The Upper Room Devotion for Monday, October 23, 2023, was written by Paul Alex of Banten, Indonesia.
Scripture
7 “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? 10 Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:7-12 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
A few years ago, my family was struggling financially. I was jobless, and we had two sons to support. Most days we had only rice and eggs to eat. Sometimes a friend or relative would buy us groceries or give us some money to buy food.
Once when we were at the store buying food, my youngest son whispered to his mother to ask if he could have a doughnut. But he quickly withdrew his request because he didn't want to be a burden or ask us to spend too much money. It broke my heart. I immediately bought him the doughnut, and his reaction was priceless.
On the way home as I reflected on this, the Lord reminded me of Matthew 8:9. If I as an earthly father would give anything to make my son happy and fulfill his desire, our heavenly Father is certainly willing to do the same for us! We can be sure that God cares about our needs and desires because we are God's beloved children.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I invited you to re-read Paul's reflection and consider the ways God has blest you to be a blessing to others.
Author's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for loving us as your children, remind us that you know our needs and desires and will provide for us. Amen.
Comments