January 2021 | Seek First
One month of the new year accomplished and wow, lots has happened. I didn’t know what to expect coming into 2021 given what this previous year was, but I have been and still am so much looking forward to what the Lord has in store. Though I know some of the greatest challenges for us as the Church are ahead, it excites me to know that the harvest is growing ever larger and our duty is being fulfilled for Jesus.
This month I’ve been spending a lot of time in Luke as well as Joshua. Weird combo, I know. In my time reading I keep asking God why He’s placing me in these portions of Scripture and I felt lead to share what He’s given me. I’m not the type to be preachy, but here’s to getting out of my comfort zone.
Going head first into Joshua, a key verse that I’m sure many know is Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Upon reading this, I reflected on the trying times that I’ve been going through recently and even my friends globally and the troubles that they’ve been facing. This verse struck true as a reminder that wherever I am (even being stuck at home) that He’s with me and given me all I need and to do what He has commissioned to do.
Also in Luke, Jesus reminds us that with everything happening around us that He has us and tells us not to worry.
“For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”
Before we do anything, He tells us to “seek first the Kingdom of God” as it says in Matthew. Before we seek ANYTHING. Before we seek for unity, racial equality, vaccines, ends to corruption, coping mechanisms, impeachments, and even other people; let us always seek first the Kingdom that Jesus has prepared for us in Him.
We need to ask ourselves the question of who’s side we are on. In Joshua 5:13-14, A Man (being Jesus) stood before Joshua and he asked Him,
“Are You for us or for our adversaries?”
And He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”
Jesus isn’t on our side or anyones side. He’s on His own. It’s up to us to partner with Him and live with the heavenly perspective that He gives. If we aren’t on His side, we won’t know how to “be of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed”.
If we aren’t on the side of Jesus, we won’t “seek first the Kingdom of God”, we’ll seek out others. The minds of men are warped as it says in Proverbs 12:8. Isaiah even says in chapter 55:8-9,
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
My prayer over myself and for everyone is that we forsake the mind of the flesh and the ways of sin, to push past our own mindset and see the way Jesus sees that we may be strong and not afraid in the days/weeks/months/years ahead. To side with the Lord and say no to all the other voices, except His.
Okay! That’s all! Again, I pray that this rings true in your spirit and that you carry the reality of Jesus in an even grander way!
If you’d like to support me financially, you can do so using the link. Thank you!
www.paypal.me/JosiahDavidGibbs
Prayer Requests: New Zealand | Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, announced last week that New Zealand’s border will be closed for the entire year, so be praying for the YWAM base as well as me because I am very upset over this. I believe the Lord will have me back there in his timing though.
Victory Church | Since I’m still on staff and we’ve been seeing a lot of growth, pray that the Lord gives us the means to grow and for a building/property (soon 😅).
Guidance | May be a bit vague, I’m just asking God some questions that are on my heart and not sure what He want me to do with them.
Answered Prayers: Harbour Church | I’ve been attending a home church in the area and the Lord has given me some awesome connections and I got to go to a worship night with them seeing Dante Bowe!
Plane Tickets | From all the way back in March 2020, when my Outreach got canceled, I finally got my refund on my flight expenses! $1,352 ! Thank you Jesus!
Music To Check Out:
Move Your Heart | Maverick City Music & UPPERROOM
Early Work, Vol. 2 | Josh Garrels
Fractioned Heart | Gable Price & Friends
The Streets (feat. John Mark McMillan) - Single | Strahan
House of Miracles | Brandon Lake