What Are You Putting First?

Sunday's sermon leaves us with a profound question: What are we putting first in our lives?This question goes beyond priorities—it cuts to the core of how we approach every decision, interaction, and pursuit.

Dr. GreGory’s message reminded us of the stark contrast between admiration and jealousy. Admiration is a peaceful, gentle gaze—it inspires and uplifts. But jealousy? Jealousy is like a greedy grasp, driven by comparison and dissatisfaction. How often do we allow these negative forces to cloud our view, pulling us away from God’s peace? Where is your satisfaction or contentment with what you have and what God has done for you?

In a world filled with advertisements and temptations, it’s easy to fall into the devil’s playground. Things we didn’t even think we wanted suddenly become objects of desire, distracting us from our true purpose. Yet Exodus 13:21-22 reminds us that God is always guiding us, just as He guided the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. His presence ensures that no one can interrupt the destination He has set for us.

God’s Order vs. Being Orderly

There’s a difference between doing something right and doing it exactly as God instructed. Pastor shared from 1 Kings 7:8-12, emphasizing the importance of following God’s precise instructions. It’s not enough to act with good intentions—we must align ourselves with God’s divine order. This requires trust, obedience, and a willingness to surrender our own plans to His perfect will.

When we put God first, we activate His defense in our lives. Financial struggles, emotional burdens, and life’s challenges begin to shift when we add a spiritual “plus sign” to the equation. As we honor God with our choices, we open the door for His blessings to flow freely.

Summoning Promises into Time

One of the most powerful reminders from the sermon was learning how to summons things into time with prayer. The saints of old understood this deeply. They began their testimonies with, “Giving honor to God, who is the head of my life,” declaring God’s power over everything they did.

But what are we putting at the forefront of our lives? Is it fear? Money? Gossip? Food? Lack of Discipline? Or is it prayer and worship? When we prioritize God, our prayers align with His will, and His promises come to fruition in His perfect timing.

Enjoying God’s Promises

God doesn’t just promise to fulfill His work in our lives—He promises to give us the time to enjoy it. This is a beautiful reassurance: nothing can stop the work of the Lord. When we trust His process, we find peace in knowing that His timing is always right.

As we continue our journey of faith, may we put God first in every area of our lives. Let us admire His goodness with a gentle gaze, resist the pull of worldly distractions, and walk in the order He has set for us. When prayer and worship lead the way, there’s no limit to what God can do.