Priority.
No Other Gods Before Me
God didn’t give the first commandment because He’s insecure—He gave it because He loves us. When we place other gods before Him, we’re reaching for things that cannot satisfy. Consider what has crept onto the throne of your heart. Is it your career, your children’s success, financial security, or social approval? These aren’t inherently bad, but when they take God’s place, they become powerless idols. God delivered Israel from slavery and speaks this command from a mountain ablaze with His glory, yet He knows our tendency to wander. Today, ask yourself: What receives my first thoughts, my best energy, my ultimate trust? The God who delivered you deserves first place.
Giving God First Place
Abel's offering revealed what was in his heart—God held first place. Cain's offering exposed divided loyalty. The difference wasn't in the gift itself but in the giver's heart. God doesn't want leftovers; He desires priority. When we give God our firstfruits—our best time, resources, and attention—we declare His worthiness. Today, examine your calendar, bank account, and thought life. Where does God actually rank? He doesn't demand first place to control you, but to protect you. When God is first, everything else finds its proper order. Sin crouches at the door of misplaced priorities. What area of your life needs reordering today?
The Antidote to Anxiety
Jesus doesn’t shame anxiety—He redirects it. Worry reveals where we believe provision ultimately comes from. The antidote isn’t ignoring responsibility, but reordering priority. When God’s kingdom comes first, anxiety loses its power. Seeking the kingdom first is a declaration: God, I trust You more than my ability to provide for myself. This trust reshapes how we handle money, generosity, and future planning. Anxiety fades when we remember we are cared-for children, not self-sufficient providers.
The Heart Behind the Gift
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Genesis 4:1–7Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what y...
A Robust Fear of The Lord
Around the age of 65, I became enamored with the bracket of influencers on social media telling me what fashions would date me, what creams would plump me, and what nutrients would intercept dementia. My algorithms fed me the positives of aging. I exercised, ate fresh fruits and vegetables, did all sorts of brain games and got lots of fresh air and good sleep, and kept my wardrobe on trend. Aging...
Seeking First the Kingdom
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Matthew 6:25–34Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what...
Living for Eternity
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Colossians 3Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what yo...
Investing in God's Kingdom
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Matthew 6Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you h...
Jesus Over Everything
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Colossians 1:15-18, Matthew 6:33Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be atten...
The Heart of Giving
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Genesis 4:1-16, 14:17-24. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive t...
Generosity Begins With Priority
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Luke 12:1-48. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what yo...
Releasing the Past, Embracing God's Future
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Philippians 3. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what y...
Choosing the Better Portion
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Luke 10. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you h...
Prioritizing God's Presence
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Psalm 90. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you hi...
Trusting God with Everything
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be atte...
Storing Treasures in Heaven
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Matthew 6:19-20 and Matthew 13. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attenti...
No Other God's Before Me
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Exodus 20. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you h...