Seek and Find

Introduction

Matthew 7:7-12 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Decorations

Decorate the craft table and snack table with maroon or dark green tablecloth. Spread decorative Fall leaves on the table along with the completed craft model.

Refreshments

Serve snacks associated with the Fall: Apple pie, apple crips, or an apple cobbler with apple cider. A charcuterie board of cheese and crackers is another suggestion.

Craft Activity

This table centerpiece craft is very easy and inexpensive. Follow the instructions in the link for constructing the craft: https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/fall-table-centerpieces/ Most of these items can be found at the dollar store.

As each color of bean or seed is added to the jar:

• Ask the women to choose a name for God that speaks to them or that they most reference in their prayer life; such as Lord, Jehovah Jireh, Friend, Savior.
• As the women pour that color of bean or seed, have them share a prayer that they received an answer to. Was the answer what they expected or not. If not, are still thankful for God’s answer.
• As they place the candle in the center, have the women identity a prayer request they currently have and are waiting for an answer.
• If they are comfortable, invite them to share that prayer request.
• As the twine is wrapped and tied, have the women pray for those requests and say “Amen” as they tie the last knot or bow. These prayers can be said silently or out loud as a group.

Worship

Encourage the women to find a spot in the chapel so they can have some private time with God. Play some of the following songs to create a time of worship.

Songs: Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

He Knows My Name by Tommy Walker

Who You Say I Am by Hillsong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Huzj00uVYiU

Ask, Seek and Knock

 “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; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:7-12).

This scripture encourages us to trust in God and to seek His guidance by persistently asking, seeking, and knocking on His door, while also reflecting on the importance of treating others as we want to be treated. We have a generous Heavenly Father. In these verses in Matthew 7, we are reminded that God is such an amazingly loving Father. He wants to bless us with gifts. Nor only gifts but good gifts, gifts that we need and even some that we do not yet know we need. God wants to give us these blessings because we are His children.

God urges us to come to Him in all circumstances. As depicted in this scripture, God wants us to come to Him with our needs and desires as well. He wants us to ask Him for wisdom when facing uncertainty. God wants us to ask Him for help when we need guidance or on a decision we need to make. God wants us to have a real relationship with Him, one that involves us talking with Him, loving Him, knowing Him and then sharing that knowledge with others. Matthew 7 allows us to see clearly that God tells us to ask, seek and knock. When we obey this direction, He will be right there to hear, listen and answer.

Verse 12 reminds us of the “golden rule.” Treat others the way you want to be treated. However, what some may not realize about this “golden rule” is that it is so important not only for our relationship with God but to the relationship other people. This verse is a direction for us as Christ followers to live out in our daily lives so that others will see Christ in us. Imagine the privilege it is to bring someone to the saving knowledge of Christ simply because you decided to treat them with kindness, compassion and respect. When we do, we are reflecting the image of our heavenly creator. We are putting our faith in action. When we embody the love, grace and mercy we see in God, it allows others to see God in us.

It’s not always easy to make those choices, especially when times are difficult or hectic. However, the more we practice showing love, compassion and respect, the more it will be second nature. Don’t forget the words “I’m sorry,” which goes a long way when we have not made the choice to share the image of God in a moment of hecticness or hurtfulness. It is okay to admit when we are wrong or made a mistake. In fact, most people will see God reflected in our willingness to say, “I’m sorry.”

As we end our worship time today, take a moment to reflect on this scripture. Maybe God will place a prayer on your heart that you can bring to Him. You know someone else need and you can intercede for them in prayer. Take some time to ask, seek and knock on the door of God’s guidance, goodness and love not only today but in your everyday.

Worship through Song

Songs:             “Cornerstone” by Hillsong Live

“How Great Thou Art” (TSA SB #49)

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” Performed by Chris Tomlin

Closing Prayer:

“God, our Creator, our heavenly Father, thank you for your generous love, grace and mercy. Help us to trust in Your promises and to live out the characteristic we see in You in all that we do as we live our daily lives. May we not forget to ask for Your help, seek Your wisdom and knock on Your door, finding Your wide-open arms of love each and every day. May we also be a light to others, reflecting Your love and compassion. Amen.”