Seek Ye First

With Jesus as understood, a personal hero of mine Trey Gowdy [1], spoke at a Texas church a few days before the Fourth of July 2020. His message touched my heart and was the best message I had ever heard from any pulpit, anywhere. His closing was simple, but profound. He spoke of the Declaration of Independence namely, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

During the Pursuit of happiness section, he told the congregation of meeting two nuns at the airport. After talking with them, he deduced that they did not have much but they were the most content and joyful people he had ever met and were living out a verse in the Bible.

v33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [Matthew 6:33 KJV]

…all these things shall be added unto you.” This was a powerful message. If it does not bring tears to your eyes, check your pulse. 😊 I expected nothing less from Trey, and I was not disappointed. He suggested we read the Beatitudes [2]. “Blessed… Are.” Like Trey, I was ashamed of how few of them I could check off. I encourage you to read them as well. I guarantee you; you will all be emotionally hit by his message. If ever there was a message for today, this is the one. If it is even possible, I have a new respect for the man. I knew he was a believer, but preach? (I will post a link below to the churches Youtube channel. I encourage you to watch it for a huge blessing.)

Lord, in these trying times, help us to paint the picture of the rest of our lives. Help us to identify the name of our prison. We are tired of living there. We rely on you Lord to guide us away from the spirit of familiarity. And like Red in the Shawshank Redemption, help us to function once we are outside the gate of our prison. We have lost our way Lord and need your guidance back into your plans for our lives. I pray not only for the leaders of our land but for all leaders of the world, at every level that they will legislate morality and common sense. Lord, we thank you for this wonderful gift of America. Please forgive us for mistreating that gift in these last days. Father, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the precious name of your son, Jesus, AMEN.

The Son will set you free. [3]
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[1] Search on YouTube < Special guest speaker | former U.S. Congressman Trey Gowdy >
[2] Matthew 5:3-12
[3] John 8:36

Psalm 91

Sorry, my dear readers that I’ve been gone so long. Thanks for following my blog and for being a loyal follower. Truth be told, it got to be too much for me. I have ILD [1]. The doctors told me that once diagnosed, it’s 3-5, maybe 4-6 if it goes into IPF [2] and they diagnosed it 2-3 years ago. But praise God, I believe in the great physician, Jesus Christ.

I like the way my sister says it best, “I’m going to leave this ole world completely exhausted,” having spent it all. Like before, I’ll try and post one every Monday, unless the Lord comes for me on a weekend, in which case, I’ll see you at Christ’s place. In the meantime, enjoy Psalm 91. I’ll continue next Monday with Staying on Course.

Ps 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Ps 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Ps 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Ps 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Ps 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Ps 91:6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
Ps 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Ps 91:8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Ps 91:9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
Ps 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Ps 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Ps 91:12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Ps 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Ps 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Ps 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Ps 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Lord, thank you for dying for me and for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful life and family. Thanks for being my refuge and my fortress and my God. I will trust in you always.

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength [3].

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[1]. Interstitial Lung disease
[2]. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
[3]. Mark 12:30, 31