[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h4″]As we begin this New Year, it is important that we begin it the right way, by putting first things first. When we submit to God’s plan, and establish what He says in His Word as that which is most important to us, then we are on our way to a year of life and peace and abundant blessings. And if you will make His priorities your priorities, then you will find that this year will take on a higher dimension than you may have experienced in previous years. [/x_custom_headline]
Below are just a few things that Jesus instructs us to put first, if we intend to obey Him, and experience breakthrough in our lives.
Jesus said:
[x_blockquote cite=”Matthew 6:33 KJV” type=”left”]“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”[/x_blockquote]
Almost everyone I know has some need in their lives that remains unmet. And so where many people will miss it this year is in adjusting their commitment to God’s House and His work in order to get those needs met.
For example, when people “need” a getaway, they will rarely take off time from work, but have no second thoughts whatsoever in skipping church. Some will miss six, eight, ten or even more Sundays of church attendance during the year, simply because they need a break from their hectic lives. Yet sadly, these individuals never seem to factor in what they are forfeiting spiritually by doing this, nor how their misplaced priorities are actually creating additional needs in their lives that will go unmet, and thereby compounding the pressure and frustration they were attempting to alleviate.
I have witnessed others who have an unmet financial need in their lives, as yet another example, who will begin to rob God in their tithes and offerings, in the futile attempt to meet the need by their own means. But what people who do this fail to realize is that even if you get that bill paid off, or the financial pressure eased by stealing the holy tithes and offerings, it is only a temporary fix. Because what the Devourer is now able to do in their lives because they refused to put God’s Kingdom first through tithes and offerings, has created a supernatural problem that working more hours and several additional jobs is unlikely to remedy.
Make the House of God and the ministry of your local church, as well as your personal spiritual growth and development through Bible reading, prayer, and consistent church attendance the top priority this year, and just watch how God moves to supply for you, and to meet needs in your life that would have been impossible otherwise.
Those who miss it in seeking first God’s Kingdom, as well as right and godly living, won’t have a very happy New Year at all.
Jesus said:
[x_blockquote cite=”Matthew 22:37-38 KJV” type=”left”]“37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.”[/x_blockquote]
Whoever or whatever you love the most is what you will pursue relentlessly.
So if loving Jesus, His Word, and His Ways are not the things you are completely sold out to with everything that is in you this year, it is very likely that you will be disappointed more often than not as this new year plays itself out. It’s your choice. But since the Lord always finds a way to bless those who love and serve Him above what they can ask or think (see Ephesians 3:20), it would be best just to put first things first, and get red hot for Jesus again, and stay that way all year long.
Jesus said:
[x_blockquote cite=”Revelation 2:4-5 KJV” type=”left”]“4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”[/x_blockquote]
Your first love represents your passion and fervency for the Lord. Jesus said that this group of believers have actually left their love for Him, even though they were still going through the motions. Most of my life I had heard people teach from this passage that those in the church at Ephesus had lost their first love, in the same way that you may lose your keys or something. I heard it so much that I even began to teach it that way, until the Lord caught my attention that they had left their first love, they didn’t lose it.
This describes someone who abandons something, leaving it behind for good as they move on with their life. Certainly there is a long list of things that we should leave behind as we follow Jesus, but our love for Him is most definitely not one of them.
[highlight]So determine to go and pick up your love and fervency for the Lord Jesus again as we begin this New Year.[/highlight] Put first things first, and make His priorities your priorities, and watch the Lord move on your behalf all year long to make it the best year of your life.
