God first

We had a really great class last night. We talked about Matthew 8:18-22. You guys continue to impress me by the way that you think and respond to God's word. When I examine my life, I have said that I want to follow Jesus, but then I find myself letting other things get in front of that. When I asked you last night "how do I fix that in my life", you came up with two great answers.

1. Fasting
2. Setting a certain time aside everyday to spend with God

I love both of these answers. What is it that stands in my way of putting God first, what is it that stands in the way of me reading my bible, praying, coming to Church, or coming to an activity that our youth group is having?

1. TV
2. computer
3. outside activities (sports, 4-H, school activities ect..)
4. News paper (I read the newspaper everyday, but not my bible?)
5. work

The list could go on and on. I am going to do my best to take you guys advice and do some fasting this week. I am going to spend time replacing the things above with some time with God. When it is time for me to read my newspaper, I am going to read my Bible instead, the news is better in the Bible than in the newspaper. When it is time to watch TV, I am going to spend that time in prayer.

It is important that I do everything that I can to improve my relationship with God. Attending Church is a big part of that. Also attending activities that we have with the Church or with our youth group is very important. The times that we have together inside the church building is important, but the times that we have together outside of the building is just as important. These are the times that we really get to know each other, these are the times that we really get to grow close to each other and build personal relationships. I have in recent months been told "gas prices are too high to come into church, we live too far out." I am thankful that Christ did not think that the price was too high to pay for our salvation.