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 will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
Ever had that overwhelming desire to know our Creator and God more fully? To know His forgiveness is complete? Sure you have…me, too! As we walk through our life there are those moments when the desire is so intense that we want to devour every bit of information we can glean.
As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.
I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God?
Psalms 42:1-2 HCSB
God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You;
my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory.
Psalms 63:1-2 HCSB
How can we satisfy our hunger and thirst for God?
- By becoming immersed in His Word
- By listening to music that uplifts us
- By simply being still and listening to His creation that is all around us
When was the last time you sat in communion with God? I cannot remember the last time I was able to sit for more than 2 minutes and listen for God.
You may say, ‘How can I hear God?’ That is as simple as listening and observing God’s creation. Most of us have a devotional time. When we are in those moments, is it by ourselves, with no distractions, no television on to distract or the radio? Do we listen to our devotion while we are driving to work?
Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament says,
“Never was there a desire to be holy, which God was not willing to gratify. And the gospel of Christ was made to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy.”
This past weekend, our pastor continued his teaching on God, Our Deliverer. He stated that no matter how many times we fail, we should not give up on repentance, and coming to know our heavenly Father more intimately. The evil one would love nothing more than to discourage you from seeking the knowledge, peace, and comfort that only God can provide.
Just as the woman at the well asked Jesus about the living water He spoke of and explained, we can continue throughout our lives seeking for it as well. It is not given just once, but continuously as we seek to know Him (John 4:14). God wants no one to perish. He has adopted us, grafted us into His family, and He will fight to keep us in it. Oh, what a wonderful Father we serve!
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Father, we humbly thank You and praise You for Your mercy and grace so freely given. Forgive us for when we fail to admit our shortcomings and our sins to You. Help us to rid ourselves of our selfish pride and arrogance and seek to model our lives after Your Son, Jesus. Holy Spirit, be with us and guide us. Show us when we stray and help us turn back to our Father. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
