August 11

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Someone may see this verse and say, “Well I have asked things of the Lord that I didn’t receive.” There are two qualifiers: 1. That we walk in fellowship with Him by keeping His word, and that we ask things that are in accordance with His will. Jesus said that ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss. However, I think perhaps we dwell too much on the qualifiers, or the conditions, and do not dwell on how broad and sweeping Is God’s invitation to us to ask of Him, to put Him to the test. He is pleased when we exercise faith, when we come boldly into His presence with petitions in the assurance that He loves us and wants to give us good things. Keep His commandments, do those things that please Him, and then, “Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30