How can we ensure God remains our priority, unlike in Daniel 11:38? Seeing the Warning in Daniel 11:38 “Instead, he will honor a god of fortresses—a god his fathers did not know—with gold and silver, with precious stones and riches.” • The coming ruler pours his wealth and affection into an imposter deity, trading the living God for the illusion of security and power. • Scripture records this to expose the danger that still stalks every heart: loving anything more than the Lord Himself. Returning to the First Commandment • Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” • Deuteronomy 6:5: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” • Matthew 22:37–38: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” These verses press the priority—total, glad devotion to Him. Anything less opens the door to our own “god of fortresses.” Spotting Today’s Substitute Gods • Power and influence • Financial security and possessions • Entertainment and comfort • Personal image and social approval • Human relationships placed above the Lord 1 John 5:21 says, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” The command is timeless. Habits That Keep God First 1. Daily Scripture intake – Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” 2. Consistent, honest prayer – Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts before Him.” 3. Regular gathered worship – Hebrews 10:24–25 urges believers not to neglect meeting together. 4. Intentional generosity – Matthew 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Giving redirects the heart back to God’s purposes. 5. Active service in His name – 1 Peter 4:10: each believer stewards gifts “as faithful servants of God’s grace.” 6. Accountability with trusted believers – Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Practical Heart-Checks • Monitor time allocation: Is the first part of the day offered to Him? • Track spending: Do financial decisions reflect Kingdom priorities? • Evaluate conversation: What theme dominates speech—His glory or personal pursuits? • Observe reactions to loss: If a possession or comfort disappears, does peace remain anchored in Christ? Living the “Seek First” Life Matthew 6:33 promises, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Keeping God in first place is not deprivation; it is the pathway to lasting provision and joy. Setting the heart on Him today guards against the tragedy portrayed in Daniel 11:38 and secures a life that honors the only true God—now and forever. |
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