“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34 NIV

I love it when something that Jesus said is so clear.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but after your second cup of coffee.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but after you’ve read the paper or watched your favorite morning news show.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but not before your spouse and/or family.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but not before your career, career goals or work.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first just behind any personal goals and dreams you might have.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first just behind all the church work and church stuff you’ve got to accomplish first.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if all your personal needs and desires are satisfied.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if you don’t have anything better to do.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if you feel like it.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first if you feel Him close or if you’ve hit rock bottom.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but only after you fret and worry about it first.

▪ He didn’t say seek Him first, but…

He said “seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness…”

In the midst of a passage where He is telling us not to worry about our life, what we will eat or drink, or our body and what we will wear, Jesus said, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Maybe we should ask ourselves…

What is it (or who is it) that we are putting before our relationship with God?

What is it (or who is it) that we are seeking first? Marty Stubblefield

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Will you be grateful on the hardest of days?

A pastor was known for the prayers of gratitude with which he began each worship service. No matter how difficult the circumstances, he always seemed to be able to find a reason to give thanks.

Then came an especially difficult Sunday. A heavy winter storm blanketed the city, coating its streets in ice and snow. Power was out for many. A bitter wind assaulted the few hardy people who dared to make their way into the sanctuary.

As the service began, the pastor stepped to the pulpit for his customary invocation.

Those in the congregation wondered to themselves, “How could he possibly find a reason to give thanks this morning?” The pastor bowed his head and prayed, “Lord, we thank you that it is not always like this.”

For what will you give thanks to your Father today?

— o —

It’s time to remember, in the midst of a self-indulgent period in our nation, that our primary purpose in gathering together is not to please ourselves; or because it is psychologically sound for us to do; or that it supports the family structure; or that it partakes of traditional family values though all of these things may be by-products of our gathering together. Our purpose in gathering together is to prostrate ourselves before the Almighty God of heaven and pay Him homage.” Bill Fiest

— o —

TRUISMS:

I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks.

In filling out an application, where it says, ‘In case of emergency, notify:’ I put ‘DOCTOR.’

I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

The focus of worship is not human experience, not a lecture, not entertainment, but Jesus Christ–His life, death, and resurrection. Richard Webber

A good deal of the problems in our world and the apathy of too many Christians, “Without worship, we go about miserable.” A. W. Tozer

When we lose focus on the purpose and person of worship, we need to hear and heed the admonition of the angel whom John attempted to worship. His two words remind us all why we go to church today….“Worship God” (Rev. 22:9). Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Worldliness is the enemy to holiness. Kelly Knouse

Salvation is not a process. It is a person and the person is Jesus. Ken Whitten

Life is not found in an abundance of material possessions. The Minimalist

Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be. Abraham Lincoln

A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you. C. S. Lewis

Life’s too short to hold a grudge. Forgive. Forget. And let go. Ken Weliever

It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled. Mark Twain

If Jesus is your Lord, you “have eternal life” today (John 3:16). Have you thanked your Savior for the gift of your salvation recently? Have you thanked God for the fact that your death is the doorway to your eternal life? Jim Denison