Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV).

Whether or not you’re into making New Year’s resolutions, it is always a good idea to reflect upon last year, to learn the lessons God had for us, and to be fully prepared for the plans He has for us this year. Usually I like to ask God for a word, some form of special encouragement, a theme for the year or just simply a word from Father that will be a source of strength and motivation for the year.

This year I felt the Lord whisper to me Matthew 6:33. It’s a well-known and well preached from Scripture, and one we all must surely be familiar with. But it encourages us back to a place of priorities, where God is first in our lives. It challenges and encourages and inspires and guides us to a place where we put everything we have, everything we are, everything we do, everything we say, everything we’re believing for, every vision we have, into it’s rightful place, under His Lordship.

God is the creator, the beginning of everything.

Kevin Forlong says; “ … anything of real value has its beginning with God. He must initiate and empower every aspect of our lives … He is the Creator and our Enabler that takes us to the Next Level.”

Not only is God the initiator, He is also the sustainer! So if God is the beginning, the initiator, the sustainer of everything, it would pay us to make sure every part of our lives are aligned with His.

Matthew 6:33 says to; “seek first the kingdom of God” The Kingdom of God is His rule, His realm, His reign. So we need to put every part of our lives in cooperation and submission to His rule, His realm, and His reign.

In relation to this verse, I’ve always said over the years that God should be No1, and there is no No2! Everything should find its place in our life in relation to God and His place of priority. This means that it is not a tiered value system, where God is No1, family No2, work No3, Church No4, etc, etc, but God is supreme so that every aspect of our life, family, work, church, find their respective place in connection to God and each other. Some need more time and effort than others, at various times, but all the while God remains Lord and Master, and all the parts of our life find their proper place when He is Lord of all.

So let this thought be a filter through which we pass every part of our life this year. In the following areas of your life, ask a simple question:

• Marriage, family and relationships; does everything in this area of my life honour the “Kingdom”?
• Devotional life: does everything in this area of my life honour the “Kingdom”?
• Ministry life and development; does everything in this area of my life honour the “Kingdom”?
• Health, emotions and well-being; does everything in this area of my life honour the “Kingdom”?
• Business, career and the future; does everything in this area of my life honour the “Kingdom”?
• Education and personal development; does everything in this area of my life honour the “Kingdom”?

With this thought and question in mind for the year, just imagine what things we might not do as a result, (which could save us from possible sin) and what things we’d be motivated to do (God’s plan and blessing)!

David fought with and conquered the giant Goliath. When he faced the giant, he said; “I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts…” (1 Samuel 17:45). Let’s do everything this year, “in the Name of the Lord”, and “For the Lord”. Let’s do everything for His glory, and for His Kingdom! Let’s make sure God is No1 and there is no No2 in our lives! Then we’re in the best possible place for; “all these things shall be added to you.“ Amen! May the Lord bless and prosper you, your family, your loved ones, and all you do for his Kingdom this year!