Sunday, December 11, 2011 - The Order of Things

"and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."  Matthew 6:33 (NLT)


"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."  Matthew 6:33 (The Message)

     No other time of year than Christmas pulls more at us in the tug-of-war between trimmings and meaning, between sensory and spiritual, temporal and eternal.  Advertisers keep us posted and jittery with the fact that time is short (only two weeks 'til Christmas!) and I find myself "just doing it" instead of "seeking God first" to steep in His Presence. Experience teaches me I miss out on what my heart craves when I fail to steep in His Presence first thing in the morning, or when I give Him leftovers instead of the biggest piece of my time.  In the order of things, His concerns come first and He brings with Him the Peace to be who He asks me to be, and the Strength to do what will make the most difference.  Without Him, it's all gift wrap that ends up crumpled in the trash or burning in the fireplace. 


Father, reveal Yourself to us first thing this morning. Reveal Yourself and may we respond to Your Holiness in awe and worship.  Open our eyes to see Your Glory and teach us to adore You, Father. Thank You, Provider, for shelter, food and clothing, for family and friends. Help us keep all these blessings in Your priority order. Speak the Good News through us as we go into the next 14 days of gatherings and festivities. May Your Name be spoken and praised!
In the Name of Jesus, Who had no trimmings and Who put You, the Father, ahead of everything and everyone else