“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:33

I love to go fishing for walleyes, even though I’m not very good at it.  I’ve seldom caught a walleye over twelve inches and have never caught a limit of anything – until last summer!  My brother Dave invited me on a trip to the Lake of the Woods in August.  He had learned that big walleyes were then biting on crank baits at a depth of thirty-two feet.  He suggested we use lead core line to get our crankbaits to sink down to that depth while trolling, and he was spot on.  Although the weather was a little rough, we caught and released a number of large fish over twenty-five inches, more thrilling than I can express!  I also came home with my very first limit of smaller walleye keepers.  It was my best fishing experience ever, by far.   

John Ortberg defines the kingdom of God as everything that God desires to happen actually happening – the time, place, and reality when all He desires is what we experience.”  How do I try to seek first the kingdom of God with the same focus and precision as seeking walleyes with my brother Dave on the Lake of the Woods? 

It means trying to put Christ first in my life, which is usually easier said than done.  It starts with being aware and grateful for all that Jesus has done for me and then trying to live my life how Jesus would want me to live.   Although most times I fall short, I find that when I take the time to read scripture and pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, it sets the stage and helps me to know how to live right throughout the day.  Enjoying fellowship with my fellow Christians, Bible study, worshiping in Church and serving others always helps to keep Christ close to my heart. 

The Lenten season is a good time to reflect on the love Christ has for me.  I look forward to the worship services and messages that inspire me to put Christ first in my life.

Prayer:  God of love, I know that you are the source of all that is good in my life.  Help me to stay on the path of righteousness, into the life that you desire for me.  Help me to always seek your kingdom first.  Amen