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Putting The Lord First. Changing Our Daily Habits. Matthew 6:33
Contributed by David Cramer on Dec 14, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: Making changes in our habits is a good thing. WE have to lean on the Lord to do so.
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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.