November 20, 2024

Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

March 30, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

Matthew 5:6

This is one of the most important verses in the Sermon on the Mount.  The foundational requirement for all godly living is to “…hunger and thirst for righteousness.”

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

(Such hunger was also seen in Moses; see Exodus 33:13, 18.)

If you recall from the Gospels, Jesus’ disciples—and many others—believed the Messiah would be a warrior-figure who would lead His people against the Romans and tear down those oppressors.   He would establish a new kingdom  where the ancient theocracy would be re-established.  You can certainly sense this behind the disciples’ rebuke of Jesus when he would speak of his forthcoming execution at the hands of the Jewish leaders (e.g., Matthew 16:21-23), or their question about the establishment of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). But we know that is not the kind of Messiahship Jesus had in mind, nor was the kingdom He spoke of one of physical dominion.

So, while it is true that God will establish His people, giving them relief from oppression, and the restoration of justice, God’s plan is much more long-term than we might think. There will come a time when His kingdom will be established, the wicked will be punished, and the oppressed and persecuted will be rewarded for their faithfulness. But it will be in a way that is much more spiritually satisfying.

For that reason, I think it is better to consider this Beatitude (Matthew 5:6) in terms of “righteousness” than “justice.”  And it is ultimately that righteousness before God for which we should hunger and thirst.  It is the deer in Psalm 42 that we should emulate—thirsting after God as the deer thirsts after water.  When He was tempted (Matthew 4:3-5), Jesus resisted the satanic urging to transform the rocks into bread that He might break His fast and reminded Satan that man survives on the Word of God.  Physical needs are easily taken care of—the hungry and thirsty can be satisfied with bread and water.  But if that spiritual longing for the righteousness of God to reign in one’s heart is not present, there’s nothing anyone can do to satisfy that craving.  Only God can do that.  So it is imperative we look to God, yearn for Him and for His righteousness. And His promise is that He will not fail us.

There is no justice outside of God, and to seek after God is to seek after the only One through whom true justice can reign.  And even if we don’t see it in this life, we know He will bring it about in His time when He declares an end to all things.

But more importantly, we should seek after God with diligence.  His righteousness should be our consuming passion.  And we know that when we do this, we will find Him, and we will be satisfied.

 * ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Father, we thank You for when we seek You all things shall be added unto us. This is the promise we have in You…in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Humble, Humble Jesus

March 29, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 
Matthew 5:5

Humble and human, willing to bend You are
Fashioned of flesh and the fire of life, You are
Not too proud to wear our skin
To know this weary world we’re in
Humble, humble Jesus

Humble in sorrow, You gladly carried Your cross
Never refusing Your life to the weakest of us
Not too proud to bear our sin
To feel this brokenness we’re in
Humble, humble Jesus

We bow our knees
We must decrease
You must increase
We lift You high

Humble in greatness, born in the likeness of man
Name above all names, holding our world in Your hands
Not too proud to dwell with us, to live in us, to die for us
Humble, humble Jesus

We lift You high
We lift You high

 * ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Singer/Songwriter – Audrey Assad

 

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Meekness…Not Easy but Desired by Christ

March 28, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

Lately my children have been talking about some situations at school—injustices, bullies, teachers—that they feel have treated them unfairly.  We have encountered people in the world who are not as nice as we would like them to be…the secretary at the school, the cashier, the server at the restaurant.  And I feel like they are always looking at me to gauge my response and to see how I handle the not-so-cordial behavior of others.  And to be quite honest, a lot of the time, meek is not the word that initially comes to mind.

I’ve read several definitions of the word meek, “…gentle, self-control, tender, and free from pride” are a few that I have come across (like I said, most times this is not me).  So I find myself in a battle when I’m facing these situations and I have little eyes on me. And, no, this is not the first Scripture that comes to mind; but as I was reading through it, I realized that my meekness, or the lack thereof, is constantly on display.

After a disagreement with her teacher, my daughter asked what we were going to do about it.  My response was that there are times in life where you don’t do anything…you don’t fight or argue…and you give it to God and move forward.  Though she doesn’t fully understand this right now, someday she will.  When the Scripture says that ‘the meek…shall inherit the earth’ I like to think of it in the moment.   When I refrain from telling the person who upset me what my flesh wants to say, I’m inheriting the earth, not literally, but for that moment. I’m showing that, even though I could say something, I’m not going to.  I’m going to love them through the situation and move on.  I’m going to ‘Let go and let God’.

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

For most, meekness does not come naturally. Seek first the Kingdom of God. In situations where your flesh is battling to share your thoughts with those who have wronged you, seek Him first.  Pray…go to God…and breathe.

Meekness isn’t easy; but it is desirable by Christ, and that makes it desirable to us.

Let’s Pray:  Lord, to be honest when I think of me being meek, I don’t see it.  I don’t see it in a lot of people these days, but I know it’s possible.  I know that we can operate in self-control, in submission, and in tenderness.  Lord, help us to remember to seek You first when our meekness feels threatened, and that this is another way in which we can display Your light to others.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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Humility

March 27, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 
Matthew 5:5

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less.  That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. 

Matthew 5:5

Humility…this is one of those words church people say alot, but sometimes don’t understand.  I can see why when there are verses like Philippians 2:3 in the Bible.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind
regard one another as more important than yourselves.

Humility is definitely something I struggled with at first and I’m still learning how to live this out.  The Message Translation (in Matthew 5:5) explains it as being “content with who you are—no more, no less.”  According to Philippians 2:8, Jesus was an example of humility when He “…humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death to the cross!”

I like to think of humility as accepting myself just the way I am this very minute; and understanding that, although I may not be perfect, I am loved and adored by the Most High…and if God can love me, then I can love me.  Humility to me is looking at another person, whether they be a murderer, thief, or liar (all of which are sins), and understanding that I am no better than they are.  They sin and I sin…and a sin is a sin.  Paul makes this concept simple in Romans 3:23 and 24:

For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
and are justified FREELY by His grace
through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

When we see others who sin, our thoughts shouldn’t consist of “Oh, at least I don’t do that,” and we shouldn’t think of one sin as worse than another.  Instead we should be concerned with whether they have heard the gospel and if they know the awesome Savior, Jesus Christ.  And if they do? Great!  And so we should…

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24

Don’t be so harsh with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  None of us are perfect, and although we may (or may not) strive to be perfect ambassadors for Christ, we all make mistakes.  One of my favorite verses (Proverbs 24:16) is, “For a righteous man falls seven times, and he rises again….”

A perfect example of humility is shown in Luke 7:36-50.  This passage tells the story of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman.  This woman knew who she was.  She knew who she needed, as well.  She could have looked at herself and felt that she was unworthy or “too” immoral/sinful; but she humbled herself and approached Jesus. The Pharisees, of course, looked down on this woman and criticized Jesus for allowing her to touch Him.

Jesus is willing to accept all…all can humbly approach His throne.

Thank You, Lord for loving me.  I am so thankful that I can do nothing to make You love me more or less—I am loved!  It’s just that simple.  Help me to remember not to complicate the love You give me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Jesus’ Example of Meekness

March 26, 2014 by

We have now entered the season of Lent. For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words. ✞ ♥
During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes. Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.” To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’ Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are! Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥
Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us. We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection! ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

What a wonderful statement for us to follow!  When we first hear the word meek, we think of someone who is picked on…someone who is a victim.  But meekness does not mean that at all.  When I think of someone who is meek I think of someone who wants or desires to serve God and others.  It does not mean you are a doormat; rather someone who, if pushed, can take care of themselves.  The meek have a way about them, a way of reproving you, correcting you, teaching you with gentleness. When you are in their presence you feel safe and accepted.

Jesus is the perfect example of meekness in action.  His way was to teach and to be humble in whatever He strove to do.  He did become angry, but rightly so.  He had to drive away those who would cheapen His Father’s house (as described in Matthew 21:11-13).

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there.
He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
“It is written,” He said to them, “‘My House will be called a house of prayer,’
but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

I would imagine God was very pleased with His Son being zealous for the people and reminding them of what is holy and acceptable activity in the Temple. It definitely was not stealing from others.

Another description of Jesus’ meekness and obedience to His Father is found in Matthew 26:47-52:

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived.
With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs,
sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”
Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward,
seized Jesus and arrested him.
With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out
and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him,
“for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once
put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

Jesus reminds us here that there is a time and a place to protect yourself from injustice.  Jesus knew what the outcome was going to be.  He chose to obey what had been determined from the beginning of time—before the temple, the people—even the world was formed and breathed into existence.

Let us do our best this week to wait on God.  Let Him speak to us through the Holy Spirit and follow Christ’s example in listening and waiting.  This can be down at home, at work, and at our place of worship.  Wherever you serve or work, let us practice meekness.  When that irritating person comes into our cubicle, let us relax and really listen to what that person is saying. When your child whines to you, stop and listen. When you husband calls to see how you are doing, don’t assume it is to complain or criticize; praise him on how he is doing as a father to your children and as husband to you.  Practice meekness.  You will be blessed.

 * ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Father, thank You for giving us an example of meekness that we can follow everyday.  Help us to slow down and know that You are God.  As we go through the remaining weeks before Easter, let our thoughts be about You and Your sacrifice for us on the Cross.  We thank You, Father, for we know You are worthy!  We pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Be Humble

March 25, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek (those who are humble) for they will inherit the earth. 
Matthew 5:5

The meek are those who are humble and submissive before God.  They are more concerned about God’s Word and God’s people than about what might happen to them personally.  The meek, rather than the aggressors, ultimately inherit the earth.

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
Psalm 37:11

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4

Humility is a selfless regard for the needs and desires of others over your own, and maybe even at the expense of your own.  It is first and foremost looking at others as more important, more worthy, and more significant than yourself.  Instead of saying “I deserve this,” say “Why should I deserve this more than someone else?”  Paul continues on in Philippians 2 to put Jesus forward as the ultimate example of humility and selfless sacrifice.

This attitude doesn’t mean we never try to achieve goals, or advance in the world.  I believe God blesses people with material advancement so that they can be a blessing to others.  Wealthy Christians and successful Christian businesses are in a position to use their wealth and resources for the advancement of God’s Kingdom, and the nurture and encouragement of the Church.  So humility doesn’t mean “not getting on in the world,” but it dictates how we get on—not at the expense of others.  And, of course, our humility must always be in the context of our relationship with God.  We must always humbly recognize God’s ways as superior to ours, and accept our place in God’s decrees.

Another underlying meaning for humble is “the oppressed”—i.e., those who have been humbled.  In this sense, this beatitude mirrors the first (verse 3): the poor in spirit receive the Kingdom of heaven…the humble (or humbled) inherit the earth.  God promised Abraham that he and his children would be heirs of the world through faith (see Romans 4:13), and clearly God had a greater plan than merely the spread of His people over a piece of land. Rather it is the spread of the gospel amongst every tribe, tongue, and nation, where countless numbers of people will receive an eternal inheritance unconstrained by national boundaries.

Think of it in this way: those who humble themselves before God and embrace the gospel…who then consider others more important than themselves…show their willingness to become servants in obedience to the gospel…will become co-inheritors with Christ of eternal life and the Kingdom of heaven.  Does that include you?

Father, we thank You for the right Word at the right time.  Make this Word be alive in our hearts.  Make us conscious of our weaknesses and quick to give credit to You, Father, and others for what we accomplish.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

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The Importance of Being Meek

March 24, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

Today’s post is shared with us by Cynda Cottrill, our newest writer for the Seeking Him devotional blog!

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek (those who are humble) for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

The word meek is often used interchangeably with the word humble.  Common definitions include “…gentle, tender, calm, not easily provoked, free from pride and not occupied with self.”  Vines Bible Dictionary defines meekness as “grace of the soul.”  I like that.  It speaks of the spirit within, the spirit with which we not only deal with the external (the circumstances of our life) but also the internal (how we accept God’s dealings with us).  Meekness is not just a characteristic or trait; it is an attitude, a way of life.  Being meek is not to be confused with, or seen as, weakness. It is more like self-control because we are aware of the infinite resources of God available to each of us in every situation.

So, why is it important to be meek?  There are many benefits.  As Matthew 5:5 says “the meek…will inherit the earth.”  This isn’t just about a place to be acquired or obtained.  It is God making His favor real in our lives.  Revelations 21:7 tells us “<they>…shall inherit all things.”  This inheritance is to receive the blessing of God as a gift.  It is our reward, our birthright, as children of the Most High King.  Doesn’t that just make your heart sing?

There are other benefits to meekness as well (found in the Scriptures below):

  • Psalm 25:9 “He guides the humble” (AMP) or “He leads the meek” (NASB)
  • Psalm 69:32 “The humble will see their God at work and be glad”
  • Psalm 147:6 God sustains, supports, lifts up the meek
  • Isaiah 29:19 “…the meek will increase their joy” (AMP) or “…the humble will be filled with fresh joy from The Lord” (NLT)

Great reasons to be meek! I would not want to miss out on any of these blessings. But the best reason for being meek is found in 1 Peter 3:4: “a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”  Meekness is very precious in the eyes of The Lord!

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You bestow upon us and the many opportunities we have to be blessed.  Being meek is not always easy, it does not come naturally to most of us.  But meekness is of great value and importance to You.  Lord, we ask that You help us develop a quiet and gentle spirit and willingly accept and submit to You and Your ways.  For we want our lives to be precious and pleasing to You.  In the precious name of Jesus, I ask this.  Amen…so be it!

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Blessed to be Obedient

March 23, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

This verse brings to my mind many old sayings that I heard as a child…

  • “Do unto others as they would unto you.”
  • “Turn the other cheek.”
  • “The early bird gets the worm.”

There are so many others that I learned, but it is the first two that pop into my mind when looking at Matthew 5:5.  To be meek is to fear God and obey His Word.  It is to live for Him.  It is already knowing that when Jesus returns that it will be God’s children who will inherit the earth.  They will receive the full blessings of God and Jesus when they step into God’s Presence for eternity.  We receive blessings here on earth but, as children of God, the blessings will be greater and throughout eternity.

In today’s world it is hard to be meek. There are many temptations in this world. With our busy lives it is hard sometimes to separate the world from our godly lives.  However, there are ways to bring the two together—

–  live in the world but don’t be of the world.
–  live as if this is just a stop on a long trip home
–  live as if we are already directly standing before God.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth:
and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Isaiah 65:17

By being God’s children, we will see the new heavens and the new earth when Jesus returns.  If we are meek, we are obeying God.  We are living for God.  When we come into God’s presence, we will forget about the old earth and what it is like now.  We will live in God’s glory and worship Him on the new earth.  We will be living with Him for eternity.

We should live our lives here on earth as if we are already living in God’s glory.  This is one definition of being meek in God’s eyes.  Those who serve God will be eternally blessed upon the return of Christ.  This old world will die away, and just like a person being reborn, the earth will be made anew and the old forgotten.  We should be exemplifying this to the world.

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming me into Your family.  By being obedient to You and following Your direction, I am being (at least in one way) meek.  Please stand by me as I live for Your glory and try to be a good example for others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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It Is Well – Matthew 5:4

March 22, 2014 by

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We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 
Matthew 5:4

~  Music and lyrics – Horatio Spafford / Performed by Selah  ~

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Surrender

March 21, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 6—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’  Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you.
Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
Matthew 5:4 MSG

One of the major issues that I had with God, an All-Knowing Sovereignty, is how the world could be so messed up—if God truly were in control, then how did things get so out of whack and why didn’t He do anything about it!  Why did it seem that this all-knowing, all-powerful and all-loving God had no interest or control of the world He created.

When I questioned why should I trust a God that didn’t seem to care about me and my life, the Holy Spirit replied, “You don’t care about Me and what I’m doing.”  I paused and thought about it.  The truth was I didn’t care about God and what He was doing; all I cared about was what He could do for me and that He make my life exactly the way I wanted it. Me!  God wasn’t about anything bigger than being my personal genie.

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it.
Matthew 10:39

The Lord opened my eyes by pointing out that He was not the problem—I was.

You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you.
Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
Matthew 5:4

I have always been worried about being “too normal” or “not me” anymore.  When I felt the Lord tugging at me to give Him my all, I hesitated.  I knew that obedience would mean that I would be changing.  I was afraid that if I let God change me, then I would no longer be myself and would instead be some robot lacking personality.

I can laugh about it now, but then, I was truly frightened!  I have come to realize that the changes God wants to make in me are simply Him pulling outward who He truly made me to be inwardly.  Before society and life touched me, God knew me.  Before I ever labeled myself ugly or unworthy God knew me and that is not who He planned for me to be.

Giving God that which we hold dearest leaves room for us to be embraced by God because there’s more room for Him!  I have grown so much thanks to my obedience to the Lord.  (Please know it’s a daily thing!)  And I love the me that He is showing me that He made me to be—His workmanship!

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Thank You, Lord, for making me who I am.  Thank You for caring about me and loving me and teaching me.  Let me forever and always make the daily decision to make more room for You and surrender my life to You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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