GPS-Hide & Seek

MAR 09 / Sunday – Read Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV) / Matthew 6:33 / Matthew 7:7-8

Overview: We’re told to seek the things of God, just as a child seeks out the hidden children in “Hide and Seek.” Jesus says, “Make the things of God a priority. Seek them first.” Okay…let’s go do it!

10 / Mon – Jesus says…  |  Read John 14:23-24

If you have played the game Simon Says, you know participants have to obey exactly what the leader says to win the game. In life, those who learn what Jesus tells his followers to do, and then put it into practice, show how much they love him. What are some of Jesus’ commands you are living out right now? God’s love doesn’t depend on your performance, of course, but obeying Him is the best way to live. No question about it.

11 / Tue – Hiding  |  Read Matthew 6:2-4, 5-8, 16-18

Did you play Hide & Seek when you were a kid? To hide means to put out of sight, to conceal, or to shield. Hiding something is not usually positive. Yet Jesus gives three examples of when it is right to keep something private. Why might someone do these things publically? What are some other instances when it would be better to conceal something than make it known? A good test is to ask yourself: what is my motive? That can help you decide.

12 / Wed – Both hide and seek  |  Read Psalm 119:10-11

How can you remember what Jesus wants you to do? One of the best ways is by ‘hiding his words in your heart.’ It happens when you read them repeatedly, so they stick in your head when they are not in front of your eyes, and ponder their implications. This is something you do by yourself when no one is around, but it will become evident as it changes the way you think, the way you talk and the way you act. Why? Because you’ve started thinking like Jesus does and are becoming more like him. Isn’t that what God wants for you?

13 / Thu – Seek Him  |  Read Ps 105:4 / Jer 29:13 / Heb 11:6b / Ps 27:8

Definitions of the word seek include: to search for or inquire about; to try to discover; to explore, pursue, and investigate. Seeking is more than just casually looking around and being satisfied with the obvious. When you put a high value on something, you give it more attention than lesser things. According to Ps 14:2, God is searching the earth for those who will seek Him, and in Ps 9:10, He promises to never forsake those who do. What does seeking the Lord look like in your life?

14 / Fri – Seek His kingdom  |  Read Matthew 6:31-33

Jesus addressed some of the concerns we all have about basic everyday needs…what shall I eat, what shall I drink, what shall I wear? If you tend to be a worrier, you know how hard it is to stop. In fact, you can’t until you replace those thoughts with something else. Jesus said to put your focus first on God’s kingdom – His values, His priorities, His plan – and to seek His righteousness. As you do, He will absolutely provide for your every need. Will you resolve to put first things first today?

15 / Sat – Next steps  |  Read Matthew 7:7-8

What does Jesus tell us to do in these verses? Often what we need are intangibles, like insight or understanding (Proverbs 2:1-6), wisdom (James 1:5), or peace (Psalm 34:14). Jesus gave us his daily goal in John 5:30, one we need to adopt. Also, it pleases God when we seek the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24). What do you need in order to follow Jesus’ commands? You have a good, good Father who is delighted to provide all the help you need to obey. Just ask.