Daily Bread – February 14, 2022 (The Second Day – Genesis 1:6-8) Luke 11:8 – I tell you, even though he would not get up to give because he was a friend, but because of his shameless insistence, he wakes up to give him whatever he needs. Part 1 ~ Shameless Insistence A very shocking word appears here in this Scripture which basically means “insolence” (anaideia). A synonym is ‘atimia’ which means “unseemliness” or “shameless”. The Greek word ‘anaideia’ may be translated “impertinence, impudence, or shameless”. It expresses a bold state of being somewhat sassy – or as the English may say ‘cheeky.’ It is a lack of sensitivity to what is proper, and a disposition that ignores convention, yet the Lord uses it to describe how we should pray. We all stand back and say how can this be? Does the Lord really expect that we should be so full of confidence concerning His will that we should demand it and not accept anything less? Could it be we have too often been willing to settle for less than the will of God because of unbelief or religious conventions? Have we failed to recognize how it is God’s good pleasure to give us His Kingdom and to provide for us according to His riches in glory? Are we unwilling to believe all He has said in His Word is ours and that the enemy of our souls constantly attempts to run a blockade against God’s divine provision through our unwillingness to contend for the faith? Surely, God is not the One Who needs to be convinced He must wake up and give us what we have requested, but we must be convinced these things are ours. Will we be willing to be so certain about His promises we will not let up until we have received whatsoever we have asked. The seemingly somewhat rude behavior of asking, knocking, and seeking is a must if we are going to receive those things we have asked for. When we know what we ask is God’s will, then certainly we will be persistent. We will keep on until we have those things we know the Father has commanded. Where is our boldness and confidence with God? Are the things He has promised true? Is God faithful to all He has declared? Yes, yes, and with bold and confident assurance, I say – Yes! Then, why should we cower, or in any way let up until that which the Lord has demanded is ours. God’s demand must become our demand, and His promises our realized provision. God never said, “No,” to our request. We just stop short of believing until the request was granted. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 2/14/2022
