Seek...

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 6:33

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

• Just a question:

When you read Matthew 7:7 (above), or scripture about God opening the windows of heaven and pouring out blessings, do you get excited?

In a way, I want to say "yes, get excited."  After all, our Heavenly Father knows how to take good care of His kids.  For those of us in the faith, we shouldn't at all be shocked when (or if, yeah, i said if) God blesses our socks off... even financially.  But is that what you want?  Is that what you're hungry for?

Let me encourage you that if you've begun looking into Christianity as a get-rich-quick scheme, you're better off with one of those multi-level-marketing companies.  I think Donald Trump started a good one recently.  Jesus has assured us that in this world we will endure trials.  We may have tons of blessings too, but Christianity isn't about finding a Genie in a bottle, it's about taking up your cross and following Christ.

So notice above that I followed Matthew 7:7 with Matthew 6:33. It might be good to scroll back up and read them together a couple of times.  YES, Jesus did say to seek... but WHAT did He say to seek?  I'm sure I can find "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" in the Bible, but where does it say "Blessed are those who really really want a Cadillac."?  Sometimes we hear that God will provide all of our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus, and our ears jump to "glorious riches" instead of "needs."  I'm just saying...

• A prayer:

Father, fill my mouth and my heart with "thank you" instead of "I want."  You've already given so much... Your Son.  Help me to seek YOU first.  Let me thirst for you.  God forgive me for my greed.  I'm not at all worthy of what you've already given me.  Salvation.  My family.  A great job.  Who am I to ask for more?  Father, teach me to be a giver, and a cheerful giver.  And when You do bless me, I'll be careful to give You the glory..

From the Heart and Mind of:

Alan K. Manning