God First - Even in Politics?

We have spent this year focusing on two words at our church, "God First". We have spent a lot of time suggesting what it means to put God first in every area of our life. First in our family, first in our finances, first in our thoughts, first in our jobs, first in our relationships; in other words we have realized that God wants to be first in all areas of our life.

We are even talking about putting Him first in our political views by having a Biblical Worldview in every area of our life. So we know what He wants - to be first.

But I am not sure we know how to put Him first. I am not sure I always know how to put Him first. We all seem to have certain closets or drawers that we want to keep for ourselves, while turning the areas we have don't struggle with over to Him. What makes the "how" so hard is the drawers are different for everyone of us.

So here's my first thought putting "God first" in our lives starts with deciding that is truly what we want to do and telling him through prayer that this is our desire and then patiently letting the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

Paul told the Philippians that God would see the good work in them through to completion. So how about it are you ready to open some closet and drawers and allow God to be first in your life.

I Love My Life

Last Friday night Jason and I went to Big Blue Madness (UK ROCKS!!!) It was so much fun getting to dream about and anticipate another year of Kentucky basketball. Before the events began Evann (my daughter) came up to sit with us in the nose bleed section. She had great seats because she now works in the UK Sports Media office. Just as the team was about to be announced Evann made her way back down to the good seats via the actual Rupp Arena floor, where she convienently made her way to a corner and stayed. Right next to where the players were coming out to be introduced. Several times, she texted me with these words, "Did I mention I love my life!" I have laghed about that several times this week, but today I paused to remember how blessed she is to have her life and how blessed I am to share it with her.

December 7 of last year Evann could have easily been killed in an accident on I-75. Since that time she has taken on a new appreciation for life and so have we.

So here is my question ... what does it take for us to love our life?

Did You Give God Your Best

This morning as we were worshipping I could sense God asking me, "Are you giving me your best?". I listened to even closer to the words we were singing in the songs Mighty to Save and God of This City. It made me realize all that God was doing even when I don't realize it and how much I have been forgiven of throughout my life, including today. It made me want to sing with everything that I could muster so that the whole world would know. So I began to wonder why don't we give God everythign we have everytime we worship. Any thoughts?

Do the Right Thing

Last week a young lady at our church was competing in the regional golf tournament. The team celebrated as scores were posted and showed the team winning the region by 19 strokes and going to state. But Michaela realized the posted score was not her correct score and that she had signed an incorrect score card. Without hesitation Michalea went to the scorers table and disclosed the mistake. She was disqualified and her score was thrown out and replaced by the score of the number five player, a sixth grader who had never broken 100. That day Madison shot a 99 and when her score replaced Michaela's the team was still ONE STROKE ahead and won the region. Shannon played really well and Candice won the region with a one-under par and a hole in one. I am so proud of these girls who stepped up, played awesome golf and to Michaela who in a world of people who cut corners, she did the RIGHT THING!!!

Creating Our Own God

My wife and I were having a discussion as we got ready this morning in which she made a very interesting observation. We often think of false gods as being idols, such as people or things. But anytime we try to alter the character of the God of the Bible to anything other than what scripture teaches we are creating a false God. We do that anytime we make comments that begin with words like, "Well I know the Bible says God is ______, but ..." As soon as we add the but and interject our personal opinion we either have created or are dangerously close to creating a false god. I wonder why people can't just read the Bible and accept God for who He is rather than trying to create a god that fits them? O yea, I forgot, it's Satan tempting us ...

Beware of False Prophets

2 Peter 2:1 says, But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

One of the most disturbing things that I see happening today is the introduction of new age theology by Oprah Winfrey. Oprah has gained such a high public profile and is a good enough person that many are willing to take anything from her as gospel.

Oprah has had her book club for years and this year to two primary books are A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and A Course in Miracles by Marianne Willliamson. Both are deeply entrinched in the new age philosophy that we each become our own god. Williamson says, In the end, you will have become your own Teacher, with your own path toward peace, wholeness and love.

Beware and watch for my posting next week of the Keep on Reaching weekly enews available at www.shelbychristian.org

Turn on the Lights

I love looking at Christmas lights! I remember driving around for hours when my kids were young one Sunday night each December just to look at lights. I have to admit I get a little frustrated when people have their Christmas lights on the night after Halloween, but I do love the lights!

My prayer this Christmas is that somewhere the light will come on for some about who Jesus really is!