The First and the Best - Pastor Brent Cantelon - January 3rd, 2010

The Lord wants you to know:
• He see's your efforts to serve Him and that pleases Him.
• He knows the ruthlessness of the enemy and understands your flesh.
• He accepts your love. He loves and accepts you in return.
• He believes your intentions and is patient with your procrastinating.
• He knows the plans He has for you, He knows you and your name.
• Knows where you are at and knows where you want to be.

Psalm 16:8 – What does it mean to “set the Lord always before me?”
Ex 23:19 Prov 3:9,10 - What can we offer as the first and the best?

1) The first of the New Year - January 3-8th - Be involved in the opportunities this next week to pray and to gather together. Fast in whatever way God is asking of you. Attend the services. Come to all night prayer.

2) The first of the week (1 Cor. 16:1,2) - Devote the first day of the week to the Lord. “The Lord's Day” Worship, reading of the Word, fellowship with the saints. Decide that Sunday is a priority – be in church. Have no bondages in your life that keep you from the House of God. (2 Tim 2:21)

3) The first part of the day (Psalm 63:1, Mark 1:35)

• Before any other voice: “Your voice Lord,”
• Before any other pursuit: pursue You Lord
• Before any other advice: “your wisdom, Your will, Your word to my day”
• Before the news, sports, facebook, stock market, texts- YOU LORD

4) The first and the best of my strength (Matthew 6:33,34 Col 3:1-3)

• The first part of the year.
• The first part of the week.
• The first part of the day.
• The first of my strength.

WHY?? There is an enemy in the land. We are calling on the Lord in our distress. There is a battle brewing. We need the Lord's help. Other idols have stolen our affections. We have drifted from the Lord. It is time to return to the Lord with repentance and humility. Press into faith – expecting an answer, preparing for His blessing. (1 Thess 5:23)

Ministry Time:

1) Pray for one another that we will all begin again.
2) Hold each other accountable this year to complete what we have started.
3) John 17:17 - Read the Word.
4) Rom. 15:16 - Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
5) James 4:7 - Cleanse our hands, draw near to God.
6) 2 Tim. 2:22 - Commune with those who have pure hearts.