Aim at and strive for

Since 1991, this devotional calendar has been a close companion.  Every January 23, I read this quote and meditate on the verse. Today, the quote and verse cause me to pause and consider my ways just like before...it strikes at the heart, doesn't it. 

For me, I know that my aim is off and while I may be striving after His kingdom and righteousness, the worries and concerns of life tend to affect my aim.  I am so thankful for this tender redirection from my Loving Heavenly Father.  

The things I put first speak volumes of their importance in my life.  I need to examine carefully what I do...what I think is first in my life may not be proven in my actions.   Too often the things made time for are, the things that get attention, the things that demand attention...have little to do with first place priorites.  Like all the "c" list things getting accomplished instead of focusing first on the "a" list...those of you who practice task management by priorites will understand!   There are times that the thing that screams the loudest gets the attention. There are times that nothing seems to get done because there is no focus at all.  The amount of time in a day remains the same...and like it or not, I seem to have time for what is most important.  The question then, is what I make time for really most important?  

Take a few moments on this snowy Saturday morning, perhaps as you gaze out the window at the winter wonderland forcing you to slow down and change your normal routine, to take a look at what you "aim at and strive for," just to be sure that what is most important, really is. 

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

Matthew 6:33 AMP

http://bible.com/8/mat.6.33.amp

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.6.33.nkjv

““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 6:30-34 MSG

http://bible.com/97/mat.6.30-34.msg