Seeking His Kingdom

Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (NJKV)

 

Each of us must choose which kingdom that we are going to seek.  Will we seek after the Kingdom of God or will we seek after the kingdoms of this world?  The culture of this world offers many options with various solutions (so called) to the array of problems and situations that we are facing.  How will we respond to this question that we face on a daily basis?  We have to remind ourselves that we are a eternal creation of God and not just a temporary traveler down the path of life.  It does make a difference and it will make a difference in the choices that we make as we pass through this world.  Someone has said, "Life is a lot like a coin; you can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once." (Emphasis added)  That statement reminds us of the great need to make the right choices during our lifetime.  We must choose the "best and right" thing to do; and that is seek the Kingdom of God with all of our heart, mind, and strength.  As I seek the Kingdom of God I begin to realize that all of the decisions of my life are seen through the prism of His Kingdom reigning and ruling in my life.  The Kingdom of God becomes the measuring stick of those lifestyle decisions that not only affect me but those who reside in my household.  The Kingdom of God is not an uncomfortable harness that is placed on me to make sure that my life stays pleasing to God.  No, a thousand times NO.  The Kingdom of God provides the freedom that I need to make the proper decisions that brings the favor of God which opens the door for the blessings of God. 

 

Let us rejoice in the promises of His Kingdom being released in our lives!

 

Friendship

I consider myself to be a person that is thankful for the people that God has placed in my life.  This would include both my family as well as my friends.  God has allowed me to be surrounded by people that truly care about my well being and I am thankful that God has given to me people who truly care about me as a person.  That does not mean that I have not had to deal with some "difficult" people during my journey through life but the good people far out weigh the difficult people.  But I also realize that each of us face those moments in which we need a special embrace of love from our family and friends.  Normally those times arise when we are facing an unique struggle or circumstance that has appeared unexpectedly in our life.  It is during those moments that we look to our family and friends to form a support system of prayer, encouragement, concern and assistance.  I am thankful that God has allowed me to receive that type of ministry when I have faced my own set of daunting circumstances.  I read an article that spoke to my heart yesterday and I want to share a portion of that with you.  We need to remember that not only do we need our friends during difficult moments but we need to be that friend when our friends are going through their own challenging moments.  Take time and be a friend today.  I received a call from a wonderful friend today who took time to enquire about my well being and then asked if he could pray with me before we concluded the conversation.  Even preachers need someone to pray with them!

 

The Need for Real Friends

By Rick Ezell

"When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone Ezel, fell with his face to the ground, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept with each other, though David wept more. Jonathan then said to David, 'Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the LORD when we said: The LORD will be [a witness] between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.' Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city" (1 Samuel 20:41-42 HCSB).

Every pilot needs a wingman. Every camper needs a buddy. Batman had Robin. The Lone Ranger had Tonto. Butch Cassidy had the Sundance Kid. Two are better than one. Survival in this world is tough whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. You need someone to help you accomplish the tough course ahead. The Italian artist, Luciano de Crescenzo, said it best: "We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one other."

Never go into battle alone. You don't need a lot of money or equipment, but you do need a friend.

A real friend walks in when everyone else walks out, brings out the best in you, doesn't think you've done a permanent job when you make a fool of yourself, knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts who you've become, and gently challenges you to become better. Do you have someone like that?

Someone like Jonathan was for David, and David was for Jonathan. They were real friends. They were buddies. They needed each other. These men demonstrated mutual acceptance despite differing backgrounds. Promise, not performance, characterized their friendship: Jonathan did not have to do favors for David, and David wasn't expected to kill more giants to remain his friend. They were soul mates. Their friendship reached a depth of intimacy and trust that few relationships experience. They stood beside each other. They supported each other. They confided in each other.

Who's your Jonathan? 

Power of Prayer

It is very interesting as I look back on my journey with Christ.  I have been a Gospel preacher for over 40 years.  In those 40 years I have seen God answer many prayers and minister to the needs of many people.  I still stand amazed at the awesome presence of God that has been revealed during the most trying and difficult times that people have faced.  I am still overwhelmed by the Grace of God regardless of the number of times that I have participated in singing the song, Amazing Grace. 

 

I have also witnessed the power of agreement in prayer.  I have witnessed the family of God come together in the power of agreement and before our eyes the mighty power of healing, deliverance, salvation, and various other spiritual breakthroughs have been manifested.  We must never fail to give God the praise and honor that He deserves as we reflect on the ministering presence of God that is revealed through Grace and answered prayer.  I have said this because I bring a request to you today.  Each of us face moments in our lives in which we stand in need of prayer and we need the family of God to stand in agreement with us.  It is not necessary to go into all of the details of my request but needless to say I do ask that you pray with me regarding the need that I am facing.  God is larger and greater than anything that we will ever face.  I have already witnessed the hand of God in the affairs of my life throughout the years of my journey.  I have nothing but praise and thanksgiving to offer to the Lord God Almighty for the great and wonderful things that He has provided in my life.

Presence of God

The Wednesday night Adult Discipleship class at New River Worship Center  has been focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit which is identified in Galatians 5.  The past two studies have focused on joy and peace.  We are understanding that true joy and peace can only come from the presence of God at work in our individual hearts.  We learn to trust in Him and lean on Him at ALL TIMES and in ALL SITUATIONS!  No one or no circumstance can hinder God from revealing Himself and His promises in our lives.  I am learning that I must not allow the circumstances of life to change my view of God regardless of what may be happening at any moment.  True faith continues to look to God when everything going around us and in us tells to look away.  I desire to demonstrate and exhibit that type of faith.  Is it always easy to demonstrate that type of faith?  I believe that the honest answer to that question is no.  It is not always easy to stand in faith when the troubles of life are hurled at us but I do believe that God rewards us as we seek to stand strong in our faith.  A passage of scripture and a devotional from Charles Stanley spoke strength and courage into my heart this morning and I want to share a portion of that with you.

 

Psalm 138:7-8, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect (complete) that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." (NKJV)

 

David was a man who walked through trouble on a regular basis. His psalms express the struggles and disappointments he faced, yet in the end, he always turned his focus back to God. The key to his victorious attitude was his strong faith in the Lord.

 

David was confident in God's purpose. That's why he could say, "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me" (v. 8). The only way we can walk through trouble and not be defeated is by keeping our focus on the Lord and His purpose. He has promised to do a good work in our lives, but sometimes the only way He can complete it is in valleys of hardship.

 

He relied on the Lord's power. When troubles arise, we, too, can trust God to deliver us, but it may not be by escape. Sometimes He sustains us through the difficulty, walking with us every step of the way.

 

David believed the promises of God. Throughout these two verses, he repeatedly reminds himself what the Lord will do. We also need to have some specific promises from Scripture that will anchor us in times of trouble. The truths of the Bible are our most valuable possession when the storms of life assail us. Self-reliance or advice from others will never equal the help God's Word offers us.

 

God assumes responsibility for accomplishing what concerns you in times of trouble. Your job is to believe that He will fulfill His purpose, His power is adequate, and He'll keep every promise. When the trial has achieved His goal, He'll remove it. Until then, keep walking with your eyes on Him.

God's Care & Concern

It appears that God is teaching me to remember that He is constantly aware of each and every moment of my life.  It also appears that He desires for me to remind you of that same promise.  The passages of scripture that I am reading in my devotional time are pointing me in that direction and I  truly desire to receive those instructions from God.  You and I are never out of the sight of God.  He does not forget us nor does He overlook us as He views the mass of humanity on our earth (approaching seven (7) billion inhabitants).  We are truly blessed that God recognizes each of us individually and that He cares about each of us as individuals.  He is prepared to assist us in dealing with the daily "cares" of life.  I want you to take a moment and let the following passage of scripture resonate in your heart as you walk into the unknown of daily life.

 

"1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely." Psalm 139:1-4 (New International Version)

Blessings on your journey with God!



God's Faithfulness

Over the past several weeks God has been teaching me to trust in His faithfulness.  Yes, even Gospel Preachers need to be reminded of the great and awesome faithfulness of God as we face the challenges of life.  That is one of the reasons that each Christian must maintain a "teachable" spirit.  The right spirit keeps us in the position to receive the truth that God desires to deposit in our lives or should I say re-deposit in our lives at key points on our journey.  The past few weeks have found me dwelling on the precious promises of God and once again I was reminded of them this morning during prayer and meditation time.  I am thankful for the "fresh" Bread of Life that the Spirit shares with us as we choose to focus our thoughts on Him.

 

I was reminded of the following passage this morning during my time of  meditation and I want to share it with you today.  “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23

Some words from the heart of Adrian Rogers spurred my thinking this morning.  Do you know what Lamentations 3:22-23 means? It means that God never runs out of compassion. Have you ever gone to Niagara Falls and watched the water rampaging with torrential force?  If you have ever enjoyed that experience you may have thought, “Surely the water is one day going to dry up.”  But it hasn’t.  The compassion of the Lord is greater than Niagara Falls and His compassions fail not.

In 1923, Thomas O. Chisholm wrote one of the greatest hymns of all time and this stanza is the refrain of this truth, “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.”

 

God is faithful. It does not matter what you are facing today you can lean upon Him and His faithfulness. He will never leave you nor will He forsake you but He will be with you as you face the challenges of life. (Hebrews 13:5)

Spiritual Identity

It is easy to forget who we are in Christ.  The enemy seeks to identify us with terms that denote and in some cases describe our faults, failures, inabilities, and even our inadequacies.  He often does this so that we can push us into forgetting that in Christ we are a "new creature" with a new and wonderful identity.  We can be identified as sons and daughters of God

Society labels you like a can on an assembly line. Stupid. Unproductive. Slow learner. Fast talker. Quitter. But the Grace of God begins to make a change in our lives and we move from being estranged from God into a deep fellowship with God.  We then began to realize that we have been given a new identity that is provided through the plan of salvation that God shared with us through Jesus Christ.

 

The Word of God declares that we are: “spiritually alive.” Heavenly positioned, “seated with him in the heavenly places.”   We are “One with Jesus Christ.”  The old hymn declares "there's a new name written down in glory and its mine all mine..."  The power of adoption moves us from defeat and despair into victory and deliverance.  We no longer walk in the gloom of satan's pronunciations over us but now we walk in the strength of the declaration of God in our lives.  We now belong to Him and we are participants in the Heavenly Kingdom that Christ has brought to this earth.

Take a moment today and recognize the fact that you are a child of God and that He has accepted and adopted you into His family.

 



The Cares of Life

"Casting all your care (anxiety) on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

 

Several of the devotionals that I read this past week have spoken about fear.  I have asked God this question, "What are you seeking to teach me?"  I really am not afraid was my first reaction when I begin to read the words of the devotionals.  But the more I read the words the more I began to realize that each of us do possess concerns, worries, fears, anxieties, etc. concerning ourselves as well as for those of our family and friends.  Many of you are carrying a heavy load for ourselves as well as for those who are very near and dear to our hearts.  Life has a way of bringing those heavy loads into our lives.  Much of what we carry is out of our control and that knowledge adds "weight" to the load that we carry from day to day.  Where do we go when we sense those moments in our lives?  David went to a "Rock that was higher" than him.  Many of us have been taught to lose ourself in a time of praise, adoration, and worship.  Others of were taught to find a quiet place for intercessory prayer.  Some of us search out a friend or mentor where we can "unload" a portion of the burden.  All of these are good choices but ultimately we end up in the presence of God and in His presence He reminds us that we can cast all of our cares on Him because He cares about us.  The promise in 1 Peter is still a very powerful one to each of us.  Take a moment today and unload your cares in the presence of God and allow His presence to refresh you.  Each of us have a journey to complete and His presence will give us the strength to walk where we need to walk.

 

Chuck Swindoll shares these following thoughts.  Let them minister to your life today.

"How wonderful that God personally cares about those things that worry us and prey upon our thoughts. He cares about them more than we care about them. Not a single nagging, aching, worrisome, stomach-tensing, blood-pressure-raising thought escapes His notice. This is how the Phillips translation renders 1 Peter 5:7: "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern."  Isn't that good?  He genuinely cares.  He is able to bear all the weight of your worry. Because you are His personal concern, you never disappear from His radar screen."

Men of Courage

This past weekend found me participating in a Retreat that was dedicated to ministering to the men of the local congregation in which I am serving as lead Pastor.  I consider myself not only a leader within this community of believers but I also consider myself a participant.  There are times that some leaders somewhat separate themselves from the daily participation of the ministry opportunities and only show up when it is time for them to be in charge.  I don't think that type of approach sets the proper example to those people that we desire to lead.  I believe that we lead by example as well as principle.  People look to us to live out or put into practice those principles that we teach to them.  This past weekend I enjoyed being a participant who supported this ministry effort rather than fulfilling a leadership position.  I found myself receiving strength from those who led the ministry time as well as those who served as presenters in this time of training and fellowship.  Each of us need to remain "teachable and trainable" if we are to continue the process of spiritual development in our walk with Christ.  The Men's Ministry Director, Jeff Gillenwater, served as an excellent leader and director of this outreach effort to the men of New River Worship Center.  I certainly appreciated his heart of concern and care for the men of this community.

 

The weekend retreat culminated in a challenge to the men of the local church.  We challenged them to make the resolution that they would love God and love their families through a Godly example of a lifestyle of Christian living based upon a commitment to Biblical principles and practices.  We were blessed with an excellent response from the men who were present for the Sunday morning Worship service.  The altar was full of men who will were willing to make a bold and courageous statement of their desire to love God and to love their families!  My heart was blessed and encouraged when I saw a significant number of the men present in the service ignore the attitudes of the culture and choose to take a stand for God and for their families.  I reminded them that they were "spiritual warriors" preparing to protect their families from the attacks of an enemy who seeks to destroy their home, their families, as well as their personal relationship with Christ.  I am praying for these men as well as the other men in this community as well as our nation.  I don't believe that God has given up on the men of this generation and that there are men who will respond in the appropriate manner to the leading and direction that will come from our Heavenly Father.  Will you join me in prayer for the men who reside in your home as well as the men in your local church and your community?

Change

Last Night we watched the movie, Courageous.  We are using this tool to place added focus on our desire to strengthen the men of our local fellowship.  I know that this movie has been in circulation for an extended period of time but I encourage each husband and wife to watch the movie and if you have seen it once I would encourage you to view it again.  I learn something new about myself and my relationship with my family each time that I view the movie.  This movie reminded me of the knowledge that there are some attitudes, actions, reactions, decisions, desires, etc. that I need to change in my life.  The Spirit uses all types of teaching tools to point out and reveal areas of our life in which we need to make the proper adjustments.  How can we expect anything to be different if we do not take the action to make things different?  If we face life with a bad attitude and never strive to alter that attitude we can expect our attitude to remain one  that not only effects us but it also effects those that are around us (one example).  I fully understand that we need to allow the Spirit to perform His work in our lives but let's be honest for a moment; we have to make ourselves available to Him and His work in our hearts.  Let me say it another way, we have to commit ourselves to cooperating with the Spirit so that the needed changes can take place.  Those actions on our part can only become truly effective if we commit to changing our old habits and allowing the Spirit to develop a "new me" in which I reflect the glory of God at work in my heart.

 

I recently read an article that contained some information concerning habits and I would like to share a portion of it with you.  Take a moment and listen for the voice of the Spirit as you read the following words.  Robert Epstein reveals three keys to changing a bad habit to a good one. One, modify your environment. One student placed his bicycle in his doorway before he left for work so when he returned home, that was the first thing he saw, and all he needed to start pedaling away. Two, monitor your behavior. Psychologists don't know why monitoring works, but the fact is if we monitor what we do, we'll probably do better. When we weigh ourselves regularly we may well start to lose weight. When we keep a record of what we eat and we'll probably start eating more wisely. When we track our spending we'll probably save money. Three, make a commitment. When we make a commitment to another person, we put pressure on ourselves to follow through. That's why people have exercise partners and pay money to attend seminars. The commitment causes us to persevere and complete our goals.

 

Each of us need to seek to become the person that God has called us to be.  Will we choose to work with the Spirit in accomplishing this goal in our lives?

Prayer

Each of us have situations, circumstances, or needs that we are praying about.  Our approach to prayer says much about whether or not we believe that God is capable of meeting that particular need.  I also believe that our "spiritual attitude" can be in a state of flux depending on the seriousness of the need that we are facing.  I must be careful and not allow my circumstance or situation to overwhelm or override my faith/confidence in the ability of God to minister to me in the midst of that situation.  I must not relegate prayer to my last resort but prayer must be the first priority when I reach those moments of challenge.  I read this prayer earlier this morning and I felt that it spoke to many of the needs that we sense and feel as we face the challenges of life. 

 

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 ( NIV)

Dear God,

You have instructed me to not be anxious about anything...but instead to bring everything to you in prayer and thanksgiving. If I do this, you have promised me that your peace, which passes all understanding, shall keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

I come to you now for myself and on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and for those who suffer so much due to anxiety, stress, worry and in some cases depression. I pray that you will fill us with your peace; that you will touch our minds and remind us that we do not need to worry. You are our God and maker. You will handle it for us. Worrying does no good. May we lean on you, talk with you, spend time in your Word and before the throne of grace. May we fellowship with other Christians who will encourage us. Right now, this day, we give you our concerns and ask that you will work out all to our good and your glory. Thank you, Father, for loving us and carrying our burdens. Thank you, Father, for providing our needs.  Thank you, Father, for Jesus Christ our Savior and the hope He has given.  For it is in His name I pray, Amen.

 

Thank you Bro. Allen for sharing such an honest approach to our prayers at certain times in our lives.  It is very probable and possible that many of us have sensed those previously mentioned anexities at some difficult juncture of our lives.  But thanks be to God that He understands that we are mere human beings who still possess the ability to be overwhelmed by the trials of life.  Remember that Christ does not dessert us during those times but he chooses to draw close to us and in doing so He strengthens our faith.


People in Need

The last few days of this past week found me sitting in some hospital waiting rooms with families who were facing a health issue with a family member. I looked around the room and the words of an old song immediately came into my mind. The words of the song make this statement, "People need the Lord...". I know that people need the Lord in a relationship that produces salvation but people also need the Lord as they face the challenges of daily living. I observed a room full of people of various ages. I observed a room full of people of various socio-economic and educational levels of position in society. I observed a room full of people of various "religious" beliefs. I observed a room full of people who were surrounded by a large support group but there were those people sitting all alone waiting for their visit from the Doctor once the procedure was completed. Why am I going into so much detail you may ask? I believe that we are prone to forget the need of others and only focus on our own personal set of needs. But we must remember that " people need the Lord." We must remember that we need the Lord. We must also remember that God cares about each and every individual person and what they may be facing. Take a moment today and remind yourself that you are not the only person facing a challenge. There are other people who need the help of the Lord as much as you do. This attitude allows us to release compassion toward our fellow man which leads us to offer sincere prayer for them.