Is God really YOUR provider, first?

"But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these THINGS shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

Do we do this? Do we live our life according to this command? Paul goes into detail in how to do this command in Philippians 4:6-7, and reminds us of the promise. Remember, all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

He tells us to "be careful for nothing; but in every THING, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. He then shares in vs 19 that "my God shall supply ALL your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Jesus told us to seek the kingdom of God, first. (If you are in Christ Jesus, you have been made righteous already. 1 Corinthians 1:30) Paul tells us not to worry about anything. How do you do that? You go to the Provider, God with thankfulness and tell Him what you need. Do you know what happens when you do it that way? You get the peace of God that you can't explain. What is the promise? He gives you what you need!!!

I suspect that you probably know several people that can quote Philippians 4:19. Is the evidence revealed in their life? Does one really seek the kingdom, first? Or is this the last ditch effort when the world's ways seem to be crumbling around one's life? We must move from religion to the reality of the kingdom of God. We have the instructions on how to live and reveal God's kingdom. James 1:22 reminds us that we must be doers of the word and not hearers only. What are the results if you don't do the word? You deceive yourself.

Can we at least do what Sara did? (No, don't laugh at what God says) Do you know that she is listed in Hebrews 11? It says that through faith she received strength to conceive and had a child when she was old, BECAUSE she JUDGED him faithful who had promised. Do we believe what God has promised?

Testimony

Have you read any books written about George Muller? An easy, quick read is "George Muller, The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans" by Janet and Geoff Benge. TC and I read this as part of his homeschool curriculum. George Muller never asked a man for anything that he needed to run the orphan homes. He believed Philippians 4:19 and went to God with his need.

In our ministry, we make cds to pass out, and we also mail them. I was beginning to get low on cds, labels, stamps, etc. My first thought was to bring the need before our group, and see if anyone wanted to donate these items. That is the world's way of doing it, not the kingdom of God.  I remembered the scripture and George Muller's lifestyle. I went to my Father and thanked Him for the things that He has blessed us with. I then shared with Him the items that I needed for the ministry. I sought His kingdom first, gave Him thanks and told Him what I needed. A week later, I am handed a card that is marked, Harold and Kim. I was asked not to open it until we got home. We opened an awesome, thank you note. Inside the card was an envelope with $200.00 in cash. We were told in the card that the money came through their hands, but that it was from God. I called to thank them and shared with them my prayer from the previous week. They said that it was confirmation to them, as well, that they were hearing from the Lord. We are told in Luke 6:38 that when we give, it shall be given unto us; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. God uses people to operate through.

Do you have confidence in Him? (1 John 5:14) Confidence is when you KNOW. Do you KNOW that His word works? Have you tried it? We are told in Hebrews 10:35 not to cast away our confidence, which has great recompence of reward. Do you have your own testimony about how it worked for you?
If not, today is your day! Step out in faith (for without faith, it is impossible to PLEASE Him), do according to the principles in His word, and then YOU will have a testimony to share with someone. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ....