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Sept.17.04: Light for the Day - "You do not Ask"
-- John 16:24
Until now you have not asked for anything in My name.
Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
-- Matthew 7:7,8
7 "Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives;
he who seeks finds;
and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
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We have many cares—our children, our business, our homes. Frequently, we do not bring these cares to God, feeling that they are too little to mention to Him. This is absurd! Have nothing else to do with such a sinful silence. Tell it all to Jesus. The Lord tells you to cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7).
Tell Him! Why carry your sin, your need, and your care? Why not have greater desires and broader expectations? After all, Jesus says, “According to your faith let it be to you” (Matt. 9:29).
There are times when the angel of mercy flies around the homes of God’s people and brings an abundance of precious blessings. Sometimes while we sleep, the angel of mercy hovers on soft wings, but there is no empty container in which to pour the blessing. Later, the angel visits another home, where in their prayers the residents set out a number of empty containers. The angel fills the containers from the supply of overflowing mercy, and when the petitioners awake they find an abundant supply of rich grace.
Some have feeble wishes, small desires, and slender prayers, or hardly any prayer at all. “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). Others have large desires, earnest prayers, great faith, and large expectations. God gives according to your faith.
-- Spurgeon
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-- Psalms 8:4
What is man that You are mindful of him,
the son of man that You care for him?
-- Psalms 50:15
Trust me in your times of trouble,
and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory."
-- Psalms 86:5
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask Your aid.
-- Psalms 145:18
The LORD is close to all who call on Him,
yes, to all who call on Him sincerely.
-- Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
-- Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer,
believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
-- Matthew 11:28, 29
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
-- Mark 11:22, 24
22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
-- John 15:7
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
-- Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
-- 1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
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