Making it in the long haul

Many people start their Christian life strong but end badly. The key to making it in the long haul is cultivating the holy habit of a daily devotional time with God. So feast on the manna of Gods word before you eat your Wheaties!

First things first

Success has a lot to do with priorities. Steven Covey said, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Of course, this requires discipline. Some people don't even like that word. But without it you live sort of a shotgun life...firing the gun and hoping some pellets hit something. 

The MAIN THING for the Christian is the kingdom of God. "Seek first the kingdom of God," said Jesus.

He gave to His followers a "first thing" priority. Something wonderful happens when we follow His command. "All these things (food, clothing, the necessities of life) are added to you. The very things the pagan, lost world live and die to obtain are sent into our life by the God Who rewards those who obey His Word!

Hence, the main thing is to start our day putting Jesus FIRST. This doesn't mean we're to become monks, moving to some wildnerness place, donning a robe, and living only to pray and fast all day. It doesn't mean we're to check out of normal life. It means FIRST in order with other things. I have made it a habit for many years now to read my Bible FIRST in the morning. Spend time with God FIRST. Give to Him my cares and prayers FIRST. Then I tackle the rest of my day. 

Put Him FIRST today and every day. God will bless you and you will also bless yourself!

Been thinking lately how life is filled with ups and downs, goods and bads, hopes and letdowns. It will always be this way until Christ sets up His kingdom. But one thing is certain--God is faithful, God is good, God is dependable, and God is watching over His own. And best of all...God's grace is ALWAYS there, weaving its way through our storm clouds like a bright silver thread. You can bank on it! And that bright silver thread of grace is not delicate, easily snapped, or frail. It is more like a steel cable that cannot be broken. His amazing grace is unstoppable, unquenchable, and unassailable. It will always win in the end. So right there, right now, in your storm, know that His grace is tied to your waist like a mountain climber's rope and will not let you go. If you fall it will keep you from dashing against the rocks. You will reach the summit of that mountain you're currently climbing and view the world from a victor's stance. All because of His grace!