Monday October 25, 2021

Today is Monday, October 25 and this week we are exploring what it means to put God first in our lives.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and focus myself on God.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, I long for your presence. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, enable me to hear the message you have for me today. Speak to my heart and mind in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I praise God and celebrate his goodness with the words of Psalm 105.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:1-4

Pause and Pray

Large crowds from many different regions were following Jesus. When he saw the multitude of people he went high on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. This provided a vantage point that enabled his voice to be more easily heard by a large outdoor assembly. Jesus began to teach the people numerous timeless truths. I imagine sitting on the side of the hill amid the throng listening to Jesus speak these words from the Sermon on the Mount.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Jesus tells his followers to put God and the things of God as top priority. I am to put God first in my life above everything else. Every day I must decide what I am going to seek first. I do not know how many years I will live on this earth. I have a limited amount of time and God wants me to use my time wisely. During this window of opportunity I must get my priorities in the proper order. Jesus says I am to seek his kingdom first and his righteousness first. The Greek word translated in English as “seek” is “”zeteo.” It means to strive after, aim for (as aiming for a goal), try earnestly to obtain, crave (deep in the soul), or demand to have.

Ask: What do I strive for? What is my life goal? What am I earnestly trying to obtain?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I worry about many things and strive after the stuff of this world. Clearly reveal where my priorities are in the wrong order. Help me remember I have a heavenly Father who watches over me and knows my needs. Help me learn to seek God’s kingdom first and strive after his righteousness. I read your words again and listen for the message you have for me today.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Jesus begins by listing physical human needs that most people worry about, and then clearly says “do not worry.” I have my own list of worries and worldly things I chase. I consider what it would mean for me to trust God with all my needs and concerns. I want to seek God’s kingdom first in my life, what is preventing me from doing so? What can I do to change my priorities and make God number one in my life? How can I truly put God first?

Pause and Pray

Lord, God, I make a new commitment to seek you first in my life. Show me how to strive for your kingdom and chase after your righteousness. This day I lay all my priorities, goals and ambitions at the foot of the cross and ask you to put them in the correct order. Show me how to live each day putting first things first. Amen.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:36-38

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I put God and the things of God first. Show me how to live a life loving God and loving my neighbor. Amen.