June 30th, 2023
by Mona Stephen
by Mona Stephen
Good morning Forever family! Pastor Mona here! As I was pondering how to finish off this weeks devotions, I fell upon this devotional by Navigators. As you know the Macedonian church so moved my heart that I preached on God’s generosity last week. What I found out, is that church knew how to put God first. So when I saw this devo, I wanted to share it with you. Let me know what you think?
Giving God First Place
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2
The Bible clearly teaches that God and His kingdom must have top priority in our lives. Listen to these words from the book of Haggai:
Then the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” Now this is what the Lord almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” (1:3-6)
The people of Haggai’s day were so wrapped up in their own concerns that they had completely neglected God, His worship, and His house. Self had marched to the front and commanded their complete attention.
When we neglect God, the very things we seek begin to elude us. Why? Because the things of this world cannot satisfy the hunger of our souls. Both Old and New Testaments testify to this truth. To neglect God and turn our minds and hearts inward and not upward is self-defeating. So Haggai challenged the people to give careful thought to the set of their hearts and the direction of their lives.
Christian, where are your priorities today? Only God can give meaning and ultimate satisfaction in life. And it comes as a by-product as we obey the words of Jesus: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”(KJV).
Prayer
Lord, nothing I can attain in this world can take the place of intimacy with You. I will wait on You to bring the “added things” to my life. Amen.
To Ponder
What gives meaning and satisfaction to your life?
Giving God First Place
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2
The Bible clearly teaches that God and His kingdom must have top priority in our lives. Listen to these words from the book of Haggai:
Then the Word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” Now this is what the Lord almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” (1:3-6)
The people of Haggai’s day were so wrapped up in their own concerns that they had completely neglected God, His worship, and His house. Self had marched to the front and commanded their complete attention.
When we neglect God, the very things we seek begin to elude us. Why? Because the things of this world cannot satisfy the hunger of our souls. Both Old and New Testaments testify to this truth. To neglect God and turn our minds and hearts inward and not upward is self-defeating. So Haggai challenged the people to give careful thought to the set of their hearts and the direction of their lives.
Christian, where are your priorities today? Only God can give meaning and ultimate satisfaction in life. And it comes as a by-product as we obey the words of Jesus: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”(KJV).
Prayer
Lord, nothing I can attain in this world can take the place of intimacy with You. I will wait on You to bring the “added things” to my life. Amen.
To Ponder
What gives meaning and satisfaction to your life?
Recent
Archive
2023
May
June
Importance of the WordWe have New LifeA solid foundationWho you are in ChristRemain in victoryActivate the WordGrowing upHave you been informed?Strive for maturityMelchizedekPut on ChristLet's get Dressed.Mirrors don't liePutting on ChristYou Can't Out Give GodGod's EconomyGod’s generosityGenerosity continuedGiving God first place
July
Committed to the JourneyStaying committedHe's FaithfulFix our heartsThe Proper ViewKnowing JesusThe keys of the kingdomContentmentHearing the truthThe Father's HouseThe great ResetMeeting with the FatherYou are not aloneKnowing where you standOur HopeThe sovereign GodThe best defence is a great offenceGod in ControlDevotional on pause for August
August
September
Home Sweet HomeInviting Jesus in your HomeLiving in God's RealityGiving wayJesus is over everythingCalled-out onesRecognizing God in YouMiracle Worker.TogethernessChrist in usBenefiting the bodyIt's All ConnectedMission ImpossibleCooperationFirst PlaceGive Them Something to EatShine Brightlight of the worldReflecting the lightFleas and Thank-YouGuarding your heart
October
Categories
no categories
Tags
no tags
3 Comments
Thanks for sharing I love this I've giving because it all belong
It's to know that God is always with us. To know that he is the one who I need every day. The things above should be more important than the earthly things and we do forget some times . Thank you for sharing it is something to talk about seriously. ❤️❤️
I love God so much Igo to Him when I need His help trusting he will answer my prayer. He asks me to stay in the truth and live in the narrow path.I keep my eyes on Him. I call to Him when temptations comes .