Do Not Worry

Do Not Worry…that’s the subject matter that Matthew 6:25-34 covers.  We are probably all familiar with that passage of scripture.  It’s where Jesus’ points out that if God can take care of creation and it’s needs then he will surely take care of us because we mean so much to Him.  How do we know that He will?  Because he gave us that assurance in verse 33 which says:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Let’s look at what this scripture is really saying to us.  Let’s break it down.  When researching this scripture, I found that it doesn’t mean to seek as in a scavenger hunt.  It means to seek and continue to seek as if peeling layers off of an onion.  It’s a never ending quest of discovery.  What or where is the kingdom of God?  It’s a spiritual place where we are all connected as believers.  When we receive salvation we become citizens of this spiritual kingdom with it’s heavenly benefits.  However, we still physically live on the earth. This brings to life John 17:14-15 which speaks of our “being in the world but not of it.”

Because our true citizenship is in God’s kingdom, we must learn to operate according to His way of doing things.  God’s ways are different than the world’s.  When we seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, we begin to make His way a priority in our decision making processes. We study His word and learn to apply it in our daily situations and circumstances.  The application of these kingdom principles ushers in heavenly benefits from our native country that benefit us in this earthly realm, confirming what Paul said in Philippians 4:19… “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory…”

Once we start to seek and live a life of seeking His kingdom all (everything we stand in need of) will be added to us. 

Be blessed!

 

We Shall Be Comforted

Blessed are those who mourn.  For they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) NKJV

What a blessing it is to know that in times of sorrow we can and will be comforted.  The Lord promised to never leave us lonely and oftentimes we may feel that where we are in our sorrow is a lonely place.

I am here to remind you that if we have received salvation’s gift than we are never alone and the Holy Spirit our Comforter has come to do just that, to become our source of comfort.

Before going to sit at the right hand of the Father, Jesus promised us a Helper would come in his place.  This Helper would remind the disciples then, and us now, of the teaching He had imparted during His time with them.  It would help them then, and us now, to recall the truths taught to them, both to encourage them in troubling times and to equip them to fulfill their callings in this life.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to operate in our hearts and lives the result according to John 14:27 is lasting peace…His peace “not as the world gives…”  At the beginning of chapter 14 Jesus started out by saying “Let not your heart be troubled; You believe in God, believe also in Me.”  He was preparing His disciples for his departure from the earth but I also believe it to be an encouragement to us when facing tribulation, hardship, or loss.  He’s saying.  I got you! I won’t leave you comfortless.  Draw on the Holy Spirit and you will be equipped to get through anything this world throws at you.  In the end we will be victorious.  Psalms 30:5 says “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.”

Be blessed!

Will Alignments

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Matthew 6:25 NKJV

Do you ever feel like you are unsure of where you are going in life and uncertain of what you are supposed to be doing?  I assure you that you are not alone.  I think we all feel like that sometimes.  I want you to know that you don’t have to stay in a place of limbo and uncertainty.  I can personally testify that you will find your life if you’re willing to lay it down.  By “lay it down”, I mean to be willing to align your will with His.

This is not always an easy process for us, but it is possible and worth the sacrifice.  The more time we spend with the Lord, the more we begin to look like Him and the more our will begins to align with His, as we take on His personality and His character traits. 

That sounds like it will cost us something …and it will. but I assure you it will be well worth the price.  Through this process of “will alignment,” pun absolutely intended. We find that we are no longer at cross purposes.   We are now of singular mind and purpose and find that we haven’t given up anything of value at all.  In fact, something has actually been added to us to make us better and more profitable to the body of Christ and to the kingdom of God. 

It is out of time, fellowship, and communion with Him that we begin to see our lives explode with destiny and purpose.  And while it may be a gradual process and doesn’t happen overnight.  It does happen! 

My friend it simply takes a devotion for the things of God and keeping those things in a right priority or place in your life…first.  Remember in Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  To refresh your memory, the “things” referred to in that verse are any things that we stand in need of (see Matt. 6:28-31). How awesome is that?   These needs even extend to His direction and His thoughts toward you… “thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matt. 6:32b).

As we make our “will alignments” we realize that we have nothing to lose and all to gain as we crossover from a place of uncertainty to an established sure foundation.  Making the sacrifice to spend time in fellowship with Him and getting to know Him reveals not only who He is to us but who we are in Him and not only where we are going but also how to get there.

Be blessed!