ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU

Dearly Beloved,

ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU

“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” (Matthew 7:7-8 NIV).

The principle of asking and receiving was demonstrated recently in my home. My children and I were having our breakfast. The bottle of sugar was by my side of the dining table. My daughter wanted to add more sugar to her meal. She knew that I might hinder her from taking more sugar. Initially, she was looking at the bottle and me. I knew her intention, but I wanted her to express it. After some time, she summoned the courage to ask for it, and I willingly gave her some of the sugar.

Many times, we are reluctant to make known our requests to God. It is a fact that as the omniscient God, He knows what we need before we ask Him (see Psalm 38:9; Matthew 6:8, 32; Luke 12:30), but He wants us to ask Him. In fact, Jesus Christ categorically told His disciples, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24 NIV). However, many people keep silent, or continue to complain or suffer instead of freely asking from their heavenly Father.

God is ready to do anything we ask according to His will, provided we ask Him. Joseph M. Scriven in that popular hymn, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” said, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

This principle of asking and receiving is even applicable to human beings. Many people will not give until one asks from them. Therefore, do not be afraid of asking. You will directly or indirectly get any of these answers: “Yes, have it,” “No, you cannot have it,” or, “Wait for some time.” You lose nothing in asking, rather, you lose many things in not asking.

Ask and it will be given to you!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB
Some of you have known about my intention to soon publish a book on ministering through the Internet. My vision about the ten-chapter book is to give it FREELY to as many pastors and other committed Christians that have passion for Internet ministry. Let me use this opportunity to (re)ask for your financial assistance towards the project. Write me privately at for details. God bless you!

Quote for the Day 29May2009

Who is your mentor? Is he climbing or coming down the ladder? It is important to know! Moreover, it is important to have one as you climb. When you are connected or linked with one that carries grace of God your disgrace will die and you will become great. Never be too big to have a mentor but choose wisely. - Baba Isiaka

Quote for the Day 28May2009

If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities. - Barbara Bush

Quote for the Day 27May2009

No man or woman ever had a nobler challenge or a higher privilege than to bring up a child for God, and whenever we slight that privilege or neglect that ministry for anything else, we live to mourn it in heartache and grief. - Vance Havner

Quote for the Day 26May2009

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O, Come to the Father thro' Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory-great things He hath done!
- Fanny J. Crosby

Quote for the Day 25May2009

If you have been bitter about something or someone, it is time to let it go! Your health, joy and life are more important. If you are already sick and you know that bitterness has something to do with it, let it go! - Joseph Prince

LET GOD DEAL WITH HIM

Dearly Beloved,

LET GOD DEAL WITH HIM

“Abishai said to David, ‘Today God has given your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won't strike him twice.’ But David said to Abishai, ‘Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives,’ he said, ‘the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish’” (1 Samuel 26:8-10 NIV).

How would you treat your perceived enemy if you have the opportunity of dealing with him? Would you treat him as he has been treating you? Alternatively, would you let him go scot-free and allow God to deal with him in God’s own way and time?

King Saul was a sworn enemy of David. He spent most of his time looking for a way to kill David. However, twice, David had opportunities of killing Saul, but he did not do so (see 1 Samuel 24, 26). David’s followers could not understand why he would not take the golden opportunities to exterminate his arch enemy and become the king of Israel. David preferred to let God deal with Saul rather than avenging for himself. God did deal with Saul in His own time and His own way, and David eventually became the king of Israel in place of Saul.

Many people would not do such a thing - to let a perceived enemy continue to have his way, especially when they have the opportunity of getting even with such enemy. It is natural to get rid of one’s perceived enemy, but, it is contrary to the New Testament teachings. Consider this: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21 NIV. See also Matthew 5:44; Luke 27-28; 23:34; Romans 12:14; 1 Corinthians 4:12-13; 1 Peter 3:9). It takes spiritual maturity to follow such teachings and really allow God to deal with one’s perceived enemies in God’s way and God’s time.

Do not have it in mind to get even with your perceived enemy. Let God deal with him. God will do so in His own way and in His own time. He will indeed vindicate you. Like David, you will laugh last and testify to the goodness of God over your life.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).