The progression here: desire, seek, teach. If we end our night with our heart set on God and desiring Him, then He will be the first thing we seek in the morning. In other words, preparation for morning Bible time starts the evening before. If we squander our evening to where we are exhausted and rushed in the morning, how does that prepare us to seek God?
"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word...And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:4, 7
God's Word increased, followers of God multiplied. But that came after the dedication of prayer and the ministry of God's Word. Also, it came after men were faithful to do their part--some of the men weren't ministering in the Word, per se, but were serving tables. What if they hadn't been faithful? God uses every part of the body in many different ways.
"Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:7-8
It takes courage and strength to obey God's Word in the midst of the world. Yielding to the pulls and beliefs of the world proves our lack of courage and trust in God.
"And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:" Joshua 7:20
If Achan had just waited, he could have rightfully received his garment, silver, and gold. Impatience and greed may provide us short-term enjoyment, but waiting for God to bless in His time is always far better than "what we missed out on" before. Is there something we just can't wait to have? Be patient...not an Achan.
What Old Testament character have you learned from?
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