In 2011 - Don't Put Jesus First...

I listened to an awesome message this morning so I had to share it....

In 2011, Don't put Jesus first. Every New Year, we always tend to make our list of priorities, our resolutions, things we are going to do differently...and a lot of times we decide that we are going to 'put Jesus first', then our families, then our jobs, etc.

Yes - Jesus is first. But when it comes to our lives, we need to put him IN THE CENTER.

Colossians 1:15-20 says "We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross." (Message Bible)

So if you have a job, put Jesus IN THE CENTER...Colossians 3:22-25 says, "Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work."

If you have a family, be a servant to your spouse, understanding that even the smallest kind act goes so far! Be a teacher to your children, using real life situations to incorporate God's love.

And if you are struggling in your life...if you don't have a job....if your spouse left you and took your kids.....remember that Sometimes we have to act on what we know to be true and not on what we feel to be true. And remember that Christ is who holds it all together. Even if you don't feel God's promises, KNOW God's promises. Stand on His word and eventually you will feel His truth again.

I just loved this message today - and if you want a copy of it, just let me know! I'll give the info you need, burn it to a cd, or email the podcast to you!