First Words 9-26-22

The following two statements are true of most people regardless of gender or generation: First, we do not always want what we need and secondly, we do not always need what we want.

What we all really need is more of God in our lives. Much of life’s energy and efforts are spent on pursuing what we want while we neglect what we really need. The truth is, we will pursue what we hunger and long for. Proverbs 16:26 says, “He who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on”.

So, I propose a provocative question: What is it that you long for… crave and hunger for… in the depths of your soul? Do you hunger for a move of God that refreshes, renews, and revives you in your walk with God?

Spoken by Jesus and recorded by Matthew, Matthew 5:6 provides both promise and premise for those who want more of God: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled”. We quote this verse to those who seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit….and rightfully so. It is a sure promise. The Lord never turns His back on the hungry. Many people can quote chapter and verse of Philippians 4:19. “Certainly God shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. He’s a blessing God and meets our needs. But the greatest need for God to meet in our life is not always in the areas of health and wealth. In Mark 4:19, in the Parable of the Sower, the seed of the Word was sown but, was unproductive because of “the desire for other things”. When one’s desire for other things exceeds his/her desire for God then the sowing of God’s Word in their life becomes unfruitful.

Another matter to be considered is, people will never hunger for that which they know nothing of. In the church, giving people what they want doesn’t fulfill our responsibility if what they want is not what they need to deepen and strengthen their walk with God. It is a universal truth: A person’s spiritual diet will determine their spiritual destiny.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just an option or alternative or just one of many provisions offered to us by God. Every Christian absolutely needs the Holy Spirit Baptism. The outpouring of God’s Spirit comes to those who hunger for it. If those we minister to lack hunger for God and His Presence, may God give us wisdom to know how to increase their hunger. A hunger for God not only results in manifestations of His Power but, an increased desire for what He desires: the saving of the lost. May our prayer be: Lord, fill me, infuse me, and empower me with your Spirit that I may be a witness to the Lost of your love, mercy, and grace.