TSP DEVOTIONAL
FIRST & ABOVE ALL
Dr. Phil Ransom-Bello
KEY SCRIPTURE/MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 6:33(TPT)
“So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.
As we learnt yesterday, it is important for the believer to take the time to evaluate every decision/choice through the lens of what it costs you.
You must ask yourself- do my cravings or desires come at a cost that reflects unwavering love for God or love for the world?
Does it come at God’s expense? Is it outside the design of His will?
If you can answer these questions, then you can tell if the gospel is manifesting the fruit of increasing disdain for the world in you.
It comes down to perspective and priority. If the things of God are the first to suffer or go under, that is a sure sign that you are loving the world. That’s not the love of the Father.
What then is the difference between we who are believers and those in the world who crave and go after desires, lusts that are outside of God’s will?
What’s the difference?
In Matthew 6:33, scripture instructs us to seek first God’s kingdom.
The Bible clearly describes what our priority ought to be. It’s God’s kingdom first.
For example, you will not seek for money at any cost or outside the confines of His template for making money.
Or you won’t go after sex outside of the confines of His will, which is marriage.
Money, sex, these things are not bad but God has a will for you concerning how you handle them.
If you engage in sex outside of marriage, it is wrong.
If you seek for money the way those in the world do, it’s become an idol and you know it is impossible to serve two masters as Jesus said in Matthew 6:24;
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Dear believer, you belong to a kingdom. Represent in your choices!
You won’t see the King or Princess of a kingdom dressing or adopting the culture of another kingdom. They stand for their culture always.
Hear me friends;
It’s kingdom FIRST.
It’s kingdom ABOVE ALL.
REFLECTION
Have I been seeking kingdom first or as an afterthought?
DECLARATION
-I believe in the good news of the gospel, that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus has announced the provision of forgiveness of my sins.
-I don’t just know the gospel, I live the gospel. I am transformed by the gospel. The gospel is working through me.
-The hearing of the gospel produces the fruits of Genuine Faith, Love for all the Saints and Hope of a Guaranteed Future in me.
-The fruits of the gospel are not a product of my ability but are generated supernaturally.
-The fruit of the gospel produces an increasing disdain for the things of the world.
-I am careful to rein in my cravings/desires within the bounds of God’s will.
-Nothing comes at God’s expense for me.
-My perspectives and priorities represent love for God and not a love for the world.
-I represent the culture of God’s kingdom always.
-I seek God’s kingdom FIRST and ABOVE ALL.
Praise God!
HEARING BY THE WORD
(Recommended Listening)
Listen to Fruits of the Gospel 5>> Dr. Phil by The StandPoint Church on #SoundCloud
