Seeking Jesus First - Jan. 28, 2023
We, who have put our faith in The LORD Jesus Christ, have said, “Yes!”, to the perfect love of GOD, The Father, and have been delivered from fear. Fear comes from participating with the spirit of the world. (Participating = agreeing, aligning or partnering with it in some way.)…
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”” (Romans 8:15, NKJV)
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NKJV)
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18, NKJV)
When we receive The Spirit of God, the perfect love of God floods our heart (See Rom. 5:5). Once love floods our heart, we have faith to hope in what God has said. The Spirit of God causes us to see things differently. We begin to see things as God sees them. We start believing that nothing is impossible and all things are possible if we believe.
The spirit of the world produces fear and bondage. This keeps us from moving forward or challenging the status quo. If we appraise our situation with the wisdom of the world, we will either work it out according to natural understanding, making sure that we protect ourself, or we will remain inactive in the worst possible conditions. Why does an addict never leave his chosen substance? Fear of dealing with the pain of leaving it or fear of dealing with the thing that drove him into it. There are other fears, but the spirit of the world produces fear that leads to bondage.
But God.
With the wisdom and power of God abiding with us and in us through the person of Holy Spirit, we are able to believe and see things in a new and living way - full of righteousness, peace and joy.“
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:16–17, NKJV)
“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:13–16, NKJV)
We have the mind of Christ because Holy Spirit provides it to us. We can say this about so much of God’s enabling power. We have the wisdom of God, the power of God, the anointing of God, the peace of God and the faith of God.
When we enter a situation or some unforeseen thing enters our living space, we have a choice. Will I listen to The Spirit of God or to the spirit of the world? Do I want the wisdom of God or wisdom of man? Will I respond in faith or fear? I know what our answer will be! We will respond in faith by The Spirit of God.
Seeking Jesus First every day makes this the more normal and consistent response. We are already spending time with God and resting in His Spirit. So, we just pray in the spirit and seek His wisdom. Right? I know. Sometimes, we seem to be caught off guard. This is why we consult with The One Who is never caught “flat-footed”.
When there is no time to respond, don’t do anything but pray in The Spirit and call on Christ Jesus for help. Please, make time to Seek Jesus First every day. He knows what is coming and will prepare us in ways that we are not even aware of.
When there is time to respond, (make time), pray in the spirit and call on Christ Jesus for help. Wait on The LORD. Be still. Ask Holy Spirit to show you the best way to move forward. Also, don’t put off this part because you have time. Do it early and as often as you can. Get the wisdom of God and move forward without delay unless He says to delay.
If you are having difficulty hearing God’s wisdom, fast. Stop eating and stay longer in His presence. Commune with God. Take communion, both naturally and spiritually. Enter God’s rest and do not let fear or anger lead.
“Our Father, thank You for delivering us from fear and bondage of every kind. Your love is perfect and Your perfect love is flooding my heart by Your Spirit . I receive it and rely on it. I decree that I am a loving son of God, dearly beloved of God. As a son of Your house, I am free to dwell in the house with you. I come boldly through Christ into Your throne of grace and receive mercy and grace for everything I need. Thank You Jesus!.”