POVERTY

By Charisma Dec 13, 2012

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

—Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Many have referred to the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus’ manifesto for kingdom living. It certainly is a call to a radical lifestyle such as the world has never seen. It covers most of the major areas of life and brings everything under the Lordship of Jesus. One of the best known and most powerful statements is our scripture above.

In a culture that continually strives for more and more, these are radical words. Rather than focusing on our clothes, food or shelter, Jesus said our focus must be on the things of God. With a proper focus on God’s kingdom, we will live in a nation that can care for those who are hurting and still have abundance. This won’t happen because the government has mandated it, but because we are seeking first that which is eternal and are then content to allow the Lord to provide everything else we need.

Pray for a right focus in America—back to God and away from material things.
Pray for the church to be the hands and feet of Christ as we minister to those in need, both spiritually and materially.
Pray for a spirit of seeking God first to pervade the church in America.

DAILY PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I commit myself this day to seeking Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. With all that is in me, I long to experience Your rule over my life. May that same desire permeate the church in America. Give us seeking hearts that will not be content with anything less than You and Your Kingdom in our lives. With that firmly in place, help us to trust You to provide for us in every way. Help our nation to be set free from a grasping materialism that is never satisfied and never secure. May our national motto: “In God we trust” become a way of life for America.