Do not worry!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

This First!


"Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we
drink?' or 'What will we wear?' All the people that don't
know God try to get these things. Don't worry, because your
Father in heaven knows that you need these things. The thing
you should want most is God's kingdom and doing the good
things God wants you to do. Then all these other things you
need will be given to you."

-- Matthew 6:31-33 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:
What's most important to you? Why is it important? Jesus emphasizes all
throughout his ministry that three things are of supreme importance:
loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbor, and seeking after
God's Kingdom. If we do those things, everything else will fall into
place; the hand of the Creator will be there helping each thing find
its proper place. He knows what we need. He has a plan for our lives.
He will meet our needs. Does this mean things will be easy or always go
well for us? No. If our hero was crucified on a cross, do you think
we're less vulnerable? But God does assure his Kingdom seekers that we
will ultimately get what we seek; we will share with the King in his
Kingdom in all of his glory. In addition, in seeking after Kingdom
values, we will bless those we love, we will have a redemptive
influence on those around us, and we will have all that we really need
in life.


TODAY'S PRAYER:
O gracious Father, help me keep my eyes focused on your Kingdom, my
heart centered on you, my mind illuminated by your Word, and my spirit
empowered and cleansed by your Spirit. Father, please forgive me when I
am distracted by things that don't really matter. Use your Word, your
Spirit, and your people to help call me back to a proper set of
priorities. Please bless me as I make your Kingdom and your
righteousness my consuming passion. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.