First Things First

Verse of the day: Judges 1:1 Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, “Who shall be first to go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?”

What an awesome reminder in the opening of this Book. Joshua is no longer with the children of Israel, and they continue their conquest of the land promised to them. Yet, in spite of the fact that they know that the Lord has given them the land, they sought God’s leading before they continued to conquer the Promise Land. As God’s children, we have many promises in Christ. There are many things we can set out to do, with confidence, based on God’s promises to us. Yet, it demonstrates great wisdom for us to stop, pray, and ask God to guide us in our day-to-day decisions. Every one of us who is a born again believer has the Holy Spirit indwelling us. Jesus said in John 16:13, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” We have the Word of God, which the Spirit uses to guide us. Psalm 119:105 tell us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Therefore, we have everything we need to find guidance in this life. Sadly, I have heard born again believers who have actually suggested, and even turned to, palm readers and fortunetellers to try to find guidance for life decisions. Yet, God explicitly expressed His hatred for such demonic activity. God gave this command to Israel in Leviticus 19:31, “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” Although we are not bound by the Law, this does not change the fact that God still despises such practices. Whatever we set out to do in life, our first step should always be to seek God first. We all reach different stages in life, and sometimes have to make life-altering decisions. For a child of God, any decision, great or small, that affect our life or the lives of those around us, should first be brought before the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Even when we know, as Israel did, that we are assured victory, God must be the One who guides our steps. Psalm 37:23-24 clearly tells us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.” Our walk with the Lord will lead us on a path where we will encounter opposition from our enemies, the devils, and the world. There will be moments when we will be in the heat of battle, and may stumble. God promises that although we may stumble, we will not fall. The reason we will not fall is that in Christ, no matter what we face, we will overcome in due time. Jesus promised in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” This will require humble submission on our part. 1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” James 4:10 confirms this promise, ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” In both instances, the context is relative to having victory over the devil’s attacks. Although the children of Israel were given the Promise Land, it still required that they go into battle. We have eternal life in Christ, and we are on our way to spending eternity with Him. However, we too must fight the battles, by faith, trusting Christ for the victories, before we reach our final destination. It is for this reason that we must take care of “first things first”, in seeking God’s guidance before marching onto this battlefield we call life.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).