7 ways to put God first.

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers, 

Last week, I shared 10 steps you can apply on how to press on through the process, one Brave Hearted step at a time. The first one on the list is to put God first.

I read somewhere when you put God first, things will fall into place. This reminded me of a visual aid we used to teach for a children’s ministry lesson on how to put God first. We had an empty plastic cookie jar. On the outside of the jar, we had three tennis balls representing God the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit) and a bag of rice representing things you do daily. 

We showed them what happens when we don't put God first: pouring the bag of rice into the cookie jar before the tennis balls, which did not allow the cookie jar to close. We then showed them what happens when we put God first: putting in the three tennis balls and then the rice; it was only then that the cookie jar closed with ease (or fell into place).

When we put God first and at the center of our lives, our lives will be full of joy (happy or content), peace (rest or calm), direction (brave hearted or self-control), and proper decision-making (self-control or peace). Choosing not to put God first and at the center of our lives will only leave us feeling frustrated (angry and bitter), stressed (worried or nervous), lack direction (fearful or feeling out of control), and poor decision-making (impulsive or feeling anxiety).

Putting God first and at the center of our lives is very important for us as Brave Hearted Steppers. Here are seven ways as you put God first and at the center of your life:

1. Pray without ceasing (Lamentations 3:22-24, Matthew 6:5-15, Mark 11:24)

2. Keep your Faith active (Hebrews 11:1, 2 Corinthians 5:7)

3. Hope in the Lord (Psalm 33:20, Romans 15:13)

4. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30)

5. Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

6. Trust God (Isaiah 12:2, Proverbs 3:5)

7. Read and apply the Word (Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I ask you to help every Brave Hearted Stepper put you first and at the center of their lives, which will bring everything else into place. Please help them apply the ways listed in this post as you continue to do a good work in their life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The next blog post is scheduled for Friday, January 20, 2023, on how to draw closer to God.

Many Blessings,
Maria Guzman