Seek God First
By Stanley T. Crawford
Matthew 6:25-34, tells us: 1) God will provide for us, 2) We should
avoid worry, and 3) We should seek God first. In this passage, Jesus
points out that God provides for our needs. Jesus utilizes examples
from nature to describe how God is able to care for us. Jesus talks
about God, and his ability to provide sour smallest need to our
greatest needs (vs. 26 & 28&29)
In addition, Jesus exhorts us not to worry (vs. 31 & 34).
As men and women this is sometimes very difficult to do. Jesus'
rationale for us is that we are not able to add to our stature
(vs.27). A small example is when we go to extremes to stay young,
and unwrinkled. I am not mentioning this to condemn this pursuit,
but to say that we should keep our efforts and actions in proper
perspective.
Finally, verse 33 is worth committing to memory. This is especially
true in today's society. We want to acquire as much materially
as possible, and in some cases non-tangibles, such as fame and
power. At times, we may pursue material possessions and non-tangibles to the point that we get dangerously close to compromising
our relationship with God. Verse 33 can help us to maintain the
proper focus in our lives. Where do you place God in your life?
Copyright 2002, Stanley T. Crawford, is the editor of, "People of
the Bible," and webmaster of
http://www.peopleofthebible.com.
All Rights Reserved.
mailto:scrawford@peopleofthebible.com
If you want to know how to be a successful writer, by the
world's
methods and standards, I don't know the answer. However, if you
have a passion to use writing as a tool to reach people for the
Lord, have I got Good News for you!
A Scriptural 'How to' for Writing ...
Once I discovered that scripture provides 'How to's' to be
successful at whatever the Lord calls us to; the Bible became so
exciting! For example, pay close attention to this verse.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me,and I
in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can
do nothing, John 15:5.
The key word is 'abide'. All we have to do, to reach MANY
for the Lord, is to abide. Now, abide doesn't mean to be good
enough or to do anything good enough. It's about having a close
knit, moment by moment, relationship with the Lord. And, it
doesn't mean we're not allowed to have another thought.
Though, when busy with daily chores or driving in the car,
consider listening to music that ministers to you ~ or a sermon
on tape ... just whatever that works for you, directing your
thoughts toward Him. Begin to consider TV and radio preferences,
not for legalism's sake ~ but to protect your mind toward better
things.
Envision God standing right beside you wherever you go and,
whenever you have a thought, share it with Him as you would a
friend ... and be sure to listen, too. Now, that would make His
day, as His greatest desire is to dwell with you!
And, soon, you will begin to discover things that matter to
your heart and His. As those feelings begin to surface, the
Spirit begins to move, and the words begin to flow, write them
down. Then, with just a few touch ups, you'll have a guaranteed
Masterpiece!
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30
© 2003 by Joyce C. Lock
.................................................................
About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.