to fulfill his mission.

Calling on God in Prayer

In Psalm 5:1-12, King David writes:

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

David's psalm reminds us that we can call on God in prayer, laying our requests before Him and waiting expectantly for His answer.

God Is Near to Those Who Call on Him

In Psalm 145:18-21, we read:

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy."

This psalm reminds us that God is near to those who call on Him, that He hears our cries and saves us, and that He watches over all who love Him.

Conclusion

When we're facing difficult situations, it's easy to feel like we're alone. But the truth is, we're not alone. We can call on God, laying our requests before Him and waiting expectantly for His answer. Let us remember that God is near to those who call on Him, that He hears our cries and saves us, and that He watches over all who love Him.

Reflection Questions

What difficult situation are you facing right now?
How can you call on God in prayer, laying your requests before Him?
What does it mean to you that God is near to those who call on Him?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you in prayer, calling on your name and laying our requests before you. We know that you are near to those who call on you, that you hear our cries and save us, and that you watch over all who love you. Help us to trust in your goodness and your love, and to wait expectantly for your answer. In Jesus' name, Amen.