31 Days of Repentance
By Monica Kritz
Mitchell County
Day 16: Forgive me for Putting Anything Before YOU, LORD – Even “Time” and Accomplishments.
JESUS said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
We often say we love GOD first, and we love GOD the most. But do we…really?
Have you ever heard words coming out of your own mouth, yet wondering from where they came? They were your words, but you knew in your heart that was not how you really felt. You may say, “GOD is first in my life.” But if we refuse to do what HE asks us to do, or if we don’t spend time with HIM daily in prayer and reading The Bible, how can we say HE is first in our lives? Whatever or whoever we love the most will be evidenced by where we spend the majority of our time.
Too often, we make “gods” out of almost anything or anyone. However, those “gods” are not always tangible (touchable). For example, “time” could be a “god” in your life. Have you ever thought about that? Do you ever think, “My free time is mine, so I am going to do what I want to do”? I like having tasks and projects to complete, and I like having time to accomplish them. It is very easy to get so “caught up” in a project, that you begin to look so forward to completing it, and you begin to neglect your spiritual life. Every free moment that you have, you begin to focus all of your energy on that project. Here is the danger: while there is nothing wrong with projects and having the initiative to complete them, it is wrong to be so consumed with tasks that you put GOD “behind” them (or on the back burner, so to speak).
Sit down in a quiet place and have a piece of paper with you. Ask THE LORD to speak to you and reveal anything or anyone in your heart that you may be putting before HIM, even things that may be intangible. Be honest. Be sincere. GOD rewards a “seeking” heart. Write down what GOD reveals. Confess it. Repent of it…turn away from it. Begin today with a new focus and a new awareness of keeping GOD first and keeping your priorities in the right order.
Challenge:
* What do you love the most?
* Who do you love the most?
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Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )
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