Oct 27, 2008

A Place to Start

The economy is affecting all of us these days and we don't know even if it will improve or get worse. It will do one or the other because nothing ever stays the same. Nothing except God that is. I have noticed that there is one scripture that God always brings me back to whenever I need to refocus. It seems to be the starting point of all circumstances in my walk with Christ.

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


I love that so often in scripture we find a command and a promise bundled together. I have also come to realize that it is much easier, and quite common to focus on the promise (God's part) more than the act of obedience (my part). God gives the promise, in part to motivate us into obedience. One thing this scripture is saying is that I need to focus my attention on my part (acting in obedience), and let Him focus on His part (fullfulling His promise).

My part: Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
is a requirement in order for...
His part: Provide all that I need.
to be fullfilled.


Here is a copy of a daily devotion from Charles Spurgeon on this scripture:

God First, Then Extras

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

See how the Bible opens: "In the beginning God." Let your life open in the same way. Seek with your whole soul, first and foremost, the kingdom of God, as the place of your citizenship, and His righteousness as the character of your life. As for the rest, it will come from the Lord Himself without your being anxious concerning it. All that is needful for this life and godliness "shall be added unto you."

What a promise this is! Food, raiment, home, and so forth, God undertakes to add to you while you seek Him. You mind His business, and He will mind yours. If you want paper and string, you get them given in when you buy more important goods; and just so all that we need of earthly things we shall have thrown in with the kingdom. He who is an heir of salvation shall not die of starvation; and he who clothes his soul with the righteousness of God cannot be left of the Lord with a naked body. Away with carking care. Set all your mind upon seeking the Lord.

Covetousness is poverty, and anxiety is misery: trust in God is an estate, and likeness of God is a heavenly inheritance. Lord, I seek Thee; be found of me.


Edie

10 comments:

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Edie..
He surely will take care of us and provide for his people. I work for a Non profit organization and we have been having phone calls after phones calls of people not being able to meet their rent, electric being turned off, and the list of needs goes on and on. I find this is an opportunity to be able to witness to them because they need peace from worrying. The Bible says he has never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging for bread.

Hugz Lorie

Karen Hossink said...

God really doesn't make things complicated for us, does He?
Seek Him. That's all we need to do - and He'll take care of the rest.
Simple, but not always easy - yet His grace and patience cover me. So very thankful, am I!!!

Angela said...

I needed this today! I made up my mind last night that I was not going to worry about money and stuff anymore..but I had forgotten by this morning. Thanks for reminding me.

Tammy said...

What a great reminder!

In my life when I place my wants before my needs,I seem to walk alone.

My ADHD Me said...

Like Irritable Mother said..."Simple".

God First.
The Rest Second.

Sounds so simple...I make up my mind to do it. Then something comes up and I keep worrying about "the rest".

Thanks for the reminder.

Kelly said...

And when we're seeking first God, everything else is just stuff.

Great post at a very necessary time...the economy is indeed tanking!

Lavonda Pflug said...

I need this reminder often. I find it easier the older I get. I wish I would have "gotten it" better years ago. Life and faith are a process--until the day of Christ Jesus.
Thanks for the post.

The Patterson 5 said...

So true of me to look for the promise and skim over the obediance. Putting God first seems simple but for me it is taking a lot of self control---definately something for me to work on.

Leaon Mary said...

Hey Edie,
My SENTIMENTS exactly! ;)
whooHoOo
I LOVE what you wrote: You mind His business, and He will mind yours!

I NEEDED this wonderful CONFIRMATION and unity thinkin today!
thank You JESUS!!!!
you too Edie. heehee
Blessings my friend!!!
I'm off to check out the scripture tags! AGAIN HEEHEE

Kathryn said...

A loud and resounding "Amen!" from my little corner of the world, Edie!

I love Matthew 6:33, and it was such a joy to find it here today! :-)