Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
2018 is coming up in a few hours, fireworks and streamers of New Year's bliss in every home around the world. In the past New Years, I’ve sought the typical resolutions for myself... Better financial stewardship, being diligent in my day to day prayer life or eating healthier than the years past. This New Year's has been much different than the years before.
2017 God allowed me to see the desires of my heart from a different perspective. He answered prayers but also took some things away. Other blessings were waves moving back and forth. As much as I wanted to be selfish in the answered prayers, transitions and in the pruning. The moments in both happiness and pain that nothing, no matter how beautiful or difficult, both could not compare to the Glory and Goodness of our Lord. The only thing that stood true was His faithfulness. I yearn for Him more like never before. To God be the Glory!
This year I decided to not be selfish with my resolutions but to put God in the first of the New WHOLE Year, the first in my everything for a deeper intimate relationship with Him. These “first” seeds sown I do already, however this year, I want it to take on a new meaning of honoring God as well as valuing Him. I am preparing a place for His presence, person & purpose in my life making room for God to do a new thing. When I put God first in my everything He governs what comes next, making God my solid foundation in all things by His order and timing. It’s the structure for success and blessings in the sacrifices and focus of putting Him first to produce the evidence of His good and perfect work through my life.
My first hours when I wake are given the Him (Psalm 5:3, Mark 1:35).
My first fruit tithe/offering (Exodus 23:19, Malachi 3:10).
Seek the council of the Lord first (2 Chronicles 18:4).
To dedicate my blessings to God with the personal spiritual altars in my heart and give thanks, thankfully (Genesis 8:20, Exodus 17:15, Judges 21:4).
My dreams and desires are to God first (Proverbs 3:6).
Not misuse or discredit gifts or blessings (Ephesians 4:22-24).
So I consecrate myself with sanctification, repentance & praise (Leviticus 20:7, John 17:17-19, Matthew 3:2).
They all go hand in hand, acknowledging God first, praising and thanking God. Removing the filth of this world (Isaiah 64:6) and replacing it with Him.
I am seeking, like Jesus instructed, first His kingdom and His righteousness. That reflection becomes contagious (John 15:5,16), not for stuff but for His will, His purpose, His plan, His way, truth & life. More of Him and less of me. My ears and heart are open to listening to God’s word. The change is deliberate so that He can fully utilize me with my time, talent and treasure. In the end, all that God has given, it belongs to Him, not my own (Romans 11:36, Colossians 1:16). I am giving Him Glory and honoring God with what He has allowed me to have or steward. It’s a new beginning. What are your New Year's resolutions?
"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place."
Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus. As the first of the year is coming just a few hours away, I lift up every heart reading this. They seek the desires of Your heart, kingdom, righteousness, and council. They too, desire to put You first in ALL things in their daily life. That it takes on a new meaning for a deeper relationship with You. Or take the first step of putting You first for the first time. Holy Spirit, help us acknowledge the works of your hands so that we give You first the Glory in all things. Your goodness and mercies follow us all the days of our life. I ask in Jesus matchless name Amen.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (AMP)
..regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [Godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].
Revelation 21:5 (AMP)
And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true [they are accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy].”
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