Melida

Many promises in the Bible are unconditional. But most of those that concern our growth as Christians are conditional. The first condition to spiritual growth and maturity is putting God first. Matthew 6:33 tells us, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. What things? And where do you find the kingdom of God?

The kingdom of God is not like an earthly kingdom with geographical boundaries. Instead it consists of the work of Gods Spirit in peoples lives and relationships. We must resist looking to institutions and programs for evidence of the progress of Gods kingdom. Instead we should be looking for what God is doing in peoples hearts.

Heres how Jesus explained it to the Pharisees. Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20-21.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. What things? According to Matthew 6:31, So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? God simply promises to fulfill our physical needs if we put Him first in our lives. He can give us more than we can imagine or ask for. As you put Him, his will, and His work first in your daily life, you will begin to fully experience Gods love and care, for he has promised to provide all of your daily needs.

Putting God first will bring trials and struggles at times. We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. Psalms 66:12 --- This passage tells us that God does in fact bring us into places of abundance. However, upon further study of the entire passage, we learn the route to this abundance.

For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance Psalm 66:10-12.

God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is most often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself through prayer and obedience to His Word. It is then that we are truly blessed. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests.

Lessons of refinement, includes leading us through the fire and water. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such tactics with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine. These trials grow our spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control. And thats where we all want to be?

Matthew 6:19-21 says, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

God may bless us with great material possessions. However, Jesus warns us not to value possessions or keep them selfishly locked away. If your heart is focused on possessions, money, security, friendships, or something else, the Lord may take it all away. He wants your full attention, offerings, and all of your possessions available for His purpose.

Visit our website today, and enjoy the many free tools that are available to assist you with your spiritual growth, professional Christian counseling, answers to frequently asked questions, daily news articles that affects Christians and assistance with starting a personal Bridge Ministry.

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive your free The Bridge To Church training manual, and notification of free ebooks as they are added to our database.
http://www.thebridgetochurch.com/BTCNewsLetterSub.htm

Author: Ray Turner -- Retired school teacher from Oklahoma State University's School of Technical Training "Communications." Website dedicated to encourage and teach others to find God's gifts in their life, and to use them to bring others to Christ. http://thebridgetochurch.com/