Seek God not God's gifts!

Ol' Spurgeon said, “Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement." The Christian life, life on a mission, working for God, brings exciting things when you dive in headlong. However, the biblical pattern has us sweating for the Lord in His service much more than shouting for joy from novelty and excitement. "Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62 ESV) #pilgrimpath

We've got to be discerning in this age of grifters and conmen. God brings fresh winds and fires to those who are faithful, diligent, and obedient. He usually sends the wind to cool you at midday as you plow the field for planting for the harvest of souls for the Kingdom.

He tends to reward those who seek Him with His presence and power. He seldom rewards those who seek what He has to offer with much of anything. "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

Be mindful of motive in our pursuits of God and godly things. It's one thing to love my wife and as fruit of that love she gives something to me, like my wonderful multi-tool that says "I love you on it." I don't use her as a "gift buying machine." If that's all she was to me, what kind of relationship would that be? It's the same way with our relationship with God!

Seek the gift-giver out of love and gratitude for life and love. And notice too, my wife's no dummy. Hardly! She gave me a gift that I love and I use it all the time. God gives us gifts to use to be a blessing in the world and the build the Kingdom. It can be exciting to use those gifts. The work may take us to interesting places.

However, at the end of the day, the gifts God gives us are for accomplishing the mission to which we have all been assigned, Kingdom Building! Don't settle for excitement. That's a cheap substitute for the fruit of obedience and the joy of digging our own hands deep into the soil of God's garden to plant seeds leading to a great harvest. #ObedienceIsBetterThanSacrifice

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God." (II Corinthians 9:10-12 ESV) #supplyandmultiply