Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second greatest commandment is love your neighbour as yourself. Here are some suggestions as to how that looks like in daily life.
1. Start your day with God.
Years ago I read that the daily habit of Billy Graham was to read a chapter of the Old Testament, a chapter from the New Testament, a Psalm and one chapter of Proverbs every day. I thought, if it works for Billy Graham, I need to give it a try. That was over forty years ago. Starting my day reading God’s word, has been one of the best decisions and habits that I have.
I still marvel at how God speaks to me daily through His word. I love how the Psalms show me the true emotions and hearts of those ancient songwriters. I love how reading the Proverbs gives me daily wisdom on living a balanced life. I love how reading the New Testament reveals Jesus and the great men and woman that followed Him.
Starting your day with God is one of the best decisions you will ever make.
2. Put God first in your finances
The third chapter of Proverbs is my favourite of the thirty-one chapters of Proverbs. It is full of great advice.
Proverbs 3:9 (NLT)
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then He will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
Throughout the Bible it talks about the blessing of giving to God. Are you giving back a portion of the best of what God has given you? Honour God with your finances. It is a valuable discipline and will reap great rewards in your life.
3. Put God first in your family
Are you honouring God in your family? Do you pray regularly as a family? Do you attend church weekly as a family? Are you taking a day off each week? Do you honour God in your conversations around the dinner table? Are you loving and honouring your spouse like God wants you to? What kind of media are you allowing in your house? Is it honouring to God?
Family is so important! Your marriage is the foundation of your family. Love your spouse, love your kids and honour your parents. You will reap spiritual benefits that will last generations!
Question: What areas is God speaking to you about putting Him first in your life?
Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions. This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.
Pingback: 7 Tips On Taking Your Sunday Morning Worship To The Next Level | Following God: Notes ♫ From A Grand Adventure
I agree about the finances part but not because I am trying to buy anything from God; I give because I am liberated through the blood of Christ regardless of what I do. through intensive study and seeking Him on the subject, I came to the conclusion that Christians no longer tithe. jesus didn’t speak about it and there is no new testament teaching about it. as Christians, NT giving is from a cheerful heart and freely giving. we give not to open the windows of heaven (as talked about about by the prophet Malachi); this was old testament and widely misquoted. the windows of heaven are open through the work at the cross. as we give to the cause or wherever there is need, He multiplies our seed. I believe the real problem is selfishness and not money.
there was huge relief when I realized that I have been delivered from the curse of the law. because of this, everything I have is His-not just 10%.
Thanks for you comment.. I generally agree with your comments.. but Jesus actually did mention tithing… in Matt 23:23 Jesus said: “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” … He was chastising the Pharisees for not including the most important things.. justice, mercy, and faith…
So Jesus endorses tithing but reminds them not to forget about the attitudes and actions of the heart.
Pingback: 8 Tips On Taking Your School Worship Time To The Next Level | Following God: Notes ♫ From A Grand Adventure