Skip to main content

FIRST THINGS FIRST

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” Matthew 6:33 ESV. How much of what we chase in life after is rooted in wanting what seems to mean so much to others? There is little doubt the aspirations of those around us influence us to want what they want. This can be a positive motivator, but more often than not it is a fountainhead of sorrow. A much better pattern for our lives is a relentless pursuit of what pleases God. To push aside copying others and to passionately pursue what pleases God is a wellspring of true joy. Perhaps this is what the Apostle Paul described in 1 Corinthians 15:31 with the simple but powerful statement: “I die daily”. For me, this is the battle; daily abdication of my own desires and humble submission to His. LORD, teach me to surrender every earthly appetite to You alone. Help me to pattern my life according to Your will. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SACRED FOOTPRINTS

“This is the day that the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24 ESV. The table is set for a brand-new day. Only God knows exactly what is already prepared for my arrival in it. I must now leave behind days gone by and ready myself for new insight, a higher life, and greater things. Am I up for what today will bring? Only the day will tell, but the One who provides it will also carry me through it. One thing is sure; I will walk upon on sacred footprints since the Alpha and Omega has already trod this moment in advance, sprinkling blessings and divine opportunities throughout. I must pay attention so I don’t miss a thing He has placed along the path. Lord God, Lover of My Soul, today is the day You have made; I am so good with that and already rejoicing in what is to unfold. Lift me in Your arms and carry me through with faith, joy, and purpose. 

HE LIFTED ME

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand," Psalm 40:2 NIV. Our family was blessed to have quite a few pets over the years; a Pekinese named Reina was with us the longest. She was, without a doubt, the sweetest and dumbest pet we ever had. Whenever we asked her if she wanted to go out, she ran to the wrong door...EVERY TIME for 17 years! One day, she tried to stand up, but her back legs wouldn't work. Reina just sat there staring at me, shaking and bewildered. I've seen that “help me, I don’t know what’s going on here” look before. I've HAD that look before. God  sees  that  look  every day on His children’s faces around the world. LORD, You lift me and comfort me in my bewildering trials.  You grant me assurance when I am weak. You place my feet on higher ground. We are “more than conquerors” in Your mighty grasp.    

DARK TO LIGHT

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you,” Isaiah 60:1 ESV. The transformation between the dark of night to morning light never loses its fascination for me; I am drawn to its power to awaken. Every second brings subtle change; everything around is slowly transfigured as the rising sunlight brightens whatever it touches. There are so many parallels between sunrise and the way God pulls me deeper into His will. Each day He quietly moves into my darkness, His resplendent Presence renovating my soul. His Word reveals hidden treasures, and new details unfold. He unveils flaws that He immediately begins repairing, and His Glory illuminates previously unseen passageways forward. Lord of Light, I welcome Your transformational Presence in every square inch of my being. LORD, You are so good!