| Good Morning Everyone, Our theme for this month: “There is power in hope” Our Bible verse for today: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Seek first His kingdom.” Pastor Chuck Swindoll once wrote that, “In America we are guilty of playing at our worship, worshiping our work, and working at our play.” In other words, our priorities are out of order. Many people are casual and inconsistent in their approach to God; they treat their work as if it is God; and they put an inordinate amount of time and energy into their recreational activities. They’re upside down and backwards when it comes to setting right priorities – and their lives reflect it. Broken marriages, neglected children, poor job performance, mountains of debt due to over-spending, poor health habits, and inconsistent church attendance all point to lives with mixed-up priorities. Fortunately, the Bible gives us clear instructions on how to live the best life possible. Under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit, the Bible provides us with instructions from God on how to have healthy relationships; how to be a good employee; how to manage our finances properly; how to take good care of ourselves; how to serve Him through the ministry of our church; and much more. This is what Paul was referring to in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible provides us with the guidance we need in order to live well. In the Bible God sets our priorities for us and then gives us instructions on how to live the life He wants for us. That’s when we will be living life to the fullest and the best. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33) Granted, life is complicated; and the Bible does not give us detailed instructions regarding every situation we’re faced with. But it does tell us all we need to know to live within Biblical boundaries – and the starting place for that is to develop a mindset of putting God first in all things. Once we have that right, everything else will begin to fall into its proper place. Just read the book, follow the instructions, make the necessary adjustments, and enjoy a life lived in the center of God’s will. When you have truly surrendered your life to the Lord, and you are seeking His kingdom agenda above all else, and you are living according to His commands, you then have the hope (the confident assurance) that your priorities in life will finally be right. God Bless, Pastor Jim |
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