Prioritizing God
Prioritizing God20
What Holds Your Heart?
By David Wilkerson0LUK 14:18David Wilkerson challenges us to examine what truly holds our hearts, questioning whether we yearn for Jesus or are distracted by worldly pursuits. He shares a poignant story of a woman concerned for her husband, who has become cold in his faith due to legitimate but distracting commitments. Through the parable of the great feast, Wilkerson illustrates how even good things can become sinful when they take precedence over our relationship with God. The message emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our spiritual lives over earthly concerns, urging us to respond to God's invitation to fellowship.
First Things First
By A.W. Pink02CH 20:12PSA 5:3PRO 4:23PRO 16:2ISA 26:8ISA 44:6MAT 6:33MAT 23:262CO 8:51TI 5:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing God in our lives as we enter a new year, urging believers to focus on eternal matters rather than dissipating their energies on secondary pursuits. He highlights the importance of seeking God's presence first each day, surrendering our wills to Him, and maintaining purity of heart. Pink reminds us that true service to God begins at home, where our actions should reflect our faith. By putting first things first, we align ourselves with God's will and ensure that our lives bear fruit for His glory. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt commitment to God, recognizing Him as the source of all strength and wisdom.
What Takes Priority in Your Life?
By David Wilkerson0MAT 6:33COL 3:2David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing our relationship with God over worldly pursuits. He warns that many Christians, despite their good deeds, may be misled into thinking they are secure in their faith while neglecting the deeper spiritual life. Wilkerson highlights Jesus' command to seek first the kingdom of God and the necessity of focusing on spiritual matters, as Paul instructs in Colossians. He encourages believers to dedicate time to prayer, Scripture, and fellowship, reminding them that neglecting these can lead to spiritual complacency. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to evaluate what truly takes priority in their lives: their personal ambitions or their relationship with the Lord.
First Things Must Come First
By A.C. Valdez Sr.6750:19MAT 11:28A.C. Valdez Sr. emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God in his sermon 'First Things Must Come First.' He highlights that while many seek God's blessings, they often overlook the conditions required for receiving them, such as genuine faith and righteousness. Valdez encourages believers to come to Jesus early, establishing a real connection with Him rather than treating Him as a convenience during times of trouble. He stresses that true salvation and transformation come from a heartfelt acceptance of Christ, which should take precedence over all other desires. Ultimately, Valdez calls for a deeper commitment to God, urging the congregation to examine their hearts and ensure they are living in accordance with His will.
Quench Not
By D.L. Moody0MAT 6:33LUK 14:26ROM 12:2GAL 5:25EPH 4:30PHP 3:19COL 3:21TH 5:19JAS 4:41JN 2:15D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of not quenching the Holy Spirit, warning that the cares of this world can hinder our relationship with God. He explains that anything that comes between us and God, including family, wealth, and personal desires, can stifle the Spirit's work in our lives. Moody urges believers to prioritize their love for God above all else, as loving anything more than God leads to spiritual stagnation. He calls for a deep reflection on what may be quenching the Spirit within us and encourages a return to placing God first in our hearts.
And the Kine Went Along the Highway,
By F.B. Meyer01SA 6:12PSA 8:6MAT 10:37MAT 17:27LUK 19:30ACT 28:30F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine guidance evident in the story of the kine that moved along the highway, illustrating how God can direct even the most instinctual behaviors to fulfill His purposes. He draws parallels to various biblical instances where God orchestrated events for His glory, suggesting that all creation ultimately serves Christ and His mission. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances and to prioritize their commitment to Him, even when it means leaving behind what they hold dear.
First Things First
By Samuel Logan Brengle0MAT 6:33LUK 9:62PHP 3:7Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above all else in his sermon 'First Things First.' He illustrates how history judges individuals not by their titles or ranks but by the quality of their deeds and character, highlighting figures like Nero and Marcus Aurelius, and John and Judas. Brengle warns against allowing work, family, or personal ambition to take precedence over one's relationship with God, stressing that losing sight of this priority can lead to spiritual barrenness. He encourages listeners to seek God first, as true fulfillment and purpose come from a deep connection with Him. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to ensure that God remains at the forefront of their lives.
The House of God Lies in Ruin - Gods Recovery Plan Part 1
By Phil Beach Jr.3243:17MRK 12:28Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God over our horizontal relationships, using the story of Lazarus to illustrate how Jesus often delayed responding to urgent requests to align with His Father's will. He warns against being driven by the demands of life and stresses the need for the church to seek God's counsel, as neglecting this leads to spiritual ruin. The sermon highlights that true devotion to God requires discernment and a commitment to love Him above all else, which in turn will restore the church and individual lives. Beach calls for a return to the cross, the Valley of Acre, as the source of healing and hope for the church in ruin.
Matthew 6:31
By Chuck Smith0MAT 6:31Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our lives by seeking God's kingdom first, rather than succumbing to worries about daily needs such as food, drink, and clothing. He explains that our worries often reveal what we value most, but encourages us to remember that God cares for us and knows our needs. By focusing on our relationship with God, we can find peace and order in our lives, as He will take care of our concerns. Smith warns against the trap of putting other things before God, which leads to a never-ending cycle of worry. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in focus towards spiritual priorities over worldly anxieties.
Choose the Comforter Over Comforts
By C.H. Spurgeon0DEU 8:3MAT 6:19JHN 6:352CO 4:18PHP 4:11C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the transient nature of earthly comforts and urges believers to prioritize their relationship with God over material possessions. He warns against placing too much value on worldly comforts, reminding us that they are temporary and should not be the foundation of our lives. Instead, Spurgeon encourages us to seek God in all circumstances, whether in abundance or loss, and to recognize that true sustenance comes from God's word. He calls for gratitude towards God for our comforts while maintaining a perspective that values Him above all else.
Seek Ye First
By George Mueller0PSA 37:25MAT 6:33MAT 7:7LUK 12:31ROM 14:172CO 9:8PHP 4:19COL 3:1JAS 1:51PE 5:7George Mueller emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all earthly concerns. He explains that as children of God, we should not be anxious about our needs, as our Heavenly Father knows what we require. Instead, our primary focus should be on seeking the prosperity of God's kingdom and striving to be conformed to His righteousness. Mueller encourages believers to reflect on their priorities and ensure that their chief aim is the honor of God and the welfare of His Church. He assures that those who seek God first will experience His provision in their lives.
Epbraim, He Hath Mixed Himself
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 23:1PSA 37:4PRO 10:22MAT 6:33MAT 19:21PHP 4:19COL 3:21TI 6:17JAS 1:171JN 5:21A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above all else, warning that anything desired more than God becomes an idol. He teaches that true satisfaction comes from God alone, allowing us to receive other blessings without fear of them becoming harmful. When we are spiritually separated from our possessions and find contentment in God, these blessings can serve as channels to deepen our relationship with Him. Simpson illustrates that every aspect of our lives, including family and material wealth, can be transformed into instruments of God's love and grace. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart fully devoted to God, enabling us to enjoy His gifts without attachment.
Does Thou Shalt Not Still Apply - Genesis 2 & 3
By Shane Idleman181:00:42GEN 2:15Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God in our lives, especially in times of struggle and temptation. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their commitment to worship and the necessity of obedience to God's commandments, particularly in light of the moral laws that still apply today. Idleman discusses the significance of the fall of man in Genesis and how it relates to our current struggles with sin and disobedience. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, reminding them that true transformation comes from a heart aligned with His will. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a return to the joy of salvation found in Christ.
Knowing God
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 46:10PRO 3:5ISA 55:6JER 9:23MAT 6:33JHN 17:31CO 1:30PHP 3:10COL 2:3HEB 11:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of human existence is to know God and Jesus Christ, as highlighted in Scripture. He argues that the Church's primary focus should be on God, warning against distractions from noble pursuits that can lead her astray. Tozer asserts that while various activities may be beneficial, they should never replace the Church's devotion to God, as they are mere substitutes for true glory. The sermon calls for a return to prioritizing a deep, personal relationship with God above all else.
In the Beginning God
By Erlo Stegen0GEN 1:1PSA 90:2PRO 3:6ISA 44:6MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 12:1PHP 4:19COL 1:17REV 22:13Erlo Stegen emphasizes that God is the beginning of everything, asserting His supremacy over all aspects of life. He stresses that our faith is founded on the truth that God must be first in every area, including business and family. Stegen warns against treating God as a spare-wheel, only to be called upon in times of trouble, and highlights God's mercy in responding to such prayers despite our neglect. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether their lives truly testify to God being first and encourages a personal examination before God. The sermon calls for a commitment to prioritize God above all else.
Keeping the Blessing and Favor of God
By David Wilkerson0PSA 37:4PRO 3:5ISA 58:10HAG 1:2HAG 1:11MAT 6:33GAL 6:9PHP 4:19JAS 4:31PE 5:7David Wilkerson emphasizes that God's blessing and favor are contingent upon our faithfulness to Him, warning that self-interests can lead to a loss of divine favor. He references the prophet Haggai, who illustrates how the Israelites abandoned the rebuilding of God's house to focus on their own homes, leading to spiritual neglect. Wilkerson draws parallels to modern believers, noting that when we prioritize our own desires over God's work, we risk losing His blessings. He urges the congregation to put God's interests first, as doing so brings peace, provision, and joy. Ultimately, Wilkerson calls for a return to seeking God to restore His favor in our lives.
Becoming a Giant With God
By David Wilkerson0PSA 62:8ISA 53:3MAT 6:6PHP 4:6David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our appointments with God above all else, highlighting the embarrassment it brings to heaven when Christians treat these sacred moments flippantly. He challenges believers to reflect on how often they allow trivial distractions to interrupt their time with the Creator, comparing it to keeping God waiting for insignificant activities. Wilkerson points out that true effectiveness in our spiritual lives comes from dedicated prayer, which empowers us to accomplish great things for God. He reminds us that neglecting our time with God is akin to hiding our faces from Him, and that the most impactful work we can do is through prayer. Ultimately, he encourages believers to become giants with God by valuing and committing to their relationship with Him.
But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 37:4PRO 16:3MAT 6:33MAT 7:7LUK 12:31ROM 8:32PHP 4:19COL 3:2JAS 4:31JN 5:14A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Kingdom of God above all else, warning that even good desires can distract us from our true purpose in Him. He encourages believers to commit their desires to God while maintaining a focus on His will and glory, rather than seeking blessings for selfish reasons. By delighting in the Lord, we can trust that He will fulfill our heart's desires as we align them with His purpose. Simpson reminds us that all things will be added to us when we seek God first, reinforcing the idea that true fulfillment comes from being in Christ. He concludes with a prayer for a heart that seeks to please God above all other blessings.
The Danger of Neglecting Prayer
By David Wilkerson0PSA 34:10PSA 138:3PRO 15:29MAT 6:33HEB 2:3David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, highlighting how many believers often turn to worldly solutions instead of seeking God first. He reminds us of the promises in Scripture that assure us of God's attentiveness to our prayers and the strength He provides in times of trouble. Wilkerson warns against the danger of neglecting prayer, urging Christians to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly distractions. He encourages believers to seek the Lord earnestly, assuring them that they will not lack any good thing when they do so. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to prayer as a means of recognizing God's voice and guidance in our lives.
We Have It All
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 16:11PSA 37:4MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ROM 8:32PHP 4:19COL 3:21TI 6:6HEB 13:5JAS 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, reminding us that when we seek His kingdom and righteousness, we gain everything we truly need. He encourages believers to recognize that having God is far more valuable than worldly riches or influence, as true fulfillment comes from His presence rather than His gifts. Tozer calls us to deepen our love for God, not for what He can provide, but for the joy of knowing Him, which aligns with our purpose as His creations.