I take our reading for today from Matthew 6:33New International Version33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Reflecting on this verse, I want to go deeper on the phrase Seek First His Kingdom.

This is actually a command for us not to live in worry about how to get the basic needs of our life. But we should trust Him, the Father, to provide what we need.

These keywords Seeking God's first is a mantra for me that shifts my mindset or perspective focus on pursuing righteousness and living a fruitful life by putting God's first in every decision I make or activities that I do instead of worrying, and being afraid.

According to Romans 12:1, it urges us to offer our body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Have I lived a life that is pleasing and holy?

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1 NIV)

Holiness is an ongoing process in life. No one can measure holiness, but only God can say if I passed it or not. It is very hard for me not to worry and be anxious about the Christmas season. Instead of looking like an exciting thing from a child's point of view, but for moms like me, it is the stressful year of my life. There are a lot of things I need to do like shopping, preparing food, especially we are hosting a Christmas lunch. I always think of perfection. Thinking about if the guests would love what I prepare. A lot of things running in my head. I have to prepare for the kid's holidays, trip and travel here and there. All these things worry me and pressure. I even forget that I am doing these hosting lunch, organizing parties, wrapping gifts, and setting up Christmas decorations for God's Kingdom. What God pleases is if I do these things out of love and not a Christmas obligation.

I believe that whatever pressures I felt right now are testing my character and stretching my patience if I could keep holiness and faith under pressure, especially with my children not to let my steam off with anger.

What good thing is I become more aware that there is something going on and there is a Spiritual battle for that I needed to give it to God. This made me realize that there are a lot of things Jesus and I have some work to do together.

At the Home of Martha and Mary  (LUKE 10:38-42 NIV)

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/

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Love,

Teacher Cel

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