Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Run in the path of your commands

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus says: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Jesus refers to Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Because God continues to love us as he loves himself he doesn't wash his hands of the whole thing and leave us. And when we fail to follow the one simple rule, he burns ten commandments on a stone. And when that isn't enough he gives the scribes rules and regulations about everything.

Jesus, now, is bringing us back to the basics. Love your neighbor as yourself. And when you do, all of you, you will be able to ask and receive, seek and find, knock and watch the door open. This is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus assures me of God's good graces: he will always give good gifts. Nothing he gives me ever will be hurtful. I can trust my Father. Jesus wants me to hear that clearly from him, because my experience in the world might lead me to think differently.

If I hear Jesus and believe him and live out this trusting of my Father, then I can follow his example. He loves me like he loves himself, so I can go and do likewise. And when two or three gather in this way, Jesus is there with them.

Thank you for your words, Jesus. Words that bring hope and confidence even when I feel lost. Your light cannot be hidden.

Devotions Archive

Run in the path of your commands

Thursday, February 14, 2008