"You Just Can't Stop"

Scripture: "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." -1 Chronicles 16:11

On this past Friday in Springfield, Massachusetts, the man known as probably the greatest player to ever the sport of basketball, was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. This man, of course, was Michael Jordan. Throughout his seventeen year NBA career, Jordan amassed over 32,000 points, won six NBA Championships and was named Finals MVP six times. However, when Jordan won one championship, he did not sit on his butt and say I'll be alright until next season. During the summer, he worked out harder than he did the previous year, worked on his jump shot, worked on his free throws, worked on his overall game and other games. Ultimately, Jordan had a mentality that would not allow him to stop until he was recognized as a great player. Within the kingdom of God, we must have that same mentality. Just because God blessed you to preach an awesome sermon, you must continue to work harder and preach harder. Just because God blessed you to teach an awesome lesson, you must continue to work harder and teach harder. Just because you did an awesome job singing on the choir, you must continue to practice and sing. In other words, you just cannot stop and rest on your laurels! Today's text provides us another way in where we cannot stop.

Today's text is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. This book, along with 2 Chronicles, gives more details about the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah. Within this particular chapter, we find David has instructed the Levites or the ministers to place the Ark of the Covenant in a tent that he created for it. In those days, the Ark of the Covenant was symbolic of the presence of God. One thing that we know today is that we want to be where the presence of God is. Once the ark was placed in the tent, David and the ministers there "had church". They worshipped God, they prayed to Him, and they sang songs to Him as well. After the ministers praised, worshipped, and prayed to God, we find that David sung/wrote a psalm of thanks. Within this psalm, we find today's main scripture.

David begins today's main scripture with some worthwhile advice. He says, "Seek the Lord and His strength". As we continue along this journey of life, in order to make it and be successful, you must seek the Lord. You must take time to find out what exactly God has in mind for you and your life. You have to find out what things you must do in order to take care of yourself, your family, and your walk with God. You cannot do that unless you seek the Lord! Then, he said not only to seek God, but also seek His strength. I know that I have always been in the awe of the power of individuals who can bench press a lot of weight or sling boulders or pull diesel trucks, but that strength BAILS in comparison to the strength of God. There are times where you are weak and when you are weak, that's when He is strong. When He is strong, He can pick you up, dust you off, turn you around, and make things happen for you! When you are exhausted spiritually, seek His strength! When you are exhausted financially, seek His strength! When you are exhausted emotionally, seek His strength! When you are tired period, seek His strength!

The last piece of advice gave us was "seek His face continually". What a powerful thought! Ladies and gentlemen, the God we serve is not a I need you today, I holler at you next week kind of God. Our God is a God who loves you, gives you life, health, and strength. He loves you to the point where He allows you to be awoke every morning, closed in your right mind, gave you the ability of your limbs, allow you to drive to work and/or church, and do what you need to do! Many of us are guilty of getting what we want from God and then, just leaving Him alone! In order to stay on top and never have to worry about anything or anyone, you have to seek Him continually! In other words, seek Him every day, every hour, every week, and any other time! He's worthy of your time, He's worthy of your prayers, He's worthy of your love, He's worthy of your admiration, He's just worthy! When He's worthy, that means you cannot stop!!!! You cannot stop praising Him! You cannot stop worshipping Him! You cannot stop giving Him His tithes and offering! You cannot stop loving His people! You cannot stop praying to Him! You cannot stop seeking His face!

In closing, Jordan became a Hall of Famer because he did not quit after winning a championship. He worked harder and harder and harder that he would cement his legacy as a great player. As men and women of God, in order to cement your legacy in the eyes of God, you cannot stop seeking His face! I challenge you to allow this Word to sink into your heart on today that you can encourage yourself and others that YOU JUST CAN'T STOP!