Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. Colossians 3:17 ERV
I’ve used this verse as an encouragement to others and myself when adventuring off to do a job, attend an event, play a sport, in a relationship, and any other circumstance you can think of.
Over the years, I have learned to appreciate a couple of bible verses even more than originally read or heard:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 ERV (also found in Matthew 22:37, Luke 10:27, and Mark 12:33)
These two verses are a daily driving force for me. Actually, they should be for all Christians. And here’s why…when we seek God first in our lives (Matthew 6:33), in everything we do, everything else seems to take on a whole different perspective. Those “everythings” take on a less important role, or even a more significant role than initially. Yes, that sounds contradicting, so allow me to explain. When we seek God first above anything, anyone, any circumstance, or any feeling we have in life, that “any” becomes not as high a priority in our lives as Jesus Christ and doing or saying what pleases Him. The Holy Spirit will guide you to do what is more imperative to your Heavenly Father. Some of our “any”s will slowly fade, or they may increase to be an encouraging and integral part of our lives. But nothing and no one should come before God. Seek Him first!
Love. God is love. So…love Love.
So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16 (emphasis is mine)
Deuteronomy 6:5 has been a verse that I either say out loud to or say in my prayers with and for my children. I have discovered that when we love God (much like when we seek Him) above ALL else, again we gain the right perspective in life.
With these verses, no matter what comes my way, when I seek Him first and love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, everything will fall into place. I may not see it that way at first. But God has a purpose and a plan. His ways are perfect. His plan involves bringing glory to Him in everything. So, just hang on, and put God first and love big! Love Love.
Let’s bring this full circle now. My bible verse for the day is “Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:17 ERV. May every word you speak and action you take be done because you have seeked the Lord first and have a heart intentionally loving Him above all. Remember how I mentioned that we may not see it God’s way at first, but He has a purpose and a plan? Well, even (especially) in those times, thank Him. He’s teaching you something and building great character in you.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
