The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed. Daniel 2:44 (NKJV)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)  Seek first the kingdom – straight from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We are to seek His kingdom first, and everything else will fall into place.

 

Jesus always spoke about His Father and His kingdom, while ministering His love… His Father, our Father – our one true Sovereign God.  The one and only living God.

 

God cares for His children, those who are obedient especially. His blessings pour out to those who observe and walk in His ways.

His protection unyielding, ever present.  His hands and arms open to all of His children.

 

We have so many things going on in the world today.  Turmoil, upsetting news stories…and some of us are going through great trials and sorrow.  The Lord is our refuge, and He will “always protect us” and help us with whatever we may be struggling with in our lives. With great trials, comes a fuller and higher understanding of God. Which brings to mind “the fire” that the three Hebrew children faced. Consider the great pressures they were facing from King Nebuchadnezzar.   Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were loyal to God and would not bow to any other god.  They were in obedience to the King…but continued to walk in the commandments of God. They always were “seeking the kingdom” of their Lord and God.  

 

They were thrown into the fiery furnace bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans and their other garments.  And, the King demanded, “heat the furnace to seven times more” than it usually was set.  Talk about “turning up the heat” and facing the fire!  The three Hebrew children did just that. Their eyes set on things above, the kingdom of God.  Their great faith and obedience a shining example for the ages.   The King watched in astonishment, as he saw the three become “four” and saw them all walking about in the furnace.  The Son of God – saved them.

 

Some of us are “facing a fire” right this very moment.  Some are experiencing great trials and tribulations at this very second.  Perhaps some lost a loved one, a widow is by herself for the first time in 53 years.  Or, a young child passed away due to an illness-leaving the parents devastated.  Or someone just received a grim report from a doctor.  Some are going through emotinal abuse, physical abuse- or financial woes.  Whatever “YOUR FIRE” is – walk in faith with God as your redeemer.  He will deliver you from the “hottest furnace”- He will bring you through your “fire” and offer you soothing balm for your troubles.  He is our balm, and our refuge.  He can and WILL help you today-just as He did all those years ago with the Hebrew children.  He is able and waiting to deliver you from all of your struggles. Trust Him, and rest in Him.  He will ease your burden, and bring you peace.  “…God…sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him…” Daniel 3:28 (NKJV).

 

God does not require us to understand His will, just to obey it, even if it seems unreasonable.  Listening to God is so essential to walking with Him…We are all children of a sovereign God. 

 

We are human, flesh and therefore fall short of perfection.  God knows that – He created us.  He knew us all before we were in our mother’s womb.  So, if we feel frustrated with issues in our lives-or “anger” He understands.  Speak to Him, tell Him – ask Him for help.  Lean on Him, and turn your life over to Him.  Be faithful, and face the fire with confidence knowing your God will be there for you and protect you always.  “I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.”  Hosea 2:20 (NKJV)

 

 

Seek His kingdom.  Look at things not of this world, but keep your eyes on the things in our Father’s kingdom.  Walk with Him in faith, love and dedication and devotion-24/7.  Trust Him, and know He is making “ready” a place for us in His kingdom.   While we are here, we have things to accomplish.  The Father has a plan for all of us.  We need to take care of  what He has planned for us to  do in this lifetime-while maintaining a sincere belief in His word…and His kingdom.   We need to face whatever “fire” we are embroiled in, and look to Him for the resolve. Trust Him.  Love Him.  Seek Him….and His kingdom. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to Scott Birge- who captured this beautiful picture.