Seek ye First, so Finish Strong (Part 1)
What a concept! A concept the world has places above all else.
Former Hall of Fame MLB pitcher Tom Seaver’s quote, “There are only two places, first place and no place.”
“Second place is just the first place loser”, says race car legend Dale Earnhardt.
“No one ever remembers who came in second at anything”, a quote by golf icon Jack Nicklaus.
“Seek ye first”, said Jesus in Matthew 6:33, but Jesus did not stop after sharing those three words. Jesus says in the previous verse that we long for things such as clothes, food, and earthly desires, but after the three words, “Seek ye first”, Jesus adds, “the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL these things shall be added unto you.”
I love and admire Steph Curry. He placed the words “I can do all things” on his UnderArmor Shoes. The world sees “I can do all things” and stops with that sad belief that they are capable of doing all things on their own. Steph Curry is pointing out Philippians 4:13 and the promise that you can do all things, through Christ Jesus who gives you strength!
One of my favorite verses states powerfully “God is a Rewarder”. That is a God everyone wants to have in their pocket, like a little Genie in a bottle. Problem is few fulfill the actual verse. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The key is Diligently!
2 Chron 16:9 says it well. “The LORD’s eyes scan the whole world to strengthen those who are committed to him with all their hearts. Your foolishness means that you will have war on your hands from now on.””
I am gonna end Part 1 with Ephesians 6:10-18 from the Message Version. I think you will understand why after reading.
10 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. 11 So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 13 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. 14 Truth, righteousness, 15 peace, 16 faith, 17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. 18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.