Slideshow image

 

This morning I was 'listening' to Jesus
teach about 
Asking.
Matt 7:7 tells me to 
Ask
Seek
Knock
But he isn't super clear about 
WHAT to ask for....
Good gifts - Yes...
Luke in the parallel passage says to ask
and the Father will give the 
Holy Spirit.... ref Lk 11:13
Soooo.... 
I find it interesting 
that later on Jesus declares 
forgiveness of sins
and to prove he had that authority (to forgive)
heals the man...  ref Mat 9:1-7
An interesting 'note' at the end of this
miracle
the people marvel
and praise God
who had given such authority
to men....  ref Mat 9:8
I always thought they 'made a mistake'....
.....they didn't know it was JESUS
son of GOD that they were talking about....
Hmmm....
But God 
HAS given us this authority...
Jesus gave authority to his disciples
to cast out demons and heal disease and afflictions  ref Matt 10:1
and in
Jn 20:21  Again Jesus said, 
"Peace be with you! 
As the Father has sent me, 
I am sending you."
22  And with that he breathed on them and said, 
"Receive the Holy Spirit.
23  If you forgive anyone his sins, 
they are forgiven; 
if you do not forgive them, 
they are not forgiven."
The Kingdom power 
comes by authority
and
that authority
has been given to men
wrapped up
in the
Holy Spirit.....
...Ask
Seek
Knock....
Lord Jesus
I do ask
seek
knock
not just for authority
to operate in Kingdom ways
but for You to teach me
how to use that authority
well...
For the advancement
of the goodness of Your Kingdom....
I know You will do that
by Your Spirit
the teacher....
Yes.
Thank You.
PJ