{Scripture Challenge 2} Challenge Word #21, First

Challenge Word #21: First

When you hear the word “first,” what do you think of? Do you think of a crowd of people and being first in line? Do you think of climbing the corporate ladder to be in that number one position? Do you think of competitive sports or music and being first in the league or first chair? Is it all about you, your child, or grandchild? Or does God come first in your life? Is He the first thing you think of when you wake up, when you make a decision, when you speak, etc.? 1 Kings 22:5 says “. . .First seek the counsel of the Lord.” In all things, we need to seek Him first—in our decisions, choices, purchases, use of our time, etc.

As we seek Him, He alone is to be first and above all. As followers of Christ, we are to humble ourselves so that people see Him and not us. If we are trying to be first in all we do or teaching our children that being first is most important, than the focus is not on Christ but on ourselves. Yes, we may reap earthly rewards and get praise from others but is that what we really want? John 12:42-43 says “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue, for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” Do you hide your faith at work, around certain friends, etc., because you are afraid of what they may think or that you may be “put out” of the group? John 16:18 says “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” As I tell my children, "if you are the only one standing up for a certain decision, if it is what God says is right, then stand there alone! That's what's right and where He wants you!"

Instead of reaping earthly rewards, how about reaping those eternal rewards! Do you want to know that God is pleased with you and that one day you will hear “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21 says “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’” We may be in last place for choosing to follow Jesus but in eternity, we will share in His rewards and happiness! And I don't know about you but I would rather be in last place with Jesus than out front alone!

For my page this week, I used the 1 Kings 22:5 and John 16:18 verses (both noted above). These verses makes me realize I need to seek Him first in all things and not to worry about what the world thinks. I also used Sketch #145 from Sketch Inspiration.
Papers: Memory Box meadow cs, Basic Grey Pyrus
Stamps: Tim Holtz mini cirque alpha
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink vintage photo
Embellishments: Hero Arts flowers, Stickles cinnamon, KaiserCraft pearls, misc. trim, sewing machine

So, this week, will you think of Him first thing as your feet hit the ground as you get out of bed? Will you focus on Him and put Him first in all things in your life? When sharing your page for this challenge be sure to use Keyword SCRC210 when posting in galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. I will be back with another study on October 24th. Have a blessed week ahead!