All of these are important, in fact there are several things that are important to God, but in Jesus first sermon He clearly reveals what Gods top priority is. It tells them that they are sinners who have offended a holy God. He has shut all up in disobedience that He might show mercy to all (Rom. Those are our priorities as Gods people who have received His mercy. We are being built together into a spiritual house or temple in the Lord. We have to be honest with ourselves. So I counsel younger widows to marry [husband], to have children [children], to manage their homes [their household] and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander (NIV). God has a will, or desire, for the use of your time. We have, as weve already said, different marital status. It would be great to think that everyone who doesnt know God would be responsive--just waiting to hear and believe. In fact, in Ephesians 3:7, Paul calls himself a "servant of this gospel.". For decades, he poured his life into building projects and accumulating wealth, and it did not satisfy. 198.). Be very careful, then, how you livenot as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Jesus said to the harried Martha, busy doing something very important, but missing out on the priority. Thus his point is that the raging of the wicked is under Gods sovereign control, so that believers need not fear (Ps. My friend, the Bible tells you who you are in Christ, it tells you what you have in Christ, it tells you what you can do, and it tells you what God has done for you. It is bread for your spirit and water for your soul! We must know the king and understand the keys and principles of the kingdom how it functions, and how to enjoy the benefits, promises, and privilege of the kingdom now. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 6, verse 33, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.. But now, after 22 years in Islam, she's no longer afraid of her eternal destiny because she heard the loving voice Magazine SubscriptionPodcastsArticles From Current IssueCharisma NewsCharisma HouseCharisma App, Contact UsAdvertise With UsWriters GuidelinesCareersMeet the Editors, Charisma MediaCharisma MagazinePrivacy PolicyStatement of FaithTerms of ServiceReprint Permisson. The debate surrounding the interpretation of the six days of creation can be contentious, especially when confronted with scientific theories supporting an old Earth scenario. Jesus preached, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 4:17). Our first priority is to keep God central by continually coming to Christ and by offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Him. Never miss a post! All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ( 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). And what are the things we have heard? One woman described herself as a Christian at large. I thought, What a violation of biblical truth! Theres no such thing! Note the terms that Peter piles up to paint a corporate identity for his readers as the people of God. The one factor that seemed to transcend all the rest [was] putting first things first (1990, pp. The petition condemned the event as an assault on religious beliefs and A four-day revival event held last fall at the Old Zion Baptist Church has turned into a remarkable journey of faith that shows no signs of slowing down. The same is true when we put God first in our lives. We need not bring a bloody sacrifice, since Christs offering of Himself once for all is sufficient. An Opportunity:To get more helpful, hope-filled resources and encouragement, please subscribe to Biblical Counseling Centers Mended Lives blog. God brings out the best in us when we . Leslie: Its Tuesday,December 28, and this is Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss. The question is not is it okay to have a job outside my home. By definition, only one thing can be first. He was a gospel servant in that he lived to share the message and defend it. You will hear me emphasize these three priorities often. Mentally I added Get facial! to my personal maintenance schedule. Would you be pleasantly surprised, or shocked at how much time is eaten up by nonessential activities? If you think earthly things will bring you lasting fulfillment, take it from the greatest king in ancient history, they will only leave you empty. That question is crucial for each of us to ask, ncluding Nancy. Only the High Priest, and that only once a year, could enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people. Hebrews 13:15-16 instructs us, through Christ, to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. One Thing: God's Priorities for My Life - Evergreen Church The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. He married 700 wives and had 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). Could I suggest thats the wrong question? One way to discover what is major is to find out what is important to God, to determine what it is that He attaches special significance to. Thats lifeto love God with all my heart. Once we have set following Christ as our top priority, there is no going back (Hebrews 10:37-39). Verse 10 of that chapter says, But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief.. How do I balance the importance of working hard for the Lord, while still having enough time for God, spiritual growth, and my family, when my job won't allow it? He became the greatest and richest king in world history (1 Kings 10:23). By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from BCC. What Does it Mean to Be Your Husbands Helper? Are you offering your life as a spiritual sacrifice to Him? He also wrote: One of my favorite essays is The Common Denominator of Success written by E.M. Gray. Jesus tells us that God's kingdom and righteousness should be our highest aim. This is supposed to be the worst of times for mass soul winning in America. Several other appliances, too, began demanding my attention. It's because we're all about developing eternal relationships with God, His Word, and people. Thats the number one priority, the controlling, core focus of her life. Table Sponsorship: Please fill out the following fields. Find out more about these options at ReviveOurHearts.com. Look at 1 Timothy chapter 5, verses 9 and 10. In verse 10 Peter draws from Hosea 1:10 & 2:23 to remind his scattered readers that formerly they were not Gods people, but now they are. 19:6); a holy nation (Exod. Under pressure, we tend to focus on the urgent, but not always on the important. But in the long run, they would not be put to shame, but rather would share the honor with Christ (1:6b-7a). So its good to be reminded occasionally of our priorities as Gods people. Rooted in biblical teachings and "America is the only country ever founded on an idea. 12 Bible Verses about Priorities In Life - Online Bible In their place I have established a policy in which I respond to all questions about my behavior by taking the Fifth Amendment. (Lynne F. McGee, Readers Digest [2/89], p. As you read through it, look for commands, look for instruction, look for direction that applies to you. If youre not doing that, that's the place to start. But now, Christ our High Priest has offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. In Romans 15:16, Paul says that he was ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that [his] offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable. Thus sharing the good news of Christ is a sacrifice we can offer to God. Thats not just a pious phrase. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:38-42). Waiting for another to direct our ways or being satisfied with idleness when others are not commanding action will lead to uselessness. The Kingdom of God is where God rules. Gods number-one priority for mankind is that we discover, understand, and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But the verse above is actually stronger than that. Proverbs says that wisdom is the principle thing. In His Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught some of the most meaningful principles of Christian living in the entire Bible (Matthew 5-7). What is God's top priority? Make sure it is first in your life? We are foreigners in this land called earth. They worked hard for the Lord. He pursued pleasure, recreation and architecture (spending seven years building the Temple and 13 years building his own palace1 Kings 6:38; 7:1). The evidence that we love God is our striving to keep His commandments. Now, weve been talking about prioritiesplural; but in a sense, there is really only one priority in life. It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. He made silver as plentiful as stones in Jerusalem (1 Kings 10:27). 2) The priority of sitting at Jesus feet. Consider three of the most important eternal priorities. 1 Timothy 4:12. We need not go through any human priest. Tags:Biblical Counseling, Biblical Counseling Center, Downloads, Help and Hope, Practical Change, Priorities, Your email address will not be published. Her husband comes before her children. Formerly they had not received mercy, but now they had. Second, are you seeking to be built together with His people or do you just attend church? 11:9). When it comes to important decisions, whose will usually takes priority in our lives? The plan God has for your life can only be accomplished when we give the best of our time, efforts, gifts and focus to our specific task. And whats the evidence? Thanks! Christ did not mean we should stop caring for each member of our family. Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth has touched the lives of millions of women through two nationally syndicated radio programs heard each dayRevive Our Hearts and Seeking Him. The Word of God tells us that it is vital to put our priorities in the right order and then carefully cultivate each one with zeal and enthusiasm. Once youve trusted Christ as Savior, the entire Christian life is a process of discovering all that He is to you. Frequently it is difficult to choose between the affairs of this world and Christs teachings. God may not communicate exactly that way, but He does want you to know the purposeof your life, as Nancy will explain in a series called, First Things First. Many of Gods people dont realize the treasure they have in Gods powerful Word. In a recent blog post, Starnes explains that he had posted a video of a recent gay pride parade in Seattle. So its my prayer that you will make Gods Word the priority God desires for it to be in your lifestarting today! When I talk about having a relationship with God, let me start by saying that were not talking about adding one more thing to an already overcrowded life. We are now to be ambassadors for the king and kingdom. The Bible catalogs Solomon's greatness and excess: He was a king, judge, builder, author, poet, singer, teacher, lover . 2023 Charisma Media, All Rights Reserved. ECFA Member, Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. If we as a church do not keep God central by continually coming to Christ in all we do, then our priorities are wrong. I hope youll still give to Revive our Hearts, but I just want to say that supporting the ministries and outreaches of your local church is evenmore important. Consider three of the most important eternal priorities. You will hear me emphasize these three priorities often. 7 Priorities that Guided Jesus' Decisions | Christian Bible Studies {eoa}. 2:5). But Peter pictures Gods people, the church, as a building (or temple) in which each member is a living stone, being fitted and built together upon and by the living corner stone, Jesus Christ. Now that raises this obvious question. Ben Godwin is the author of four books and pastors the Goodsprings Full Gospel Church. Husbands, children, and then the household. That would not be the kind of clutter were talking about. Some of you who are rearing children right now, if your children take priority over your husband, the day will come when your children will be grown and gone and youll discover you have no relationship with your husband. Its so easy to let the pressures and busyness of lifedistract usfrom the things that are most important. Proverbs chapter 4, verse 7: Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom. Where does wisdom come from? It is a relationship with the living Lord of the universe! Thanks! Making excuses will always be an option, just not a good one. We are passionate about training people and churches, through online courses and events, to help those in need. Indeed, much of the history of the ancient Hebrews can be told as a story of blessing for faithfulness to Godabiding by Gods standard of holinessand punishment for abandoning those standards (p. 4). This proves that earthly possessions and pursuits do not produce true happiness. There is a phrase that comes up over and over again in the Bible, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, that lets us know when God is saying, Hey, whats coming up is especially important.. Get your free "4 Reasons Why Lay Counseling Is Effective" Resource! He violated all three of Gods instructions for kings: You must set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose shall not accumulate horses for himself shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he acquire for himself excess silver or gold (Deut. Is the American Experiment in Self-Government Coming to an End? How great was King Solomon? What am I supposed to be doing with my life? Get God. This means that everything we do can be done to Gods glory (1 Cor. The kingdom of God is not a priority in their life. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lords will is. Day 10 | What are God's Four Priorities for My Life? Get your free "5 Mistakes Churches Make" Resource! The believers to whom Peter wrote were under pressure-- probably not from being busy--but pressure from persecution. We provide Skype counseling for people across the country, and live counseling in 5 offices across the Chicagoland area. Should I accept that I will have to sacrifice much for my work, consider a career change, or do something in between?" What does that word mean? Many A Lutheran minister has sparked controversy and captured public attention with a recitation of a heretical "Sparkle Creed" during a recent church service. But in this instance priorities were an issue. I was in a gathering of Christians from different churches. Lets live as Paul did, straining each day to move forward for the prize of the high-calling of God in Christ Jesus. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. He calls their service an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God (Phil. 7:15-17). Our relationship to God must be at the center of all we do, both individually and corporately. There is a hole in our soul that only God can fill. Revive Our Hearts, an outreach of 12:13, TLB). When I do weddings, I usually explain that marriage is like a triangle, with God at the apex and the partners at the other two points. This isn't achieved through passivity; Matthew 6:33 uses the word "seek," which implies activity and persistence. Relationship with God means that I need to make time in His Word, time in prayer, time in meditation, and time with Gods people. He found it wasnt hard work, good luck, or astute human relations, though those were all important. The best thing is the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Solomon wrestled with and answered four key questions on the meaning of life: Solomon discovered that none of these questions can be answered satisfactorily without God. Is it wrong to stay with a father until he dies or to devote an extended period of time to saying farewell to family members? However, he struggled to find personal peace because He strayed from its sourceJehovah Shalom. Frustration comes from trying to fulfill someone elses job description. That speaks of their character or their heart. God made it very clear from the beginning that His priority was the kingdom. Thats what supremely matters. The head of all things. I must not trust in myself or what I do as the way to approach God. Are some appointed to perish? God offers them mercy and forgiveness if they will turn to Christ. I spend countless hours listening to and counseling and responding to letters and emails and requests from women who are frustrated, who are beside themselves with anger and irritation, and theyre resentful. The question is, will having a job outside my home in any way compete with or diminish my effectiveness in fulfilling my primary calling in my home? Are we putting our personal relationship with God first, or are we allowing other aspects of our lives to come before the worship of the true God? Youre building your life on the sand. Frustration comes from trying to fulfill someone else's job description. Im holding up the Scripturethe Word of God. This is what Jesus prayed in Matthew 6:10, let your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
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