Seeking Him First: Seek First

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Seek First

Several years ago, when I was nominated to be a deacon at Ogletown Baptist Church, I was asked to write a brief bio and provide my favorite scripture verse. What a difficult choice. So many terrific verses to choose from. Verses that strengthened me, verses that challenged me, verses that encouraged me. One kept coming back to me—Matthew 6:33---the one that I started this blog about.

I chose this verse several years ago because it spoke to me about where my priorities needed to be. It’s not just about putting God first. The word “seek” means to try to find or discover by searching or questioning. Nothing casual or passive here. The Kingdom of God is recognition that He is the creator of everything; the One who spoke the universe into existence. His righteousness is everything that is true, honorable, pure, lovely, commendable excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:7-9 tells us if we think on these things, the peace of God will be with us; the peace which passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. All things added to you means that by seeking Him first, He will provide everything we need to live a life that honors and glorifies Him.

Seeking Him first is often easier said than done. Our flesh, which desires to do things our way, gets in the way. Seeking Him first is a daily commitment to prayer, being in the Word and worshipping Him. In fact we need to recall the words on the old hymn “I need thee every hour”. I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. I need thee every hour, in joy or pain; come quickly and abide, or life is vain. I need thee every hour; teach me thy will; and thy rich promises in me fulfill.

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Your Identity in Christ

Once you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have a new identity in Christ. You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are a child of God (Romans 8:16). You are forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14). You have true freedom (John 8:32). You have the promise of eternal life (John 3:16). You have been freed from the penalty of sin and death (Romans 8:2). You have the Holy Spirit within you to guide and comfort you (Acts 1:8). You are being transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). You have been called into God’s kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12). You have been given a measure of faith to trust in Him (Romans 12:3). You have a Father who loves you so much that He didn't spare his own Son to save you (Romans 8:32). You can talk to God and be heard (1 John 4:14-15). You have a Father who is pleased to give you all things (Luke 12:32). You have the gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8) which is always sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).You are given faith to overcome anything (Hebrews 11:1). You can never be separated from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). You have healing and restoration (Jeremiah 30:17). You have God on your side who is greater than anyone who opposes you (Romans 8:31) and has plans for you that are good (Jeremiah 29:11). You have power over the enemy (Luke 10:19). You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). You have deliverance from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13). You have rest for when you are weary (Matthew 11:28). You will never be abandoned or forsaken (Deuteronomy 31:6). You have an undefiled inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). You have an eternal home that Christ himself is preparing for you (John 14:1-3). You are one with Christ (John 17:11). You can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). You have guidance and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). You have peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). You walk by Faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). You are being transformed by the renewing of you mind (Romans 12:2). You can cast all your worries and cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22). You have renewed strength as you hope in Him (Isaiah 40:31). You are an imitator of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1). You are the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14). WOW!!!!!!