Category: First Things First Devotional

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2 HCSB

While in college I wrote a paper for a religion class entitled, “Jesus as God and Man.” My paper revealed the truth that Jesus was fully God and fully man. As a man, He experienced the same emotions of joy, sorrow, fear, pain, and excitement that we experience. As God He was able to resist the same temptations every person faces, yet without sin. He also was able to heal the sick and perform other miracles. The main point of my paper was that Jesus had to be fully man and experience all of the feelings and temptations that every person encounters, yet remain without sin in order to be our Savior. He is the perfect lamb of God that was sacrificed for our sins.

Although Jesus existed from the beginning of time and took on flesh to become a man, He never ceased to be God. He could not do anything without God the Father. John wrote this book to help all of his readers understand that Jesus was the One and only Son of God, but He was also human. John addressed this book to those who had a Greek background. The Greeks of that day believed in a variety of gods, and John’s point was that Jesus was above all of the numerous gods of mythology.

Challenge: Believe in Jesus, the One and only Son of God. Praise God for who He is, the Creator of the universe, who has existed from the beginning of time.

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 HCSB

There is a children’s Bible song that says, “O be careful little eyes what you see. O be careful little eyes what you see. There’s a Father up above and He’s looking down in love. So, be careful little eyes what you see.” Casting Crowns has a song titled “Slow Fade” that reflects these same words and message. We need to be careful what we say, what we do, and where we go because there are others watching, and they will follow in our footsteps. It is important to set a good example for others to follow.

It all boils down to fearing God and keeping His commandments. Life is filled with many opportunities and temptations. Every day we are faced with decisions that affect our lives and the lives of those who follow us. Many times our sins affect our family and friends. We all need to follow the advice of the song and be careful what we see, what we say, what we hear, what we do with our hands, and where our feet go.

Challenge: Know that others are watching you and ultimately God knows everything you say and do. What type of example are you setting for others to follow? Ask God to give you wisdom and direction so you can overcome temptations and set a good example for others to follow. Watch this video on GodTube http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=2EF11NNU

Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. And walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all of these things God will bring you to judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9 HCSB

Our church just had a new gym floor installed that is solid rubber and painted gray and purple. Today the workers painted the lines on the floor for basketball and volleyball. The lines exist to set some boundaries during play. If a player goes out of bounds or the ball lands out of bounds, there are consequences or penalties.

Solomon encouraged people to enjoy life while young, pursue desires of the heart, and to find pleasure through sight. One translation of the Bible says, “Take it all in”. But Solomon goes on to warn that there will be a day of judgment from God when each one must answer for his actions. Solomon’s directive was not a license to stray outside of God’s boundaries. When a person is outside of God’s will for his life, there will be consequences just as surely as exceeding the boundaries on a basketball court.
Challenge: Seek God and His will for your life; this is where you will find your purpose and meaning. Some think God’s boundaries are intended to spoil the fun in life. To the contrary, they are designed to give you a more enjoyable and abundant life. Read John 10:10. Following God’s plan keeps you from the troubles and pain associated with sin. His mandates will keep you safe and free from guilt. Living according to God’s plan will bring eternal peace and freedom.

Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. Ecclesiastes 11:5 HCSB

My oldest daughter, Bethany, and her husband Matt had a little girl named Ella Grace in December, and my youngest daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Dale had a little boy named Logan in June. Of course I am a proud grandfather. It was so exciting when both of our daughters sent us pictures of the sonograms showing the development of Ella Grace and Logan. It was amazing to see their tiny hands, fingers, and toes. We could even see each infant’s nose and ears. I can’t imagine how anyone who can see a sonogram and visualize the development of her baby could possibly consider having an abortion.

Even though sonograms were not available in Solomon’s time, he was amazed at the mystery of God and how God created a human being in the womb of a woman. There is nothing more exciting than to be a part of a birth. I can remember when my oldest child, Bethany, was born. The feeling of excitement and wonder was unforgettable! Just to think that God allows us to be a part of His creation of a new life is unbelievable. No one can fully understand God’s ways, but we can be assured that God is always in control. Psalm 139 proclaims, “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Romans 11:33 tells us, “How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways.” We cannot fully understand God’s ways, but we must trust Him because He knows what is best.
Challenge: Praise God for how awesome He is. He is the Creator of the Universe and the Creator of every person. Thank Him for giving you life and a purpose for living. Do not try to understand God’s ways, just trust Him.

One who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4 HCSB

While in the 8th and 9th grade I participated in the organization, Future Farmers of America. One of our assignments was to plant and grow a garden. Achieving a garden that was fruitful required perfect conditions, including rich soil, the seeds being planted at the right depth, and the proper distance between seeds and rows. The seeds also needed just the right amount of fertilizer and water to grow. Keeping the garden weed-free was essential for optimum growth to occur.

Waiting for the perfect conditions in life can paralyze a person. One who watches for the wind or looks to the clouds will not reap. If he waits for the perfect time to begin to have a quiet time, he will never start. If he waits for the perfect church, he will never join. If he waits for the perfect ministry in which to be involved, he will never serve. Do not wait for the perfect conditions; they may never exist.

Challenge: Take steps to grow spiritually even if the conditions are not perfect. If you wait for perfect conditions, you will not be able to reap or grow to your fullest potential as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many days you may find it. Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 HCSB

When my son, Nathan, was in high school he participated in a team project with his school. His team competed against other teams from around the state to invest imaginary money into the stock market. The winning team did the best job of investing and making money. This project was to help the students learn how the stock market worked and how to invest wisely. Nathan’s team came in second in the state. Since that time he has applied the knowledge he learned to invest real money in a wise manner.

When referring to bread, Solomon was talking about making overseas investments and trade agreements. He also warned that it took time to make money on one’s investments and it required patience. Diversity is a key to success when investing. Putting “all of your eggs into one basket” can be disastrous. Solomon recommended that one invest in seven or even eight different ways. God’s Word provides some good advice on investing, but one should always remember that God is in control.

Challenge: Whether you have money to invest or not, you can always invest your time and your talents wisely. Look for a way to invest your life into the lives of others.

And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” Ecclesiastes 9:16 HCSB

We tend to respect and listen to those who are wealthy and well educated. Our society tends to value attractiveness and success more than wisdom. When someone who is poor speaks, we seem to ignore him because we do not think he has anything of value to say. Just because someone does not have higher learning or great wealth does not mean he does not have words of wisdom.

Solomon reminds us in this verse that wisdom is better than strength and a few verses later states that wisdom is better than weapons of war. We should seek wisdom because it is greater than anything we can obtain. Wisdom can come from the rich, poor, educated, or uneducated. Just be observant; there are people who can provide words of wisdom all around us.

Challenge: Seek wisdom from all different types of people. Wisdom will help you in everything you do. Even though there is value in exercising your body and gaining strength, it is even better to exercise your mind and gain wisdom from those who have gone before you.

Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your strength, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. Ecclesiastes 9:10 HCSB

I serve as the Minister of Education and Administration at my church and truly enjoy my job. Our church is a wonderful place to work. The people are gracious and frequently express love for our church and staff. Working with my pastor and staff is a rich blessing and I feel we make a good team. I have enjoyed being in ministry as a profession and can look back over the years to see how God has allowed me to be a part of some very exciting and fulfilling ministries.

Solomon’s words in this verse are very similar to the words of Paul. “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23) and “Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11). We all should realize that our jobs are gifts from God and we should perform them with excellence.

Challenge: Thank God for your job. Do your job whole-heartedly with sincerity as though you were working for the Lord. Whatever you do, do it with all your strength and ability. Look for ways to use your job to bring honor and glory to God.

Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life, which has been given to you under the sun, all your fleeting days. For that is your portion in life and in your struggle under the sun. Ecclesiastes 9:9 HCSB

I am very fortunate to have a wonderful wife who is also my best friend. She has always been there for me through the good and the bad times. She has been my partner in ministry, a great mother to our four children, and is now a wonderful grandmother to our two grandchildren. God has been very good to give me a good wife to share all the days of my life. I look forward to the years ahead as we grow old together.

In addition to this verse, Solomon also wrote a proverb about marriage. “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). He also wrote about the virtues of a wife in Proverbs 31. We all should appreciate the companion God has given us.

Challenge: Do something today to let your spouse know that you love and appreciate her. Look for ways to strengthen your marriage such as attending a marriage enrichment conference. Thank God for your mate. If not married, pray that the marriages of your friends and neighbors would be strengthened.

Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works. Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head. Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 HCSB

When my oldest son got married I purchased a tuxedo to wear since I was privileged to be the officiating minister. I also assumed I would need it a few more times since I have four children. I wore it again for my oldest daughter’s wedding, but most of the time it hangs in storage in my closest. There is seldom an occasion to wear it. Both of my daughters wore beautiful white wedding gowns on the day they wed and they both looked radiant, but their dresses now hang in our guest room closet. It is a shame that we do not have more joyful occasions to wear these clothes. We wear certain clothes to celebrate and others for work. Our clothes are often a reflection of our inner attitudes.

Solomon encouraged people to enjoy their lives. Since death was a certainty, he instructed them to eat, drink, and enjoy the time they had to live. He encouraged them to wear white, which was in contrast to the sackcloth and ashes that one would wear when mourning. White clothes and oil on the head were signs of joy, blessings, and celebration. Solomon was not suggesting a life filled with party and folly, but rather that one should enjoy the time God had given him to live.

Challenge: Life is good! Enjoy it! Thank God for His abundant blessings and for the time you have here on earth. Ask Him to help you use your time wisely and to bring honor and glory to Him.