The Main Thing: Seek First the Kingdom of God

By Pastora Monique Lopez Ong

Matthew 6:33 says, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Many come to church and do many things for the Lord but in truth, they do not have a vibrant, fresh and deep relationship with God.

Like Abraham, where his faith was counted as righteousness to God.

Like Noah, who obeyed without question when God told him to build an arc even when there was no sign of rain and walked faithfully with Him.

Like Enoch, who was so close to the Lord that he did not die; instead God took him as he is.

Like Moses, who saw God face to face and spoke to Him like a friend.

That level.

Surely, not many have that kind of deep relationship with God. You need to seek God to encounter Him. It’s not enough to read your bibles. Don’t just read to check your list. Jeremiah 28:13-14 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”” When you seek Him, He will make Himself known to you. A lifestyle of prayer is needed in the journey of encountering the God of the word.

The 4 STEPS OF LECTIO DIVINA - reading prayerfully and having a living conversation with God, focusing on listening for personal guidance that leads into a breathtaking devotion and love encounter with Jesus.

1.   Lectio (Reading): Read a short Scripture passage slowly, perhaps multiple times, listening for a word or phrase that stands out.

2.   Meditatio (Meditation): Reflect on the chosen word or phrase, asking what it means for you personally and how it applies to your life, savouring it like 'chewing the cud.

3.   Oratio (Prayer): Respond to God from the heart, offering prayers, praises, or requests based on what youve heard.

4.   Contemplatio (Contemplation): Rest in God's presence, letting go of words and simply being with God, allowing His peace to fill you, sometimes described as tasting the joys of everlasting sweetness.

Have you noticed how to pray? Pray from the word of God.  You may ask God for anything in His name and He will do it. When you pray, pray upward. Converse with God first. And then pray outward. Declare the word of God to others. Turn whatever you’re reading into conversation. Journal everything. Record everything and keep track of your responses.