Matthew 7, and Lessons

both seem to have come up -- and together -- a lot lately.

It has taken me some time to realize that for each of the frustrations I face with the girls God has likely breathed just as heavy a sigh about the same thing in my life. Maybe even twice. Over my disrespect. Over my obstinacy to mature. Over how it takes me so long to learn, for example. By His grace though, it happens.
What a way to gain mercy!

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor." Matthew 7:1-5, The Message Version

My biggest challenge now seems to offer an appropriate discipline, sewed up in understanding, kissed with mercy and extended with prayerful hope.

I got to attend church on the Ft. Apache Indian Reservation this morning. The service began with singing, followed by testimonies about prayer and its effects on the lives of a few special ladies willing to share. I love the simplicity of spoken testimonies and the contrite volumes they continue to communicate, with boldish humility, through the daily drastic and delicate differences of the changed lives who claim them.

In addition to one of the testimonies, the message given also addressed Matthew 7, and focused entirely on prayer.

“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, it will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8, ESV

What use have we in standing at a door with keen knowledge that we must knock? And what do we intend by knocking? First we should have a reason to be there.
Then our knuckles need to touch the wood.

We sigh relief to ask, He delights to respond.

In time,
we respond to His delight.
He responds to our delight.
We delight to respond.