All posts by Seek Ye First the Kingdom

All Things Working For Good

We never know, at the time, the good that will come from the struggles and tragedies in our lives, but as Christians we do know that God uses “all things” for our good.

The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:28 “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” And says in verse 31 ” So if God is for us, who can be against us?” NIV

We can proceed in our lives with this power, knowing that if we love God…keeping His will as our priority, we have His almighty power coordinating “all things” for our good.

Dear Lord, we thank you that we know you are there for us; that our struggles and tragedies are not a surprise to you and you are using them for our good. Help us trust your will and be at peace in this knowledge. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Justice and Love

Psalm 37:28 says, “The Lord loves justice,” We know that the definition of justice is, “getting what is deserved.” We also know as Romans 3:23 says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

Justice, therefore, would mean that since we miss God’s standard, that we cannot receive God’s reward, heaven. Somehow justice for our sins must be paid. Picture the symbol of justice, the scale, and all of our sins stacked on one side.

Jesus Christ balances the scale, by taking the punishment for all of our sins. God’s love for us gives us the way out of receiving the justice we deserve, and places it on Jesus. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” and verse 18 says, “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him.”

By believing in Jesus as our Savior, we are essentially pardoned from the justice we deserve, and that is the ultimate show of God’s love.

Dear Lord, how wonderful your love for us is, and how perfect your plan is to execute both justice for all and salvation for those who believe. Help us be joyful for this great gift and share it with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Let Your Light Shine

Hopefully we have all experienced a person who amazes us with their exceptional work and performance in their job. For example, the sales person who knows just how to find you exactly what you were looking for without being pushy, the service technician with a bright smile and polite “yes sir” “yes ma’am”, the contractor who proudly strives for perfection, meticulously cleans up, and patiently explains everything to his customer, or the doctor or nurse who, with angelic like compassion and tenderness, cares for the dying patient. These people not only bring great credit on themselves, they make their employers and organizations look good to those who see their service.

In much the same way, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that we are the “light of the world,” and to in verse 16 he says, “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” When we do good, we are bringing credit (glory) to God, whom we follow.

I have heard it said this way, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.” We have an opportunity every day to demonstrate Gods love to those we contact.

Dear Lord, help us remember that our actions demonstrate what Christians are to people around us. Help us do good and bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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He Is Risen

Today we celebrate Easter, Jesus rising from the dead. This was the event that fulfilled Jesus’ mission on earth. Jesus’ had to suffer, die and rise to fulfill the prophecies and pay the price for the sin of mankind.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17 NIV

How different this makes Christianity from all other religions, that God saves us, as His free gift. Other religions require the following of rules, rituals, or gaining special knowledge in order to be “saved”.

“Oh the sweet joy this sentence gives, I know that my redeemer lives.” Samuel Medley

Dear Lord, Thank you for the wonderful gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Waiting For The Promise

There are many promises in the bible. God promises to answer our prayers, to be with us, to protect us, and most importantly to save us for eternity. However, we do not always know exactly how he will fulfill the promises.

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many, at a time Abraham and his wife Sarah were unable to have children. Many years after this promise, when Abraham and Sarah were well past the age they could naturally have children, they had Isaac.

Hebrews 6:14-15 writes, [God said] “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”

God has a plan for us, and timing to go with it. “Waiting patiently” as Abraham did, is often part of the plan God has for us. Part of being faithful is maintaining our faith and hope with patience while we wait. Often our prayers are answered when we finally relax and surrender to God’s timing.

Dear Lord, Your view of our situation is complete, and ours is limited. Help us remember that you care about us, our desires, and you hear our prayers. Help us be at peace with your timing. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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