July 9

Who’s Asking?

If even sinful persons like yourselves give children what they need, don’t you realize that your heavenly Father will do at least as much, and give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him? (Luke 11:13, TLB).

Scripture: Luke 11:5-13

Song: “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart”

“I want to give you my land,” said my husband’s father, with obvious anticipation. “Do you want it?” We said yes! And that Coryell Creek meadow afforded our children the pleasures of skipping stones across a stream, gathering pecans to sell for school shoes, and gritty hands that seemed to make sandwiches taste better!

Eventually Grandpa’s waning health forced us to face the inevitable: he had but days to live. Oddly, he had had some inexplicable disapproval of me through the years, but, I loved him and wanted to speak with him once more about the gracious salvation that comes through Christ. Yet I approached with fear; surely anyone else would be more welcomed by this dying unbeliever.

Indeed, I did receive a resounding rejection: “No!” Have I misunderstood the Lord’s leading? But then I simply decided: “I’ll pray!” Immediately came Grandpa’s barely-whispered words, “God, I believe in Christ Your Son. Forgive me. I’m inviting Jesus into my life.” An earthly Grandfather asks; the heavenly Father gives. And with joyous tears, I witnessed a peaceful entry into Heaven.

Lord God in Heaven, thank You for supplying salvation to all who ask, regardless of what reputations or résumés may look like. In the name of Jesus, amen.

July 9–15. Kay King lives at Texas’s Sky King Ranch where she writes devotional books and teaches Revelation studies. She and her husband, Ben, are blessed with four sons.