Do you feel fully alive in Christ this Monday morning? Are you filled with anticipation, wondering how God will use you today? Joy and excitement can be yours when you live every day with Jesus. He promised in His holy word that He came to give us life and that more abundantly. (John 10:10)
The abundant life is available to all who seek it. There are no tricks or gimmicks. It is yours for the asking. Jesus had only one requirement:
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:32-34 from The Message)
The King James version of this same passage puts it succintly:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
That’s all there is to it. Put God first and the joy will come. Put God first and you’ll be able to manage your work load better. Put God first and the people around you will notice.
People are often drawn to me. Most of the time they don’t why, but I hope it is because they feel God’s love flowing through me.
One person says she comes to my office to get her “daily dose of Debbie.” She says she feels better after she spends time with me.
One day, I hope to share the gospel with her. But, until that time comes, I will keep praying for her and continue being a friend to her.
Loving others for the cause of Christ infuses us with joy.
Let’s put God first today!
It’s a very real part of living every day with Jesus and will fill you with encouragement and unspeakable joy!