All tagged Placing God First

Walking in the Light of Life through the darkness of the world

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Fear, Faith, Placing God First

Are we holding firm to our faith in Jesus Christ as the world boils and evil seeks to destroy the peace and rest of God in us? In the midst of the world’s darkness that is stirring strife, even from the pulpits, there shines forth a light, and in that light we find not only our life, but the light which is the life of the world... Jesus. He is unlike every  lamp, or torch, because He can’t be extinguished, not by deception, lies, or any other sin. He has defeated these through His own life, death, and resurrection, and His brightness lights our way as we navigate the darkness of the fallen world, even death, that surrounds us. 

Father Restore my Heart, and Heal my Land

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Redemption, Forgiveness

So many of us make empty attempts at fasting and prayer, or say we believe and then act differently during our days. We call a day Sabbath, but never rest, nor attempt to seek the presence of God in it. In these ways, among others, we dishonor Him, and raise His ire against us. Then without our focus on Him we believe that the calamities that befall us are not meant to be our punishment, and act surprised when they arise. It is time to open our eyes to Jesus Christ, to pray and fast before God as we should. It is time to honor Him on the Sabbath, and call out His name with expectation.

Seeking God First, and the story of the Three Little Pigs

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Faith, Seeking God

When we face hardships how do we attempt to solve them? Do we quickly enter into the fray and tackle them headlong, or do we pause to consider the best approach, and only then begin to methodically confront them? Where in our processes do we engage our faith against the trials we face, and at what point does prayer come into play? Our faith should be our first thought, not our last resort.

Our Time, Our Treasure, and Our Faith

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Dedication, Maintaining Faith

How important are God, and Jesus Christ to us? Did you determine that they are central to your life? Now, having answered that question there is one more... how much time do we dedicate to studying them, God’s Word, the Gospel of Christ, and in actual worship? As believers, and disciples, are we dedicating an appropriate amount of time to study, being in their presence, and our relationships? 

Obediently Answering God’s Call of Love through Jesus

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, God’s Calling, Obedience

When we are yet sinners God loves, and calls us. Before we first turn to Him, many say that not only do they have no use for Him, but that He has no use for them... what folly it is to think in this way. Just as we can’t determine to be born, we likewise can’t determine for God to accept us. The children of Israel didn’t leave Egypt on their own accord... they were called out by a loving God.

Do we Envy the World, or Accept the Feast of Christ?

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Selflessness, Placing God First

How often do we look at those of great wealth or success, and envy them? How frequent is our wandering eye that would adore the latest fashion , or the newest craze, and partake in it, when by doing so it leads us away from God? Giving way to the allure of the world is to take a walk down the way of the foolish, and to stray from a life guided by faith... the path of Christ.

Faith in My Wrinkles, Trust Amidst Infirmity

Richard Forbes
Christian, Faith, Healing, Placing God First, Daily Devotion, Aging

When we are young we have a certain amount of confidence in our bodies, and lean more on their ability to perform, but as we age our faith in them wanes, and our trust shifts more and more towards God. When we are sick and have access to a doctor our confidence is in the practice of medicine, but when we do not, then our cry is to God. The challenge for the young is to have the faith of the old, and the hardship of the patient in hospital is to deliver the prayer of the poor and unfortunate. Is your hope and faith in God strong... always?