First and foremost

Friday, July 23, 2021

Listen to this post here:

I find it difficult to separate myself from the word of God. Here is what I mean. I grew up in a home that placed great value in the word of God. The Bible was read, recited, meditated on, sang, talked about, preached and there were even comments on the funny parts of the Bible. The word of God was our everything. 

This was before the internet was accessible to us, people who grew up in the third world. We didn't have the fancy gadgets many in the first world had. We lived in an unstable society. Our only stability, our foundation was God. His word, our refuge, and hope. 

I didn't realize any of this until I grew up, of course. My parents and grandparents gave me the gift of my childhood. They didn't showcase their issues for me to see. They freely, constantly prayed, praised, and turned their problems over to God, who heard their cry and helped. 

When I graduated from College, I was lined up and ready to go get my diploma. My family came to greet me before taking their place in the auditorium that beautiful Spring. I remember my dad laughed and said "and to think about the difficulty I faced paying for English classes. Look at what God did!" 

I had no clue my dad could barely afford those classes. I'm sure they were expensive. I just didn't know because dad took it to God in prayer and basically kept going with life. God is indeed amazing. I'm humbled by His care for me.

Today as I write this, I'm faced with some challenges. While I'm tempted to record a video of myself telling you about it, I prefer not to do that. I don't think a video will be as helpful as going to God's word first. 

So I did. I read a few passages of scriptures in the New and Old Testaments. My faith grew stronger. I looked for something even more specific: 

"The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
    he also hears their cry and saves them." Psalm 145:18-19 (ESV)

My friend, start with God's word. That is what I am encouraging myself to do today. Instead of going to social media for Godly wisdom, go to God Himself first. Seek ye first the kingdom of God is the commandment of old. I am encouraging myself to do that too.

I remember my early years as a married 26-year-old. My husband and I were very young in ministry. I learned from my mentors to go to God first and foremost. Only He has the salvation we need. So we prayed, fasted, served and God was wonderful to us.

I realize that most of what I write is not pretty, catchy, or even viral. I'm okay with that as long as you see that my desire is for you and I is to develop the desire to go to God first, foremost, and quickly. 

Prayer: God, I am calling on You. I am calling on you in truth. I pour out my heart to you today. You know the circumstances I am working with. I know you are the answer. I am yours and I do fear you. Hear my cry and save me. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: How will I be sure to go to God before I go to the internet for help with my problems?

Liz Williams said...

Lately, God has been waking me around 3 or 4 am, and this morning He sent me to reading in Romans. It is a beautiful way to start any day, and I loved your sweet message as a reminder because it is not always the perfect start I get in the morning.