7-11 “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

12 “Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Bible, Dusty Rose Floral Large Print Leather-Look
The Message Bible, Dusty Rose Floral Large Print Leather-Look
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $44.99
Save: $15.00 (25%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Devotional Bible, Hardcover
The Message Devotional Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $6.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Coral
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Coral
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $1.00 (13%)
2.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
Retail: $2.99
Our Price: $2.39
Save: $0.60 (20%)
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $22.00 (73%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars