FRONT AND CENTER
Last week one of our friends visited Lauren and Stringer. Lauren had been putting up all of her Christmas decorations, but she hadn’t gotten her nativity out yet. Our friend said to her, “I see so many decorations, but where is Jesus?”
Later as we visited on the phone, we visited about the decorations, and I said, “Yes, Jesus should be front and center!”
Shouldn’t Jesus be front and center all year, not just at Christmas?
Just what is front and center?
Prominently at the forefront, prominent, of greatest importance.
So why should we put God front and center, why should he be the one in the forefront, the one who is prominent and the one of most significant importance?
1. When God is front and, center lives change.
SAUL TO PAUL- God was in the front leading the way when He blinded Paul. Paul was changed forever.
2. When God is front and center the atmosphere changes.
GODS WORD FRONT AND CENTER. I bought Lauren a bible, and over the last several weeks, it has been passed around by many. Many people wrote next to their favorite scripture and gave reasoning behind why that scripture spoke to them. The bible was at a store for several days. My friend had arranged for many to come in and sign. This bible, which is God’s Word, was placed front and center. When He was placed front and center, things happened. The days it was at the store, everyone who walked through the doors was blessed. You could feel God working within the walls of the store.
Hebrews 13:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 4:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and Spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Matthew 4:4 New International Version (NIV)
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ [a]”
John 1:1 New International Version (NIV)
1 In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 Timothy 3:16 New International Version (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Ephesians 6:17 New International Version (NIV)
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
John 17:17 New International Version (NIV)
17 Sanctify them by[a] the truth; your Word is truth.
Psalm 119:105 New International Version (NIV)
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
3. When God is front and center, we can ride out the storm.
Peter was able to walk on water when he kept his eyes on Jesus, but when he didn’t he began to sink
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him— my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 32:7-8 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Exodus 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
4. When God is front, and center life is just better.
The Holy Spirit lives within us. WE WILL POSSESS THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. THERE IS JUST A PEACE AMONG US
Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
How can we NOT put God front and center?
CHALLENGES OF THE WEEK
- Keep your daily appointment
- Dive deep into the Word
- Keep god front and center
- Fill your cup only when you fill your cup that you can fill other cups
RESOURCES
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