Lenten Devotional March 13 "Putting God First. . .Always"

OPENING PRAYER. . .Loving God, Creator of all that is, here I am--today in this place that you have given me, with all the senses you have given me. Help me to use them to experience you on a deeper level. May I experience you all around me, open me to know more of your ways and know that your goodness surrounds me. Thank you for this time to be with you and to just listen. Amen

LISTEN. . . "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

CONSIDER. . . What God loves is good for the world.  Jesus calls us to put what God loves first. If we put what God loves first, everything else falls into proper place or order of importance.  Now that's a provocative statement to say the least. How many times we think that we can't possibly put God first, that our kids or spouse is more important.  What Jesus is saying is if you put his love first, it's easier to love and care for others.

Humanity's sorrow come about when retaliation and revenge rule; when grudges and hard-heartedness get in the way of reconciliation; when our refusal to share dominates public and private life; when millions live in want while a minority feasts. . .

SO WHAT. . .Can we choose reconciliation over revenge? Cooperation over conflict? Generosity over our own self-interest?  I have seen church member's unforgiveness and desire for revenge destroy flourishing ministries and literally break hearts.

• Where are we not putting God first in our lives?
• Where are we hanging on to grudges and anger that is getting in the way of showing God's love to EVERYONE? 
•  If your behavior was the only thing someone had to go on to know Jesus, what would they say is important to Jesus? 
•  If the way you treat others when things don't go your way is a way for others to see Jesus, what would they see?

These are not hypothetical questions, but questions to reflect upon and truly answer. Lent is a wonderful time to let go and let God. . .to forgive. . . to LOVE

PRAYER. . . Loving God, show me how to love what and who you love. Help me to always put you first so everything else in my life will fall into place. Help me to reflect who you are in my life. Amen