"ONE THING HAVE I DESIRED OF THE LORD"

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” -- Psalms 27:4

Like David, we ought to set our hearts upon "one thing", seek that to the exclusion of all other things, and let that "One Thing" we seek be the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Grant me yourself, O Lord, and I will ask no more.

The Aim of the Gospel

If I understand the aim and purpose of the gospel I preach it is just this: -- It is to cause all the capacities, powers, talents, ambitions, and affections of our hearts to be concentrated upon one object and to beat with one pulse for that object. And that one object upon which our hearts must be fixed is the Son of God, our blessed Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, that God would make us a people with one, solitary object possessing our beings, a people whose hearts burn with desire for nothing but Christ! This is my prayer, "Lord, compel me, by whatever means necessary, by the irresistible power and grace of your Spirit, to set my heart upon Christ alone.”

A Decision to Make

I know this: -- You and I must choose what we will seek and what we will serve. It will either be Christ and the cause of his glory in this world, or it will be the world and the lusts of our own flesh. We cannot serve both; and we cannot have both. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24). "Choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Josh. 24:15).

Will you serve Christ or self? Will you seek Christ, or the lusts of your flesh? This is a choice that is made at the beginning of the walk of faith. But it is also a choice that is made day by day in every believer's experience. And the older we get, the longer we live in this world, the more difficult it is to renounce the world, say “no” to the flesh, take up our crosses daily, and follow Christ. But it must be done!

This is what the Master says, "Seek ye first," above all else, to the exclusion of all else, "the kingdom of God," the rule of Christ in your heart, "and his righteousness," the righteousness of Christ, by faith, and all other things will be supplied by your heavenly Father (Matt. 6:33). "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth" (Matt. 6:19). Earthly treasures of every kind are vanity. Do not set your heart upon vanity!

Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For Today Radio Message #796

2734 Old Stanford Road - Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net