Ask, Seek, Knock - Matthew 7:7,8

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Well, this week, thus far, I have talked about being as Jesus or a Pharisee.  I never know daily where God will be leading me.  Today we are going to Matthew chapter 7, verses 7 & 8.  Where is your heart? Is Jesus really in your heart?  Or, do you provide lip service and evil still lurks deep within?
Just food for thought.  One moment I know Jesus is in my heart, then here comes a fleeting thought that is not from Jesus.  It becomes confusing sometimes and I wonder, am I really saved, born again, or am I just going about pretending.  Well, we must be persistent in seeking God.
  Click here to see 3 translations of Matthew 7:7,8  (KJV)⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: ⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
 Ask!  Do you ask or demand?  Seek! Do you really seek or just expect?  Knock! Do you knock or expect it to be opened?   If you ask - ye shall receive; if you seek-ye shall find; and if you knock-it shall be opened!
    We must be persistent in pursuing God.  People often give up after a half hearted effort and then blame God.  Well, guess God didn't want me to .......  Knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow through and here Jesus reassures us that we will be rewarded.  It will be when you are ready and God knows the correct timing.  Continue to ask God for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding.  God will give them to you.
    Some pastors say pray once, God knows, don't repeat.  My opinion, and my opinion only; you will have to conclude for yourself; but we are as our children.  When walking through the store with your small child they want lots of things, if you bought what they want on a whim they will play with it but for a moment and then it goes by the wayside.  BUT, if that child asks repeatedly for the same thing, then they are probably sincere about wanting it, do desire it, and will use it.
   Is this not the way we are, sometimes asking God on a whim, yet not really wanting it. The request is not heart felt, just something that crosses our mind. Yet, if we return to ask God again and again, will He not hear and heed our beckoning?  Yes, we do have to be cautious of becoming ritualistic in our requests; kind of like the Lord's prayer.  How many really know what the prayer means, but they just recite it from memory.  God's wants our sincere, earnest, heartfelt request.  Ask-receive; seek-find; knock-it opens!   Take time, pray sincerely. See what happens! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny