All posts by Seek Ye First the Kingdom

God Makes It Grow

If we think about it, we have all been part of achieving something that required a team, working together to accomplish something we could not have done on our own. It may have been a sports team, a community or church project, or even a business startup. All significant successes are the result of a team of people’s efforts.

Doing God’s work is the same, but with an important addition. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 3:6,7, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”

In doing God’s work, we each have our part to play. When we work together and have faith, God will “make the seed grow.”

Dear Lord, You are the power behind all our success, help us remember to work together to spread your word and love, with faith that you will make the seed grow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

Count Our Blessings

Psalm 128:1,2 tell us, “How joyful are those who fear the Lord all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”

I, like many of us, find myself, occasionally, focusing on all those things I want, hope for, and pray for but feel frustrated not having. Sometimes we think, we are living the lives God desires, but feel like we are not receiving the blessing the Bible promises. When this type of feelings come upon us, these lyrics from an old hymn, help me put things in perspective.

“When upon life’s billows
You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged,
Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you
What the Lord hath done.
(John Oatman Jr.)

When we stop and think about the incredible blessings we all have, it takes away any reason we have to complain or be disappointed.

Dear Lord, we only need to take a look around to see the amazing blessings you have provided us. Our human nature leads us to take for granted what we have, and dwell on what we don’t have. Help us keep our perspective in order, count our blessings and be thankful to you for all you have done for us, most importantly our eternal salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

The Alpha and the Omega

I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” -Revelation 1:8

As humans we talk about time being constrained by time. “You only have 24 hours in a day,” we say. We look at things as past, present, or future.

Though it is difficult for us to understand, God is not constrained by the concept of time. He created it. And though he is too awesome for us to even comprehend; he is also aware of each of us, and our individual situation.

Psalm 103:13 says, “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” and Luke 12:7 says, “..even the hairs on your head are numbered.”

There is no limit to God’s power, and we all should be in awe and grateful that he cares about each of us, individually.

Dear Lord, How amazed and blessed we are that you will hear our prayers and have unlimited ability to intervene in our lives. Send your care, healing, comfort and favor on your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

Believing is Hard

I think there are two types of belief for Christians. First, and most important, is the belief that Jesus Christ is God, and that his death and resurrection are the ransom for our salvation.

For many of us, the second belief is the hard one. That is the belief that God knows and cares for each of us, and He can and will intervene in our and other’s lives.

Jesus tells the Father of a demon possessed boy in Mark 9:23, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” I believe the father’s reply is what we often feel, when we want and hope for something badly. He says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

When we believe, we act with confidence, and expect God will intervene and make things work out.

Dear Lord, Help us with our unbelief. Help us realize that you want us to believe with confidence, and expect your answers to our prayers. For your answers, favor, grace and salvation, we thank you Lord. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

Ambition

I have teenagers in my house, and people tend to ask us and them, what they want to study in college, or what occupation they have an interest in. However, rather than the traditional questions, one of our children’s teachers asked an interesting question recently. “What problem does he want to solve?” This seemed to be a so much more inspiring way to approach the future.

In Romans 15:20, Paul writes, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”

It is important to have a clear objective or as Paul calls it an “ambition,” not only for our personal pursuits, but for our Christian lives. What is yours?

Dear Lord, You have given us all many gifts and talents. Help us remember these are not just for our own entertainment, and satisfaction, but to serve you and each other. Help us use these to pursue objectives that grow your Kingdom and bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box