FIRST THINGS FIRST

Handswho is glad 2014 is over and never coming back? Who had an amazing 2014

WHAT KIND OF YEAR WAS THIS LAST YEAR FOR YOU SPIRITUALLY?

_____ Spiritually Apathetic

_____ Spiritually Inconsistent
_____ Spiritually Consumed

God has to be firstif He is first in every areaorder. If he isnt first in ANY areadisorder
Order Matters-anyone married knows this
How we load the dishwasher.
The order in which you grocery shop
Vacuuming last so you see the lines
When it comes to Craigim not Craig and dont have the equity to even go there
A life God blesses= its not just what we offer to God but the order in which we offer it

But seek first (Gods) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matt 6:33
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------FIRST THINGS FIRST
1) FIRST OF THE DAY: SEEK GOD
Not legalistic command! Bathroom, alarm
Special about earlytone for day.
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Ps
63:1 NKJV
Most repetitive behavior of Christ in 4 gospelsgot away and got alone w fatherwhen?
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
First 15 min, 30 min hrdoesnt belong to anyone but Jesus
About 3 years agowe made the best decision ever.2 cups of great coffee, YouVersion, prayer together before anything else

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Miss a day do it the next day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------2) FIRST OF THE WEEK: WORSHIP
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.
Acts 20:7
48% of American church-goers attend church once a month.
Acts 2.every day devotionwasnt that they were more holythey were more honest that they needed each other
We need to get better at needing each other
Hear Gods word together worship together!
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one anotherHeb 10:25
At campus we have 7 weekend services, 2 on Sat night where the smart people come, 3 on Sunday morning and 1 Sunday evening
Most of our campuses have church on Sunday nightin case you are at a game or at the lake
If you cant get to church at Life Churchyou werent trying!
In town worship at church notchurch online.
Heres a question thats never asked in our home: Should we go to church? Do you want to go to church? Just like we never saydo you want to eat
today? We never miss an opportunity to be in Gods presence, hear his wordfellowship with his people, and praise Him for his goodness.
3) FIRST OF THE MONTH: TITHE
A few weeks ago, Pastor Craig preached one of the best messages I have ever heard. go online and watch week 2 of come to worship
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Lev 27:30
Noah smart giving at restaurant
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthinans 9:7
Have to rearrange my life Constant reminder heart and trust.

South Tulsa giver-Tithing in faith at the beginning of the year-order matters

What if December wasnt the biggest month in givingwhat if January was? before I even know what my year will be or how You
will bless me.i choose to put you first.
4) FIRST OF THE YEAR: FAST
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is
contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each otherGalatians 5:16-17
Denying our body devoting time to God makes your spirit more in tune to Gods spirit.
1 day, 3 day, 7 days, our staff does some version of a 21 day fast starting _____
At least 3 occasions, 40 days (Moses/10 commandments, Elijah encountering God, Jesus overcoming Satan in wilderness)
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the
Lord. Joel 1:14
Pastor Craig and Amy- many years ago strategically declared a fast for entire staffthen key volunteersthe opened to the church
This has changed our church!
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who
is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matt 6:17-18
Power focus intensity
Best Year
----------------------Daniel fast
Spiritually apathetic or inconsistent is not okay with me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you want what youve always haddo what youve always done!