As we endeavor to get 2023 off to a good start, we must put God first in all things. This is a good time to chart our course. We must have plans (spiritually, heath-wise, financially, relationally, etc.) but in all of our planning we must be prepared to bow our will to His and always leave room for Divine Sovereignty to change our trajectory. The Bible is our compass and counselor. It shall be our guide to keep up from shipwreck as well as our advisor to provide our way ahead.
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Isaiah 55:8-11 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
Proverbs 16:9 – The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
A few recommendations to facilitate putting God first:
- Get up early to pray and read the Bible and/or a devotional
- Read the Bible through this year. There are many reading plans you can search online for. MacArthur also has a Bible to help facilitate this: https://www.amazon.com/MacArthur-Daily-Bible-Paperback-Comfort/dp/0785257640/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3A4TNVGS1E0JG&keywords=macarthur+daily+bible&qid=1672724439&sprefix=macarthur%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-4
- Read Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening (link on this blog page)
- Attend church regularly (in person)
- Don’t be satisfied with the status quo. Seek to be challenged spiritually
Your Word is Truth 