Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
I am so thankful for the cleansing power of His blood!
Update
March has been a whirlwind. I finished a manuscript and turned it in to an editor! I lost a beloved uncle. Spent a week in Lynchburg and a day in Appomattox for my son’s wedding. And last, but not least, I gained the best daughter-in-love a mom could pray for!
It’s time for a break.
I want to sit in the sun and sink my toes in the sand while listening to birdsong in my backyard. Amid the stillness, I plan to talk with my Redeemer, work on the second book, and create scenes for the third and final installment of my upcoming series.
Until next time, enjoy the moments God has so graciously given. 🥰 Blessings, dear friend!
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11 (KJV)
Let’s review the 5 STEPS for Success in 2025 before looking at the fifth and final step.
Sing
Track
Encourage
Persevere
Seek
Our last step, as you can see, is the word seek. Seek in Hebrew means “to inquire of,” “to ask,” or “to seek,” conveying the idea of “going to see,” personally verifying something said, or “searching for.” KJV Study Bible
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication to strive after: – ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). Strong’s Concordance
Notice the “personally verifying something said.”
One who seeks is called a seeker. A seeker goes in search of something. I cannot seek for you no more than you can seek for me. We must seek for ourselves.
Seek what?
I chose the words Lord, wisdom, and truth for this post.
SEEK THE LORD
In today’s world, we can become overwhelmed by the news, family situations, and financial responsibilities. The good news is the Lord promises when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. He is the great I AM. And He will supply the need.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
With all your heart is important. A seeker’s heart is seeking something or someone. It is consumed with the subject. They will not quit until they find what they’re looking for.
Find is the result—reward.
The word when is not a time stamp. It describes the moment our hearts are prepared to find the answer. I’m sure you’ve had moments when your heart was no longer focused on things of the world or yourself.
If you don’t, hang on. They’re coming.
SEEK WISDOM
First Kings has one of my favorite verses about God’s care for His people. David is dead, and a young Solomon is appointed king. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee.”
Imagine the Lord offering you the same gift. What would you say?
Even as a young boy, Solomon knew he needed help to govern the people.
“…I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. …Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
Read the whole conversation at 1 Kings 3:5-15.
We are wise when we understand we need the Lord’s help. Many situations can leave a person scratching their heads nowadays. But if we rely on the Lord, He will guide us to the perfect solution.
SEEK TRUTH
Social media has been filled with conflicting stories for the longest. Lately, I feel like a parent listening to several kids tell their side of the story while trying to figure out which one to believe. For instance . . .
Last week, people became upset over a video and began sharing it. And I mean sharing it! It was everywhere. The problem was the clip told half the story. People were in a panic.
No, I didn’t share. And no, it wasn’t a political post. It was about ebooks. My heart went out to everyone who didn’t understand what was happening. Curious, I searched for the truth and found articles explaining the entire matter. By then, several people were sharing articles. Whew!
That incident made my heart heavy. Ebooks may seem trivial to some, but ebooks are not the only reason people are upset. Fake news. Fake pictures. Fake people. These days, we cannot believe everything we see and hear. We must seek the truth! We should look out for each other.
I didn’t have anyone looking out for me when I entered the online world years ago. I shared what I thought to be a cry for help. Not true. Someone had taken an old photo of a war-torn district and misled the viewer about another situation. Boy, did I get lambasted for my ignorance! Now, I question everything.
The following scripture should guide us in what we say, think, and do.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
SEEKING IN 2025
There are more good things to seek in 2025. Things like peace, justice, reconciliation, the hurting, and the lost. What would you add to the list?
Let us seek the Lord and His will like never before in 2025.
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7 (KJV)
If you have worked toward a goal, you know some things are quickly obtained while others may take a little longer. That’s when perseverance becomes necessary to reach the finish line.
To persevere means to continue in some effort or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. To be steadfast in purpose.
In spite of has been my word(s) for a while. In fact, this post is an “in spite of” moment. Though I’m late, I made it! Psst! February has been that kind of month. 😊
STEP 4: Perseverance
As I thought about this step, I wanted to know the difference between perseverance and persistence. I found out persistence can be negative, while perseverance can be positive.
For instance, when we hear of a persistent child, we usually associate them with not listening when they are told no. Not taking no for an answer is acceptable if you’re trying to achieve a good outcome. Not so good when someone harasses you for whatever reason.
On the other hand, perseverance refers to people who have endured hardships or difficult circumstances to achieve their goals.
Examples in American History
The Wright brothers worked on their plane for four years before taking the first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903
According to The Franklin Institute, it took Thomas Edison and his associates two years (1878-1880) to invent the incandescent bulb. Of course, that was after working on 3000 ideas to go about it.
Western writer Louis L’Amour’s manuscripts were rejected 200 times before Bantam Publishers gave him a contract. After selling 330 million books, he became their best-selling author. I have quite a few in my library.
Moses led a passel of people through the desert for 40 years in spite of their constant complaining.
Paul finished his race in spite of the beatings, stonings, and rejection by his own people.
Jesus fulfilled the Father’s will in spite of rejection by His own people, false accusations, beatings, and the cross.
Wrap-Up
I hope you garnered a basket of courage from the examples given above. A goal worth achieving is going to take time and effort. To succeed, we must keep pushing ahead in spite of the obstacles.
Keep moving forward.
Winner
Congratulations to Melissa Henderson for winning Sandra Byrd’s devotional!
Gail Johnson 