What on Earth are We Seeking?

I visited a fellowship yesterday and went to the adult Bible class. 

          

I dread them.
           

But I really liked this one.

We talked about scripture. We talked about the Enemy creeping in.

We talked about the One who Sees Everything.

It was refreshing. 

We talked about  (drumroll)  Prosperity Gospel!

                                                 

Now, I loooove to talk about Prosperity Gospel.

Not to be confused with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It gives me the chance to share what God is saying to us, today. And what He said yesterday.

‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Matthew 6:9-13

 "Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."    Matthew 6:31-34

I know we know these verses, but what do we think they are saying?

I read an article woman who has cancer wrote about PG. She made the point that if bad things happen to you and you follow the belief that only good things happen to the faithful, where does that leave you?

I agree. Believing that bad things will never shadow your life is pretty ignorant.

Jesus never told us to pursue money, or fame, or a career, or an education, or even a ministry. 

He told us to pursue HIM.

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers,Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.  Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.         Matthew 4:18-22

                     "Seek..."

When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.”         Psalm 27:8

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.    Psalm 105:4

                                     

At night my soul longs for You, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; For when the earth experiences Your judgments The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.   Isaiah 26:9

For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.    Luke 11:10

                                               

And then, there's this one;

How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?     John 5:44.

Are you seeking how to grow  a bigger church?

How to involve more people in teaching classes?

How to get, and keep, kids in church?

Are you seeking how to be blessed with health, money, ministry?

Why?

Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added.

Things.  He'll add the things.

Joke* Osteen is big on God's favor. So is Andy Stanley. Seeking God for the purpose of getting what He has for you.

What's wrong with that, you ask?

Let's say Prosperity 'ministry' of God's Favor is cheesecake. With fresh strawberries. And freshly whipped heavy cream.

I want it, and I want it bad! Sooooooo good!

Gimme-gimme-gimme-gimme!

Oooooh! My friend has cheesecake too. Wonderful. Why is her cheesescake bigger than mine? 

What did she do to get more? Did I do something wrong?

"No, of course not! You just need to ask harder for a better and bigger serving!"

Is there anything to go with this cheesescake?

"I'm sorry, but you only need cheesescake. Go get it!"

I could use some bread. And maybe a glass of milk?

"Why look for trouble! Here, I prayed you a new piece. Get a fork."

I don't feel very much like *urp* eating more cheesecake.

We need to stop seeking the "things" God already has for us, and seek Jesus.

God has planned a balanced life for each of us. It's full of bread, wine and cheesecake. 

It has friends, family, education and teaching. It has laughter, tears, sickness and health.

It is packed with bad weather and perfect days.

It carries betrayal, loss, and inbridled joy.

How are you going to get what's coming to you?

                                        By SEEKING Jesus.

                                      There is no other way.

                                                        

Shalom!

* He's not funny, and it isn't a typo.