Seekers

Many times in life I have sought after something. Sometimes it has been for information that would solve a problem I faced.

There was a time that I searched for a wife. The Bible says: He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing. Many times I have scoured my old tool boxes in search of a particular screw1 nail, or bolt. In some cases it would appear to have been simple matters, in other cases it may have been a major search.

In times in which I have really needed to find a certain thing, I*ve gone about it with great intensity. I know that it is somewhere; but where. I*ve been a seeker on many an occasion. All to often I haven*t found what I sought after.

Christopher Columbus has made his name known for the simple reason that he too had become a seeker. After a time of laboring in shipping related jobs Columbus came to the conclusion that there had to be more land out across the seas than people realized. It wasn*t the easiest task to persuade anybody to believe it like he did. Finally; he convinced the Spanish to support him in his quest to find new countries.

So; in August of 1492, Columbus became a major seeker. After a time on the boisterous seas he was rewarded with the discovery of America. Columbus must have read the passage in the Bible where it says:

It had taken some persistence, but it had paid off. Had he not been a seeker, he would not have been a founder of new colonies. In the years between 1510 to 1550 the Spanish were enticed with stories of great wealth in gold and other metals of value. They made their way to Mexico in search of these reports of gold.

The place that they were told of was called:“ The Seven Cities of Cibola. “ After quite a lengthy time of exploration for this pot of gold they finally came to Cibola. The findings were not to their liking. All that they found was some Indian villages. Nothing of any value was uncovered.

One disappointment didn*t deter them. They received messages that their was gold in another place and set out in that direction. Only to find that once again it was a wild goose chase. Time after time this was the case. But that didn*t stop them from seeking again another time.

I myself have often searched for wealth in all the wrong places. I*ve put all the wheels in motion to achieve in a particular area, and then in the final outcome I*ve come away empty. It seems that the search for gold has all to often ended up in attaining fools* gold.

People today are searching for things all the time. If they don*t find it in the material aspect, they look for it in other areas. This search can take many directions. Some people look for what they need by leaving their mate to look for another who will satisfy that longing for a certain kind of fulfillment.

Where does the seeker stop and say that they*ve found it? Several years ago there was a saying that I read on bumper stickers that went as follows: I found it “

In the Bible I find a relevant passage of scripture that says:“ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 11 Timothy 3:7

Many a person has wandered into forbidden territory,* when in their search for fulfillment they have fallen prey to an enemy of destruction. In the area of the cults, and the occult, the lives of a great number of people have been devastated.

When one finds themselves in a state of dissatisfaction with how life seems to be treating them, it seems as if they are on a journey in the dark. When you are traveling in a dark tunnel the first thing that you can see is the bright light; as you reach the end of this passageway. This is how it is when I am on a search for peace or some kind of other cure for what ails me.

The initial focal point for a seeker is when they find something or someone who gives them reason to be drawn towards them. In most cases you will hear people say that they were attracted by the warmth of feeling wanted. The front that is displayed for me by the group that desires to me is initially very attractive.

In the very early verses of the Bible I am presented with a package of picture cards that are irresistible to me. I am shown how the Great One prepared a place for me with every intention of my complete happiness in mind. You can read the thoughts of God when He finished this masterpiece.

Now; if it is within the realm of my desire to search for that special entity that will solve all my problems, then I think that this presentation in the book of Genesis would meet with my approval.

The route to this attractive garden of life is only lined with apple blossoms. Just like the spring of the year when everything springs to life.

The route to the false religions is also featured with fancy trimmings. The difference is that there is only one destination that will give me life forever in pure love. The other path will lead to all that wrong choices can give. Any time that I have made wrong decisions about a certain matter, there have been consequences of displeasure to me.

There are many books and religious attractions that can catch your eye. There is only one roadmap that has the facts lined out in precise order. The map that I speak of is the Bible. The words of the map maker go like this:

If I am on a trip across the world in a quest to see my dream location, I am going to run into some unsightly places, and some possible storms, as well as some disruptions in my schedule. This does not mean that when I finally get to my destination, that the thing I*ve set my heart to see is faulty as well. The route between one mountain peak, and another is filled with many a rock and a hard place. The joy is that when you reach the other peak your view is as awesome as the peak you left to get there.

When Jesus said: “ I am the way, the truth, and the life:... “ He never told me that I would never face a time where there would be discouraging moments.

In the journey that Jesus was faced with, beginning at His birth, there were many a moment that gave cause for discouragement. Even His birth began on a low note; if you consider that He being God, didn*t have a royal entrance. He was born in a stable.

If I am a seeker of pleasure, I need to count the cost. When I am in search of a job I need to check out some very important things. Such as; how much am I going to be paid. When is payday, and what am I going to have to do for the money that I get paid; are,.other relevant questions? If I am a seeker of eternal security, the check list is also vitally important.

If in doubt, check it out. I can*t look at everyone that names the name of Jesus to make a decision on whether or not Christianity is for me.

When I say: check it out, I am saying we might like to listen to the word being preached, and then do some homework on the subject. Here we go; just when you thought you*d have no more homework someone says that you*ll need make an effort to find the truth. The only place I know of to look, is the Book; the Bible.

There is no effort on God*s part to accept anyone who comes to Him for acceptance. When the Holy Spirit convinces you or I of the need to receive Jesus Christ, then we are able to throw all our effort on His shoulders. The rousing call to action has always been.

Many times the information that we have received along the way has been unclear. We may have gone to one place in our search for God and may have been told that if you do

Then you go to another source and they may say live it up; you only go around once. Things get really confusing when you start with the wrong source. Think back to the early part of this chapter. The story of the “ Seven Cities Of Cibola, is an example of someone who got a wrong message.

In a relay race the procedure is for one runner to pass on the baton to another runner in the race. This is followed till all the runners have finished the race. This is the view that I have about the words that I write to you. I*ve picked up the baton from another, and I am trying to successfully pass it on to you.

Many people in this life think that they can enter life beyond the grave by only being born in a natural state. Well,~ that is true to the extent that we will all live in one place or another. There is a common perception that I*ll go to heaven when I die because I*m not a bad person.

A goodly portion of the populous would agree that as long as they are not murderers or anything serious like that, they will end up in heaven. In my observance of the Holy scriptures I find that the entrance requirements are not considered to be based on my good works. Jesus own words will tell us that.

There arises in my spirit a sadness when I think of my inability to properly transmit the truth of the words of God; as written in the Bible. The intensity with which I wish to convey the message of the Son of God, seems to vibrate within me. There is recorded a story of a man who lived in the same time slot as did Jesus. He was a high ranking member of the Jewish people, and his name was Nicodemus. This man had access to historical documents, and that is why he knew that Jesus had an important connection with God. Nicodemus was aware of this because of the miracles that Jesus did.

The words that Jesus used in his conversation with this man were: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. When you use these words today someone may think that you believe in being reincarnated as another person, in another time; or they may associate the words born again, with someone who has made a mockery of what it stands for.

This Jewish gentleman had a hard time putting it into perspective. He couldn*t fathom the idea of putting a person already well aged back into the womb for rebirth. It was beyond his comprehension. It was the task of Jesus to convey to Nicodemus that this process was not accomplished in the manner of natural birth. He tried to convince this man that it was a spiritual relationship with almighty God, and nothing that any person could bring about.

Sometimes I*ve wondered why a person can*t seem to grasp what we are trying to tell them. Jesus seems to have had the same problem here. He wondered at the lack of this man*s understanding of the matter of being born again. When the heart of a person is not ready to receive the words of Jesus there is an apparent lack of understanding.

When you or I have come to the point of being a seeker, in regard to spiritual things, then words like: born again, can have potentially life changing effect. It*s at this ~ place in life .thatve are susceptible to the Spirit of God. I have been at that place many times, and turned my back on the calling of God to me. It was because of the fear of the opinion of others.

Excitement can be yours if God has sought after you; and you have sought after Him, and you come to an agreement. The prophet Isaiah had a way with words. It was he who painted such vivid pictures of Christ in prophetic tones. Come with me and look at a short dialogue. It has both the promise, and the caution which is included in a potential relationship with God.

Come now, let us reason together,” KJV. though you were wrong not to accept me, and though you have committed much evil, I am willing to let you eat of the good things of the land: If you will be obedient and willing to accept me as your Savior. If you won*t accept the great provisions which I have made available for your eternal safety, then there will be consequences to suffer. (J.Bergen) “ Come now, let us reason together, “ KJV.

Jesus not only spoke to the seeker in His days on this earth about needing a change in focus concerning spiritual matters. It has always been His invitation to all of mankind. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me. “

The Bible assures us that perfect love casts out all fear. He is not afraid to take a chance on you and I, We

need not be afraid that He will not consider us a worthy candidate for the kingdom of God. How could I say it better than the songwriter: Charlotte Elliott C 1789 — 1871 ), in a song that has been instrumental in leading thousands to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

“ God, if you don*t bother me any more, I promise, I*ll never bother you again. At some later date this person was confronted about being born again. His reply was: “ God has kept His part of the bargain; now it*s to late for me to bother Him. “ Isn*t it sad to think that you could never again approach this loving God? The Great One, who has given so much that you and I could share eternity with Him will receive you with open arms.

LORD, I hear you calling to me. I know that it*s You because I hear You weeping as You ask for my life. There is absolutely no reason why You should want me, in my way of thinking. I*m thankful that you see enough in me to want me. I*m sorry for the hurt that I have caused YOU. If you*ll have me: Here I am: Just the way I am.


	\| New Birth \| Riches To Rags! \| Seekers \| Home Chapter 3 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6 Many times in life I have sought after something. Sometimes it has been for information that would solve a problem I faced. There was a time that I searched for a wife. The Bible says: He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing. Many times I have scoured my old tool boxes in search of a particular screw1 nail, or bolt. In some cases it would appear to have been simple matters, in other cases it may have been a major search. In times in which I have really needed to find a certain thing, I*ve gone about it with great intensity. I know that it is somewhere; but where. I*ve been a seeker on many an occasion. All to often I haven*t found what I sought after. Christopher Columbus has made his name known for the simple reason that he too had become a seeker. After a time of laboring in shipping related jobs Columbus came to the conclusion that there had to be more land out across the seas than people realized. It wasn*t the easiest task to persuade anybody to believe it like he did. Finally; he convinced the Spanish to support him in his quest to find new countries. So; in August of 1492, Columbus became a major seeker. After a time on the boisterous seas he was rewarded with the discovery of America. Columbus must have read the passage in the Bible where it says: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: “ Matthew 7:7 It had taken some persistence, but it had paid off. Had he not been a seeker, he would not have been a founder of new colonies. In the years between 1510 to 1550 the Spanish were enticed with stories of great wealth in gold and other metals of value. They made their way to Mexico in search of these reports of gold. The place that they were told of was called:“ The Seven Cities of Cibola. “ After quite a lengthy time of exploration for this pot of gold they finally came to Cibola. The findings were not to their liking. All that they found was some Indian villages. Nothing of any value was uncovered. One disappointment didnt deter them. They received messages that their was gold in another place and set out in that direction. Only to find that once again it was a wild goose chase. Time after time this was the case. But that didnt stop them from seeking again another time. I myself have often searched for wealth in all the wrong places. I*ve put all the wheels in motion to achieve in a particular area, and then in the final outcome I*ve come away empty. It seems that the search for gold has all to often ended up in attaining fools* gold. People today are searching for things all the time. If they dont find it in the material aspect, they look for it in other areas. This search can take many directions. Some people look for what they need by leaving their mate to look for another who will satisfy that longing for a certain kind of fulfillment. Where does the seeker stop and say that they**ve found it? Several years ago there was a saying that I read on bumper stickers that went as follows: I found it “ I never did find out what it was that was found by the one who initiated the saying. In the Bible I find a relevant passage of scripture that says:“ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 11 Timothy 3:7 Many a person has wandered into forbidden territory,* when in their search for fulfillment they have fallen prey to an enemy of destruction. In the area of the cults, and the occult, the lives of a great number of people have been devastated. When one finds themselves in a state of dissatisfaction with how life seems to be treating them, it seems as if they are on a journey in the dark. When you are traveling in a dark tunnel the first thing that you can see is the bright light; as you reach the end of this passageway. This is how it is when I am on a search for peace or some kind of other cure for what ails me. The initial focal point for a seeker is when they find something or someone who gives them reason to be drawn towards them. In most cases you will hear people say that they were attracted by the warmth of feeling wanted. The front that is displayed for me by the group that desires to me is initially very attractive. In the very early verses of the Bible I am presented with a package of picture cards that are irresistible to me. I am shown how the Great One prepared a place for me with every intention of my complete happiness in mind. You can read the thoughts of God when He finished this masterpiece. And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 Now; if it is within the realm of my desire to search for that special entity that will solve all my problems, then I think that this presentation in the book of Genesis would meet with my approval. The route to this attractive garden of life is only lined with apple blossoms. Just like the spring of the year when everything springs to life. The route to the false religions is also featured with fancy trimmings. The difference is that there is only one destination that will give me life forever in pure love. The other path will lead to all that wrong choices can give. Any time that I have made wrong decisions about a certain matter, there have been consequences of displeasure to me. There are many books and religious attractions that can catch your eye. There is only one roadmap that has the facts lined out in precise order. The map that I speak of is the Bible. The words of the map maker go like this: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.“ John 10:10 This is not like the old adage that goes like this: Promises, promises, that all I get. If I am on a trip across the world in a quest to see my dream location, I am going to run into some unsightly places, and some possible storms, as well as some disruptions in my schedule. This does not mean that when I finally get to my destination, that the thing Ive set my heart to see is faulty as well. The route between one mountain peak, and another is filled with many a rock and a hard place. The joy is that when you reach the other peak your view is as awesome as the peak you left to get there. When Jesus said:* “ I am the way, the truth, and the life:... “ He never told me that I would never face a time where there would be discouraging moments. In the journey that Jesus was faced with, beginning at His birth, there were many a moment that gave cause for discouragement. Even His birth began on a low note; if you consider that He being God, didn*t have a royal entrance. He was born in a stable. If I am a seeker of pleasure, I need to count the cost. When I am in search of a job I need to check out some very important things. Such as; how much am I going to be paid. When is payday, and what am I going to have to do for the money that I get paid; are,.other relevant questions? If I am a seeker of eternal security, the check list is also vitally important. If in doubt, check it out. I can*t look at everyone that names the name of Jesus to make a decision on whether or not Christianity is for me. There are just entirely too many cases where people want the prize, but don*t want to run the race. When I say: check it out, I am saying we might like to listen to the word being preached, and then do some homework on the subject. Here we go; just when you thought you*d have no more homework someone says that you*ll need make an effort to find the truth. The only place I know of to look, is the Book; the Bible. There is no effort on Gods part to accept anyone who comes to Him for acceptance. When the Holy Spirit convinces you or I of the need to receive Jesus Christ, then we are able to throw all our effort on His shoulders. The rousing call to action has always been. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.* Matthew 11:28 Many times the information that we have received along the way has been unclear. We may have gone to one place in our search for God and may have been told that if you do the best you can then everything will be all right in the end. Then you go to another source and they may say live it up; you only go around once. Things get really confusing when you start with the wrong source. Think back to the early part of this chapter. The story of the “ Seven Cities Of Cibola, is an example of someone who got a wrong message. In a relay race the procedure is for one runner to pass on the baton to another runner in the race. This is followed till all the runners have finished the race. This is the view that I have about the words that I write to you. I*ve picked up the baton from another, and I am trying to successfully pass it on to you. Many people in this life think that they can enter life beyond the grave by only being born in a natural state. Well,~ that is true to the extent that we will all live in one place or another. There is a common perception that I*ll go to heaven when I die because I*m not a bad person. A goodly portion of the populous would agree that as long as they are not murderers or anything serious like that, they will end up in heaven. In my observance of the Holy scriptures I find that the entrance requirements are not considered to be based on my good works. Jesus own words will tell us that. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. They that are whole, need not a physician. Matthew 9:12&13 There arises in my spirit a sadness when I think of my inability to properly transmit the truth of the words of God; as written in the Bible. The intensity with which I wish to convey the message of the Son of God, seems to vibrate within me. There is recorded a story of a man who lived in the same time slot as did Jesus. He was a high ranking member of the Jewish people, and his name was Nicodemus. This man had access to historical documents, and that is why he knew that Jesus had an important connection with God. Nicodemus was aware of this because of the miracles that Jesus did. The words that Jesus used in his conversation with this man were: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. When you use these words today someone may think that you believe in being reincarnated as another person, in another time; or they may associate the words born again, with someone who has made a mockery of what it stands for. This Jewish gentleman had a hard time putting it into perspective. He couldnt fathom the idea of putting a person already well aged back into the womb for rebirth. It was beyond his comprehension. It was the task of Jesus to convey to Nicodemus that this process was not accomplished in the manner of natural birth. He tried to convince this man that it was a spiritual relationship with almighty God, and nothing that any person could bring about. Sometimes I**ve wondered why a person can*t seem to grasp what we are trying to tell them. Jesus seems to have had the same problem here. He wondered at the lack of this man*s understanding of the matter of being born again. When the heart of a person is not ready to receive the words of Jesus there is an apparent lack of understanding. When you or I have come to the point of being a seeker, in regard to spiritual things, then words like: born again, can have potentially life changing effect. It*s at this ~ place in life .thatve are susceptible to the Spirit of God. I have been at that place many times, and turned my back on the calling of God to me. It was because of the fear of the opinion of others. Excitement can be yours if God has sought after you; and you have sought after Him, and you come to an agreement. The prophet Isaiah had a way with words. It was he who painted such vivid pictures of Christ in prophetic tones. Come with me and look at a short dialogue. It has both the promise, and the caution which is included in a potential relationship with God. Come now, let us reason together,” KJV. though you were wrong not to accept me, and though you have committed much evil, I am willing to let you eat of the good things of the land: If you will be obedient and willing to accept me as your Savior. If you won*t accept the great provisions which I have made available for your eternal safety, then there will be consequences to suffer. (J.Bergen) “ Come now, let us reason together, “ KJV. Jesus not only spoke to the seeker in His days on this earth about needing a change in focus concerning spiritual matters. It has always been His invitation to all of mankind. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me. “ The Bible assures us that perfect love casts out all fear. He is not afraid to take a chance on you and I, We need not be afraid that He will not consider us a worthy candidate for the kingdom of God. How could I say it better than the songwriter: Charlotte Elliott C 1789 — 1871 ), in a song that has been instrumental in leading thousands to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid*st me come to Thee, 0 Lamb of God, I come, I come Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, 0 Lamb of God, I come, I come! It*s just on the basis of faith in Him. We have this assurance in Hebrews 11:6; Someone once said to God: “ God, if you don*t bother me any more, I promise, I*ll never bother you again. At some later date this person was confronted about being born again. His reply was: “ God has kept His part of the bargain; now it*s to late for me to bother Him. “ Isn*t it sad to think that you could never again approach this loving God? The Great One, who has given so much that you and I could share eternity with Him will receive you with open arms. The prayer that I prayed, went something like this. LORD, I hear you calling to me. I know that it*s You because I hear You weeping as You ask for my life. There is absolutely no reason why You should want me, in my way of thinking. I*m thankful that you see enough in me to want me. I*m sorry for the hurt that I have caused YOU. If you*ll have me: Here I am: Just the way I am. Thanks a lot Amen: Jacob Bergen s Your prayer may differ. But if the Spirit of God has called you today; answer Him with a YES!