"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" Matt. 6:33
Ahhh, the weekend is finally here. And yes, I know it is early. I woke up at 2 AM and have spent time reading and after a couple of hours it is time to send this out. Please, don’t ask why I get up so early. Internal clock issues and yes, I have searched for and been trying a few remedies to help me sleep better. What are you searching for this Saturday? In all that we do on this side of Heaven, we should always first seek our Heavenly Father’s direction for our plans. No matter how big or small. North American mission teams desiring to construct a church in a foreign country should NOT go to that country and start a project on ground that is NOT already owned by the congregation; the local congregation should purchase the land first with their own tithes and then construct the foundation with their own hands and sweat before a mission team leaves from North America. I’ve seen that happen.
These children attending school at Merrotte were not blessed with a Trinity HOPE feeding program until the Arcahaie District President, the school principal, teachers and parents fully understood what was expected of them to make the program work and countless prayers had been offered for God’s wisdom and timing. The prayers of those attending this school were not answered overnight; they went through a season of waiting and a feeding program came about in His time and in His way.
Sadly, too often we imagine that we are the one’s in control of the show and that kind of thinking generally provides satan with an opportunity to stir up a mess; here and there. It can be a humbling experience to call upon Him after we move forward relying upon our own wisdom and abilities. Trinity HOPE is feeding over 60,000 children in Haiti daily in 277 schools; this didn’t happen overnight. He continues to bless this ministry; abundantly. A few days ago I heard Alexa play the hymn ‘Seek where ye may to find a way’ that was written by Georg Weissel in 1623 and I thought that its words are a fitting way to close this devotion. Have a blessed weekend.
“Seek where ye may to find a way that leads to your salvation; my heart is stilled, on Christ I build, He is the one Foundation. His Word is sure, His works endure; He doth o'erthrow my every foe; through Him I more than conquer. Seek whom ye may to be your stay; none can redeem his brother. All helpers failed, this Man prevailed, the God-man, and none other. Our Servant-Lord did help afford; we're justified, for He hath died, the Guiltless for the guilty. Seek Him alone, Who did atone, Who did your souls deliver; yea, seek Him first, all ye who thirst for grace that faileth never. In every need Seek Him indeed; to every heart He will impart His blessings without measure. My heart's Delight, My Crown most bright, Thou, Jesus, art forever. Nor wealth nor pride nor aught beside our bond of love shall sever. Thou art my Lord; Thy precious Word shall be my guide, whate'er betide. Oh, teach me, Lord, to trust Thee! Hide not from me, I ask of Thee, Thy gracious face and favor. Though floods of woe should o'er me flow, my faith shall never waver. From pain and grief grant sweet relief; for tears I weep, Lord, let me reap Thy heavenly joy and glory.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay