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Jesus brought GLORY to His Father in heaven as He perfectly lived out God's plan for salvation for the world. Jesus was born as a baby in human form, lived a totally obedient life. "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work" (John 4:34). 

So He took on the sins of the world and willingly was nailed to a cross. In excruciating pain He looked upon those who mocked Him and said, ""Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). 

When He died on the cross He knew He completed the work of taking on the sins of the world. His last words were, "It is finished." (John 19:30). 

In three days Jesus rose from the tomb where He was buried and returned to heaven to be "seated on the right hand of the Father" (Luke 22:69).

Everything He did was in perfect obedience to Father God. Everything. 

And just think, He is our example. We're supposed to follow His example of having a oneness with our Father in heaven. I know, I know, we are still living in our flesh and we're going to mess up -- but that's why we need a Savior! But we're still supposed to follow His lead! 

Jesus put obedience to His Father, first. Yep. Just like we're supposed to do. 

• Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..."(Matthew 6:33). 
• "So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
• "You shall have no other Gods before me" (Exodus 20:3).

God hates idolatry. He gave us Jesus to take the punishment for our sinfulness, thank You, LORD! But then....oh, then we turn around and choose to live with one foot in the Word and the other foot in the world????? Whew. Throughout the Old Testament we can shudder and read what He did to thousands of Israelites for their worship of idols. Yikes. 

Are we afraid to put God first in our lives? Are we afraid we're going to miss all those "Selfies" on that latest Instagram post, email, Facebook message, or tweet if we don't check our devices immediately upon awakening?  Are we afraid we won't get enough likes if we don't keep a foot in the world? Do we think if we put God before every other choice that we won't have our needs met? Do we think if we surrender our everything to Jesus that we'll be missing the latest celebrity trend that we need to imitate?

Well, God knows our hearts. He knows our anxieties and our self-centered tendencies. He has provided promises that should overshadow all that worldly lust.

Here it is:

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot love God and Money.  Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than clothes?...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...O you of little faith...do not worry...for the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:24-33). 

He knows. He cares. His love is unconditional. His promises are faithful. He is very great. He is very good. He is very powerful. He is full of glory. He wants us take care of us as we shine for Him in this dark world!

By His grace, may our passion--our "food"-- be to do the will of our loving Father  and finish it. We've been created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. May we joyfully put Him first in all we do and bring Him a whole lotta glory! 

Love,

Polly

"Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together!"

Psalm 34:3