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Earnestly Seeking

This past weekend we had a Christian artist come to bring the "good news" both in song, and word. There was no charge to see or hear him. All that was required was a comfortable chair, bring a friend, and a heart hungry for the things of God.

Although there was a small crowd, those who attended left exhorted, full of hope, and with a determination to love and serve God with all their hearts.

The Bible tells us that in the last days there will be those who are lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. 2nd Timothy 3:5, "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof from such turn away." KJV They will not be interested in sound doctrine, nor the things of God.

There's nothing like being around the family of God. I believe that it's within the family circle I personally feel most comfortable. But God doesn't intend for us to stay in our comfort zones and never reach out to the lost, hungry and wayward. We can do that right here in our own neighborhoods, and communities. The fields are white to the harvest right up the street, or down the road. Possibly right next door. If we don't go, who will? If we don't share the love of Christ, how will they know they are loved?

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said in verse six of Matthew 5 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." How many truly hunger and thirst after the things of God? It's my prayer today that we become so hungry and thirst after godly things that we will earnestly seek after God with our whole heart, then go out and share with others.

When Jesus said to go to all the world and preach the gospel, that world included our friends, neighbors, loved ones, and children. It has to start at home. But first we must have a heart that yearns for God, then the lost.

May God set our hearts on fire. Let's earnestly, whole-heartedly seek him.

Declare His Wondrous Deeds

Psalm 107: 21-22, "Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy."

When the phone rang and we heard the first doctor's report, it didn't sound too promising. Possible cancer was the last thing we expected to hear.

God prepared us ahead of time with his Word, his precious promises. We drew on them every day. We prayed, believed that he would hear us when we prayed, and confessed his word. We looked beyond the natural to a supernatural God.

The second doctor's appointment meant more x-rays and tests, and each came back negative. The spot they had seen was completely gone!

We will declare his wondrous deeds. God is good all the time; we need to praise him all the time. Praise before the trials, during the trials and after the trials.

The woman with the issue of blood knew that if she could reach Jesus, she would be healed. She didn't quit. She pressed on until she finally made her way to him. I imagine the crowd to have been very large, yet she continued to follow after him and then…. She reached out and touched him, he responded. She touched him in faith and with determination.

Luke 9:47&48, "When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." NRSV

I wonder how often we give up too soon? WHAT IF, just possibly, we press in as the woman with the issue of blood did? WHAT IF, he is moved with compassion?

Declare his wondrous deeds.

Copyright 2002 by Marie Williams