First Things First

October 9, 2016/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

Teacher, which is the greatest
commandment in the Law?

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the
first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor
as yourself.’”
Matthew
22:36-39 (NLT)

What
are the characteristics of the best person you know?

Go
ahead – create a mental list.

My list included qualities like kind, thoughtful, honest, generous, and encouraging.
Yes? What other wonderful attributes did you include?

Everyone
has bad days, but most of the time we strive to be this Best Person. We’re a
caring bunch. We are good neighbors.

Is
God pleased that we’re good people? Is that what He wants?

Yes.
And no.

When
asked to rank God’s commandments, Jesus says the most important thing is to
love God. Love God first. Love God with all.
Loving God is our greatest endeavor.

Did
‘loves God’ make your list of Best Person attributes? Not mine. While serving
God was the underlying motivation of my Best Person, loving Him wasn’t required.

A
Best Person without love for God is like a coffee cup that is clean on the
outside for all to see, but stained on the inside.

Our
hearts matter more than our good deeds.

That’s
not to say loving others isn’t important. Jesus ranks it as the second most
important commandment after loving God.

As
we strive to become our Best Person, are our priorities in line with Jesus’
ranking? Are we thanking, praising, and loving God as we ought?

Let’s hang out with God as much as with
those we serve. (tweet this)

#SeedsOfScripture #lovingGod
#goodperson

Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.

Each post is a brief scriptural thought that will grow as you let it take root in your thoughts. If you have time, dig into one area of interest and plant a whole garden.

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.