Praying that you enjoyed the last week and are ready to embark on the next week. Several weeks ago, I shared scriptures from Matthew 6. They are very familiar scriptures that talk about worry and being concerned about daily necessities. These words are written in red, that means they are statements made by Jesus himself. Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 (KJV) Hopefully, you know me well enough by now. I immediately began to examine myself and my situation. If Jesus said, ALL these things would be added to me if I seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and I don't have some of the things he described in the previous scriptures...then something is off. My lightning fast mind was able to deduce that the problem must be with me because Jesus is perfect and trustworthy.
In my quest to seek first the kingdom of God and his way of being and doing right, I have found even greater comfort and encouragement from the Word. It's also good to hear great men and women of faith preaching and teaching on things I have read during the week. Dr. Bill Winston continued his series, "The Power of Love" with the subtitle, "Climbing Without Compromise". God intends for us to WIN! In every circumstance, situation and arena! He is our father. Good fathers don't set their children up for failure. Good fathers make sure their children are well provided for. God has given us everything we need to succeed..."Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God." 2 Peter 1:3 (Message)
The true power of love is God, because God is love. We are created in his image and love should be an integral part of everything we do. Knowing how much God loves us should comfort us and inspire us to love others. Romans 2:4 says, "Are you, perhaps, misinterpreting God’s generosity and patient mercy towards you as weakness on his part? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Phillips) And in Ephesians 4:32 it says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (KJV)
In Deuteronomy 7, the Children of Israel were getting some last minute instructions before entering the promised land. The land was inhabited by seven groups that were physically and naturally more powerful. One of the groups were the Jebusites. Their name means to stomp on. The Jebusite spirit that still exists is a spirit that encourages caste systems, racism, and inferiority complexes. The Children of Israel were commanded to enter, conquer, and possess the land. We are given similar instructions. We must go into our promised lands and conquer the enemy and possess the territory for the kingdom of God. We cannot go in our own strength, just as the Children of Israel could not take the land in their own strength. We need the supernatural assistance of God the Holy Spirit to empower us and enable us to succeed. Even our faith that can move mountains, only works by LOVE. Love can change the atmosphere.
Seeking first...love and prayers, Cynthia
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