Memory Verse –
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Midweek Message – Putting God First 1.28.26 (click on the link to be taken to the video)
Pastor asks, “how many want an amazing life”? The single greatest problem facing Christians is not putting the proper priority on making God first. God wants you to have a blessed life. The key is that God designed you to put him first in your life. The question is not, “If God is in your life?”… The question is “Is God/Jesus/His Word in first place?”
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
John 10:10 I have come that they (you) may have life, and have it to the full. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
1. Clarity of Direction – When God is first, He directs our decisions. – Proverbs 3:6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
2. Inner Peace (Even in Chaos) – Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God. – Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. Protection From Destructive Choices – God’s Word acts as guardrails for life. – Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
4. Spiritual Fruit & Maturity – Abiding in Christ produces fruit over time. – John 15:4–5a Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit . . .
5. Freedom From Anxiety About Provision – God promises to provide for those who seek Him first. – Matthew 6:31–33 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all 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.
6. Stronger Relationships – Loving God first . . . shapes how we love others. – 1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
7. Purpose Beyond Circumstances – God works all things for His purposes. – Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
8. Eternal Reward – Faithfulness echoes into eternity. Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
In Closing; The question is not, “If God is in your life?” The question is, “Is God/Jesus/Word in first place?” – Revelation 2:4–5 You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
