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From the desk
of District
Superintendent
Kevin V.Cox
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Repeatedly, it has been taught that we should put God first, family second, and everything else somewhere below those two priorities. But are we really putting God first? I fear that too often we say we are – but we are actually putting something or someone else in that top priority. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the Kingdom…” But, are we really seeking our own kingdoms? Are we putting God and His Kingdom first, or is it our kingdom that we are seeking?
If we put God first, it should show in our attitudes. So often we refer to the Beatitudes found in Matthew’s Gospel, but perhaps a better spelling would be “Be Attitudes.” Jesus admonished us to take up our cross and follow him. If you were polled, how would you answer the following questions? “What is your cross?” “Where is your cross located?”
It humbles me when I read the accounts of our early pioneers of the 20th century awakening. When I read of the sacrifices they made, the way they had to put their trust in Jesus for healings and provisions, and the way they followed the leading of the Spirit with seeming disregard for their own interests, I admit that I do not measure up. Just a few days ago, I was prompted to pray for one of our most esteemed elders, Sis. Nona Freeman. As I was praying for her, I began to remember some of the stories that I have either read in her books or heard her tell in person. I began to be overwhelmed by the thought of the personal sacrifices she and Bro. Freeman made in order to preach the Gospel in Africa. I then began to think about the late Brother Glen Smith and his precious wife who still lives in our state. I cannot begin to measure up to the sacrifices they made to spread this Gospel in the Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean.
What does putting God first really mean? That one requires some thought; I don’t think I have too many books in my library titled, “I Put God First.” To me, putting God first means several things. Number one, I must love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my spirit. Secondly, by loving Him, I must do my best to be righteous and obedient to His Word. If it is taught in the Bible, then I need to be working to make my life agree with His Word. That, to me, is putting God first.
My prayer is that you will be greatly blessed in 2009 as we again seek to add to the church daily such as should be saved. Let us give it our best effort. The times demand that we do our best.
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