Spiritual Growth

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matt6:33 amp version

What are ‘all these things’ God promised He will give us when we put Him first in our lives? Something I’ve learned when studying scripture is to read at least 5 verses above the verse you are busy studying and 5 verses after the verse you are studying. If you read from Matthew 6:28 Jesus asks the question why are you worried about what shall we eat and what shall we drink and what shall we wear?

These are typical things we stress about as adults. Some of us worry about getting a job to be able to provide these things for ourselves and our family. Others already have a job, but stress about the quality of what they drink, eat and wear for different reasons. Whatever your situation, God wants to remind you that your focus should not be on these things, but rather on your relationship with God.

God wants to give you the assurance that He knows your needs and will provide accordingly. And for those who stress about the quality of what you wear, should look at the reason behind the focus on material things. But that is a discussion for another day.

God wants to make you aware that as the Creator and as your Father, He understands your needs better than you understand yourself. He wants you to trust Him to provide for you in all things and in the meantime, focus on building a strong relationship with Him and His word.

Shalom

The quick and simple way of explaining Godly righteousness is to say ‘to be in right standing with God’. To know that you can stand in front of God and know that you are ok. And the only way to stand boldly in front of the Father is with the cover of the blood of Jesus.

On my own, I will only stand in my own sin and weakness, but Jesus cover all of me with His blood so when I stand in front of God He only see Jesus. And God experience His presence in me that has become apart of me as I spent time with Him in His word.

Then the description in below verse, makes more sense where it states we need to seek God’s way of doing and being right, the attitude and character of God.

But first and most importantly seek, (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right – the attitude and the character of God) and all these things will be given to you also. Matt6:33 amp version.

Through faith we believe that we are righteous because we seek God with all that is in us. And when the Holy Spirit reveals our sins and what we need to confess, we do so gladly and with full conviction that we are forgiven and restored in full (Ps32)

Righteousness is also part of our protection, our armor against the attacks of the evil one. It will assist us to stand firm. We must wear our righteousness as a breastplate protecting our vital organs and our heart. (Eph6:14) And remember ‘Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.’ (Prov4:23)

While you seek God, seek also His character and ask the Holy Spirit to assist you in transforming you more into Him. (Rom12:2)

Shalom

But first and most importantly seek, (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right – the attitude and the character of God) and all these things will be given to you also. Matt6:33 amp version.

What and where is His Kingdom? If you look at the meaning of the word kingdom, ‘it is a country, state or territory ruled by a king or queen.’ So it is safe to say that it is God’s country, state or territory where He rules. In Matthew 6:9-10 when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray He taught them ‘Our Father… Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ It answers the where is His Kingdom – in heaven. And the what – the Father’s reign to come from heaven to earth.

And how is it possible for God’s Kingdom to come from heaven to earth? Through us. Because when you receive Jesus as your Saviour you become part of the Godly family, and God’s Kingdom is now in us (Luke 17:21) And as you seek God through His Word and you allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the Word to you. It becomes part of you and so does the Kingdom of God manifest in you. (Rom 12:2)

When should we do this? As much as possible. If you look at Joshua 1:8 it says do not let the word of God leave your mouth (mind). Meditate on it day and night. God gave the Israelites new fresh Manna daily to keep them nourished. This is an example for us that we need fresh Word daily to keep us nourished. (Lamentations 3:23) You cannot be sustained on yesterday’s word or revelation. Get your fresh word daily. It may be the same verse, but the nourishment from the word shall be fresh.

Shalom

In the beginning – God. This is the first verse in the bible (Genesis 1:1).

Before God came on the scene the earth was formless, empty and full of darkness. Does your life feel like that? Full of emptiness and darkness? The first thing God did was make His presence known on earth. His Spirit was hovering over the area. Giving God the perfect view of exactly what is going on and what needs to change.

The next thing God did was bring His Godly light into the situation so that the darkness can retreat. How many of us feel like we cannot see the light and wish the darkness in our lives will make way to insight? God separated the darkness from the world and brought it into order. Night time is important for many reasons, but when there is only darkness, it tends to suppress life. God made sure that the night time that was left was the good kind. The kind that brings natural order into life and brings rest to the weary soul. Not the oppressed kind of darkness that creates chaos and disarray.

God then made space between the earth and the sky so that there is space where you can live and breathe. Sometimes we feel so oppressed that we cannot look up and see the sky. God came and made it possible for us to look up. How far can you see when you stand on higher ground and look out and down? It’s time for you to look up and see how God made it possible to look forward and see hope and a future.

Then God separated the land and the waters and brought natural order in place so that the waters don’t overtake the land and vice versa. How many of you feel like you are drowning and cannot get your feet on dry land? When God gets involved in your life He will put your feet on dry land again. He may even call you to walk on the water. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on the water. (Matt 14:28-29)

In Matthew 6:33 God wants to teach us where to start searching in our life’s for answers. Start first with Him. The same way that He brought order in creation and life to earth in the beginning. The same way He will bring order and life and creation in your life, when you start with Him.

Shalom

I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life when I avoid people or circumstances. Where I have no inclination to get involved with people and where I actually feel like hiding from others.

But first and most importantly seek, (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right – the attitude and the character of God) and all these things will be given to you also. Matt6:33 amp version.

God’s word says that He is always with us. So why the word ‘seek’ in this verse? There were times in my life where I prayed and sought God, but felt like I couldn’t find Him. Was it because He wasn’t there or was it because there was a barrier between us. And what is the barrier? My first thought is to say, my sin was the barrier between me and God and that’s the reason why I couldn’t feel, experience God. But I think that is a lie from the enemy to keep me in bondage and away from God. Why do I think so…..

When Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3, the Lord God came looking for them. The first thing He said was not “What have you done?” (You agree with me that God is an all-knowing God, so He knew exactly what they had done, He even knew where they were.) But He chose to ask them “Where are you?” in verse 9. It was more important for God to ask them to come out and talk to HIm than to use their sin as a barrier between them.

They didn’t come out because of their feelings of unworthiness and shame, in front of God. Their feelings about themselves and their sin was the barrier between them and God. God knows exactly what is going on in your life and how you are feeling and He still hungers for you to seek Him. And when you seek Him, He made it possible through His Son to bring restoration in your life.

Don’t let the enemy use your feelings and circumstances against you as a barrier between the only One who can help you, restore you and be there for you.

Seek Him and be honest with Him with how you feel and what is going on in your life. It WILL make a difference.

Shalom

If I’m looking for someone, but I stay in my chair, don’t get up and walk out of my office or out of the room and go and search for the person … can I really say that I’m looking for the person?

My mom loved to tell me to ‘look busy’. When I was younger I didn’t understand the concept, but as I grew older I understood the difference between saying I’m busy and actually being busy and it is so easy for people to see the difference. The same with seeking. You know the difference between seeking for something or someone and just hoping that the person will come along.

In your time with God, are you hoping to come across Him and then stating ‘Ah, I was looking for you’ or are you really taking action to seek Him?

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right – the attitude and character of God) and all these things will be given to you also. Matt6:33 amp version

The Word of God says ‘seek and you shall find’ (Matt7:7) and it includes God. In Deut 4:29 it actually gives us an idea of how we are to search for God to ensure that we will be successful in our search. (29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.) You need to focus all of you on what you are currently doing, and that is seeking God. Focus your mind, your heart and your emotions on God when you spend time with Him.

I want to end off with an Old Testament blessing which is my prayer for you that the time you spend in the presence of the Lord may be, and how I pray He will meet you.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Shalom

I’ve lost a few things in my life. Some things I will never be able to get back. But others I know if I take the time to look for it I will be able to find it.

But first and most importantly seek, (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right – the attitude and the character of God) and all these things will be given to you also. Matt6:33 amp version

When I look for something, I tend to think of the last place I had it and work my way from there to think through my day and I try to remember where I may have put it down, e.g my keys. It helps me to focus my mind and most often, I remember where I’ve put my keys.

There have been times in my life where I felt as if I’ve lost God along the way. I’ve been going through the motions. Praying, reading my bible, but the intimate relationship I had with Him was lost somewhere along the way. And in my heart I yearn to have that connection back in my life. The same process I use to look for my lost keys, I modify to ‘search’ my heart and mind for my lost connection with God. It helps to get a quiet spot, take time out of your day and start thinking of the last time you were close to God. From there on work through your life to see where you ‘lost’ connection with God while you were busy with your life.

Sometimes it’s as simple as just putting time out for God and reaching out to Him in the spirit and giving His Spirit time to connect with you again. Put time aside to soak in His presence and experience Him again.

Whatever your situation, make time in your busy life to seek God and connect with Him. He is waiting for you.

Shalom

We all know a to-do list. It’s a way of coping in this new modern world of ours. Whether you are at home looking after your family or at work, you’ve got a to-do list. But there is always something you need to do first, before you can start with your list.

But first and most importantly seek, (aim at, strive after) His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right, the attitude and the character of God) and all these things will be given to you also. Matt6:33 amp version

We are all seeking, searching. For what depends on you and what is going on in your life. You may search for purpose in your life. Maybe you are searching for the right life partner. Whatever you are searching for, God wants to tell you that you need to, foremost, start with Him. If you are looking for answers, start with Him. If you are looking for a way out of your circumstances, start with Him. If you want to share what’s happening in your life with someone – start with God.

He wants you to put Him first in everything you do. Even when it is to just share what is on your mind and in your heart. That is what it means to be in a relationship with Him. And ultimately, He wants to have an intimate, know-it-all relationship with you. In return He promises you that He will share His all with you too.

But first, start with God in everything you do and He will meet you every time. “Father I want to start with you, every morning and in all I do and feel and think.”

Shalom