Crave, Seek, Pursue

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Matthew  6:33

Rock concert, sales, first in line book signing, front row Tournament of Roses, Black Friday, free door prizes, World Series tickets. There are lots of things that may make a person stand in line for a long time. You hear about it for after Thanksgiving day sales and a massive amount of people sometimes even camp out in front of the store to be there for limited quantities of a certain item.

I have stood in a few lines but how many would stand in a line to find out more about Jesus? Would it take the first 100 getting 'I Love Jesus' tee shirts to get you in line? What do you need to do to truly make sure God is first? Get up earlier? Say no to some invitations. Re arrange your schedule. Hang out with different people who love Jesus?

Stop making excuses. Find your Bible and put it on table next to sofa. Just get still, meditate on God's glory and goodness. Don't just make Sunday the day you are 'holy' but make the entire week a quality time week. When you focus more on God your problems will seem to fade.

PRAYER: Lord I can not imagine a world where I wasn't free to worship or own a Bible but many can. I would stand in line for you and your word. I hunger for more of you. In Jesus' name. Amen

Click link for a song of praise:

http://youtu.be/Aq8P5i9U7-g

TOO MUCH ON YOUR PLATE?

When a person gets overly committed or busy the saying is they "have too much on their plate". The question is , is God on that plate at all? If so He needs to stay on it and some other things need to perhaps come off. This is so very true at this time of year. Why oh why do we allow ourselves to ruin the birthday of the savior by over committing to parties, socials, church activities, cookie baking and then we find ourselves frazzled? Is this anyway to celebrate the birth of the King of kings and Lord of lords?

A person does what he really has a passion for. For instance, I love to exercise, hike, and write so I make time to do those things. Oh yes I love to spend time with God too. That does come first but sometimes I have forgotten. It is easy to let the urgent requests of life squeeze out the savior. Here, of all times, we are getting ready for Jesus birthday party but people seem like they are worn thin.

We should be rethinking our priorities. Many attend church once or twice a year this being Easter and Christmas. It is a holy holiday after all. But is that "babe in a manger" in your heart all the other days or is Christmas about toys, shopping, eggnog, and traffic jams? It is something only you can honestly answer. Do you need to step back and change your plan this year to fit Jesus into his own birthday?

Isaiah 9:6(NIV) says 'For unto us a child is born, a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

PRAYER: Lord I can get caught up in all the commercial aspects of Christmas and I really do not want to. Christmas is about giving because the best gift ever was given to us. You! Forgive me Lord if I have put you in the background during your own celebration. In Jesus' name. Amen.

OH NO!

It is funny but the idea for this title came to me in the concept of thinking about times we utter the phrase "Oh no" so I jotted it down in my "idea" notebook and then planned to write on it in the coming week. Well sooner than later the writing began as I woke up today and could not find my Friday devotion which I had written a couple days ago. It was not in my Devotions file, spam file, inbox,or trash file but it was gone into cyber space. Instead of freaking out, which would be the normal reaction to this situation, I amazingly remained calm. Probably all of us who use computers can identify with losing files or having it crash on us right? 

So here I am at 5:30 a.m. recreating a Friday devotion of a totally new topic which was unplanned. Guess it was God's  plan to have it go out now though. 

So what other times in life do you utter this phrase "oh no!" Perhaps when you accidentally run out of gas?  Maybe you have car trouble in the form of a dead battery or it just won't start? Lost keys perhaps? Here is a good one, you lock your keys in your car? Been there done that!  You forget about something on the stove and it burns? You are going on a trip and get to the airport too late and miss your flight as the security line was longer than expected? Maybe bad weather or a mechanical issue cancels your flight? If you are an active person  and get injured and sidelined for a while that too makes you say "oh no" when you can not get out to run or do other things you enjoy. Perhaps if you are in school and have problems with an important test or maybe even fail it then you became quite discouraged. Indeed life gives us many times to say "oh no". 

What is the answer to life's frustrations? First we have to think of all we do have and what God has blessed us with. Thank Him. Things could always be allot worse. Praise Him in good times and in bad times. Keep your focus on Jesus as if you allow your thoughts to drag you into the worry frantic pit then  once again Satan will be so happy as he has derailed you from having peace that only God can give. 

One of my favorite verses is John 14:27(NIV) which reads as follows 'Peace I leave you my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Also Colossians 3:15(NIV) is another terrific "peace verse" and it simply says "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called  to peace. And be thankful.' Finally Isaiah 26:3(NIV) reminds us that 'You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.'

There you have it. Your prescription for peace in a nutshell is basically to keep your mind on Christ and not on your problems and issues. Trust God to see you through whatever it is that has thrown you off course.

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose peace over chaos. I know at times in life things do not go as we planned. Help me to use opportunities when plans change because of no fault of my own to seize the opportunity to get closer to you by keeping my mind and heart peaceful. I know this drives the enemy crazy. I choose peace today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

KEEP SEEKING CHRIST!!

Are you seeking after Christ or are you just a casual "take Jesus off
the shelf on Sunday" kind of Christian? Maybe you wait till there is a
crisis then cry out to Him?

We are "in this world" but are not to be "of this world". Take a
moment and read Romans 12:2 in the New Testament. Do your thoughts
often turn to Jesus or are you consumed with worry? Do you go to
church one hour each week then sort of put Jesus
back on the shelf for 6 days?

Psalm 119:92-95(NIV) says 'If your law had not been my delight I would
have perished in my affliction. I will never forget thy precepts, for
by them you have preserved my life.Save me for I am yours;I have
sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me,but I
will ponder your statutes.'

I challenge you to love Jesus with all your heart. Make Him truly
first. Don't just say it.

Jeremiah 29:13(NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with
all your heart.

PRAYER:Lord Jesus I truly want you to be first. I get so busy
sometimes and forget that you should always be first place. Help me
not judge others who do the Sunday one hour thing, but keep my nose in
my own business. Lord God I know it is important to combat the lies of
the world by staying in your word and spending time with you. If
people want to call me a 'Jesus freak' so be it. I will proudly wear
the title. Thanks again for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on the link below and truly worship God in song:
http://youtu.be/vvcd0iD6SfE

DAILY SEEK HIM

What is keeping you from a closer walk with the Lord? Do you feel you have gone too far and there is just no way he is going to forgive you because of the worst sin ever? Do you think Christians are phony or 'religious' and you want nothing to do with them? Maybe you like to sleep in on Sunday or go to the lake? Perhaps you feel like you do not want to dress up and feel if you don't you will be judged? Whatever the reason that is keeping you away from Him and His house of worship he is still loving you and still waiting for you.

Humans are the ones who have made up lots of the 'religious' and 'legalistic' rules that many churches adhere too. On the other hand there are also churches out there afraid to tell the truth in God's word about sin too. Romans 3:23 reminds us "We ALL have sinned and fallen short of God's glory."  Yes that is right, all of us have been 'bad eggs' at one time or another. Jesus forgives us of our sins but then again says in John 8:11 when talking to the woman caught in adultery "....Go and sin no more."

Psalm 105:4 says " Look to the Lord and His strength. Seek His face continually." Jeremiah 29:13 says " You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with your heart." Matthew 7:7 further says "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you."

What is keeping you from seeking after God? May I suggest you open your Bible and read the book of John in the New Testament and try to read a chapter a day and see if you do not feel closer to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Lord I want to seek you each day and get into the word of God. Help me not be distracted by other things and forget until it is time for bed. I know the enemy will try to get me to make excuses Lord so give me the strength to persevere and seek you with my whole heart. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link for awesome worship song to start your day.
 http://youtu.be/GR7726x4LD4

LOTTERY FEVER

This past week it seemed the world went crazy over the half billion dollar jackpot in the lottery, which was billed as the largest ever. Crowds lined up to buy tickets hoping for the chance at this huge jackpot. Many think, when and if, they would come into this windfall of money all their troubles would be over when in fact there are numerous accounts of past lottery winners and how it has ruined their life.

Why is it money seems to be the cure all for everything? When you work hard and go to school for degrees you are rewarded for our efforts normally by a good paying job. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "even while we were with you we gave you this command. If a man does not work he should not eat."  Now that does not sit well with the 'redistribute the wealth class warfare crowd' trying to pit  classes of people against each other instead of realizing the people who work hard should get to keep their money. The lottery seems to prey on poor people. Many out there truly do not want to work and want the government to take care of them and many do want to work but maybe can not find a job right now. Do not be jealous of another's wealth or seek to be rich.

It says in 1 Timothy 6:9 "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into  many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction."  Proverbs 15:27 says " A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." Gambling can be an addiction that can hurt the family finances and break up marriages. Proverbs 23:4 says " Do not wear yourself out to get rich, have the wisdom to show restraint."  In 1 Timothy 6:10 it goes on to say "For the Love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves many griefs."

Matthew 6:19-21 says where our real treasure should be. It says "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Money can bring lots of heartache if that is all you are striving for. Seek first God's kingdom.

PRAYER: Lord I want my treasure to be in heaven and in your word. Help me not purposely be striving for wealth but when it does come to remember it is through you we get the ability to do work and earn money. You bring true riches. In Jesus name. Amen.

KEEP LOOKING UP

Some days it is just hard to stay focused and positive. You start out with good intentions then something happens to throw you off your game, so to speak. So how do you react when things do not go as planned? Do you worry, fret, pace the floor, or do you think to actually give the situation to God and say "Hey Lord I need you in good times and not so good times." Does praying come to mind? The Lord wants to 'talk' to you daily by you coming to Him in prayer. Don't just wait until there is a crisis but call out to Him each and every day. Jeremiah 33:3 is often referred to as 'God's telephone number' and it simply says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Matthew 6:33 says "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.". Do you 'look up' to the heavenly father and call out to Him in prayer? Seek his face, seek his face continually.

Looking up is a good thing. Look to the heavens. There was a cute Jody call in the Army we sang while running in formation and one verse went "What's the use of looking down, Ain't no discharge on the ground.Am I right or wrong? You're right! Correct me if I'm wrong. you're right!" When you look down you will trip and fall or walk into something .Keep your eyes focused above.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Just keep focused on the prize, the goal, of knowing Jesus better!

It is so easy to get caught up in things we have no control over and Satan would love it if you would waste valuable time pondering and fretting. Let Jesus have the wheel  and let Him be your guide. Call on Him today. Keep looking up  and let God control your life.

PRAYER: Father I thank you that you do not want me to bear my own burdens. You want me to call on you and give you my cares. I thank  you Lord for being in control of my life. Help me learn to trust you and seek your face. In Jesus Name. Amen .

Click on link to listen to 2 wonderful worship songs. Be blessed. Happy Friday!
http://youtu.be/-X4Q-yFB-NQ

http://youtu.be/iv68ruS6DVE

IS GOD ON YOUR 'TO DO' LIST?

 You get up daily and most likely have a 'to do' list. On the top of that list should be 'time with the Lord'? Spending time with God for a person who claims to be a Christian should take first place. Now if you are a young mom with babies and toddlers underfoot it may take some creativity to work in this time. As time goes on though, it thrills a moms' heart when she has trained her child to put God first then happens to see his or her 'to do' list and sees the words 'quiet time' on the top of it. Another 'motherly thrill' is when you see your child getting ready for school and glance in their room and notice them having their time with the Lord. Now that is a true 'smile time' that brings overflowing joy to a moms' heart. Moms of adult children can only pray they still love Jesus this much that He still has first place in their lives.

 There are many things vying for our time and attention today. Especially in this electronic age it is easy to get up and flip on the computer and start 'surfing' and before you know it you have spent a couple hours and doing what? Reading email forwards, purging junk mail, and reading about everyones life on Facebook is fine if it does not get out of hand. Does Facebook, for instance, draw you closer to God? You can use it as a tool to reach out for Christ by posting Bible verses.  It takes discipline to truly spend time doing what is worthy. The computer can be a good tool or it can be abused and the source of wasted time. You can download devotions and go to many fine Christian sites. There are some who think the computer is evil but it has wonderful things on it such as live church services for those unable to attend a church. You can look up Bible verses on Bible Gateway and other sites.

I challenge you to make God first priority in your life. Young moms and those rushing to get out the door to work have to orchestrate their days to make sure their quiet time happens. It may mean getting up earlier.  If you do not read and study God's word it is easy to start believing the enemies lies and getting off God's path. Your love for God will grow cold. You can have a form of Godliness but deny any power. (See 2 Timothy 3:5) . Matthew 7:15 warns about how easy it is to follow the wrong voices when it says "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." The only way to know false teaching is to know the truth in God's word and the only way to do this is to pick up your Bible and read it daily. 1 Timothy 4:7 says "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly."

What is keeping you from the loving God the way you used to?

Matthew 6:33 says to "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Try it today. Before grabbing the morning paper or turning on the morning talk shows,which do nothing to bring your closer to God, try picking up the Bible. Do your mind and heart  a favor and fall in love with Jesus!

PRAYER: Father I want to make you first in my day but it is so easy to become distracted by things around my house or getting out the door to go to work. Lord give me the strength to say no to worldly pursuits until I have said yes to God and his word each day. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link below to enjoy a wonderful worship song.
http://youtu.be/I17edLkBDCo