Morning Devotional 010325 Jesus Offers Help to All!

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

January 3, 2026

Matthew 7:7-8

7 “Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door is opened.

Good Morning! Jesus! There’s Just Something About That Name!

For some reason, it is difficult for most of us to ask for help. As little children, we constantly ask for or seek help because we are unable to do things on our own. Part of the aging process is learning to do things. Crawling, walking, and running are among the first milestones in becoming independent. The need to “do it” ourselves is innate to our being. All of this is a necessary part of becoming an adult.

The great challenge then is accepting that sometimes, no matter how good we think we are, we need help. I can’t count the number of times I got lost on the way to somewhere because I didn’t ask for help. There is a fine line between productive struggle and being too needy, where you give up at the first difficulty.

I recall times when I caused myself great anxiety trying to get something just right, and then learning that others were willing to help if I had just asked. 

Have you ever been afraid to knock on a door of opportunity? You stand there trying to muster the courage to knock. You have two choices: walk away or take a risk. Jesus is waiting for us to ask, seek, and knock. His response will allow us to receive, find, and open the door to eternal life. 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! In our independence, we are weak. You offer all who come the strength of joining together as one. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Jesus is waiting to help those who reach out.

Ask: Receive! Seek: Find! Knock: Door Opens! Pastor Liz