First Things First!!

Sharon Couchman

Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of teaching about getting our houses and lives in divine order. While contemplating this myself, I began to wonder WHO – OR WHAT HAS first place in my life? And so I ask you this question as well.

WHO – OR WHAT IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY IN LIFE? Is it family, ministry, or maybe your career? Perhaps you dote most of your attention on a beloved pet or a hobby that you enjoy. Be honest about your answer. Is God in first place? Is He your TOP priority? If not, then you will not experience the fullness of God’s blessings that He has for you. And, in case you’re wondering what my answer to this question was, I had to admit that I needed to make some adjustments in my life as well.

Matthew 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.

Why does God tell us to seek Him first and to not have any other gods before Him? Because He is the One True God and deserves our primary focus. He is the source of every good thing in our life. God merits our attention, praise and worship! He alone is worthy. And, just like any good earthly father, God wants to bless His children! He is a good God and the giver of every good gift.

Our Heavenly Father has wisdom, understanding, direction and teaching He desires to impart to us. But we have to ask! And then listen and obey! We have not, because we ask not. Communication with God is not just your talking to God, but rather both parties conversing back and forth.

We are in the end times and fellowshipping with the Lord is more crucial than ever before. We must hear from Heaven regarding our life, our families and our jobs. Let’s face it – do you as a human even want to share heartfelt, intimate thoughts and special pieces of wisdom you have gained with just anyone? Would you share those nuggets with someone who doesn’t even acknowledge you, or even stop to consider, respect or listen to you?

What if God had something very special to tell you on a particular day that would make the total difference in your perception and response to an upcoming situation? I know for me many times that was true. Sometimes I would later realize that if I had inquired of the Lord or listened more closely I could have avoided pitfalls. Times when I needed wisdom, I would miss it because of not listening and or submitting to God’s will. It is easy for our flesh to get caught up with emotions and then make serious life decisions based on how we feel, instead of God’s direction in our life.

Our Heavenly Father longs for fellowship with His creation – you and me!! He even says “Come, now, and let us reason together…” (Isaiah 1:18) And, God also promises to dwell in our praises. Think about that!! As you praise God, it actually provides a dwelling place for His presence. Can you grasp that? God, the Creator of the Universe, has purposed for His presence to manifest when His people choose to praise and worship Him. Why would we not make room for God to visit us?

God tells us that we have to seek Him with our whole heart. He wants us to diligently pursue Him. Then He promises that WE WILL FIND HIM.

Jeremiah 29:13 KJV – And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Psalm 119:2 – Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Proverbs 8:17 – I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Psalm 27:14 – Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

The responsibilities of life, cares and obligations of our family, jobs, etc. can all play a part in keeping your attention away from God. Yes, God knows everything happening in your life, but He also knows that satan is a master at deception and sidetracking God’s people. The enemy uses many things to distract God’s kids! Satan plots to get our attention away from God in any way He can.

There will always be excuses for not spending time with God (I’ve had plenty). However, you can choose and discipline your life to give God first place. My prayer for all of us (including myself) is to hunger and thirst more for God and spend more time in His presence and in His Word.

Just start where you are. Give God your first thoughts and focus each day. As you praise, worship and give Him first place, you will be better prepared for the day’s events. It will also cause you to be more sensitive to the leading of the Lord. When you begin to hear from God daily and share your heart with Him, you will have a greater sense of peace.

Psalm 119:165 KJV – Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Bless you, Dear Friend. Let’s love God more, seek Him more, worship Him more and trust Him more with our daily cares and life’s demands. FIRST THINGS FIRST and then the rest follow after that. Peace to you!

2 thoughts on “First Things First!!

  1. First things First speak the sentiments’ of my heart. I keep this on my email mail as a reminder to me to always remember God first, because you can sometimes get so busy or caught up with the cares of life and begin to push Gods time to the background.

  2. Thankyou I know and have seen it happen.if only I listen to god he shows me the way .the other day I heard and listened.I’m a true believer.know the hard part is doing it every day in everything I do .

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