Our texts of devotion is taking from the book of MATTHEW 6:31-34 and it reads:

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

MESSAGE

The German dramatist, Bertolt Brecht, witnessed mankind's two world wars. His experiences led him to a state of helplessness and hopelessness. "Life," he concluded, "is short and so is money." His verdict came as he saw the "futility" of wealth which fame brought him. He also despaired of life following the horror of deaths occasioned by the global conflicts. He had failed marriages and knew no peace, even after fleeing from Europe to America. So for him, neither life nor all the good things it stands for counted.

Unarguably, Jesus Christ, the Author of life and all its rich resources, insists that man would not be so mortally despondent and pessimistic about life if they abide by His terms and conditions. He says that we can only enjoy all heaven has freely given us if we put God and His laws first in all our pursuits. Love for what His Kingdom teaches, holiness, forsaking worldliness, consideration for the poor, readiness for the Second Coming of the Son of God, selfless service in His Vineyard, should be our priority. In a word, man's business should be the unflagging search for and unremitting pursuit of God.

Mankind has not known true joy and peace despite the great advances in medicine, science and technology over the decades because of misplaced perspectives. All around him suggests prosperity; but, alas, there is agony. Today's man is like a farmer harvesting massive yields from his fields, yet, ironically he is writhing in anguish. He worships ephemeral wealth, rather than the eternal God.

Mankind can only regain composure if they accord first place to the Lord. That process releases salutary blessings that brings no sorrow. The rat-race of the age must not be allowed to push God aside. We must let Him prepare the ground for the good things of life He has for us, rather than seek those things before attending to His demand for righteous living. Man must passionately love God more than his carnal cravings. That is when he can appropriately receive His latent and manifest increase.