"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
--Matthew 6:33
In today's verse, we see Jesus teaching us the principle of putting first things first. Which means before we ask for anything in prayer, we need to make sure we're putting first things first... seeking God's Kingdom and glory in every area of our lives.
So today I want to give you a little test. And I want you... as best you know how... to answer these questions honestly. It may be hard to admit some of your answers to yourself. But I truly believe this test will help you reorder your priorities... and as a result, reinvigorate your personal prayer life.
Question #1: Do you give God the first thoughts of your day? Even before your feet hit the floor, do you thank God for another day of life... of health... of family... of friendship? A great verse to quote to start your day is Psalms 118:24, "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." I encourage you to memorize this verse today!
Question #2: Do you give God the first day of your week? God has set aside a day of the week to worship and honor Him with other believers. He's done this to give us strength and power in the midst of our crazy lives. Are you taking advantage of this awesome opportunity?
Question #3: Do you give God the first place in your life... stewarding well what God has given you? This not only includes your income, but also your family and your time. Stewardship is really a matter of Lordship!
Question #4: Are you giving God the first of all your desires? Because loving, serving, or worshipping anything more than Jesus Christ is idolatry, plain and simple.
As you answer these questions honestly, it's my prayer that God will reveal to you any priorities in your life that might be out of order. And... as He does this... it's my hope that you will begin putting first things first.
And by doing so, it's my hope that you will experience the joy of a powerful prayer life!
before we ask for anything in prayer, we need to make sure we're putting first things first.
4 comments:
Hi Jackson. Excellent message here in which I totally agree with you.
The comment you wrote on Mark's blog is very wise indeed also. We all need to be ready with prepared hearts, like the 5 wise virgins, and found going about our Heavenly Father's business, when our Lord Jesus comes back for us. None of us know the hour of His coming, but the Bible says to watch and pray and be like the men of Isaachar who discerned the times in which they lived. For the Bible gives us many hints like the one that it will be like in the days of Noah when Jesus will come. God bless you and your lovely wife my dear brother and keep you standing strong in His love. Shalom with God's love, Marija
Thanks Marija, always good to hear your encouraging comments. God bless.
You're most welcome Jackson, my friend. You're a very wise God fearing young man who writes from the rich deposits of a Christ-centred life, from your heart. Your messages are all very encouraging reminders of God's will & truth to us. God bless you & keep you standing strong in His love. Have an awesome weekend celebrating the Lord's goodness. Shalom Marija
Jackson, you have a pastor's heart.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. God bless you abundantly.
Love your sister in Christ, Marija
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
--Matthew 6:33
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