New Year, New Focus
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Matthew chapter 6 provides for us a life plan for how to live a successful Christian life. The first 15 verses reminds us how to give and pray with a spirit of servanthood. We are to give in private, without fanfare or the need for accolades from others. Our offerings are to be given through a spirit of worship and thanksgiving to God for his unspeakable gifts. Our prayers are to be similar. We are to pray as the publican did and not as the haughty Pharisee. The model prayer is given to remind us who God is, what we are to be thankful for, and what He can do for us, if we but ask.
Verses 16-32 further provides for us a reminder on how to fast before God and the emphasis to be placed on material wealth. Verse 16 speaks to the two types of reward for fasting. If we make a show before man while fasting, then our reward will be earthly. However, isn't God's reward much better? Verse 19 begins our instruction in how we view our material wealth. Verse 21 states, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If we place our treasures in Heaven, our focus will be there as well. This focus will remind us that God has our every need in consideration and knows what we require.
The conclusion of this chapter shows that if we seek God's will above all else, then we will enjoy fellowship with Him with our needs met, our future secure, and our focus on Heavenly treasures.
Wouldn't this be a great way to begin the new year?
C
Matthew chapter 6 provides for us a life plan for how to live a successful Christian life. The first 15 verses reminds us how to give and pray with a spirit of servanthood. We are to give in private, without fanfare or the need for accolades from others. Our offerings are to be given through a spirit of worship and thanksgiving to God for his unspeakable gifts. Our prayers are to be similar. We are to pray as the publican did and not as the haughty Pharisee. The model prayer is given to remind us who God is, what we are to be thankful for, and what He can do for us, if we but ask.
Verses 16-32 further provides for us a reminder on how to fast before God and the emphasis to be placed on material wealth. Verse 16 speaks to the two types of reward for fasting. If we make a show before man while fasting, then our reward will be earthly. However, isn't God's reward much better? Verse 19 begins our instruction in how we view our material wealth. Verse 21 states, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If we place our treasures in Heaven, our focus will be there as well. This focus will remind us that God has our every need in consideration and knows what we require.
The conclusion of this chapter shows that if we seek God's will above all else, then we will enjoy fellowship with Him with our needs met, our future secure, and our focus on Heavenly treasures.
Wouldn't this be a great way to begin the new year?
C
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