Above All Else, Seek the Kingdom of God

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Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”  Matthew 22:37-38

What does it mean to truly love God with all your being? Jesus commanded it, yet the actual application of this teaching may be confusing. Let’s explore this concept more.

Loving God means to obey His commands, particularly the ones of Jesus which emphasize living in a way where you love and forgive others despite what they have done to you.

John 14:15 says: "If you love me, keep my commands."

Romans 12:1-2 says: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Loving God with everything you are means to obey, the only way you can obey is by knowing what He commands, and the only way to know what He commands is through reading The Holy Bible and prayer, while meditating on His words every day.

Psalm 143:10 : Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trusting in God completely, rather than relying on one's own understanding. It also urges acknowledging God in all aspects of life, promising divine guidance in return. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart:
This means placing complete faith and reliance on God, not just in certain areas of life, but in every aspect of your being.
And lean not on your own understanding:
This advises against relying solely on your own limited knowledge and wisdom when making decisions. 

In all your ways acknowledge Him:
This emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring God in all your actions and choices. 

He will make your paths straight :
This is a promise that if you trust and acknowledge God, He will guide you on the right path, even when you can't see the way ahead. 

Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might". 

This verse, known as part of the Shema, emphasizes a comprehensive love for God, encompassing one's entire being. It highlights the importance of wholehearted devotion to God in all aspects of life. 

All your heart:
This refers to the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Loving God with all your heart means a complete and undivided devotion that affects all thoughts, decisions, and feelings.

All your soul:
The soul represents one's life force or essence. Loving God with all your soul signifies a dedication that extends to every aspect of your life and being.

All your might:
This refers to one's strength, resources, and efforts. Loving God with all your might means utilizing your physical abilities and material resources in service to God.

To love your neighbor as yourself means to treat others with the same kindness, compassion, and consideration that you would want for yourself. It's about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person and acting in ways that promote their well-being, just as you would your own. This includes respecting their needs, desires, and feelings, and striving to understand their perspective, even if it differs from your own.

• Recognize Shared Humanity: Understanding that all people are fundamentally the same, with the same basic needs and desires for happiness and well-being. 
• Act with Kindness and Compassion: Extending genuine care and concern for others, offering support when needed, and showing empathy for their experiences. 
• Respect Boundaries and Dignity: Treating others with respect, recognizing their autonomy, and avoiding actions that could cause them harm or offense. 
• Seek Their Good: Actively working towards the betterment of others, just as you would for yourself. 
• Avoid Selfishness and Judgment: Putting aside self-centeredness and striving to understand and appreciate others without judgment. 

In essence, loving your neighbor as yourself involves a shift in perspective, moving beyond self-interest to consider the needs and well-being of others as equally important. It's about fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect, creating a more compassionate and harmonious world. 

The idea that humans were "created by God for God" is a fundamental concept in many religions, particularly in Christianity and Judaism. It emphasizes that God's purpose in creation, including the creation of humanity, is ultimately for His own glory and pleasure. This means that our lives are meant to be lived in accordance with God's will and to reflect His nature and character.

Divine Purpose:
The belief that humans were created "for God" suggests that our existence has a specific purpose ordained by God. It's not random or accidental, but rather a deliberate act of creation with a particular goal in mind. 

Reflection of God:
Being made in God's image, as stated in the Bible, implies that humans are meant to reflect God's attributes and character. This can be seen in our capacity for love, reason, creativity, and moral awareness. 

Living for God's Glory:
The concept of "God's glory" is central to many theological perspectives. It refers to God's inherent worth, beauty, and perfection. Living for God's glory means aligning our lives with His will, seeking to honor Him in all we do. 

Worship and Relationship:
A key aspect of living for God is engaging in worship, which involves acknowledging His greatness and expressing our love and devotion. It also means cultivating a personal relationship with God through prayer, study of scripture, and obedience. 

Examples in Scripture:
Passages like Isaiah 43:7, which states, "Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory," and Colossians 1:16, which says, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible...all things have been created through him and for him," highlight this idea of creation being for God's purpose and glory.
Different Interpretations:
While the core concept is widely accepted, different religions and denominations may have varying interpretations of what it means to live "for God". Some emphasize obedience to specific laws or commands, while others focus on love, compassion, and social justice.
Meaning and Fulfillment:
Ultimately, the belief that we are created by God for His purposes can provide a sense of meaning and fulfillment in life. Knowing that we were created with intention and that our lives have value in God's larger plan can be a source of comfort, motivation, and purpose. 

Colossians 3:23-24

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving

The quote "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" comes from Colossians 3:23 in the Bible. It emphasizes approaching work with a wholehearted effort and recognizing that ultimately, we are serving God rather than just our earthly employers. This perspective can transform our attitude towards work, fostering diligence, integrity, and a sense of purpose.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
"Whatever you do...":
This phrase highlights that the principle applies to all aspects of life, encompassing not just professional work but also any task or activity we undertake.
"...work at it with all your heart...":
This signifies a commitment to putting in our best effort, approaching work with enthusiasm, dedication, and a positive attitude.
"...as working for the Lord, not for human masters...":
This emphasizes the spiritual dimension of work, reminding us that our work is ultimately for God's glory and that we are accountable to Him.
Potential Benefits:
Improved Work Ethic: Recognizing God as our ultimate employer can motivate us to be more diligent, responsible, and conscientious in our work.
Sense of Purpose: Viewing work as a form of service to God can give our work a deeper meaning and purpose beyond mere financial gain.
Positive Attitude: A focus on serving God can help us cultivate a more positive and grateful attitude towards our work, even when facing challenges or difficulties. 

In many religions, family and marriage are viewed as institutions ordained by God, reflecting divine purposes and serving as pathways to spiritual growth. These concepts are often intertwined with the idea of reflecting God's love and character within the family unit and through the marriage covenant.
Family:
God's Design:
Many faiths see the family as God's foundational institution for human life, established at creation to fulfill his purposes.
Reflecting God's Love:
Family relationships, including those between parents and children, are seen as opportunities to reflect God's love, grace, and character.
Spiritual Growth:
Family life provides a context for spiritual development, teaching values, and nurturing faith through shared experiences and traditions.
Marriage:
Covenant Relationship:
Marriage is often understood as a sacred covenant between a husband and wife, reflecting God's covenant with his people.
Reflecting Christ and the Church:
In Christian contexts, marriage can be viewed as a symbolic representation of Christ's relationship with the church, with husbands and wives reflecting the roles of Christ and his bride.
Partnership and Unity:
Marriage is seen as a partnership where individuals can grow together spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, becoming "one flesh" in God's design.
Intertwined Concepts:
Sacred Purpose:
Both family and marriage are seen as sacred institutions with a divine purpose, intended to bring glory to God and reflect his character.
Challenges and Growth:
Marriage and family life are also acknowledged as areas where individuals face challenges and opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
Living Witnesses:
Families and marriages that are centered on God are seen as living witnesses to his love, grace, and faithfulness, impacting not only those within the family but also the wider community. 

I was recipiently encouraged by my church to invite Anyone and Everyone to church. You are not alone. Help is near. 

Woodland Hills Family Church

3953 Green Mountain Dr, Branson, MO 65616

According to the Bible, Christians should go to church primarily for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. The Bible emphasizes the importance of gathering together for mutual encouragement, teaching, and service within a community of believers.
Here's a more detailed look at the biblical reasons for church attendance:
1. Worship and Adoration: The Bible emphasizes that God is worthy of worship and adoration. Church provides a dedicated space for believers to corporately express their praise and devotion to God.
2. Fellowship and Community: The Bible encourages believers to build relationships with one another and to support each other in their faith journeys. Church provides a community where believers can find belonging, encouragement, and accountability.
3. Spiritual Growth and Edification: The Bible teaches that Christians are to grow in their faith and knowledge of God. Church provides opportunities for learning through sermons, Bible studies, and other teaching ministries. It also offers a context for spiritual gifts to be exercised and for believers to be equipped for ministry.
4. Obedience to God's Command: Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to forsake gathering together. This is interpreted by many as a command to participate in church life.
5. Receiving Spiritual Gifts: The Bible teaches that every believer has unique spiritual gifts given by God. Church provides a context for these gifts to be discovered, developed, and used to build up the body of Christ.
6. Serving Others: Church provides opportunities to serve others, both within the church community and in the wider world. This service is seen as a way to express love for God and for others.
7. Partaking in Sacraments: Practices like baptism and communion are often observed within the context of a local church. These sacraments are seen as important expressions of faith and reminders of God's grace.
In summary, the Bible presents church attendance as an integral part of the Christian life, emphasizing its role in worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth, as well as obedience to God's commands. 

The phrase "one Nation under God" is a significant part of the United States Pledge of Allegiance. The words were added to the Pledge in 1954 during the Cold War era. Many members of Congress wanted to distinguish the United States from the officially atheistic Soviet Union, according to the Pew Research Center.
Meaning
The phrase "one Nation under God" has several interpretations:
United under divine providence: The 50 individual states are united as a single Republic under the divine providence of God.
Equal citizenship before God: Every citizen and every part of the country has equal citizenship before God, signifying no preferential treatment under the law.
Dependence on God and submission to His expectations: The phrase may convey America's dependence on God and submission to God's expectations for justice.
Indissoluble nation: Fostering a civil religion, including the phrase "one nation under God," could lead Americans to consider their nation sacred and thus indissoluble.
Controversy
The inclusion of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance has sparked debate, primarily concerning the separation of church and state:
Some argue that requiring students to recite the Pledge, particularly with the religious reference, infringes upon their rights to freedom of expression and religious freedom.
Critics contend that keeping "under God" in the Pledge implies government endorsement of religion as desirable, and that it specifically endorses the Judeo-Christian concept of a single deity, potentially alienating those with different beliefs or no belief in a deity.
Others argue that the phrase does not establish religion, but rather offers a patriotic expression reflecting the importance of religion in the nation's heritage.
Individuals can choose to omit "under God" when reciting the Pledge if it bothers them.
Legal challenges
The addition of "under God" has led to several lawsuits questioning its constitutionality:
In 2002, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the addition unconstitutional, citing a violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. This decision was later overturned by the Supreme Court in 2004, but the court did not directly address the church-state separation issue.
One prominent case, Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, involved an atheist who argued the school's pledge requirement violated his daughter's rights. The Supreme Court ruled against Newdow, stating he lacked sufficient custody over his daughter to bring the suit.
In a separate but related lawsuit in 2010, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the pledge did not violate students' rights because they could choose not to participate.
In conclusion, "one Nation under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance during the Cold War, reflecting the prevailing desire to differentiate the United States from communist nations. Its meaning is open to interpretation, with perspectives ranging from acknowledging divine providence to representing equal citizenship before God. However, the phrase's inclusion has led to ongoing legal and cultural debate regarding the separation of church and state. 

Fisher of men" is a metaphor, rooted in the Bible, that describes the act of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others, inviting them to follow him and become his disciples. It signifies engaging in evangelism and spreading the gospel, much like a fisherman casts a net to catch fish. This metaphor emphasizes the idea of drawing people to faith and incorporating them into the Christian community.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Biblical Origin:
The phrase originates from the Gospels where Jesus calls his first disciples, who were fishermen, to follow him and become "fishers of men".
Metaphorical Meaning:
The act of fishing, with its unpredictability and need for patience and skill, is used to illustrate the process of sharing the Christian message.
Sharing the Gospel:
"Fishers of men" implies actively sharing the good news of Jesus, inviting others to experience faith and become followers of Christ.
Building a Community:
The goal is not just to convert individuals but also to build a community of believers who support and encourage one another.
Evangelistic Approach:
The phrase suggests an active, outward-focused approach to sharing faith, rather than a passive or insular one.
Patience and Perseverance:
Just as fishermen persevere despite setbacks, being a "fisher of men" requires patience, persistence, and resilience in the face of challenges and potential rejection, according to Christianity.com. 

I, Brandon Cope, personally want to hear your testimony. I aim to encourage others to speak God's goodness into the world. 

Sharing your God testimony involves recounting your personal journey and transformation through faith in God. It's a way to express how God has impacted your life and to encourage others. When crafting your testimony, focus on honesty, brevity, and keeping Christ central. Consider structuring your story around your past life, your encounter with God, and the changes you've experienced.
Here's a more detailed guide:
1. Preparation:
Reflect:
Think about your life before encountering God, the moment you recognized your need for Him, and the changes you've experienced since then.
Focus on Jesus:
Emphasize how Jesus has impacted your life, rather than just detailing your past struggles, according to Dwell Community Church.
Keep it concise:
Aim for a brief, impactful message, ideally within 3-4 minutes.
Use Scripture:
Incorporate relevant Bible verses to strengthen your message and add depth.
2. Structure:
Before:
Briefly describe your life before faith, highlighting any challenges or struggles you faced.
The Turning Point:
Explain how you encountered God, whether through a specific event or a gradual realization.
After:
Share the positive changes and blessings you've experienced since placing your faith in God.
3. Delivery:
Be authentic:
Share your story honestly and vulnerably, focusing on your personal experience, says missioncentral.church.
Be relatable:
Consider how your experiences might resonate with others who are searching for hope or meaning.
Be mindful of your audience:
Tailor your testimony to the specific context and those who will be listening.
Focus on the positive:
Highlight the hope, joy, and peace that a relationship with God has brought you, according to The Redeemed.
Give God the glory:
Remember that your testimony is ultimately about God's work in your life.
4. Sharing:
Personal conversations: Share your testimony with friends, family, and those you meet.
Public speaking: Consider sharing your testimony in church or other community settings.
Creative expression: You can also share your testimony through writing, music, or other creative outlets.
Why share your testimony?
Glorify God: Sharing your testimony brings honor and praise to God for His work in your life.
Encourage others: Your story can inspire and encourage those who are struggling or seeking faith.
Fulfill a calling: Many believe that sharing their faith is a command from God.
Bring hope: Your testimony can offer hope and a sense of purpose to others.