-January 9, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Tuesday,
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
(Matthew 6:33).
Today’s verse is one of the most challenging and encouraging verses in the Bible. Seeking the Lord and His kingdom is of vital importance to every believer. It all comes down to our focus, our priorities in this world. When we put the Lord Jesus first in everything, He will provide for us in everything.
But what does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? It simply means to consider Him first: His interests, His desires, His will above anything or anyone. When Saul of Tarsus, later called Paul, got saved on the road to Damascus he asked the most fundamental question: “What do You want me to do” (Acts 9:6)? God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us. When we discover it and do it, we find true joy and happiness in life.
When we put the Lord first, He leads us in the right path. There are many things we can do and be involved with, but the most important thing is to love the Lord, live for Him, and learn His ways and His Word, applying the truth to our lives. Paul wrote to the Colossians, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on things of earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).
It all comes down to living with eternity’s values in view. There is a little chorus by Alfred B. Smith that says, “With eternity’s values in view Lord, with eternity’s values in view; May I do each day’s work for Jesus, with eternity’s values in view.” If we can do this each day this year, it will be a good year.
Jesus always spelled out discipleship in clear, uncertain terms, “If anyone wishes to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). It will not be easy, in fact, it will be the hardest thing we can do; but it is the most rewarding and satisfying life in this world.
Have a blessed day putting Christ first in all your thoughts, words, and actions. Stay safe and healthy.
Seeking the Kingdom above, living for the King of love,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 