From the devotional desk of Monica Kritz:
What Gets Our Attention?
It is so tragic when it takes extreme circumstances to get our attention. It is tragic when it takes something earth-shattering to get our attention. It is tragic when it takes devastating circumstances to get our attention. That was certainly true of my experience. When my Dad was diagnosed with cancer from a tumor on his bladder, I pictured in my mind that GOD would heal him, we would move on, and life would return to normal. But GOD had more in mind for me. HE didn’t just want me to have a prayer life that was a “routine” and half-hearted. HE didn’t just want me to attend every church service…while my thoughts were somewhere else. HE wasn’t satisfied with my “lukewarm” CHRISTian walk with Him.
HE longed to be my “first love” again. HE longed for that intimate, sincere, and pure heart-felt relationship with Him…every day. And HE was willing for me to have my heart so broken and my world turned upside down…because of His great love for me…because HE loved me first, before I even knew Him. (1 John 4:19)
Does this sound crazy…or backward? Consider this: GOD made us…HE knows how we are put together. (Psalm 139:14) HE put us together. HE knows we were made to praise Him, worship Him, and walk with Him. When we get this out of order, our life is not what GOD intends it to be.
This is why GOD tells us in His Word to humble ourselves…because if we don’t…HE will. (1 Peter 5:6, Psalm 9:12, Proverbs 16:19, Isaiah 57:15, Matthew 18:4, Luke 14:11, James 4:6, Micah 6:8)
So, start today…begin your day fresh and new with Him. His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Humble yourself. How? Being humble is not thinking less of yourself but instead, thinking of yourself less. Come with a humble heart before The LORD. Put Him 1st. Love Him most. Begin to love others.
Then, you will be walking in a right relationship with Him…and remember, it is a daily renewal and a daily walk.
JESUS 1st.
Others 2nd.
Yourself last.
