January 12, 2018 - FIRST THINGS FIRST

Day 12 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 9:8-29, Psalm 11, Matthew 6:16-34)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus has just finished teaching us not to worry about anything. He was showing us the comparison between trusting the Lord to lead us and  trying to do that job ourselves. This is all in preparation for His lesson on purpose and focus in the Christian’s life.

All earthly concerns are to be secondary. He wants us to keep first things first. And that means keeping God first in our lives. What does this mean?

● Jesus makes those who trust in Him righteous, and thereby fit for heaven.
● Seeking His plan, His kingdom first puts our priorities in place.
● Seeking to live for Jesus and serving Him gives our lives meaning.
● It is all about God’s love for sinners like us, love we get to share. 

Seek ye first the kingdom of God,
And His righteousness.
And all these things shall be added unto You,
Allelu, alleluia.
(Seek Ye First, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #712 stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for my salvation. Please help me to keep You and Your kingdom first in my life. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!