First Things First
08/22/2025
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Jesus speaks these words in the middle of His Sermon on the Mount, right after reminding His listeners not to worry about food, clothing, or tomorrow. He shifts their focus from the urgent to the ultimate, from temporary concerns to eternal priorities.
Think of a jar filled with sand, pebbles, and large rocks. If you put the sand and pebbles in first, there’s no room for the rocks. But if you place the rocks in first, the rest can fit around them. Jesus is telling us that God’s Kingdom, His rule, His way, His righteousness, must be the “big rock” in our lives. Everything else, our work, family needs, and even our daily anxieties, find their proper place when God comes first.
We live in a world that constantly pulls us toward the “lesser things.” Bills pile up. Deadlines press. News feeds flood our minds. Yet, Jesus promises that when we prioritize Him, He takes responsibility for our needs. He is not dismissing life’s necessities, but He’s inviting us into a trust-filled life where worry gives way to worship.
Action steps to help on your journey:
Begin each day by asking, “Lord, how can I seek Your Kingdom today?”
Reorder one area of your life finances, schedule, or habits, so that it reflects God’s priorities.
When worry creeps in, pause and pray, “Father, I trust You to provide.”
Today’s Challenge:
Before you scroll through your phone, check your email, or rush into tasks, pause and seek God first. Open His Word. Whisper a prayer. Put Him in His rightful place, and watch how the rest of the day aligns.
Father, I confess that too often I chase after things that don’t last, while neglecting what matters most. Help me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. Teach me to trust that You will provide what I need. Give me courage to put You above all else today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Jesus speaks these words in the middle of His Sermon on the Mount, right after reminding His listeners not to worry about food, clothing, or tomorrow. He shifts their focus from the urgent to the ultimate, from temporary concerns to eternal priorities.
Think of a jar filled with sand, pebbles, and large rocks. If you put the sand and pebbles in first, there’s no room for the rocks. But if you place the rocks in first, the rest can fit around them. Jesus is telling us that God’s Kingdom, His rule, His way, His righteousness, must be the “big rock” in our lives. Everything else, our work, family needs, and even our daily anxieties, find their proper place when God comes first.
We live in a world that constantly pulls us toward the “lesser things.” Bills pile up. Deadlines press. News feeds flood our minds. Yet, Jesus promises that when we prioritize Him, He takes responsibility for our needs. He is not dismissing life’s necessities, but He’s inviting us into a trust-filled life where worry gives way to worship.
Action steps to help on your journey:
Begin each day by asking, “Lord, how can I seek Your Kingdom today?”
Reorder one area of your life finances, schedule, or habits, so that it reflects God’s priorities.
When worry creeps in, pause and pray, “Father, I trust You to provide.”
Today’s Challenge:
Before you scroll through your phone, check your email, or rush into tasks, pause and seek God first. Open His Word. Whisper a prayer. Put Him in His rightful place, and watch how the rest of the day aligns.
Father, I confess that too often I chase after things that don’t last, while neglecting what matters most. Help me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. Teach me to trust that You will provide what I need. Give me courage to put You above all else today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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