All posts by Seek Ye First the Kingdom

Freedom To Choose

We all know that God created us with a free will to choose. There is a constant battle going on inside each of us; a battle between our desire to choose to obey God and do what is right, and our desire to choose to follow the “self-centered” desires that the world would have us follow.

Think of all the modern day social issues that revolve around the “right” and “freedom” to do things that are clearly wrong according to God.

Paul writes to the church in Galatians 5:13 “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Dear Lord, please help us use the freedom you gave us to live lives that glorify you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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For God’s Glory

It is hard not to be amazed at some of the new technologies that are being developed in our current world. Some of the capabilities we have developed are almost unbelievable. Some modern technologies that amaze me are, the SpaceX booster rockets that return to earth and land automatically, the ability for surgeons to perform complex surgeries through small incisions and perform heart surgeries through blood vessels, the ability to be on the other side of the world, and look at my phone to see a detailed street map with my precise location identified, and many more.

I also like to put these amazing capabilities in proper context with this text from Paul in Romans 11:33 and 36, “33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!…. 36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever!”

God created all this science for us to discover, and use to his Glory.

Dear Lord, help us remember that, as amazing as the technologies we discover are, we are only using what you have created. Let us be in awe of your majesty and omnipotence and give you the glory for what we learn to do with your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Heavy Burden?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

How often we get frustrated and beaten down by the challenges of life; whether we are trying to get ahead by working and going to school, a stay at home parent trying to keep children on track, house organized, spouse happy, and personal sanity, a single parent trying to provide for and raise children at the same time, one challenged by trama, addictions, or personal tragedies, an executive or professional with a hectic schedule competing with family priorities.

I think what Jesus was telling the crowd, and is trying to tell us, is to look to Him and place our confidence and faith in Him; He will help us have peace amidst life’s challenges.

Dear Lord, help us remember that You love us, like a caring parent with outstretched arms waiting for us to come and find comfort and security. In Your name we pray. Amen.

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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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