Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK REFRESHER ABOUT LIFE.
If you want to put God first, Scripture makes it unmistakably clear: seek His kingdom above everything, love Him with your whole being, and let every decision flow from devotion to Him. 2 Corinthians 8:5 (KJV) — “But first gave their own selves to the Lord…” God doesn’t want your schedule—He wants you. Proverbs 3:6 “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Mark 12:30 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Why Putting God First Matters: It aligns your life with His will. It brings clarity, peace, and direction. It protects your heart from idols. It keeps your love for God alive and central. It ensures everything else in life falls into its proper place.
IS GOD FIRST IN YOUR LIFE? ALLOW THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
Joy Comes From God’s Presence. Psalm 16:11 teaches that “in Your presence is fullness of joy.” Joy flows from closeness to God, not external success or comfort. Joy Is Strength. Nehemiah declared, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This shows joy is not just emotion—it empowers believers to endure hardship Jesus Gives Complete Joy. Jesus said He came so that “My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” Joy is part of the life He imparts to His followers. Biblical joy is a steady, Spirit‑given gladness rooted in God’s presence, God’s promises, and God’s salvation—not in circumstances. It strengthens believers, sustains them through trials, and flows from a living relationship with Jesus Christ. The Difference Between Joy and Happiness (Biblically) Happiness comes from external circumstances. When things go well, you feel happy. When they don’t, happiness fades. Joy comes from God Himself. It flows from His presence, His Spirit, His promises, and His salvation. Happiness focuses on the moment. “I feel good right now.” Joy focuses on God’s truth. “God is good, God is with me, God is working — even if I don’t feel good right now.” Joy looks beyond the moment to the eternal. SUMMARY: Happiness is based on happenings. Joy is based on Jesus.Happiness is an emotion. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Happiness is momentary. Joy is continual. Happiness reacts to life. Joy responds to God.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS QUICK REFRESHER.
