REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Barry Kang who heads Symphony Church in Boston, is an updated version of his blog first posted on March 15, 2014.  He is a graduate of Stanford University (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

I was struck by this thought the other day: I realized how much of my life (particularly my schedule) was bound and defined by circumstances and people, rather than by God.  My prayer life and time in the Word, in particular, was constrained by church activities, my children’s school and extracurricular schedule, etc.  I wondered, is my walk with God reactive based on circumstances, or can I be more proactive in my walk with God?  Should I allow my schedule to dictate my prayer and Word life or should my time with God dictate my schedule?  What does it mean to seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness if my walk with God seems so constrained by circumstances?  

I wonder if you’ve ever had these thoughts.   

As I prayed and meditated over the matter, I realized that I had been thinking about this all wrong.  Putting God first doesn’t mean that you necessarily schedule Godly activities first and then everything else afterwards.  This actually gives God too little!   

Rather, I think it means that we desire God to reign over every single area of our lives.  Every moment can be bathed in God’s presence through prayer.  

When I wake up in the morning, I can wake up with God.  

When I drive to work, I can drive with God.

When I work, I can work for God’s glory.

When I have a conversation with my children, I can invite God into the conversation.

When I eat, I can eat with God.

When I rest, I can invite God’s Sabbath rest into my life.

You get the idea.  What if we looked for ways that God could become more and more Lord over every sphere we were connected with?  I think that’s seeking God’s kingdom first and His righteousness.

Prayer: Father, help me to enthrone You as my Lord in all spheres of my life.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Micah 1-2