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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. 

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