First

Yesterday my pastor, Robert Day preached an interesting message. Genesis 1:1 the first 4 words. The first message of the new year, and very fitting. "In the beginning - God" Unfortunately I am not the best at staying focused if I am not taking notes, but God was speaking to me and reminding me of another message I heard by an evangelist named Chris Jackson. On "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God." So this is what God was speaking to me during the message and reminding me about. I think they are a combination of the two messages intertwined with my own revelations.

As the new year starts where is God in your life? Is he first? Last? Not even on the radar?

Is He first in your finances? He gave us everything we own, the first 10% belongs to Him. Are you stealing from God first thing this year or honoring Him with your obedience. He always gives back more than we can ever imagine when we are obedient, "pressed down, shaken together and running over."

Is He first in your interests? In a world so full of knowledge at our fingertips and so many things that catch our attention - is He one of them? God never said that Christians can't have fun, but are your interests in line with His? Is it easier to tell a dirty joke than it is to tell your bestie about God's love. Are the things you see, hear, do, and say things you would do in God's presence - remember He knows all, sees all, and is everywhere at all times. He is always with you for His word promises "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

Is He first in your relationships? Are your relationship Christ centered or I centered? Do you think about your long-term future when you are checking out that hottie, or just how awesome they would look by your side knowing that their reputation alone could ruin yours? Do you build your friends up, or steal their reputation by talking trash about them when they are not around? What about those people "no one likes" how do you treat them? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - pretty great advice if you respect yourself. Of you don't then you should work on that first and God can certainly change how you view yourself - you were made in His image - remember so were all the other people too.

Is God first in your Stuff? Is it more important to get than to give? Do you think of others or just yourself? Is that new ... whatever you want this week really that important in the larger picture? Is it worth the battle, the cost - whether financially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or socially? There are so many that have nothing and still are happier than the richest person. 80% of the world's wealth is held by 20% of the population - and the sad thing is no matter how much you have - you can never take it with you. It is not wrong to have nice things, but they shouldn't own you.

Is He first in your Time. There are 168 hours in a week. How many do you give to God? Is daily prayer, bible reading and devotion to much to ask? Two Sunday services and a midweek? Some day we will all stand before God and give an account for how we spend our time - what will your calendar look like?

I realize the more you put God first, the more people will expect you to be a Christian- talk like one, walk like one, dress like one - and the world is watching seeing if you have what they need. They are looking, searching for the answer - will they find God in the beginning of your life? Will they see Him when they watch you? Or will they even know that you know Him?

Remember - you were first on His mind, when He was on the Cross.