Praise the Lord! It’s such a joy to be standing before you today. As I always say, sorry for the repetition, to see people face-to-face who we have been seeing through our prayers is a big thing for me. And this time, I think we are visiting maybe after six weeks—we missed you! However, almost everyone came to our house two weeks before, which was a real blessing, and we are so thankful for that.
Before I say anything else, I just want to share a little ice-breaker. Especially back in India, when we go for a wedding—a Hindu wedding, or any wedding for that matter—after the rich rice and curries, there is dessert time, and they will serve paisam. It's a very sweet dessert. In the middle of the paisam, they often place a small bit of pickle. Why? It's because when we eat too much of that sweetness, we cannot take it anymore! We need a different taste. So, you take a touch of the pickle, and then you can enjoy more of the sweet dessert. In the American way, I call it horseradish with your steak. It’s that sharp, different flavor that refreshes your palate. Today, maybe you were expecting the same "steak," the same rich dish, but I'm giving you a little bit of that lemon pickle—that sharp, necessary truth.
Because no matter who is standing up here—Pastor Manoj, Robin, me, or anyone else—we are ministering the word of God, and we must remember its power and its permanence:
Scripture: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Scripture: The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8)
If we come with the attitude, "God, speak to me," this Word can pierce our mind, our body, and our thinking. The simple, powerful message God laid on my heart today comes from just four words from the very beginning of the Bible: In the beginning, God.
Core Message: God is the Absolute Priority
If we forget everything else, let us always remember that our purpose, our value, and our very existence come only from God being the first thing in our lives.
The Identity of God (Elohim) and His Eternal Nature: When Genesis says "In the beginning, God," the Hebrew word used is Elohim. This is the majestic plural, pointing to the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It also reveals that God is not subject to time; He created time. He was already there, the uncreated creator. His eternal existence is our rock, assuring us that our ultimate priority is eternal, not temporary.
Scripture: Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." (Genesis 1:26)
Scripture: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. (John 1:1-3)
Scripture: Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalms 90:2)
Scripture: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13)
The Power of the "One" and Dependence: We often boast of our assets: good health, a good education, and the opportunity to be in this country. If I put all those things down as zeros (0000), they have no value. But if you put God as the "one" in front of those zeros, your life becomes infinitely meaningful. We must be careful, church, because relying on self is vanity. If the "one" is our pride, our career, or our wealth, those things will eventually fail. Only the Lord is an unshakeable foundation for our lives.
Scripture: Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:5)
Scripture: For apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Scripture: Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5)
Scripture: No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
The Call to Holiness and Repentance: Because God is absolute, we are called to absolute devotion. When we realize His holiness, we must respond with awe and humility. If we've slipped and put our careers or comforts first, it's time to repent and turn back. We can't approach a Holy God casually.
Scripture: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! (Isaiah 6:3)
Scripture: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Scripture: Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalms 29:2)
Scripture: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10)
Soul Over Success (The Breath of Life): We must always choose to place God first, because we are the only creatures that have the breath of God—the soul. I was recently asked if a dog goes to heaven. I had to say no, because only human beings have the soul. The life of any other creature is done when it is done. But we have eternity stamped on us. That is why we must protect our souls above all earthly pursuits. Our earthly accomplishments are just dust if they cost us our soul.
Scripture: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? (Mark 8:36)
Scripture: The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4)
Scripture: For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:7)
The Promise of Direction and Provision: When we put Him first, we receive the greatest promise in the Bible: "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:6). This is our assurance that when God is first, He handles the logistics of our life. We don't have to worry or strive in our own strength.
Scripture: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
Making God the Priority in Practice
This isn't just theory; it requires practical application in three key areas: our time, our money, and our rest. No compromise for this priority.
1. Priority in Obedience (The Morning and No Delay)
We demonstrate true reverence by acting immediately, without hesitation, placing God before our routines. Our obedience is the tangible proof of our love for Him.
Early Action: We are called to immediate obedience, just like Abraham, who rose "early in the morning" to obey God's command regarding Isaac (Genesis 22:1–3). This shows a true heart for the priority of God.
Heart Posture: The women who went to the tomb of Jesus went "very early on the first day," showing their devotion was the first priority on their minds, before anything else in the week.
No Delay: God doesn't wait for your convenience; He asks for your immediate willingness. If we delay, we allow doubt and the cares of this world to steal our faith. This is why the Scripture warns us:
Scripture: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. (Hebrews 3:15)
Obedience is Proof of Love: Our actions prove the faith we profess. If we truly love the "One" who gave His life for us, we will follow His commands immediately.
Scripture: If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
Scripture: For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:26)
Scripture: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)
2. Priority in Stewardship (The First Fruits and The Promise)
We honor God not because He needs our resources—He created everything!—but because we acknowledge He is the provider of everything, and we give back the first portion as an act of worship.
Honoring with the First: We must honor the Lord with the "first of all your produce" (Proverbs 3:9)—the tithe—not just what we have left over. I remember 29 years ago, when online banking wasn't common, I would go to the teller to transfer my tithe first. This discipline is about a thankful heart.
The Promise of Return and Protection: Giving opens up a blessing that goes beyond money. It’s a promise of protection and provision, so that the devourer is kept from your crops and possessions!
Scripture: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)
Scripture: You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. (Malachi 3:9) (A powerful warning to show the serious nature of neglecting the priority of the first fruits.)
Scripture: Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be put into your lap. (Luke 6:38)
A Cheerful Heart: God loves a cheerful giver. We honor Him by giving whatever we have, even the widow’s two pennies, with a thankful heart.
Tithe and Justice: Jesus confirmed the importance of tithing but taught us never to neglect the "weightier provision of the law"—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). We must do both!
3. Priority in Sleep and Waking (Rest and Meditation)
Even in our rest, we must put God first.
Peace in Bedtime: When we go to bed, we can claim this verse, going to bed in peace and safety because the Lord alone makes us dwell securely. Thank Him for the rest He gives.
Scripture: In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalms 4:8)
Thankfulness in Waking and Meditation: Before you do anything else, acknowledge God immediately when you wake up. But our rest is also a time for deep communion. When you wake in the night, let your thoughts be centered on Him.
Scripture: I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. (Psalms 3:5)
Scripture: On my bed I remember you; I meditate on you in the night watches. (Psalms 63:6)
Scripture: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105)
So, let's carry this simple truth with us this week, church. In the beginning, God. Let that be the attitude in your work, your decisions, and your home. Let's conclude by singing that familiar chorus, "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God." Amen.