Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Ask. Seek. Knock.

This year I'm working through a book called Oxygen in the mornings. It's not your typical devotional book. Rather than provide a daily scripture reading, author Keri Wyatt Kent invites you to spend an entire week (28 in all) in a different Gospel passage. And rather than leave you with a list of questions, she challenges you to reflect on the passage in several different ways. Each week wraps up with a few of her own thoughts to help you reflect.

Initially, I was a little hesitant to abandon my regular reading plan (a little OCD kicking in) but after spending some time meditating on this week's passage (Matt 7:1-12) on my way to work and at night, I think I like this. I feel more freedom to “dwell in” those words, to chew them over and fully enjoy the flavor they impart.

These familiar verses were especially challenging to me at the start of this new year: "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; those who seek find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:7-8)

Ask. Seek. Knock. Each requires a step of faith. We don’t know what the response will be when we ask. We have no idea what we'll find when we start seeking in earnest. We don’t know what will be on the other side of the door when we muster up the courage to knock.

What will I ask this year? Of God? Myself? Of others?

What am I seeking?

What doors of opportunity will I knock upon?

4 comments:

Kelly said...

Enjoyed these reflections on the faith required to grow.

Ms. Kathleen said...

It sounds like an interesting devotional book. Thanks for sharing!

Keri Wyatt Kent said...

Hey Dianne
Love your blog! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on my book with your readers. I appreciate the mention, and I'm glad you are enjoying Oxygen.
Peace
Keri

Susanne said...

I've never heard about this devotional. I'll have to check into it. I love the idea that you actually spend a week on one scripture.