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CURRENT RADIO SERIES Angels   CURRENT TV SERIES Angels

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”   --Matthew 6:33 In today’s verse, we see Jesus’ teaching us the principle of putting first things first. Which means before we ask for anything in prayer, we need to make sure we’re putting first things first… seeking God’s Kingdom and glory in every area of our lives. So today I want to give you a little test. And I want you… as best you know how… to answer these questions honestly. It may be hard to admit some of your answers to yourself. But I truly believe this test will help you reorder your priorities… and as a result, reinvigorate your personal prayer life. Question #1: Do you give God the first thoughts of your day? Even before your feet hit the floor, do you thank God for another day of life… of health… of family… of friendship? A great verse to say to start your day is Psalms 118:24, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I encourage you to memorize this verse today! Question #2: Do you give God the first day of your week? God has set aside a day of the week to worship and honor Him with other believers. He’s done this to give us strength and power in the midst of our crazy lives. Are you taking advantage of this awesome opportunity? Question #3: Do you give God the first the first place in your life… stewarding well what God has given you? This not only includes your income, but also your family and your time. Stewardship is really a matter of Lordship! Question #4: Are you giving God the first of all your desires? Because loving, serving, or worshipping anything more than Jesus Christ is idolatry, plain and simple. As you answer these questions honestly, it’s my prayer that God will reveal to you any priorities in your life that might be out of order. And… as He does this… it’s my hope that you will be begin putting first things first. And by doing so, it’s my hope that you will experience the joy of a powerful prayer life! Before we ask for anything in prayer, we need to make sure we’re putting first things first. Fig Trees and the Kingdom by Dr. Paul Chappell “And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Luke 21:29–31 In the time of Christ, the Mount of Olives, which Jesus often crossed going to and from Jerusalem, had many fig trees. They were a staple of the Jewish economy, providing one of the major cash crops on which the people depended. One of the signs of the coming summer season, which Jesus used to illustrate future events, was when the leaves emerged on the fig trees. These were the last trees to bud in the late spring, so when the leaves appeared it clearly indicated that the change of seasons was at hand. The plan of God for the future is settled and certain, but He has not chosen to reveal His timing to us. Jesus said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). Many have set specific dates for the Lord’s return in violation of His Word, but they have all been proven wrong. Some of us remember the smash best-selling book from years ago called “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988.” Millions of copies were sold, but the follow up called “89 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1989” did not sell nearly as well. The point of the parable of the fig tree is not to set a date for the Lord’s return, but to remind us that it is both certain, as summer has always followed the leaves, and will not be long delayed. Remember that God’s timing is not ours, and what seems many years to us is but a moment to Him. Today’s Growth Principle:  The truth of the Second Coming should affect the way we live every single day.