Seek First The Kingdom of God!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

    Over time, I learned that certain biblical scriptures fail to resonate with me no matter how often I hear or read them. One day, after reencountering these passages, they finally struck a chord. I truly grasped the meaning of "seeking the kingdom of God." I had finally slowed down enough to let the words sink in and understand their significance. I realize now that I wasn't ready to receive them at first. I was distracted by worldly needs and wants. I was overly focused on fulfilling my physical needs instead of my spiritual needs. It was easier to indulge in these needs now than to think about the eternal consequences.

    Recently, a friend and I engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about the diverse ministries we are called to pursue. It became clear that not everyone is destined to deliver fiery sermons, lead demonstrations, or stand before large audiences to share the Word of God. Consider the apostle Paul, who once fervently persecuted the followers of Christ but transformed into one of the faith's most ardent defenders. In his letters, he profoundly states, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV). Tony is, in my opinion, an excellent college professor who aims to lead young minds to a higher level of thinking. God has placed him in a position of leadership. He has taken his expanded role very seriously. Those of you persevering in toxic work environments, depending on how spirit-minded you are, are ministering through encouraging words and support.

    This highlights that ministry takes many forms. A gentle smile, a compassionate gesture, or a moment of patience can be powerful ministries. By embodying kindness, peace, patience, and love, we can effectively minister to others and play our part in leading them toward the Kingdom of God. Each act of kindness can ripple outwards, inviting others into a deeper understanding of faith and community.

    In these challenging times, it’s undeniable that our morals and beliefs are being put to the ultimate test. The world's weight often makes it seem easier to surrender and retreat into despair, to give in to the temptation of giving up. Yet, deep within each of us lies an unwavering strength, a reservoir of resilience waiting to be tapped. We must reach deep down, summon that inner courage, and forge ahead with determination. Seeking the kingdom of God begins with small steps, one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. Yes, we may stumble and sometimes fall, but we were not meant to stay down or live in shame or regret. Get up, put the past behind us, transform our old way of thinking negatively, and move forward toward salvation.

First Quarter!

Legions of spirits of confusion, division, destruction, deception, liars, and all things opposite of all things good and righteous are running rampant in this world. Look around. We see their disciples carrying out orders. Every day, we wake up to bad news or can’t have a peaceful night of sleep because of it. Countries are at an all-time unrest. Men and women in the church are humiliating each other online and in the sanctuary by calling each other out. People regret their choices, but we can’t turn back the hands of time. Who can we turn to for help? God is not missing. So many people believe that He doesn’t exist. They believe in a demagogue and that God appointed him. They worship what they see.

I was born in the 1950s and have seen people at least tolerate each other because of race relations at that time. I also saw some forward progress in the 60s. In the past three weeks, I have recognized the conditions in the 20s and 30s when my parents were born. I foresee a return to racism, making America ashamed again but this time proud to do so. If it seems that I’m allowing my experience as a template to judge, I am. But it’s wrong. I should use history instead. Throughout all of history in the world, people have fought back against tyrannies and dictatorships. America was built on these causes by immigrants who fled their former countries for a better life. Look at the wars fought in this land and within its borders. We trend in cycles. The underlying truth is that the people stood together on the backs of their ancestors and never gave up.

This election has created significant animosity between different races and even within families. The division has become so pronounced that the phrase “I told you so” has been supplanted by “Mess around and find out.” This isn’t just petty behavior. To those who believe it is, I urge you to learn to respect differing opinions. I refer to this time as the disunification of America. This was a time when we didn’t heed the warnings from others because we placed pride over common sense. When I was growing up, we took threats seriously. If someone disagreed with you outside your home and the argument escalated to the point where the other person said, “Don’t be here when I come back,” it was wise to leave. It’s not a sign of cowardice to walk away; it’s a sign of survival. Too often, people didn’t heed that warning and stayed. Only one remained standing when they returned. Then-candidate Trump warned us, but we didn’t believe him. I’m sure we will now.

What can we do now? We have run out of excuses, and there is no need to look back. When seeking guidance, I turn to God for counsel and advice, trusting He wants the best for me. No need to rush Hm, trust Him. Social media, the news, the internet, and even our friends often prioritize clicks and views fueled by emotional biases. Emotions can cloud our judgment. Pride does not work well with humility. Our fingers are joined to one hand, arm, and body. Our states are connected to one country. We could be an influential collective if we set aside our pride and obstinacy.

While some may disagree or resist compromise, many sensible and rational thinkers have the vision we need. We must align ourselves and prepare for the midterm elections. We must replace those who refuse to compromise and elect new representatives to create change. Until then, let’s join in peaceful boycotts, protests, and demonstrations and make our voices heard by writing to or calling our state representatives. We need to reset, readdress, and regain what we have lost.

Wake Up With Prayers Every Morning!

 I want to share an excerpt from one of my morning prayers I read this morning. It's Psalm 9:13-20 New King James Version. It was appropriate seeing what our nation is going through. We need God through challenging times as well as good times. Never forget where you could have been. Give Him praise where you are now.

¹³ Have mercy on me, O Lord!
Consider my trouble from those who hate me,
You who lift me up from the gates of death,

¹⁴ That I may tell of all Your praise
In the gates of the daughter of Zion.
I will rejoice in Your salvation.

¹⁵ The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught.

¹⁶ The Lord is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Meditation. Selah

¹⁷ The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the nations that forget God.

¹⁸ For the needy shall not always be forgotten;
The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.
 
¹⁹ Arise, O Lord,
Do not let man prevail;
Let the nations be judged in Your sight.

²⁰ Put them in fear, O Lord,
That the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah

NKJV Psalm 13-20.

Note: Selah: Pause, Rest, Reflect