Do the Hard Things First

Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

A couple Sunday’s ago, Pastor Kyle started a new sermon series on three ideas to grow and improve in life. He stated that milestone in life are important. We celebrate achievements and victories along our life’s journey because looking back helps us realize just how far we have come, and articulates what God has been doing in our lives. Sometimes. Its hard to picture and know where we are going, until we pause and take a good look back at where we have been. It’s a “stake in the ground” and a “point on a map” to help us clearly see where the Lord has taken us on this walk, this side of glory. The first big idea to grow and improve in life is “do the heard things first”.

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

We cannot see or know the future, but we can take the next step in the light that we’ve been given with confidence, because we know how faithful God has always been and continues to be. In Matthew 6:32-34, Jesus said, “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” We saw a decal in a car window that said “No Bad Days”. With hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, terrorists, radicals, drug cartels, crime and disease in the world today, that’s unrealistic dreaming. Jesus realistically told us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our life is powerful, but the Word of God is our Foundation. It's about His peace in the storms of life.

Almost all of us have or have had coaches in our life. They evaluate our personalities, our gifts and our talents, and are not afraid to tell us what we do not want to hear about ourselves. But, we know that it is their heart’s desire to propel us to the next level of knowledge, mind-set, confidence and skill in order to grow, mature and perform at our top potential. They identify, point out and correct areas of our functional operation and presentation for improvement and highest potential for prosperous achievements, because they truly believe in you and love you, so they encourage you along your path to success, which include philosophical and working principles for life and living to always do your best and nothing less. Tackle the things on your list that you wish would just go away. Do not stress out. Do not over-think and over-talk problems, or worry and fret about them; tackle them. Do not be stalled by them; do something about them. Do not put things off either, because they will still be there. Worship and work on them before they become a problem pattern in your life.

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

God desires to be in the position of our mental, physical and spiritual authority; not over our leftovers or fitting into our busy schedule. Christianity is not a spend a little time, check off and move on situation. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” We are in covenant relationship with the Lord and there are expectations with that covenant relationship. Do what the Word of God says, living a life of worship and obedience continuously. Give God your best, service the Lord. It is not about time the that you do; its about doing your best when you do – making God the priority in your life.

In Christ, Brian