June 21st, 2022
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
This promise that God made to Israel while they were in exile has been precious to Jews and Christians alike for thousands of years.
It reveals God's faithfulness to His people. It reveals His heart. He has a heart of blessing toward us. It's important to note that when He made this promise, His people were not living their best lives-- quite the opposite.They were experiencing pain, suffering, and the consequences of their actions.
They'd been taken captive by an enemy nation, forced to leave their home and live in a foreign land. At that time, they may have prayed, "Lord, what is your will for us?"
And God revealed this through divine inspiration: Plans for welfare, and not for evil. He gave them a little bit of direction, enough to carry them through the hard times. Enough to reassure them in their faith. He told them to seek the welfare of the city where He had placed them, even though it wasn't their home. When the city prospered, they would prosper.
So how about you?
Perhaps you're trying to climb out of debt and put food on the table. Perhaps you're hoping to grow in your career, find love and romance, or raise your children to healthy and independent. Perhaps you're starting a business. Perhaps you're advocating for social justice, the environment, or addiction recovery.
These are very noble pursuits that become sinful when we pursue them outside of God's will. They are important, but secondary, to furthering Christ's mission.
Jesus, freshly resurrected from the grave and with scars on His hands and feet, gave this command to His followers before He ascended to Heaven: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Seek First the Kingdom
This is what God asks of your life and mine. Love God and love your neighbor. Seek Him. Preach the gospel. Learn what He taught and be transformed by the Spirit of God so that you can be more like Him each day and represent Him to a hurting and broken world.
You and I aren't living in paradise. Some of us suffer so much poverty and disease, we're painfully reminded of the truth-- this is not our home. But as the body of Christ, forgiven through Christ and reconciled to God, let's get into the Word and be filled by the Holy Spirit, so that all of our dreams and pursuits give glory to the one who made us and saves us.
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
Please join us for worship this Sunday to celebrate what our God has done and is continuing to do in His Kingdom. We meet at Artserve, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33304. Doors open at 10:15 a.m., and service begins at 10:30 a.m.
We hope to see you soon!
This promise that God made to Israel while they were in exile has been precious to Jews and Christians alike for thousands of years.
It reveals God's faithfulness to His people. It reveals His heart. He has a heart of blessing toward us. It's important to note that when He made this promise, His people were not living their best lives-- quite the opposite.They were experiencing pain, suffering, and the consequences of their actions.
They'd been taken captive by an enemy nation, forced to leave their home and live in a foreign land. At that time, they may have prayed, "Lord, what is your will for us?"
And God revealed this through divine inspiration: Plans for welfare, and not for evil. He gave them a little bit of direction, enough to carry them through the hard times. Enough to reassure them in their faith. He told them to seek the welfare of the city where He had placed them, even though it wasn't their home. When the city prospered, they would prosper.
So how about you?
Perhaps you're trying to climb out of debt and put food on the table. Perhaps you're hoping to grow in your career, find love and romance, or raise your children to healthy and independent. Perhaps you're starting a business. Perhaps you're advocating for social justice, the environment, or addiction recovery.
These are very noble pursuits that become sinful when we pursue them outside of God's will. They are important, but secondary, to furthering Christ's mission.
Jesus, freshly resurrected from the grave and with scars on His hands and feet, gave this command to His followers before He ascended to Heaven: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Seek First the Kingdom
This is what God asks of your life and mine. Love God and love your neighbor. Seek Him. Preach the gospel. Learn what He taught and be transformed by the Spirit of God so that you can be more like Him each day and represent Him to a hurting and broken world.
You and I aren't living in paradise. Some of us suffer so much poverty and disease, we're painfully reminded of the truth-- this is not our home. But as the body of Christ, forgiven through Christ and reconciled to God, let's get into the Word and be filled by the Holy Spirit, so that all of our dreams and pursuits give glory to the one who made us and saves us.
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
Please join us for worship this Sunday to celebrate what our God has done and is continuing to do in His Kingdom. We meet at Artserve, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33304. Doors open at 10:15 a.m., and service begins at 10:30 a.m.
We hope to see you soon!
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