Podcasts about seek first

We welcome Ps Stephen Baines from Light & Life Thornton, who brings a powerful and timely message titled "Seek First the Kingdom."Drawing from Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33, Ps Stephen challenged us to be single-minded in our pursuit of God's kingdom — not as an afterthought, but as the priority of our lives.This message explores what it means to:

This week Pastor Justin talks about the things we stir up in our lives and how we should direct our focus!   You can now see on our Youtube Channel by following this link: Stir it Up (Seek First Pt. 5)   Important Points: I will Stir Up Generosity! I will Stir Up Love and Good Works! I will Stir Up God's Peace!   Important Scriptures (NLT version unless stated otherwise):   2 Corinthians 9:1-2 NKJV Hebrews 10:22-24 NKJV Numbers 25:12 John 14:27 Psalms 34:14

Struggling with anxiety? Discover how seeking God's kingdom first brings peace in a world full of stress, fear, and uncertainty.

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our Sermon on the Mount series.Have you ever felt overwhelmed or trapped by anxiety about the future or things beyond your control? Maybe it's a relentless worry about finances, family, or world events—or even just the constant buzz of stress that never seems to fade.Today, Jesus addresses our anxiety. Through an honest look at our anxious hearts, guided by Jesus's timeless wisdom, we'll share practical ways to find spiritual peace right now. Imagine facing uncertainty without fear, trusting completely that your Heavenly Father truly sees you, cares deeply, and knows exactly what He's doing—even when life floods your basement.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on April 6, 2025, at 9:30am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome01:00 The Flooded Basement04:44 Understanding Anxiety10:35 Defining Anxiety and Its Cousins19:53 Jesus' Teachings on Anxiety22:36 Recognizing Our Heavenly Father26:45 Consider the Lilies: Trust and Faith31:12 Seek First the Kingdom of God33:48 Don't Worry About Tomorrow

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21When Jesus said those words, He wasn't just giving us a lesson on giving or saving. He was getting to the root of something much deeper: our hearts.At Faith & Finance, we often say that money touches every part of life, but the most important part is our spiritual life. Our financial decisions, priorities, and fears don't just reflect our budgets—they reflect our beliefs, values, and, ultimately, our worship.Let's explore how our money issues are really heart issues—and what that means for how we live and give.More Than Just a ToolMany people see money as a neutral resource—a tool to earn, spend, save, or give. But Scripture reveals that money has much more influence than we realize. It can:Shape our desiresTest our trustReveal what we truly worshipThat's why issues like debt, greed, anxiety, or even generosity aren't primarily financial—they're spiritual. When we overspend to maintain a lifestyle, is it because our identity is tied to our possessions? When we obsess over savings or investments, is it because we trust our bank account more than we trust God? When we hesitate to give, are we being ruled by fear of not having enough?In this way, money becomes a spiritual thermometer—measuring our faith and showing us where our hearts truly rest.The Rich Young Ruler: A Heart ExposedOne of the clearest biblical examples of this dynamic is the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17–22. Eager to inherit eternal life, this man claimed to have kept all the commandments. But Jesus knew his heart.“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” — Mark 10:21The man walked away, sorrowful. His wealth had a stronger grip on his heart than his desire to follow Jesus. His struggle wasn't with budgeting—it was with idolatry.As John Calvin famously said, “The human heart is an idol factory.” We all have things we cling to—things we're tempted to trust more than God. The rich young ruler's story invites us to ask: What would make us walk away from Jesus?If the answer is money, then our issue isn't financial—it's spiritual.When Money Reveals Fear, Not Just GreedOf course, not everyone struggles with greed. Some struggle with fear. Jesus spoke to this often.In Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus tells us not to worry about food, drink, or clothing. If God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how much more will He care for His children?Financial anxiety reveals something crucial: a lack of trust in God's provision. When we believe our well-being depends entirely on our ability to earn, save, or invest, we carry a weight God never intended us to bear.This doesn't mean we shouldn't plan wisely—but it does mean that financial stress often signals a deeper spiritual need to trust God's character and promises.Generosity: A Window Into the SoulIf money is a heart issue, then our generosity—or lack of it—speaks volumes.The early church in Acts was known for radical generosity. Believers sold possessions and shared what they had to meet each other's needs. Why? Because the gospel had transformed their hearts. Their giving flowed not from guilt but from grace.C.S. Lewis once wrote,“Every faculty you have…is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already.”True generosity doesn't come from obligation—it comes from a heart that knows everything belongs to God.So ask yourself: Do I see money as mine to control or God's to steward? Do I give joyfully—or do I give reluctantly, out of fear?Transforming Our Financial HeartsSince money problems are ultimately heart problems, the solution goes beyond budgeting tools and interest rates (as helpful as those are). What we need most is heart transformation.Here are four truths to guide your financial discipleship:1. Recognize That Money Is a Test of TrustDo you really believe God will provide? If not, fear will drive your financial choices more than faith.2. Practice GratitudeDiscontentment fuels anxiety, but gratitude shifts our focus to what God has already given.3. Give GenerouslyGiving breaks the power of money over your heart. It's a spiritual exercise that redirects your trust toward God.4. Seek First the KingdomJesus promised that if we seek God's kingdom first, all these things—our needs—will be provided (Matthew 6:33). Prioritize Him, and let peace replace worry.What Do You Treasure Most?In the end, how we handle money reveals what we treasure. May we be people who treasure Christ above all—because only then will our hearts be truly free.Let's make sure our treasure—and our trust—are in the right place.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I retired in 2021 with a good income and 401(k), but now I've depleted my debt, and I'm struggling to pay bills. Am I required to pay tithes out of my Social Security income?Our church has outgrown its old, falling-apart building. We need about a million dollars to build a new one. What would be the best financial institution for us to use?I was given $2,000 for my daughter, who is a part-time student. How can I invest this money so it grows? Also, what do you think about Quicken Will? Is it a good app for creating a will, trust, or power of attorney?How can I verify or investigate an investment opportunity where I would invest $10,000 and supposedly get 250% back?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineChristian Community Credit UnionTrustandWill.com | Quicken Willmaker & TrustSchwab Intelligent PortfoliosWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

This week Pastor Justin talks about shame and how our enemy uses it as a weapon against us and how Jesus has already killed it!   You can now see on our Youtube Channel by following this link: Killing It (Seek First Pt. 3)   Important Points: Shame Separates! Shame Suffocates! Shalom Liberates!   Important Scriptures (NLT version unless stated otherwise):   Genesis 2:23-25 Genesis 3:7 2 Samuel 12:1-10 John 14:27 John 10:10 NKJV John 19:28-29

This week Pastor Justin talks about walking in a “Seek First” mentality for everything that God gives us!   You can now see on our Youtube Channel by following this link: First Responder (Seek First Pt. 2)   Important Points: I will Practice Righteousness to seek God's Approval! I will Pray to have a Relationship with God! I will Fast to align my Heart with God! I will Prioritize heavenly Treasure!   Important Scriptures (NLT version unless stated otherwise):   Matthew 7:9-11 Matthew 13:53-58 John 1:1-5 John 14:12-14 Matthew 6:33 Matthew 7:7-8 

This week Pastor Justin talks about the reality of the Battle of Obedience!   You can now see on our Youtube Channel by following this link: The Battle of Obedience (Seek First Pt. 4)   Important Points: Obedience in the midst of Ridicule! Obedience requires more than Words! Obedience trusts God's Timing!   Important Scriptures (NLT version unless stated otherwise):   Genesis 6:9-22 Genesis 6:14-16 Genesis 7:1-5

In this powerful follow-up episode, Casey Baugh dives into the final four habits from Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Building on the foundation of independence from Part One, Casey unpacks the essential habits for thriving in relationships, leadership, and teamwork.From cultivating a win-win mindset to practicing deep empathetic listening and valuing differences, Casey shares real-life stories that show how these habits can transform your personal and professional life. He also highlights the often-overlooked habit of self-renewal—sharpening the saw—as the key to long-term success and fulfillment.Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone striving for better relationships, this episode offers tactical wisdom to help you operate at your highest potential.Chapters:00:00 – 05:44 | Habit 4: Think Win-Win•Why win-win is a paradigm of abundance, not a tactic•Real-life story of putting others' interests first and reaping long-term trust05:44 – 10:43 | Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood•The power of empathetic listening to build trust•How true understanding increases your influence10:43 – 16:28 | Habit 6: Synergize – Valuing the Differences•How differences, not sameness, drive exceptional teamwork•Stories of synergy in sports, business, and personal relationships16:28 – 23:05 | Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Self-Renewal•Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual routines that elevate performance•Why rest, rituals, and recommitment drive sustainable success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesus invites us to look beyond this world and what it can offer us, and look to His kingdom where eternal treasures lie. God is our provider - we do not need to be anxious about tomorrow for He gives us all we need for life and righteousness in Jesus.

Jesus invites us to look beyond this world and what it can offer us, and look to His kingdom where eternal treasures lie. God is our provider - we do not need to be anxious about tomorrow for He gives us all we need for life and righteousness in Jesus.

Jesus invites us to look beyond this world and what it can offer us, and look to His kingdom where eternal treasures lie. God is our provider - we do not need to be anxious about tomorrow for He gives us all we need for life and righteousness in Jesus.

Jesus invites us to look beyond this world and what it can offer us, and look to His kingdom where eternal treasures lie. God is our provider - we do not need to be anxious about tomorrow for He gives us all we need for life and righteousness in Jesus.

Jesus invites us to look beyond this world and what it can offer us, and look to His kingdom where eternal treasures lie. God is our provider - we do not need to be anxious about tomorrow for He gives us all we need for life and righteousness in Jesus.

Jesus invites us to look beyond this world and what it can offer us, and look to His kingdom where eternal treasures lie. God is our provider - we do not need to be anxious about tomorrow for He gives us all we need for life and righteousness in Jesus.

Are you following the crowd on the easy road—or surrendering everything to walk the narrow path that leads to life?

Tim Rice

This series of messages explores the Journey of Jesus as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus proclaims the arrival of the Kingdom of God and calls His followers to a life of faith, righteousness and discipleship. The Book Of Matthew challenges, instructs, and reveals the truth of God's Kingdom, calling His people to genuine obedience, confronting religious hypocrisy and offering the hope of salvation through Jesus, the promised Messiah. This book speaks not only to individuals but also to leaders and society, urging all to embrace God's rule in their lives.   Today, we are diving into Matthew 6:25-34. We pray that this message challenges and blesses you. #openarms #churchonline #sermon #onlinechurch  Stay Connected: Visit our website - https://openarms.ie/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/openarms.ie/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/openarms_church Donate/Give - https://openarms.ie/giving

If we have received God's forgiveness, why hold others captive to their debt?

This week, we dive into "seek first to understand, then to be understood"—a game-changing habit for better communication on and off the job site. Learn how a simple shift in approach can defuse tension, foster collaboration, and completely change the way you handle tough conversations.Go build something awesome!CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partnersFIND US ONLINE:-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com-LinkedIn: / constructionbrospodcast-Instagram: / constructionbrospodcast-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en-Eddie on LinkedIn: / eddie-c-057b3b11-Tyler on LinkedIn: / tylerscottcampbellIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us!Thanks for listening!

This week Pastor AJ talks about Seeking First!   You can now see on our Youtube Channel by following this link: Seek First   Important Points: I will Practice Righteousness to seek God's Approval! I will Pray to have a Relationship with God! I will Fast to align my Heart with God! I will Prioritize heavenly Treasure!   Important Scriptures (NLT version unless stated otherwise):   Matthew 6:1-4 Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 6:17-18 Matthew 6:21 Matthew 6:33-34 

What if we're missing out on one of the most powerful practices of Jesus?

Send us a textIdentifying your feelings and then talking about them isn't enough. There is another person present in the relationship and reaching to understand THEM is the very challenge that we have to master in order for any progress to take hold. Kristy and Jerry consider how the search for understanding of "the other" usually presents itself -- either in its presence or its absence and show you how this often breaks out in fights. Alternatives are identified and practiced.

Mastering the 7 Habits: Your Path to Effectiveness What do you think of the Career Dreams Special Series, Mastering the 7 Habits? We hope you're finding value and actionable takeaways in each episode. In this episode, Michelle and Chase talk about Habit #5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. Spoiler alert - this is Michelle's favorite habit and most meaningful habit to her of the 7! Discover how developing empathetic listening can help resolve conflicts, builds trust, and create psychologically safe environment. Don't forget the companion worksheet found below. You can use this to reflect on your listening skills and track your progress. Challenge yourself to seek first to understand in your interactions this week! Companion Worksheet: 7 Habits Companion Worksheet FranklinCovey Website: FranklinCovey Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

What do your treasures reveal about your heart? Jesus warns that what we value shapes our worship, our vision, and our future—so where is your treasure?

Brian Eggert, Senior Pastor​Sunday a.m.Matthew 6:16-34 Pastor Brian Eggert 2025.mp3File Size:41676 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

This week we started a new series about the kingdom of God. Pastor Andrew kicked off the series talking about what the kingdom of God is and how we are called to seek first the kingdom. The kingdom of God means the rule of God. It means His authority, His reign, and His power. We are part of the kingdom of God which means we are to bring His kingdom everywhere we go.

What happens when we see God as He truly is? Isaiah's vision reveals a moment of clarity that changes everything.

First Kingdom | Riverview ChristianWhat comes first in your life? In First Kingdom, we explore Jesus' call in Matthew 6:33-34 to seek first the kingdom of God—trusting Him with our worries and daily needs. Philippians 4:8-9 challenges us to fix our minds on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, shaping our thoughts to align with God's kingdom.Join us as we dive into these powerful scriptures and discover how prioritizing God's kingdom leads to peace, purpose, and a transformed perspective.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hmmm. Pretty powerful statement. So how can I realistically increase my faith?

If Jesus paid it all, why do we still ask for forgiveness?

This week's passage, Matthew 6:25-34, sure seems a lot like singing with Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry Be Happy," which is easier said than done (amiright?). So there must be more to it than that. Towards the end of this passage comes one of Jesus's famous sayings, "Seek first the kingdom of God and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." But what does that really mean? And what doesn't it mean? Grace and peace, Joanne

Are you living in the Kingdom of Abundance or the Empire of Scarcity?

Jesus Followers Seek First God's Will, and then They “Die” to their Self-Ambitions and Self-Appetites and Take Up Their Cross MESSAGE SUMMARY: In a time in which we hear so much about self-help, self-image, and self-actualization, Jesus is saying self-denial is the way to life for Jesus Followers. Jesus tells us, in Matthew 16:24, that self-denial is a key element in following Him: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'". “Taking up one's cross” means to die to self-ambitions and self-appetites. When we die to our self-ambitious and self-appetites, we put them on the cross; and  Jesus' life moves through us: “Not my will but Thy will.”. By denying self, we become alive in Jesus; and His Spirit flows through us – we experience eternal life and abundant life.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Most merciful God I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone.  I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent.  For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.  TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Resentment. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Compassion. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 16:24; Mathew 10:38-39; Galatians 6:14-17; Psalms 141:1-10. WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Beginnings In Prayer - Part 4: Listening to God Because He Desires to Speak to Us”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Matthew 5:33 Series: Bottom Lines of the BibleSupport The Journey

Today's Promise: Matthew 6:33 Jesus turned our thinking upside down when He promised that everything would be given to us when the kingdom of God became our priority. We think if I can get everything together, then I can find fulfillment. Jesus says, make the Kingdom of God the number one thing in your life, and fulfillment and satisfaction will follow. Can it really be that simple? Could this one promise really be the secret to finding out God's will? As you learn to live and follow the kingdom of God, you find everything else is added to you.

Matthew 5:33 Series: Bottom Lines of the BibleSupport The Journey