Happy New Year.
WOW, January sure flew by. God is doing many great things. I am amazed, still, each time I walk into the
SOZO Store. We are getting more and more visitors to God's Office. Yeah God! Prayer is a topic of many conversations, but I believe
it is much too casual a subject
for many believers. God is really challenging us at GGM to kick it up a notch (in Emeril speak).
Last week, Dan Livingston, former pastor of Bethel Temple, was a special guest at Freedom Life Church. I was able to attend Saturday night service and was really blessed by his teaching. The topic "The Power of One" has been of interest to me for many years. During his teaching he mentioned the Greek word "zeteo". It is translated
to seek. Well you know me and Greek words; of course I had to go home and study it.
What I found was both a blessing and a challenge. As believers we have the privilege of seeking that which is lost. We are repairers of the breech and offer reconciliation to God. We are also challenged to seek
God himself on our own behalf, not for what he can give us, but for who HE
IS. Zeteo describes GGM very well. As a ministry, we encourage women to seek God for the purpose of intimacy with him.
Also, we are charged to seek and gather women that are separated from the church or not yet a member of the body of Christ.
Zeteo challenges me to a higher calling; I hope that it will
challenge you as well.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
This Jesus "one liner" is probably one of the most familiar verses of the
Bible. It is preceded in context with Jesus reminding us of the completeness of God’s work in creation. The birds are fed and the flowers are clothed in beauty. We need not worry about these simple things because our heavenly
Father already knows our physical needs and will most certainly make provision for us.
Above, I italicized his in our text to emphasize that the focus is God and not self.
In the culture that we live, we are constantly bombarded with images that encourage us to exalt self above all else. All of this self-focus has encouraged an attitude of entitlement and for the most part, relieved us of personal responsibility.
So where does that leave us and how do we seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness? First, let’s consider what God’s kingdom and righteousness is
not:
- My kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36
- Not a matter of eating and drinking. Romans 14:17
- Not a matter of talk.1 Corinthians 4:20
- Cannot be inherited by flesh and blood.1 Corinthians 15:50
- Cannot be inherited by those who indulge their sinful nature. Galatians 5:21
- Cannot be inherited by the immoral, impure or greedy. Ephesians 5:5
Now that we know what the Kingdom of God is not, let’s look at what it is:
- It is like treasure hidden in a field that when found, is worth selling all you have to buy the field. Matthew 13:44
- It is like a merchant looking for fine pearls
and that when one is found, it is worth selling all you have to buy it. Matthew 13:45
So we see that the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with our culture's encouragement to serve one's self through indulgence, but quite the contrary. It is His Kingdom that is worth seeking and once found, forsaking everything else we have to obtain
it.
Seeking is the key. The word seek in the scripture reference is the Greek word
zeteo. It is a verb and requires us to act.
We often cheat ourselves out of the blessings of God by seeking things that cannot satisfy our souls,
or try to obtain his Kingdom by “keeping all the rules.” Remember it is
his righteousness. We cannot earn it. He gives it freely as we seek him.
(Philippians 3:8-9)
Henry Drummond, a scientist at the turn of the century, speaking to a group of college students said:
'Gentlemen, I beseech you to seek the kingdom of God first, or not at all. I promise you a miserable time if you seek it second."
How about you? Can you say with the Psalmist, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Be sure to look for updates at
www.godsgirlsministry.com
www.godsoffice.org
www.thesozostore.com
Single women, register now for "Will you be my Valentine?" Luncheon. Cost is only $10 and seating is limited to the first 12 to register. 6 seats left! Don't miss this opportunity to once again be amazed by His love.
be blessed as you are a blessing, lesa
