Old Story, New Lesson, Just Ask

I was listening to Bill Winston preach a sermon on the Kingdom of God, which is very good, and he read the story of the young man who had asked Jesus what he must do to have eternal life (Matt. 19:16-22). Jesus answers him stating that if he wants eternal life, keep the commandments. The young man said that he had, to which Jesus responded, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me.”

To understand how this story relates to each of us individually, this was Jesus’ command to the young man, which was initiated from the young man asking Jesus a specific question. Jesus’ response was suited to the young man as it related to his life and his circumstances; he may very well have a different response to you.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

And again in Luke 11:9-10 “9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

So ask. Ask Jesus what he would have you do. He is waiting for you.

God speed!

Grace

Grace: a theological state defining the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. I have to say that many times throughout my life I have experienced grace, and in recent weeks I cannot tell you the number of times I have noticed it. I would say that I have noticed it because I’ve been looking for it. As Jesus says, “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8)

My days have been hectic and full of turmoil, surrounding me both in the people in my life and the thoughts within my mind. However, I know that because I am seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and doing what it takes to feel the love of God, that the end result will be success. No matter how crazy, or busy, or complicated things seem, I know I will come out on top when the dust settles. I know this because I can feel God’s grace and all I have to do is keep seeking that first. That’s how it works. It works that way for me; it works that way for you.

I recently had someone says to me that I have God’s favor. I don’t take that statement lightly. I ask for it, I look for it, and I choose to live my life in a manner that keeps me in God’s favor. I like to think that I am accomplishing living in a state of grace by graceful living, meaning elegance and beauty of form, manner, motion, and action. I live a glorified life and I invite you to join me for everything is sweeter when shared.

God speed!