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Key passages that taught me to
put God first in my life:

The Greatest Commandments

Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV):
"'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.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

  • Why This Passage is Foundational:

    • Loving God with your entire being is the ultimate way to put Him first. It requires orienting every part of your life—heart (desires), soul (identity), and mind (thoughts)—toward Him.

    • This passage is a summary of the Ten Commandments, where the first four focus on loving God, and the remaining six focus on loving others.

  • Application:

    • Prioritize time with God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.

    • Align your decisions with His will, ensuring that your love for Him shapes your relationships, goals, and daily actions.

Building on the Rock

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Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV):
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

  • Why This Passage is Foundational:

    • The rock symbolizes Jesus and His teachings. Building on the rock means making God’s Word the foundation of your life.

    • Life’s "storms" (trials, temptations, uncertainties) cannot shake a life rooted in God’s truth.

  • Application:

    • Make decisions and priorities based on God’s Word.

    • Trust in His promises and remain faithful in difficult seasons, knowing that your foundation is secure.

 

 

 

 Seek First the Kingdom of God

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Matthew 6:33 (NIV):
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

  • Why This Passage is Foundational:

    • Jesus teaches that putting God’s kingdom and His righteousness first should be our primary concern. Trusting in God’s provision frees us from anxiety about material needs.

    • Seeking God’s kingdom means prioritizing His will, values, and purpose over worldly concerns.

  • Application:

    • Focus on spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s mission rather than chasing material success.

    • Trust that when you prioritize God, He will provide for your needs.

 

 

 

 The Greatest Treasure​

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Matthew 13:44 (NIV):
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

  • Why This Passage is Foundational:

    • The kingdom of God is described as a treasure worth giving up everything else to obtain. This parable highlights the supreme value of God in a believer’s life.

    • It illustrates that putting God first may require sacrifices, but the reward is eternal and far outweighs any earthly loss

  • Application:

    • Reevaluate your priorities and ensure that God holds the highest place in your heart.

    • Be willing to let go of worldly pursuits or possessions if they conflict with your devotion to God.

 

 

 

 No Other Gods Before Me

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Exodus 20:3 (NIV):
"You shall have no other gods before me."

  • Why This Passage is Foundational:

    • This is the first of the Ten Commandments and establishes God’s rightful place as the ultimate authority and object of worship in a believer’s life.

    • It underscores the danger of idolatry, which can come in many forms (money, relationships, career, etc.).

  • Application:

    • Reflect on anything in your life that might compete with God for your attention, time, or devotion.

    • Commit to worshiping and serving God above all else.

 

 

 

Love God, Not the World

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1 John 2:15-17 (NIV):
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

  • Why This Passage is Foundational:

    • It highlights the incompatibility of loving God and being consumed by worldly desires.

    • Prioritizing God means rejecting the fleeting pleasures of the world for the eternal joy found in Him.

  • Application:

    • Examine your heart for attachments to worldly desires and redirect your focus to God’s eternal kingdom.

    • Live with an eternal perspective, knowing that life’s ultimate fulfillment is found in God.

 

 

 

Deny Yourself and Follow Christ

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Luke 9:23 (NIV):
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

  • Why This Passage is Foundational:

    • Following Jesus requires a daily commitment to put God’s will above personal desires and comforts.

    • It’s a call to surrender control of your life to God and trust Him fully.

  • Application:

    • Practice self-denial by prioritizing God’s purpose and calling over selfish ambitions.

    • Trust God’s plan even when it requires sacrifices or challenges.

Summary of Key Verses:

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  1. Greatest Commandments: Love God wholeheartedly and align your life with His will (Matthew 22:37-38).

  2. Build on the Rock: Make God’s Word your foundation to withstand life’s storms (Matthew 7:24-25).

  3. Seek His Kingdom: Prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness over worldly concerns (Matthew 6:33).

  4. Treasure God Above All: Value God and His kingdom as the greatest treasure (Matthew 13:44).

  5. No Other Gods: Worship and serve God alone (Exodus 20:3).

  6. Reject Worldly Desires: Choose God over fleeting worldly pleasures (1 John 2:15-17).

  7. Deny Yourself: Follow Christ daily by surrendering to His will (Luke 9:23)

Practical Steps for Application:

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  1. Prioritize Time with God:

    • Spend time daily in prayer, Scripture reading, and worship to align your heart with God’s will.

  2. Evaluate Your Priorities:

    • Reflect on areas where worldly pursuits may be competing with your devotion to God. Adjust your focus to align with His kingdom.

  3. Actively Trust God:

    • In moments of anxiety or decision-making, choose to trust God’s provision and guidance over your own efforts.

  4. Make Obedience a Habit:

    • Apply God’s Word in your daily life, even in small decisions. This builds a strong spiritual foundation.

These passages collectively emphasize the importance of putting God first, trusting His guidance, and building a life firmly rooted in His Word and love.

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