Matthew
6:31-33 “Therefore do
not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What
shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your
heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to
you.”
Continuing
Pastor Kyle’s message, he gives us five ways how to make every day preparations
for our eternal upgrade. (1) Live a life of faithful obedience and worship. 1
Samuel 15:22 says, “Has the Lord as great delight
in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold,
to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” Some
people only go to the Lord when things are not going well. Life is busy,
difficult and inconvenient by nature. We need to be walking in the Spirit continuously
in order to gain that which cannot be bought with money … the fruit of the
Spirit.
(2)
Be content with what we have. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we
can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be
content.” The world’s standards for contentment are higher God’s standards.
Unrealistic expectations lead to emotional pain and stress. Desire and look for
Christ alone. Remember that we have been blessed, to be a blessing. (3) Live
free from debt as quickly as possible. Romans 13:8 says, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who
loves another has fulfilled the law.” People get funny about money. Debt
makes us a slave. It’s a well known fact that the new car smell goes away long
before the payment do. Have a plan to get out of debt.
(4)
Make a plan for your stuff and your family. We are all responsible and
accountable to prepare and have our personal affairs in order. Proverbs
13:22 tells us, “A good man leaves
an inheritance to his children’s children.” Be generous for a peaceful end.
Maintain good a relation with your neighbors, acquaintances, friends and family.
(5) remember to keep God’s kingdom first in life and in death. 1
Peter 2:11-12 says, “Beloved, I
beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which
war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles,
that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good
works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Seeking
first the kingdom of heaven keeps the “right” perspective on this life as we keep
our hearts and minds on eternity and the Lord. Do not live for today as the existentialist
of this age live in the moment. Live for the eternal upgrade and live for eternity.
In
Christ, Brian
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