Today's Verse - Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

—Matthew 6:33

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Seek first his kingdom"!"

"Seek first... his righteousness"!
Seeking the kingdom of God first is the primary focus of today's verse and the Sermon of the Mount where it is found. "Seek first..." is Jesus' robust, prioritizing command. God's kingdom must be the passionate pursuit of our lives. Seeking the LORD's kingdom, and his righteousness must not just be our wish, our hope, our dream — it must be our passion. We will pursue God's kingdom at all costs. We will pursue it with all of our passion. Seeking God's kingdom first will be our consuming effort until we find it our home!

My Prayer...

Forgive me, dear LORD, for letting my passion for your kingdom and your character get pushed to the side in my priorities. I want to make it first. I want to seek your kingdom and your righteousness first! So, please awaken me each morning with a sense of prioritizing focus for your work and your will for each day. Father, I want to be a passionate seeker of your kingdom first, so please make me restless for your kingdom as my home. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 37:28

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever...

—Psalm 37:28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Don't you love the term for God's people when they live for him? They are "his faithful ones"! The LORD is committed to his people. He will not forget his people, those who seek to honor him by displaying his righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice (Exodus 34:6). God has promised to honor his promises to his people and preserve them with his protecting power, forever. As God has promised, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5-6).

My Prayer...

Eternal and Faithful Father, thank you for your great promises. I am thrilled at the reminder of your faithful presence in my life. I fully believe I can entrust my future to you and that you will bring me into your presence with victory and great joy. Thank you for my sure and steadfast hope. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 10:6

Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

—Proverbs 10:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Righteousness brings us great blessings. Violence becomes its own vile reward, bringing to those who use it what they have done to others (Matthew 26:52). So what's our choice? Righteousness or wickedness? Blessings or violence? Encouragement or a foul mouth? The real choice is whether or not we let God define character and not our selfish culture or our own self-interest or our desire to get even.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I want to live the kind of life that pleases you — a life of righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love. Father, I want to bring your Kingdom and your grace to others. I want to help others see that violence is destructive to themselves, to others, and also to the little children. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.