Biblical Teaching on Prayer

Luke 11:9-10

I say 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; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
~ Jesus

Pondering Point

So, what is Jesus teaching? He’s teaching us to ask, to seek, to knock. He is also teaching that God wants to see those who are asking to receive, the ones seeking to find, and those knocking to experience open doors. While this lesson can apply across broad areas of life, in line with our weekly theme, we are diving into the pool of finances.

Is it acceptable to ask for more money/assets than you need? Does God want you to ask for more than you need? Does He want to give you what you are seeking?

How about another get-to-the-root of the issue question: WHY are you asking for more, and what is your plan for this extra money?

At first glance, asking for more seems selfish, but if the desire is to bless others, this attitude moves the financial vision into the realm of generosity. Generosity is a gift of the Spirit and a mark of godliness.

Oh, but that godliness can EASILY be overrun by a root-of-all-evil love of money, so it is important that our attitude remains godly – and stays there!

Prayer

Father God, build in me a financial vision that seeks to bless others with all that You give me. Be generous with me that I might honor You with a similar generosity that blesses others to Your glory. In Jesus I pray. Amen.

Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 40
Love

Matthew 5:44

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Because my wife and I lived in Muslim majority nations, it provided us opportunities to know and become friends with many Muslims and former Muslims. Therefore, upon our return to Michigan, we were invited to share our experiences, knowledge, and understanding of Islam…

Here is the challenge: Muslims, who are no longer simply “over there,” but are now “right here.” The growth of numbers of Muslims in the West means that Christians who live where Muslims live now have witnessing opportunities they never had before. Muslims are coming to faith in Christ because they rub elbows with Christians. More Muslims are converting now than ever before, because God has given Christians a new opportunity. The October issue of Christianity Today 2007 reported a study of 750 Muslims surveyed, who became Christians between 1991 -2007. Its title was “Why Muslims Follow Jesus.”

First, the lifestyle of Christians is the most important influence in their decision to follow Christ. 1. Love of Christians 2. Treatment of women 3. Adaptation of simple lifestyle – local customs.

Second, the power of God in answered prayers and healing. Closely related was the finding that some noted deliverance from demonic power.

Got his book? Read pages 183-186 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.