TITLE: 50 DAYS OF PRAYERS AND EXERCISES FOR THE NEW YEAR.

THEME: Preparing Mentally and Spiritually for a Blessed Year-End and A Fruitful   New Year

DAY 11– 12 (WEDNESDAY 22^ND AND THURSDAY 23^RD NOVEMBER 2023)

TOPIC:  SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE-DOKPESI

SCRIPTURE: 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

Today ‘s scripture emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and His kingdom above all else. Prioritizing the kingdom of God means seeking His guidance, wisdom, and direction in every aspect of our lives. It involves surrendering our selfish desires and ambitions and committing to live according to His will. When we seek God first, He promises to provide for our needs and give us everything we need. May we all seek God’s kingdom first and trust in His provision for our lives.

It does not mean that we should not pursue wealth and comfort, but rather that we should not let these things become our primary focus. Seeking God’s kingdom means to actively pursue a life that aligns with His will and purposes. It involves seeking His guidance, wisdom, and direction in every aspect of our lives. Seeking His righteousness means to strive for holiness and purity, and to live according to His standards and principles.

When we prioritize the kingdom of God, we can trust that He will provide for our needs and desires. The Scripture promises that all these things will be given to us as well, meaning that if we seek God first, He will provide for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. However, if we prioritize our own desires and ambitions above God’s kingdom, we may miss out on the blessings and fulfillment that come from seeking Him first.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

Here are some spiritual exercises to help us evaluate our priorities and align them with God’s will:

1.         Evaluate your priorities for the coming year. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you and what you want to achieve. Ask God to reveal any selfish ambitions or worldly pursuits that may be competing for your attention.

2.         Commit to prioritizing God’s kingdom in all areas of your life. This may involve making changes to your schedule, relationships, and priorities. Surrender any selfish desires or ambitions that are not aligned with God’s will.

3.         Pray regularly for guidance and wisdom to prioritize God’s kingdom. Ask God to help you discern what is important and what is not.

4.         Seek out opportunities to serve others and put God’s love into action. This can be through volunteering, helping a friend or family member, or simply being kind to someone in need.

PRAYERS

Dear Lord, I come before You today seeking Your kingdom and Your righteousness. I surrender my selfish desires and ambitions, and I commit to prioritizing Your kingdom in all areas of my life. Please guide me and give me wisdom to discern what is important and what is not. Help me to seek You first and to trust in Your provision. Amen.

FURTHER READING: Psalm 86:9; Psalm 119:36; Proverbs 2:1-5