Hi everyone.

In a world of mixed-up priorities, it is so essential to make frequent “trips” to the bible so that we can once again be reminded of the vital importance of allowing God first place in our lives.

When we read Matthew 6, we see that Jesus talked about material needs that they had then, and we have now. Needs for things such as drink, food, and clothing. Of course, there are other needs, such as shelter and love, and more, yet the principle of Matthew 6 shows that God is a providing God.

These things, of course, are not the reason we serve Him, yet it is wonderful to know that God will provide for His people when we do one thing: SEEK HIM FIRST. Notice the word is not “first-ish” or “first after we get to all the other important stuff in our lives sorted.” Not first after our spouse, and children, or after all the other things are paid, but FIRST, as in before ALL else!

Matthew 6:31-33 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (NIV)

There are many things I would like to be known for at the end of my life, but Pagan is definitely not one of them! The word Pagan here that Jesus uses is a synonym for someone who doesn’t know God, an “unsaved” person, if you will. (Not really the best description of a Christian!) The Bible tells us here that if we are governed (governed meaning a constant daily characteristic of your life that manifests in fear around provision resulting in stinginess or a gripping tightly to what you have) by worry over what we will wear or eat or drink, and we have no time for God, but only time for other things to provide for our families, then we are no better than someone who is not born-again!

Wow, those are tough words for sure, but they serve as a reminder of the need to continue to keep Him first in all we say and do. Of course, the tremendous benefit of this is the realization that God will provide for us because he loves us and cares for us.

Remember this, the Lord does not respond to our need, but to our faith, and if our faith shows him that we trust HIM for our needs, he will supply those needs (and even our ”wants” at times too)

If 2025 was not a good year of trusting the lord and last month was Janu-worry, that’s ok. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Let this year be the year that things change!

Bless you

Craig