Seek God's face continually!

 Seek God’s face continually!

The Psalmist writes,

“Seek the LORD and His strength;

Seek His presence continually!” 

                                                       Psalm 105:1-4.

Here is a simple admonition from the Psalmist to all who believe in God. To all who believe in Christ Jesus.

“Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face continually!”

This to me is saying we must make God an integral part of our life. We should seek His guidance daily especially in the important decisions of life.

If you claim to be a Christian do you do this?

Please think about it.

A Clear Directive

  A clear directive

Here is a clear directive from God to all who believe in Him. 

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

 for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly;

 defend the rights of the poor and needy.” 

                                                  Proverbs 31:8,9.

Here is something we Christians in North America need to get into our brains. We are to help the needy in any way we can. Speaking up for those in need means at times confronting our political leaders. Telling them they need to implement programs that will offer a living wage, free access to good health care, and affordable housing. In short giving the poor basic human rights.

Jesus stood up for the rights of the poor. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells the story of the rich man who had everything this world had to offer but would not help a poor man. The result was the rich man ended up in hell while the poor man ended up in heaven. This should be a warning to all who are rich and to all who are not standing up for the rights of the needy.

Thus my questions to you; Are you speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves? For those in need?

Are the politicians and religious leaders you support standing up obeying what is said in Proverbs 31:8,9?

Please think about it.

Are you doing what is right?

  Are you doing what is right?

In the book of James we read,

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbour as yourself," you are doing right."James 2:8.

That being said James goes on to say,

“But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James 2:9.

Two phrases that are polar opposites. 

Christians are to love our neighbours as our self. While being warned that we are not to show favouritism especially toward the rich. Both rich and poor are to be considered equals. 

One commentary I read said, 

“Favouritism toward the rich breaks the Old Testament commands to treat he poor equitably (Lev.19:15; Deut. 16:19; Job 34:19) and a serious transgression of God’s law.

So how do you treat the poor?

When you see a homeless person on the street or in refugee camps do you consider them equal?

If so what are you doing to help them?

Remember it was Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

Please think about it.

Are you full of good works?

  Are you full of Good works?

In the book of Acts we read,

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.” Acts 9:36.

So here is the question are you like Tabitha? Are you full of good works and charity?

Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

Are you doing this?

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus you should be.

Please think about it.

Walk humbly with God

  Walk humbly with God

The Prophet Micah wrote,

“He has told you, O man what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

This portion of scripture is directed at the individual. It is telling individuals what God requires of them. 

We are to;

1/ do justice

2/ love kindness,

3/ walk humbly with God.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Jesus when asked takes this statement a step further,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

If we truly Love God. We will do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Are you?

Please think about it.

With actions and truth

 With actions and truth

The apostle John writes,

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18.

This speaks for itself. As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called if necessary to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are also called to help those who are in need. To have compassion for those less fortunate than us.

This is not a new concept in the book or Deuteronomy we read,

"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbour… Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.

So are you helping those less fortunate than yourself?

Please think about it.