The Spiritual Search

"What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will he give him a stone?" ~ Matthew 7:9
The illustration of prayer that our Lord uses here is one of a good child asking for something good. We talk about prayer as if God heard us regardless of what of our relationship to Him (see Matthew 5:45). Never say it is not God's will to give you what you ask. Don't faint and give up, but find out the reason you have not received; increase the intensity of your search and examine the evidence. Is your relationship right with your spouse, your children, and your fellow students? Are you a "good child" in those relationships? Do you have to say to the Lord, "I have been irritable and cross, but I still want spiritual blessings"? You cannot receive and will have to do without them until you have the attitude of a "good child."
We mistake defiance for devotion, arguing with God instead of surrendering. We refuse to look at the evidence that clearly indicates where we are wrong. Have I been asking God to give me money for something I want, while refusing to pay someone what I owe him? Have I been asking God for liberty while I am withholding it from someone who belongs to me? Have I refused to forgive someone, and have I been unkind to that person? Have I been living as God's child among my relatives and friends (see Matthew 7:12).
I am a child of God only by by being born again, and as His child I am good only as I "walk in the light." (1 John 1:7) For most of us, prayer simply becaomse some trivial religious expression, a matter of mystical and emotional fellowship with God. We are all good at producing spiritual fog that blinds our sight. But if we will search out and examine the evidence, we will see very clearly what is wrong - a friendship, unpaid debt, or an improper attitude. There is no use praying unless we are living as children of God. Then Jesus says, regarding His children, "Everyone who asks receives..." (Matthew 7:8) ~ From My Utmost for His Highest

Ouch! This one convicted me. I have been praying for a new job for a LONG time. This convicted me that I have not been a good employee where I am currently. I have spent too much time checking personal emails, reading blogs, and surfing the net while I am at work. So, if you don't see as many comments from me, please don't be offended. I am just working.