As we gather at the start of a new year, it's a time to reflect on the importance of prioritizing our lives in alignment with God's principles. Throughout history, God has designated specific places and times to meet with His people, and today, we are called to create spaces in our lives for His presence. The concept of "first things first" is crucial, as it sets the foundation for spiritual, relational, and financial success. The big rocks in our lives—Jesus, His church, our marriage, family, and health—must take precedence over the smaller, less significant aspects, symbolized by sand. By prioritizing these big rocks, we align ourselves with God's design and open the door to His blessings.
The principle of the first being holy to the Lord is woven throughout Scripture. It begins with our relationship with God, where Jesus must be the unrivaled Lord of our hearts. This principle extends to our time, finances, and worship. By dedicating the first day of the week to God, we honor Him and set the tone for the rest of our week. Similarly, giving the first fruits of our income acknowledges His provision and invites His blessing.
As we embark on this journey, I encourage you to make room for God through fasting and prayer, especially in January. Fasting is not just a physical discipline but a spiritual one that quiets our flesh and amplifies the voice of the Holy Spirit. It displaces spiritual darkness, breaks strongholds, and releases those in bondage. By fasting and praying, we stand in the gap for those who cannot or will not pray for themselves, inviting God's intervention in their lives.
Finally, I urge you to come to the table of the Lord for communion, both corporately and personally. This act of remembrance brings us into a place of reflection, repentance, and reconnection with God. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus and the access we have to His presence. As we partake in communion, we proclaim His death and resurrection, inviting His transformative power into our lives.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Prioritizing the "big rocks" in our lives—Jesus, His church, our marriage, family, and health—aligns us with God's design and opens the door to His blessings. By refusing to live "sand first," we set ourselves up for success in every area of life. [05:12]
- 2. The principle of the first being holy to the Lord is foundational. Jesus must be the unrivaled Lord of our hearts, and this extends to our time, finances, and worship. By dedicating the first day of the week and the first fruits of our income to God, we honor Him and invite His blessing. [09:08]
- 3. Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that quiet our flesh and amplify the voice of the Holy Spirit. They displace spiritual darkness, break strongholds, and release those in bondage. By standing in the gap for others, we invite God's intervention in their lives. [17:50]
- 4. Coming to the table of the Lord for communion brings us into a place of reflection, repentance, and reconnection with God. It is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the access we have to His presence. As we partake in communion, we proclaim His death and resurrection, inviting His transformative power into our lives. [24:18]
- 5. Spending time in God's presence changes everything. It shifts our perspective, aligns our priorities, and reveals His vision for our lives. By making space for His presence, we live with a sense of purpose and invest in what truly matters. [28:50]
Youtube Chapters
