devo sheet

Goods or God

Memory Verses: Colossians 1:18-19

Day 1: Think about it!!

Clovis Chappell, a minister from a century back, used to tell the story of two paddleboats. They left Memphis about the same time, traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. As they traveled side by side, sailors from one vessel made a few remarks about the snail's pace of the other.
Words were exchanged. Challenges were made. And the race began. Competition became vicious as the two boats roared through the Deep South.
One boat began falling behind. Not enough fuel. There had been plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race. As the boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor took some of the ship's cargo and tossed it into the ovens. When the sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as the coal, they fueled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, but burned their cargo.
God has entrusted cargo to us, too. Our cargo is to do the will of God. The question is: what other things get in the way of us carrying the “cargo”?


Day 2: Putting Christ First

God gives us many promises in His Word. Many of these promises are unconditional, but most are conditional upon our obedience. Jesus challenged His disciples to consider their commitment. What does Christ say is involved with commitment according to Luke 9:23-24?

Following Christ in this way may mean struggles and trials, but how does Christ respond to us following Him (Matthew 11:28-30)?


But what does God want our attitude to be, as seen in Matthew 6:33?

What are “these things”? (Matthew 6:25-32)

Are these necessities or luxuries?

What has God promised if we put Him first?

Day 3: Seeking His Way

What does God want us to do?
Psalm 37:3-
Psalm 37:4-
Psalm 37:5-

What does I Samuel 15:22 say that God wants more than our works?

Read Ephesians 3:20-21. How much do you think God can do for you?

In Isaiah 40:11, how does God promise to treat His people?

What does Philippians 4:19 say that God can provide for us?

See the connection? If we seek Him first and obey His commands, then that which we need is provided according to God’s will.

Day 4- Are You Loving It?

“I’m loving it.” McDonalds has made that a familiar phrase, but the question is what are you loving? What does Colossians 3:2 say that we should love?

But notice what the previous verse says. “Seek those things”. A better phrase for seek is follow after wholeheartedly. I John 2:15-17 tells us to not follow after what?

James 4:1-4 tells us that if we set our affections on the world, then what is our relationship with God?


Day 5- Priority #1

Jesus Christ is the creator of all things (Colossians 1:15-16). Therefore, all things belong to Him. So, he should have first claim on our priorities. What does God want in response according to Colossians 1:19-19?


What does that mean?


Day 6- Putting It Into Action

God wants first CLAIM on our priorities. Using the word “claim”, record what are your priorities in each of the following areas:

Calendar (schedule, time)



Life’s work or school



Affections (sports, friends, hobbies)



Income



Mind (thought life, Scripture memory, reading)