Do you ever recall being told, “you can have anything you wish,” or something similar to that effect? If you heard it as a lead-in to an upcoming birthday, odds are, you felt like the sky was the limit. I’m a budgeter, so I stray away from offering up that doorway to heaven-on-earth to my children. Instead, I provide them a price range, location limitations, as well as a limit on how many friends they can take along for the ride. After all, I figure it’s the least I can do – which is not to get their hopes up for something they can’t have (smile).

Now, consider that offer based on scripture and it being given to (1) a new follower of Christ, (2) one who may be considering giving their life to Christ, or (3) a person who’s struggling with or lost their faith. If they read Matthew 7:8, they could very well walk away thinking Christ is the epitome of Santa Claus. Worst, they could end up being disappointed when that particular thing they ask for is, in fact, not what they receive. This, my friends, is why it’s so important that we not only read scripture seeking discernment, but that we read it in the context it was written.

If you don’t have a study Bible, it may be a great time to invest in one. If you can’t or don’t want to, the internet is always available and free to roam. Don’t avoid asking the hard questions because of what you think the answer might be. We can, in fact, have what we ask for, we just need to understand how.

Be encouraged, my friends, and communicate with God.

READ: Matthew 7