2020 Daily Devotion - Day 100

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During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton was overseeing the work of the Red Cross in Cuba. One day, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her, wanted to buy food for his sick and wounded Rough Riders. But she refused to sell him any. Roosevelt was perplexed. His men needed the help, and he was prepared to pay out of his own funds. When he asked someone why he could not buy the supplies, he was told, "Colonel, just ask for it!" A smile broke over Roosevelt’s face. Now he understood--the provisions were not for sale. All he had to do was simply ask and they would be given freely. (Our Daily Bread, October 11, 1992.)

So often, we think we have to earn our relationship with God. But through our Lord Jesus Christ, we begin to learn God gives us His love and grace unconditionally. Here is how Jesus put it in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 7:7-9 NRSV
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone?”

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, too often, we see You as one for whom we must perform. We already have Your love, and know You want to give good gifts to Your children. Since we cannot earn Your love, all we can do is respond with grateful hearts and lives; which means to live in the ways You have asked. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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