Putting God first

For me, I try to ask myself if what I am doing, saying, and thinking would please God or not. I do this throughout the rest of my day. I also stop and pray several times, or pray while I'm driving. Sometimes it's a simple, "Thank You Lord for ______." Sometimes it's more in depth.I make sure to read every day. However, I feel that just reading isn't enough so I feel I need to add studying His word, too.I would say as you go about your tasks, being a Christian is part of it. I don't feel putting God first is a task for me. I feel that I need to let His let shine in everything I say and do. I know I am not always successful and do fall short. My human nature takes over at times and well, that's just not so nice!I am going to start a Bible study on this forum soon. I am planning on choosing a book and going over 3 or 4 chapters a week. I'd love for you to join us! I am not planning a religious debate or a, "you're so wrong for believing this" type of thing. I just thought it would be a good way for all of us to grow by reading other's insights into the scriptures.I will post a list of books to start off with and we'll see who all wants to join in!

Thanks, Ani, for your post. The thing that resonated most was when you said, "For me, I try to ask myself if what I am doing, saying, and thinking would please God or not." That piece of advice/knowledge is exactly what I was looking for (without even knowing it - haha). I also don't feel that my faith is a "task" for me (although it did seem to come out that way in my post). It just seems like we all have so many day to day tasks, that sometimes I feel like I do it on auto pilot. Wondering whether or not my actions/thoughts please God doesn't always enter my brain, but now it will! By the way, I'd love to join in on your bible study! And thanks again for your post!

lovemy2boys, I know you didn't mean it that way. I'm glad something in all my ramblings made sense!I posted a poll on the Bible study and plan to start it after Thanksgiving break.You may have already voted, but here's the poll just in case you didn't: [url]http://forums.adoption.com/christian-adoptive-parents/316867-bible-study.html[/url]Have a great day!

Someone pointed out once (ok, probably way more than once in the last several millenia, but hey, I heard it once and it struck a chord...) that as a Christian EVERYTHING we do is an act of worship to God. We (should) do everything in obedience to the directives He has provided for us. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might, and love your neighbor as yourself. So, in everything we do we consider how it reflects the love of Christ, and how it reflects on God. I've been called by God to be a mother. (obviously!) So for me personally an huge part of my obedience and worship offered to God is to lovingly parent my children. I'm to teach them of God mostly by example (oh, NO! I'm such a poor example! :eek:), and also with my words. I'm to show them God's love for them by how I love them. I'm to provide encouragement and respect for my husband, who has a multiplicity of responsibilities on his shoulders. Love covers both action and thought. So I need to think lovingly, and act lovingly toward the family. Not just making gifts, but happily cleaning the toilet. Again. Happily showing the kids how to fold their own clothes. Lovingly, with kind eyes, rebuking and redirecting the kids when they do wrong. Being salt and light.I'm to care for the needs of my family first (husband, kids, extended family) and then help to see to the needs of my neighbors. YIKES!!! But...being kind with a smile is an act of devotion to God just as much as taking over plates of cookies. Helping out when they are on vacation, lending a hand by making a meal when there is a major event in their lives, babysitting, or, again, just being willing to smile and wave. I can smile and be kind, if nothing else. Attitude is just as important as action.

Very nice answer, barksum. :)

I think putting God first means living the way He wants you to. As Lovemy2boys wrote, about thinking whether or not it would please God.Last year for Lent I decided to do something rather than give something up. I give up too much for my kids already. I decided to make sure that I read something faith based every day. I have to read in order to get to sleep at night. If I don't my mind races. I started reading Christian Fiction, there is a ton of it out there, and I haven't stopped since. I find the books to be both uplifting and answering questions that I already have.I think it's also about being a model for our kids. Showing them how to live with gratitude, kindness respect... basically the fruits of the Spirit. Galations 5:22-23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I love that verse Galations 5:22-23, I can see it clearly through that verse. Thanks for posting