Seek Part II : Bishop Tony Samuels
The foundation and the reason for our Christian experience is relationship with the Lord Himself. John 17:3 show us: Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent. Eternal life is a relationship with Him, because He is the Source of all life. There is something that begins to happen when you begin to seek the Lord Himself. There is a transformation that comes into your life that is supernatural.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into His very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Your greatest transformation is going to come from seeking God Himself. Remember, association brings assimilation, and you become like what you continually behold.
Here is the key to have this meeting with the Lord: you have to initiate it. The Lord will never force you to seek Him. He will send invitations, and He will try to get your attention, but it’s really up to you to initiate communication. James 4:8 says, Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded people. This revelation is important so you don’t seek the wrong things. I have been blessed to receive this revelation early in my Christian life, and it has completely liberated me from seeking wrong things. Through seeking Him first, He caused me to understand that I am accepted by Him; therefore, He set me free from the rejection of people.
Through seeking Him, He caused me to understand my position in Him, and that set me free from seeking titles and positions to get validation. I have never sought to be in a position or to get a title. Seeking Him develops a trust and a faith, where you know your steps are ordered by the Lord. Seeking the Lord will bring you to a place of true freedom. I am free to be me, because He loves me just the way I am.
Many people come to church and get hurt. They end up leaving churches, or relationships. One of the reasons is that they were seeking something in those places, and when it did not deliver, they were devastated; and the natural reaction is to disconnect. I come to tell you, don’t put your expectations in men; put your expectation in God!
Psalms 62:2 says, He alone is my safe place; his wraparound presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? I believe this revelation is the master key that will open every single door; I believe that this is the most important message, to lead people into a relationship with Him.
We will conclude with this promise in Psalm 91:14-16: For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: “Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name, I will greatly protect you. I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will feel my presence in your time of trouble. I will deliver you and bring you honor. I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!” What a complete and total life promise from the Lord! Seek Him, and watch every other area of your life begin to fall in place.
