The First

January 1-2

This is what the LORD says—

Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:

I am the first and I am the last;

apart from me there is no God. Isaiah 44:6

Leaning over in bed this morning, my husband whispered to me, "It is 1/1/11."

That's a lot of number ones! From parents, bosses, coaches, agents, motivational speakers, and preachers all the way to pimps and drug Lords, the world is full of individuals telling us we can be number one and that we deserve so much. The Christian faith, while making us feel quite loved by a Savior who would die for us just as we are, doesn't promote elevating us to a position above others. Quite the opposite...it suggests a life of service.

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for man. Mark 10:43-45

Luke 13:30 tells of a surprise ending for many who think they are high on God's list!

Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and the first who will be last.

Maybe the "first" question for today 1/1/11 is: What is it God wants us to be?

First and foremost He wants us to be known as His beloved!

He wants is to belong to Him and surrender to His ways, which His Word and the ways of His Son lay out for us.

He wants to be the first thing on our minds in the morning and to be carried in our being until sunset.

PT We bow down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus. 2011, what will it be Father? Here we are, humbled before You, needing forgiveness, comfort, and restoration from the past, while pleading for insight as to where we are to go from here. Our cry is to stay connected to You, your ways and your wisdom. Keep us in Your presence; acting and reacting in a manner which is pleasing to You. And all God's people said, "Amen!"