November 27, 2023: First Things First
- Liana V.
- Nov 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2023
First Things First
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:1-5 NIV
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 NKJV
In the beginning…. This sets the atmosphere, the picture, and ultimately the priority of creation. There was a precedence set in order at creation. There has always been order in what God is doing.
Jesus is the beginning. Jesus is the first. Jesus is the priority. If creation of heaven & earth, life & existence, and time itself required Jesus to be first. Shouldn’t we too?
How often do you put Jesus first? First in your year, month, day- season? Don’t feel condemned-feel encouraged. This shift could not only change your day, season, or year, but it very well could change you, those around you, and those around them.
There is an order.
Man, I can hear the but’s and what if’s already (in myself of course 😉). This is our self reasoning equipping us to stay the exact same, to stay comfortable, to stay firmly planted in our routine, in our “happy place”. We like the way we are. It’s comfortable. It doesn’t hurt to stay the way I am.
By the way, how often do you get better, excel, or change when all you do is dump on yourself? Pretty much never. I can call myself names, doubt and belittle myself, but that won’t motivate me to be better. Condemnation doesn't motivate me, has it been working for you?
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10 NKJV
I’m not talking about striving. Because, there was a good decade or more where all I did was strive to please God and I failed… daily. Do you feel like that? All you do is work hard to do all the right things but seem to always come up short? Can I tell you a little secret? God made us to need Him. That working hard in your own might business is not what He created you for.
I’m talking about receiving God’s grace to put Him first. Yes, open up your hands, your spirit, your heart and receive. Grace must be received not worked for. The definition of grace is receiving what you don't deserve. You can't earn it or work for it. It’s a restful knowing that He delights in you and all that you do. You’re no longer met with condemnation or “you could do better”. It’s a lean into God and allowing His might to strengthen you. You do it out of desire and delight, not duty.
We all get bogged down, distracted, and disrupted. Let’s plan to put Jesus first this season in delight. Here is a simple idea that will keep Him first. Make your own scripture advent. There’s something special about making it your own. You’ve invested your time, your resources. I’m thinking it’s a little more likely you’ll follow through.
We have an old advent calendar that we saved from Starbucks years ago. Chloe 2 years ago (then 12), took it upon herself to write scripture on little slips of paper and folded them up and placed them inside each day. It was a real treat to open up each day and see her handwriting of the scripture. This year she wanted to redo them. So she, Sadie, and I all sat down and chose scripture that was meaningful to us or to Christmas. They hand wrote the scriptures they chose and I used fonts and printed mine.
I’ve included a few links of some possible scripture you could use. I’ve also included a super affordable DIY advent calendar from Hobby Lobby. I do encourage you though to get inspired and use something you already have. Save that money and invest your time making memories instead.
Prayer: Jesus, we put you first this season. Let every other priority fall into place behind you. Lord, we know that when You are put in your rightful place that everything else seems to find space. Let our timing and pace glorify You this Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Advent calendar:
Love this idea and love the hand writing of scripture! There is something so significant to me when you write out Gods word ❤️ I am getting to Hobby Lobby to check this out!
This is a fantastic idea! I agree that seeing the hand writing makes it extra sweet. ❤️ thank you for this idea- and the links! I ordered one of the hobby lobby ones!