This was the first healing service for the year 2017 and God honoured us with His awesome presence. Also, we heard testimonies of salvation from a group of cultist from Bera, who openly declared their faith in God and affirmed continuity in kingdom activities. See more details here.
The message by the International Director was titled “The Power of Spiritual Desire” (Matthew 5:6). Introducing the topic, he stated that approaching life without any desire is a sign post to failure, as seeking for anything is a product of desire. He also said that, the capacity to search for anything comes when there is a desire. Furthermore, the sermon exposed a vacuum in the heart of every man and the efforts we put in, geared towards filling that vacuum– as declared by Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:1-3). This vaccum is, however, not physical and cannot be bought by money (Jeremiah 2:13). Nevertheless, some believe that having physical possessions can bring satisfaction or fill that void, not knowing that even acquisition of these wealth could increase sorrow. It is necessary to note that, God sees it as evil, when individuals forsake Him to find satisfaction elsewhere.
The sermon also revealed that spiritual desire can launch one into God’s purpose for their life, but for this to take place, our spirit needs to be alive. Being hungry or thirsty is a sign of life (Matthew 6:33) thus having no craving for righteousness, implies that our spirit is either sick or dead. As water and food is to the body, so is righteousness to the spiritual body.
To fulfil God’s purpose for our life, we must seek God first. This is possible when we become part of His kingdom. Kingdom here refers to the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in our personal life. It also refers to salvation, which requires you to live according to the directives of Christ by submitting to His Lordship. Anyone who does not recognize Him as Lord over their life, is not qualified to be part of His kingdom. Another relevant part of seeking the kingdom is spreading the gospel of the kingdom through soul winning and discipleship.
The second level of spiritual desire is seeking His righteousness. Righteousness means being right with God and with man. It means Purity of heart and uprightness of life. It also emphasizes living in accordance with the standards of God’s kingdom, which requires our heart and life to be in conformity with God’s word. It is therefore not about how people see you but how the Spirit of God agrees with your Spirit in the things you do. At this point our motives are judged according to God’s standards (Matthew 5:20). Matthew 5:21 shows some examples of righteous standards. The standard of the kingdom requires a pure heart, so we must constantly examine the state of our heart.
The danger of failing to seek His kingdom and righteousness is that you will not enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:22, 23). Thus frequent examination of our lives is important. If you must fulfil God's purpose, first things must be first: The Kingdom and Righteousness.
Some questions you should ask to know if seeking the kingdom is your priority are:
- Where and for what am I primarily putting my energy and why am I doing it?
- Am I living for temporal things or for eternal things?
The blessing of spiritual desire
- Filled: Matthew 5:6 – Those who go after righteousness will be filled and once you are filled, there would be no space for worry, fear etc. Also, you will have godliness and contentment.
- Answers to prayer: Psalm 34:17 - When you seek righteousness, God will hear you when you cry.
- God will not forsake you: Psalm 37:25 - The blessings of righteousness will follow you and your seed.
- Flourish: Proverbs 11:28 – You will flourish and not know dryness.
- Protection: Proverbs 18:10 – No matter the level of insecurity, you are protected.
- Boldness: Proverbs 28:1 – Righteousness will make you bold as nothing can intimidate you.
- Open Doors: Isaiah 26:2 – There are open gates for you because righteousness opens doors
To access these blessings, we must not compromise. Not seeking God’s kingdom shows a misplaced priority and one who exhibits such will not go far with God, neither will he/she find fulfillment. Even though they are Christians, they will only live like the ungodly who focus on earthly possessions (Matthew 6:32). So, let our focus be on Christ and His righteousness, as we exist to please the King. Finally, do not be satisfied with the level of righteousness you operate on now, SEEK MORE!
