This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Putting the Lord First—Changing Our Daily Habits
Introduction:
Good morning, church! It is such a joy to be gathered here today, and I believe the Lord has a powerful message for each one of us.
As we look around at the world today, we can easily see how distractions abound. Life moves at a rapid pace, and
it can feel like we’re being pulled in every direction. We juggle work, family, social obligations, and personal struggles.
And in the midst of all of that, it’s so easy to let God slip to the back of our minds, to push Him into the margins of our lives.
But today, I believe God is calling us to change. He is calling us to make Him the priority, to reorder our daily habits and put Him first—so that He is no longer just an afterthought but the center of everything we do. When we make that shift, everything else falls into place.
Turn with me in your Bibles to Matthew 6:33 and say, "Amen" when you are there.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
These words from Jesus aren’t just a suggestion; they are a promise.
When we prioritize God’s Kingdom and His righteousness above everything else, He will provide everything we need.
This isn’t just a spiritual truth—it’s a practical one that can revolutionize our lives. But how do we make that happen?
How do we practically make God the first priority in our busy, chaotic world? It begins with changing our daily habits and aligning our hearts with His.
1. Prioritize Time with God:
The first and most important habit we can develop is to prioritize time with God. It’s easy to think that we don’t have time for God, especially when life feels overwhelming. But if we don’t make space for Him, we’ll continue to feel disconnected and lost.
The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word illuminates our steps. It guides us, strengthens us, and keeps us grounded. But in order for it to have that power, we must make time for it.
A dear friend of mine shared how her mornings were chaotic. She would wake up late, rush through her morning routine, and start her day feeling scattered. One day, she felt God prompting her to wake up just 15 minutes earlier to spend time in His Word and prayer.
At first, it was hard, but as she continued, she began to notice the difference it made. Her entire day was transformed. She started her day grounded in God’s presence, and everything else fell into place. That simple habit of prioritizing time with God in the morning brought peace and clarity into her life.
2. Transform Your Work into Worship:
When we put God first, it changes how we view our work. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Work is no longer just a task to get through. It becomes a place of worship. Whether you’re working in an office, at home, or in the marketplace, God is calling you to do your work with excellence, with integrity, and with the mindset that it is an offering to Him.
I know a man who worked in a high-stress job. For years, he struggled with the demands of his career, feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from his purpose. But when he decided to see his job as a way to serve God, his entire perspective changed. He began to pray before meetings, work with integrity, and offer his best effort as a way to honor God. Not only did his performance improve, but his workplace atmosphere changed, and he experienced greater joy and fulfillment in his work. He realized that when God is the focus of our work, it becomes more than just a job—it becomes a ministry.
3. Serve Others with God's Heart:
Jesus modeled for us the ultimate example of service. He came not to be served but to serve, and He calls us to do the same. When we put God first, our hearts are opened to serve others—not out of obligation but out of love.
Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” As we follow His example, our lives reflect His love and His heart for others.
A woman shared her story of feeling burned out and emotionally drained. Life was taking everything out of her, and she felt empty. But one day, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and begin serving in a ministry at church.
She started volunteering with a food pantry, and as she helped others, something incredible happened. Her heart was filled with joy, and she felt the love of Christ working through her. Her service became an act of worship, and in the process, she experienced the refreshing presence of God. She discovered that giving of herself was the very thing she needed to feel alive again.
4. Build God-Honoring Relationships:
The people we surround ourselves with matter. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”
When we put God first, we begin to seek relationships that draw us closer to Him. We prioritize fellowship with other believers, not because it’s a duty, but because we need each other to grow in Christ.
I spoke with a couple who shared that their marriage was on the brink of falling apart. Life had become overwhelming, and they had grown distant. But then they decided to make a change. They began to pray together daily, attend church together, and set aside time to study the Word together. Slowly but surely, God began to restore their relationship. They saw the power of God’s presence in their home. As they put God first in their marriage, they were able to rebuild their relationship on the foundation of His love and grace.
Conclusion:
Church, the decision to put God first is not just a one-time choice—it’s a daily commitment. It’s about making Him the center of everything we do: our time, our work, our service, and our relationships. When we do this, we will experience His peace, His provision, and His purpose in every area of our lives.
But today, I want to take this a step further.
For some of you, putting God first may mean something more significant—today, God is calling you to a new life in Christ.
Perhaps you’ve never fully surrendered your heart to Him, or maybe you’ve drifted away from Him. Today is the day to return to your first love, to put God first in your life by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
Altar Call for Dedication and New Life in Christ:
I want to invite you to come forward today. If you are here and you’re ready to dedicate your life to putting God first, or if you want to commit to following Christ with a fresh heart, this is your moment. Whether you need to make a fresh commitment to align your daily habits with God or you’re ready to receive Jesus as your Savior for the first time, the altar is open for you.
Prayer of Dedication and Salvation:
Father, we come before You today with hearts that long to put You first. We repent of the times we’ve allowed distractions and busyness to pull us away from Your presence. Today, we commit to seeking Your Kingdom above all else. Help us to transform our daily habits and our hearts so that we live for You in every way.
For those who are responding to Your call today, Lord, we pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. We surrender our lives to You, and we ask You to fill us with Your love, Your grace, and Your strength. We believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, and we choose to follow Him with all our hearts. We dedicate our lives to You, Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The altars are open. Come and seek the Lord, whether it’s for a renewed dedication or to give your life to Christ for the first time. This is your moment of transformation.
