First Things First: What are you putting above all else?

As you begin today what is your priority? What are you going to put above all else? Will you put first things first? Could it be that you need to work on your heart health? Are the thoughts and words that are coming out of you pointing to a heart issue?

Remember what it says about the overflow of your heart?

‘The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart. ‘

Luke 6:45

First things first will ensure your heart is healthy

So will you make sure that your heart is filled with the good things necessary to overflow and pour into the lives of others? Will you make sure to purify your heart by inviting Jesus in to identify things that need to be removed like bitterness, anger, frustration, and unforgiveness? Let’s choose to put the health of our hearts above all else!

Today’s Verse of the Day:

Alternatively, another translation puts it this way:

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

First Things First means we need to take God’s Word seriously!

Firstly, we need to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it and when it is hurt then we tend to hurt others. Secondly, when it is filled with bitterness we tend to speak harshly. Finally, let’s give our hearts over to Jesus to help create a new heart, a purified heart, a clean heart so that we can allow it to be filled with love, God’s unconditional love kind of love, so that we are able to overflow this love into the lives of those around us!

Check the dashboard of your heart by replaying the words you are speaking and the actions you are taking. Are you seeing those warning lights, the red and yellow ones that signal a bigger problem? Don’t just know about it, choose to do something about it!

Consider these ways to apply today’s verse of the day as dads for the sake of our wives, kids, and world:

• Regularly examine your heart: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Evaluate if there is any bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness that may affect your words and actions toward your family.
• Seek forgiveness: If you have hurt your family, seek forgiveness and ask God to heal your heart.
• Pray for a pure heart: Ask God to purify your heart and remove any negative emotions that may hinder your relationships.
• Read the Bible: The Bible provides guidance and wisdom on how to guard our hearts and live a life pleasing to God.
• Spend time with God: Regularly spend time in prayer, worship, and meditation to keep your heart close to God.
• Practice forgiveness: Forgive those who have wronged you, even if they have not asked for forgiveness.
• Watch your words: Be careful of the words you speak and their impact on others. Use your words to build up your family, not tear them down.
• Manage your emotions: Do not let your emotions control your actions. Instead, seek wisdom from God on how to respond to situations with love and grace.
• Be accountable: Surround yourself with other godly men who will hold you accountable and provide guidance when needed.
• Seek counseling: If you are struggling with negative emotions and their impact on your family, seek counseling to help you process and heal.