"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; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."¹

The story is told how a good friend of Henry Ford was very upset because Ford didn't buy a large life insurance policy from him.

When he asked why he had purchased the policy from a total stranger and not from him, Ford replied, "You never asked me."

When somebody wants something from me, I want them to ask me directly, and not beat around the bush or try to manipulate me, etc., etc.

According to the words of Jesus, God wants us to do the sameâ€"to be direct, detailed, and determined; that is, to ask directly for what we wantâ€""For he who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

I wonder, too, how many of our personal contacts would come to Jesus if only we asked or invited them toâ€"even if it is through giving or sending them an attractive and appropriate piece of gospel literature, or sending and recommending the web address of a suitable gospel web site. 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be direct and up front in all my communications with Youâ€"and my closest friends. Help me to ask for and earnestly seek every blessing and good gift that You long to give me. And give me the courage to invite my friends and family to accept You as their personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Jesus, Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV).

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