Seek God’s Kingdom

What are you working for? Why do you get up each morning and go about your day? What is the reason behind your striving? Are you striving for things that will be destroyed? Or are you striving for what will endure forever?

Each of us has a reason for getting up each morning, going to work, going to school, or doing things around the house. The reasons for going about our days vary. Some work for their children. Some work for prestige. Some work to accumulate wealth.

Unless we pause to take time to reflect on our reasons for going about our lives, we may go about them blindly, simply following the herd. We won’t realize that is what we are doing. Yet we are working toward those things the world is telling us is important. We are not following a solid plan. We have no permanent purpose in our life.

Jesus tells us there is a permanent purpose we should be living for. This purpose is not simply about work but involves every aspect of our lives. The blessings of God, His gift of eternal life with Him is to be our genesis for everything we do. When our every decision is filtered through the plan God has for our lives, we are blessed with the abundant life Jesus came to give us (John 10:10).

Jesus has promised to provide for our needs when we are focused on Him (Luke 12:27-31). Seeking God’s kingdom both now and for eternity is a worthy task. Accepting God’s plan for our lives guides us each day and provides a purpose that never leaves us.

How do we gain understanding of God’s plan for us? We spend time with God. We keep Him at the forefront of our minds. We seek to know Him in a deeper, more intimate way. We must desire to seek God’s kingdom. We must accept the gifts He is willing to give us.

I pray we all seek God’s kingdom above all else. I pray we make following God’s plan a priority in our lives. I pray each one of us will work to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. Seek God’s kingdom. Desire to know God deeper. Accept God’s plan for your life. Seek eternal life with God.

John 6:26-27 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Reject Revenge

How do you feel when someone wrongs you? Do you want to take matters into your own hands? Do you look for ways to repay them with the same type of wrong? Or worse? Do you carry out your desires for revenge?

Every one of us has been wronged in one fashion or another. Some worse than others. But no wrong ever feels good at the time it happens or while you are going through it. It is the nature of our fallen world to want revenge.

Yet we are told it is not for us to take revenge. We are to leave it to God to carry out His justice. That can be very hard to do. Especially when we have the opportunity for revenge right in front of us. All we have to do is take one more step to execute it.

Why would God not want us to take revenge? First, it taints us. Our own psyche takes a hit. We feel guilty later on. Second, it is outside of Gods will for us. He desires we emulate His Son. He wants us to follow Jesus’ example.

Remember, Jesus was slapped, spit on, flogged, and crucified. He did not take revenge. It was within His power to do so. He had the entire host of heaven at his disposal. He could have destroyed the entire world with a single command. Yet He went to the cross for us, all future people, and all past people.

Additionally, God may see an opportunity for us to minister to the person who wronged us, bringing them into the kingdom of God. If we take revenge on that person, the opportunity will never materialize. We will have thwarted God’s plan for us to rejoice with the person as they accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. In all circumstances, when we take revenge rather than allowing God to avenge us, we lose.

I pray we all decide to allow God to do the avenging. I pray we reject taking revenge on our own. I pray each one of us seeks to follow Jesus’ example. Do not take revenge. Leave it to God to avenge. Follow God’s guidance and plan for your life. Follow Jesus’ example.

Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Children of the Resurrection

Have you considered what happens beyond this life? Have you stopped to think about eternity? Do you wonder what it will be like? Do you wonder what you will be like? Have you taken a look at Jesus’ description?

There are many in this world who fear death. They have no idea what happens next. Some believe there is nothing beyond. Others prefer to think that but wonder if they are wrong. Still, some know there is eternal life, but do not know what that will be like.

Jesus tells us that we will be like angels. He calls us children of the resurrection. He calls us God’s children. We will no longer die. We will spend eternity in the presence of God. Eternity with God will be different than this temporary life we live. For one, we will no longer marry.

We are given a variety of descriptions of heaven. The host of heaven is observing all our work to expand the kingdom of God. The temple of God is there, and He sits on His throne. There is an altar before the throne. Yet, most either forget or fail to understand there will be a new heaven and a new earth in eternity.

We will be given new bodies, ones that cannot be destroyed. For those who are experiencing the degeneration of old age or experiencing pain from disease must be looking forward to receiving a new body. Won’t it be wonderful to never worry about ailments again?

Our perception of heaven and eternity can be misguided by rumor, misunderstanding, and failure to properly interpret God’s Word. One thing we can be sure of, we will be joyous. We will rejoice. We will be far happier there than we have ever experienced here on earth.

Being child of the resurrection is a blessing beyond description. It is a blessing we don’t want to miss due to our failure to choose Jesus over this world. God has provided the perfect plan for us. A plan that provides eternal joy.

I pray we all choose Jesus. I pray we choose Him over this world. I pray each one of us realizes the weight of that one choice. Choose Jesus. Follow Him. Choose eternity with God. See God’s eternal plan for you. Be a child of the resurrection. Be a child of God.

Luke 20:34-36 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.”

Proof of Wisdom

How do you prove something? Is it by witnesses? Is proof provided through research? Do you provide evidence to prove your claim? Where do you look to find the proof you need? Have you ever thought proof is the result?

We have all seen movies or been chosen for jury duty. We know proof is required to convict a criminal. For the most part, hard evidence is required. We also know proof is often required in other lines of work. Proof or historical evidence may be required to get your boss to accept a plan you are proposing.

Many people look for proof that God is who He says He is. They look for hard evidence. They look through human eyes to judge God, who works in spiritual matters. It is like looking for water in a soda. It’s not that there is no water. But the water is mixed with syrup. That is how God integrates Himself in our lives, if we will allow Him to come in.

Proof that God exists is so evident, or in your face as some might say, that we don’t see Him. The very breath we breathe comes from Him. Our every muscle move is a blessing from Him. Each meal we eat is because He thought to create plants and animals for us to eat. Each skill we have been gifted with innately or able to learn is due to Him blessing us.

How do we prove God’s wisdom? Jesus plainly tells us it is proven by her children. What does that mean? Children are offspring. Children are the results of intimate relations between two people. Jesus is telling us, and everyone who will listen, that wisdom is proved by the results it produces.

As we go about growing in God’s wisdom and exercising it, we will see results that are blessed by God. His wisdom will produce the result He desires through us. God’s wisdom will prove all the naysayers wrong. His plan is being executed and will be completed, just as He designed.

I pray we all look at the results of God’s wisdom. I pray we see the proof we desire of God’s wisdom. I pray each one of us choose to follow God’s wisdom. See proof of God’s wisdom. See the results of God’s wisdom. Recognize proof. Trust God’s wisdom.

Luke 7:33-35 “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

Wisdom From Heaven

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word wisdom? Is there a specific person you think of? Is it knowledge? Is it creative thinking? Do you think of an old person? Does it require a wide range of experiences?

The wisdom of this world is often equated to being intelligent and having significant experience. We discover people who have both make good decisions and give good advice. The corporate world is always looking for these types of people.

Many of us, as individuals, also seek advice from people who are smart and have a wide variety of experiences. Specifically, we look for people who have experience with something we are currently encountering or may be looking to tackle. For example, if I was going to build a house on my own, I would specifically look for someone who had electrical and plumbing experience. I’ve worked with wood and believe I could follow simple instructions to put on siding and a roof. But I would be looking to fill my gaps of knowledge with someone whom I could trust and has those experiences.

But how does wisdom look from our Christian perspective? More importantly, how does it look from God’s perspective. There is a marked difference between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom. All we need to do to see the difference is read today’s passage from James.

First, James states God’s wisdom is pure. It isn’t tainted with biases. He goes on to say it is peace-loving, meaning He desires to grant peace and rest to each one of us. It includes being considerate, both of others and ourselves. Being wise is being submissive to God. Following His commands to the degree we can.

God’s wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit. Have you considered that mercy produces good fruit? When we are merciful toward others, especially when they know they don’t deserve it, good fruit can come from it. We may see those folks turn around, make a positive change. 

James finishes up by stating wisdom is impartial and sincere. That can be a problem for us, can’t it? We see partiality everywhere we look. We hear, “If you don’t look out for yourself, who will?” Being impartial can be very difficult, even when we truly want to be. Sincerity is a little easier for us to handle. Yet the wording of James passage puts these two together, working hand-in-hand.

I pray we all seek the wisdom of God. I pray we ask God to work these qualities of wisdom in us. I pray each one of us commits to becoming wiser as described by James. Be wise. Seek God’s wisdom. Ask God for wisdom. Understand God’s wisdom.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Hidden Treasure

Have you ever chased after a hidden treasure? Have you gone on a scavenger hunt? Have you played a game that requires you to put clues together to solve a problem or mystery? While playing one of these games, have you been deceived to throw you off track?

I’m guessing not many of us have gone after a hidden treasure. After all, how many of us have found a map where “X” marks the spot? Yet, many of us have gone on scavenger hunts. They are often fun games for kids of all ages. They may even include pretty significant prizes for the winners.

There are a variety of games that require obtaining clues and solving a mystery. They range from board games to physical locations. A popular one among young and middle-aged adults is the escape room. I remember playing the board game Clue when I was a kid. I’m sure you can remember other such games you have played.

We see in today’s passage that all the treasures of wisdom are hidden in Christ. That means we must know Christ to gain the treasures of wisdom. We need to know all we can about Him. To get to know Him, we need to interact and experience Him, just like we do in our human relationships. Isn’t that how we get to know the people we know?

The Apostle Paul tells us how to know the mystery of God, which means gaining access to the treasures of wisdom. It includes being encouraged in heart and united in love. Seems simple, right? Yet, I see problems with both among fellow Christians.

First, being encouraged in heart means encouraging one another. Not simply to achieve a worldly goal but hit them in the heart. Lift their spirits. Give them a boost of confidence. Provide positive reinforcement. Challenging them to stretch their faith.

Second, being united in love. This one is tough and likely the biggest problem we face as Christians. We allow worldly concerns to separate us. It doesn’t matter if it is political disagreements, whether we use real wine or grape juice for communion, or high school rivalries. We allow our differences to cause dissention and discord. We do not unite in love. Specifically, we do not unite in the love of Christ and for Christ. We have forgotten how to disagree and remain united.

I pray we all encourage one another in heart. I pray we unite in the love of Christ. I pray each one of us will decide to love one another despite our differences. Encourage one another. Unite in love. Know the mystery of God. Seek the hidden treasures of wisdom.

Colossians 2:2-4 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

Foolishness for Wisdom

Do you keep up with all the current events? Are you continually checking the news? Do you continually seek higher education? Do you go above and beyond to prove you are the smartest person in the room? Do you know it is all futile?

We all seek to keep up with current events to some degree or another. We need education to be successful in this life. Most of us must complete required training for our jobs. We often see those who are very good at their jobs, often very smart, get promoted.

Being an educated person can be very good. We need educated people in this world who can perform extremely intricate and delicate research, whether scientific or engineering. However, I’m sure we all know at least one person who is extremely intelligent yet has no common sense.

There is nothing wrong with being educated. Yet the education of this world has no bearing on our eternal life. Unless we are educated in God’s Word and accept His grace, all the education of this world is for naught.

A balance must be achieved. We need the proper education to carry out the tasks of our jobs in the here and now. We also need to know God’s Word, His instructions for life. We need to be in concert with Him, which comes by listening for the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Those who are wise in this world may succeed by outsmarting others. They may climb the corporate ladder. They may be elected to a political office. They may connive others out of money or possessions. Yet they are considered foolish when compared to God’s wisdom.

God’s wisdom exposes the foolish of man’s wisdom. His wisdom uses what men consider foolishness to shed light on His plan for salvation. Who among us would ever have planned for one man to be the perfect sacrifice for all mankind? Only in God’s wisdom would there be an opportunity to spend eternity with Him by accepting His Son as Lord and Savior. No amount of achievement in this life can buy it. It is only gained through God’s grace and our willingness to accept it.

I pray we all find balance in our lives. I pray we educate ourselves in God’s Word. I pray each one of us accepts God’s grace and choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Be foolish to be wise. Find balance. Give up the futile chase. Put your faith in God.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

Foolishness and Weakness

Do you feel ostracized? Do others look down on you? Do you think of yourself as being weak? Do you consider your intelligence lacking? Do you feel as though no one listens to you? Have you decided to accept God’s wisdom?

We interact with people with all types of knowledge, skills, and abilities in this life. Each person is good at some things and not so good at others. Some are athletes, others musicians. Some are strategists, others laborers. Some think logically, others think emotionally.

God has gifted each person with abilities. Those abilities may be hidden, needing to be discovered by the individual. Due to the influence of our culture, many will attempt to do something they are not skilled at. They strive for a job that is prestigious or will make them lots of money. Often, they struggle, are disappointed, and ultimately fail. They are pursuing something they are not gifted to do by God.

We may not be the smartest, most influential person in the company we work for. We may not be born into an upper-class family. We may think we cannot be used by God. Yet, God’s wisdom uses those who believe in Him and follow His Son, Jesus Christ. He works through their weakness. He grants them the knowledge and wisdom needed to accomplish His plan. He raises those who follow Him to the place He wants them to be.

Our task is to ask God for His wisdom and follow His plan. As we lean on God to provide us with what we need, we experience Him in ways the more gifted do not. We encounter God through small miracles, seeing Him provide exactly what is needed at exactly the moment it is needed.

By leaning on God to provide us with insight for making decisions, we make better decisions. We experience His guidance. Our faith increases as we experience Him. Ultimately, we experience the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).

I pray we all recognized the abilities God has blessed us with. I pray we lean on God. I pray each one of us experiences an abundant life.  Ask God for wisdom. Recognize His blessings. Rely on God. Experience God working in your life. Trust God. Increase your faith.

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

A Better Understanding

Do you have a good understanding? Do you grasp new ideas easily? Do you continually seek to understand? Do you have multiple interests you seek to know more about? Would you like to understand God better?

We all have interests for which we would like to gain a better understanding. Some of those interests are very important. Others not so much. But if it is a true interest of ours, we will take time to better understand it.

There is One whose understanding we can not fathom—God. Of course, that doesn’t mean we should not make an effort to better understand. It simply means we are incapable of having the same understanding as God with our limited human brains.

Stop and think of all the questions you have heard people ask. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why did God allow my parent or sibling get this disease? Why does God make things so difficult? Why doesn’t God bless me with more?

What is the simple answer to these questions? We don’t know. We don’t understand how God works. We don’t have His understanding. We don’t see all the pieces and how they are being put together. Will we ever understand? I believe we will. When we are face-to-face with God, we will understand. I also believe it won’t matter at that point.

God knows what is happening with each person at every moment of every day. He sees all the connections. He knows that one person performing one task has an effect on multiple other people. He knows the impact, what the other person will do, and how that will affect someone else. Can you imagine? Seeing the billions of connections among billions of people, and knowing how all those interactions will play out? It is no wonder we cannot fathom God’s understanding. All the more reason to trust God.

I pray we all continue to seek a better understanding of God. I pray we ponder the wonders God is doing in this world. I pray each of us trust God, knowing He knows all. Seek understanding. Be in awe of God. Trust God knows it all. Trust Him with your whole heart.

Isaiah 40:28

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

The Perfect Gift

Do you like to receive gifts? Do you like to give gifts? Do you prefer gifts for your birthday or Christmas? What was one of the favorite gifts you ever received? What gift was the most meaningful? Do you look at yourself as a gift?

Gifts can be fun to receive. Sometimes we get exactly what we wanted. Other times, we wonder where the person ever got the idea to give us that gift. At other times, you receive the same gift more than once. Of course, that may indicate you have too much already.

Gifts can also be fun to give. Picking out just the right gift for a loved one can be a joy. On the other hand, when that loved one has everything they need, and maybe want, it can be a real challenge and frustrating.

We likely don’t look at ourselves as gifts. When we think of people who do, we might think they are arrogant or cocky. They think highly of themselves. We see them prancing around as though they own the world. We may even say of them, “They think they are God’s gift to mankind.”

Yet we are told that we are a gift from God. Our very life is a gift. Not only that, but our life through God’s Word is the most important gift. It is a perfect gift of truth given by God. It is a gift that will last forever.

We are given this gift to be a firstfruit of God. What is a firstfruit? Prior to Christ, it was the first ten percent of the crop harvested and offered to God as a sacrifice. We are told that Christ is the firstfruit of those who will rise to life in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20).

What does this mean for us? As a firstfruit, we are made holy in order to make others holy. Our holiness in Christ is within us so we may spread His holiness to others. How do we spread His holiness? By word of mouth. It is much the same as telling someone about a good service we receive. For example, we visit a restaurant, experience good service from the staff, and the food is excellent. We tell others about the restaurant. Our encounter with Christ should cause us to do the same. As a firstfruit, we are like the yeast in a loaf of bread.

I pray we all realize we are a gift from God. I pray we know our life is a gift from Him. I pray we tell others about our experience with Him and His holiness. You are a perfect gift. God has made you a firstfruit. Be like yeast for others. Be a gift for someone else.

James 1:16-18 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.