In today’s hectic, “hurry-up climate,” it is easy to get preoccupied with to-do lists, family and job demands, and even Kingdom service. But in all of our haste to complete out day to day task, we often lose track of the one thing that is needed, or as Jesus put it to Martha in Luke 10, verse42, the "better part."
The "better part" is developing intimacy with the Lord, keeping Him at the center of our lives, knowing Him and being known by Him. It can be a challenge but once we cultivate our relationship with Him, we will discover a greater satisfaction, fullness, and balance to our lives in a way that we have never experienced before. This type of behavior will make it easy for us to push everything aside and seek the face of the Lord!
God has given us two means of accomplishing this goal of getting into His presence: fasting (which demonstrates that we bring our bodies into subjection) and praying (which demonstrates our faith in God's willingness and ability to manifest the promise in our lives). These are two powerful tools to prepare us to receive His presence. We will be able to access all that He has planned for our lives, as well as develop a deeper commitment and connection to Christ in our personal walks with Him. Our declaration should always be, "more of You Lord and less of me.”
Annually at New Bethel, we consecrate (set apart) ourselves for the 1st 21 days for fasting, praying and giving (which demonstrates our gratitude/thanksgiving every time the Lord's Word becomes revelation.) The Bible teaches that believers are to give their first and best to God. Proverbs3:9 says, "Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase" and verse 10 gives the promise when we are obedient and that promise says: "So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Saints of God, when we put God first in every area of our lives, our families, our finances, along with everything else he has promised to us will be released to us due to our commitment and obedience. If we will pray and seek God and give Him our first and best at the beginning of the year, what would keep Him from honoring that sacrifice and bless the entire year? Romans11:16 tell us "For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches."
I encourage you to ask yourself, 'What am I allowing to come between me and God's presence?' and then join us as we devote ourselves to seeking God and His will for our lives during our 2018 21-Day Consecration journey.
Start the year off right and discover the rewards of "God - 1st."
-Missionary Lisa Murphy
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