Devotional – January 4, 2021

Have you ever given thought to the abundance that exists in our world? It is undeniable that the Creator of the Universe is indeed kind. Do you agree that we are blessed with everything we need. We have oxygen to sustain our lungs and heart, food to sustain our bodies, sun for vitamin, rain for water and the list goes on. In truth, we have all that we need for our survival.

It is indeed true that amidst the abundance many people still live in lack and need. The reason for these realities are varied, yet Scripture teaches an important lesson about having all that is needed.

Through the Scripture, Jesus encourages us to prioritize how we live; He shows us how to put “First Things First”. In the time that the Messiah lived on earth, he taught His Disciples a valuable principle. Jesus proclaimed:

“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you”.

St. Matthew 6:33

The Bible is an awesome gift from God; we are truly blessed to have direction, instruction and lessons in how to direct make good choices, and how to focus our attention on what matters most. When we live as God instructs , He promises in His Word, the Bible that we will have all that we need when we put God first.

In this busy world in which we live, we can hardly find time for ourselves when there are so many things demanding our attention. Despite the many distraction, we have the loving aid of the Holy Spirit to be empowered and encouraged to do what is right and good for us.

…how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

St. Luke 11:13

Having a desire to do what is good and right is important to taking the step in the direction to live by God’s design. When our hearts long to live this way, then our Heavenly Father send us help to make it possible.

The Kingdom of God which Jesus spoke of is the spiritual place from where God rules and reigns. Within this realm, there is provision for all that we need and desire. But, how do we find this place? We ask; it is written:

“Ask and you shall receive, seek, and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

St. Matthew 7:7 KJV

A few years ago I was not very good at prioritizing what was important. I realized that I was not making much progress in my life; in most areas, especially the ones that were important.

In reading the Scripture at St. Matthew 6:33 that instructed to: “seek first God’s Kingdom”, I was surprised to learn that there was a specific way to make decisions about my life. I learned that seeking after God first would make the other areas of life work better. I discovered this truth after I had made many mis-steps, but it is never too late to turn around. I heeded to God’s Word and got a better outcome than when I did not.

I know now that it does not matter where we are in our life journey, God is always extending an invitation to us so we turn to Him. When we do, He will receive us with open arms as in the story of the Prodigal Son in St. Luke 15?

Each day is a new opportunity to examine how we use our time and assess how we prioritize our relationship with God. For the efforts made, the accomplishments ought to be celebrated. To achieve further spiritual growth and maturity , it is wise to set goals that will keep you moving forward. Our spirit is the lifeline that connects us to God so it is important to nourish it

If you desire to enjoy God’s blessings, you will be motivated to take the steps, and remember, the Holy Spirit is available to aid you. The rewards for living by God’s design are great; there are many persons who can testify of the blessings in being obedient to the will of God- Abraham, by trusting God became the “Father of Many Nations”.

As you make the effort to put God first, you will soon find that you will experience positive changes, though not without challenges. The reward is more valuable that the challenges pressing on even when it’s difficult will be worth it in the end. Together, let us strive to put First Things First – God at the helm and follow His leading.