TGIF
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
What a beautiful, powerful and yet simple verse of scripture. It seems to summarize for us very succinctly where God wants us to focus our life, and that we will be fine if we do so. Like all of you, I have my favorite verses of scripture and this is one of my favorites in its power and straightforward message.
To fully appreciate this single verse, you should also read chapters 5 and 6 in Matthew leading up to this verse. Jesus shares the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, the fulfillment of the Law, and discusses sin, love, charity, and wealth in no uncertain terms. These words leading up to Jesus’ summary in Matthew 6:33 make it clear that we are not to value worldly possessions or to spend our lifetime building them up or seeking fame and fortune or congratulations from others for our service to Him. Instead, we are to focus on our belief in Him and love for Him, and on our service to the furtherance of His kingdom.
Romans 8:32 – He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
This verse describes God’s everlasting love for us. He freely gives to us through His grace complete forgiveness of our sins in justifying His choice of us to be saved.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
This verse provides another promise in the Bible where God will provide for all of our needs. Here Paul assures the Philippian church that God will continue always to meet their needs both while on this earth and throughout eternity.
1 Peter 5:7 – having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.
Because we are human, we will have doubts and moments of personal weakness during our lifetime. These words which Peter wrote to the Christians when the Romans turned on them apply as well to us today that God is there with us and for us in all circumstances. We can trust Him to guide us during our difficult times and never leave our side.
There is one additional reason why Matthew 6:33 is a favorite verse of mine. I heard it actually sung in church a few years ago by a children’s choir including two of my granddaughters Gentry and Greer. The music is beautiful and you can listen to it if you like at
What a great first verse for little children to learn to help them know the beauty and power of their God. I have loved this verse and music ever since that experience.
I wish you all a most blessed Thanksgiving holiday and I pray you may be with your loved ones at this special time!
Please note that I will not be writing a TGIF message next week as I will be in DC celebrating Thanksgiving with my family.
Ron