SEEK FIRST the KINGDOM of GOD

Dear Blessed Saints, I have had this desire to learn in a much deeper way to obtain a greater understanding of what it means to "Seek ye first His Kingdom and His Righteousness"(Matt 6:33). This particular passage encompasses something vital that offers an enormous promise to those who fulfill this requirement. For one thing, it doesn't say that some things will be added to you or "may be added to you". But declares "ALL" things "SHALL" be added unto you. The Word "all" doesn't leave anything out that would exclude anything being good and eternally profitable to us. The Word "shall" puts a definitive emphasis that what He promises is going to take place, Regardless! When Gods Word often says "shall" when making promises to us, this makes me realize that we need to respond equally by having that same strong confidence in God that will put great emphasis on our part that BELIEVES HIM, no matter what. So when we pray, we need to KNOW He hears our prayers and will answer them (1 John 5:14,15) when we pray according to His will and make no room for doubt or being double-minded (James 1:6-8). Therefore, I became interested in finding out more about what it really means to seek His Kingdom First. Christ likens His Kingdom to a lot of parables He talks about. He talks about the wheat and the tares growing together and then being separated (Matt 13:24-30). He talks about selling all and a person buying a valuable field with a "Pearl of Great Price" (Matt 13:45,46). Another one is talking about a small mustard seed that causes a large tree to form and being a shelter for many birds (Matt 13:31,32), along with other parables when you read Matt Chapter 13 as one of the primary chapters that talks about His Kingdom principles. Presently, I am taking a course session on this Title from Dr Ralph Wilson who has a great teaching tool on this subject. The main points I would like to bring out about seeking His Kingdom first (I believe) has to do with Humility and Love. I like comparing His parable of the mustard seed that is very small in size, but grows into a large tree. It's like comparing to ourselves that the more we decrease (by not relying on ourselves) and trusting entirely on God. Without having true humility, we fail to see our depravity and our need of God who alone is able to do what only He can do. No man can change a heart, only God can. When God commands us to do something, He also reminds us that without Him, we can do nothing (or accomplish nothing that has any eternal value) John 15:5. Therefore, this is why it is paramount to enquire of Him as your absolute Source of help to create in you a right heart (Ps 51:10). One of the scriptures that jumps out at me is (Matt 22:37-39) where God explains to a lawyer/teacher of the law that we are to love the Lord with All of our Heart, All of our soul and All of our Mind. Then, we are to love one another as He loves us. This is what fulfills all the law and prophets (vs 40). Therefore, I find that seeking His Kingdom First goes hand in hand to have humility to allow Him to change our heart so we can love Him with "Our All" and to put Him First in our lives. When we humble ourselves to ask Him to give us that heart of love for Him (Ask and you shall receive), He will give you this ability to do just that. Seek by spending time to come to Know Him and you will receive and understand (Seek and you shall find). Knocking on the door is like that parable of the persistent fellow who wanted 3 loaves of bread from his friend at midnight because his family was hungry and got it only because he persisted (Luke 11:5-8). So when we come "knocking" (be persistent) while being hopeful and this is when the door of opportunity opens (Knock and the door shall be open to you). Secondly, seeking His Righteousness is believing Him of Who He says He is. We are told that we are declared Righteous simply because we believe (Rom 4:3,5). Jesus tells His Disciples that our "works" is simply to believe in the One (Jesus) whom the Father has sent (John 6:29). Therefore, His Righteousness is His Truth and we need to believe Him to know He is truly Righteous. If we don't believe He is Righteous, then how can you expect to become Righteous when Righteousness only comes from Him in the first place? (Rom 4:24) The third portion of this scripture is His Promise to us when we do seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness. He promises that "All these things shall be added unto you". This is a wonderful and powerful promise. This promise tells me that when we humble ourselves for His help to seek FIRST His Kingdom and Righteousness, He promises to fulfill and meet every one of our needs. You will notice the preceding verses (Matt 6:31,32) tells us not to worry because He knows what we need. Therefore, He is telling us that when we have concerns and needs to be met, we need to seek His Kingdom First and His Righteousness rather then "trying" to do and stop relying by becoming your own resource. I like to put it this way: When we seek His Kingdom and Righteousness first, everything that concerns us will fall into place. That's His promise to us. Therefore, when we really want to seek His Kingdom first, let's humble ourselves (knowing our depravity without Him) and ask Him to give us a heart of Love for Him and His Righteousness (by believing He is who He is and what the Bible says completely about Him). Having a heart for Him fulfills everything, including seeking His Kingdom first because this is a reminder that Jesus told the lawyer that this fulfills ALL the law and prophets (Matt 22:37-39). In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/