OCTOBER 11, 2026 SERMON SUMMARY
DON’T WAIT TO PUT GOD FIRST
When life gets busy, it can be difficult to know how to prioritize what truly matters. We may work hard to meet our responsibilities while putting off the things that deserve our time and attention most. But what we make time for reveals what we value. Through the book of Haggai, God challenges us to examine our priorities, put Him first, and faithfully follow His will.
Reflect: Consider Your Ways
Our choices reveal what we value. When the people of Jerusalem returned from exile, they intended to rebuild God’s temple. But sixteen years later, it remained unfinished while they focused on building their own homes. God told them to consider their ways (Haggai 1:7). In the same way, we need to examine how we spend our time, energy, and resources. God doesn’t say it’s wrong to care for our work, family, or enjoy His blessings, but we must not let these things take His place. Does God truly come first, or does He receive only whatever time and attention we have left?
Reorder: Put God First, Stop Postponing
Recognizing what needs to change is only the beginning. When God saw that His people had neglected His temple, He called them to bring wood and begin rebuilding (Haggai 1:8). In the same way, when we recognize that something has taken priority over God, we must act rather than wait for a more convenient time. This may mean letting go of habits, ambitions, or distractions that keep us from following Him wholeheartedly. We cannot change yesterday, and tomorrow is not guaranteed, but we can choose to obey God today.
Rebuild: With God, For God
Rebuilding our priorities and habits takes time. We may become discouraged when obedience does not bring the results we hoped for or when we compare our progress with others. But God told His people to take courage because He was with them. When they obeyed, He promised, “From this day on I will bless you.” In the same way, we can trust God’s presence and faithfulness even when change takes time. We are called to remain faithful and leave the outcome in His hands.
God Keeps His Promises
The people eventually finished rebuilding the temple. Despite their past mistakes and hesitation, they chose to move forward in obedience. Their story reminds us that following Jesus does not guarantee instant success or wealth, but we can trust His promises and perfect timing. Our past mistakes and delayed obedience do not have to define our future, because God can redirect our lives by His grace. Putting God first begins with trusting Jesus, who died for our sins and offers us eternal life. We do not need to wait until tomorrow to respond to Him. Let us reflect honestly, reorder our priorities, and rebuild with God and for God, choosing to remain faithful today.
REFLECT: Looking honestly at your life right now, what seems to be getting your best time, attention, energy, or affection? Is there anything good that may have quietly taken a place that belongs to God?
REORDER: Is there something God has already made clear that you have been saying “not yet” to—forgiveness, obedience, serving, generosity, a relationship, a habit, or another area? What is one specific step you can take this week?
REBUILD: Is there an area of your life that feels damaged by past mistakes, delay, sin, or disappointment? What might it look like to stop living in regret and begin rebuilding that area with God and for God?
MEMORY VERSE:
Haggai 2:4b
...all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the LORD of hosts.
WEEKLY PRAYER POINTS:
I. Thanksgiving
Worship God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do in our lives.
II. Country and the World
Upright and moral governance of public servants; repentance and salvation for government leaders and citizens for a Christ-centered Philippines.
For legislators to promote and support bills and laws aligned with God’s Word.
War in Ukraine to end, loss of lives prevented.
For the rest of the Israeli hostages to be restored to their families safely. For Israel’s war with terrorists to end according to God’s purpose and for His glory.
For the civil war in Syria to end peacefully, protection for Christians and other minorities, and freedom from oppression for Syrians. Pray for the gospel to spread rapidly throughout the country.
Pray for Sudan and persecuted Christians there; earnestly seek God’s intervention to stop the bloodshed. Pray for freedom from oppression, that God’s word and His people bring them comfort and hope.
Earthquake victims in Burma, Thailand,other countries.
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ affected by the disaster in Nepal, especially those who remain missing. Pray that they will be found safely, and that God will strengthen and comfort their families. May the Lord provide for their needs and give them hope and courage as they face the days ahead.
III. Church
That CCF Members would honor and love God and make disciples.
For elders, pastors, dleaders, and families to become holy, humble, harmonious, happy, and heart-working.
Ministries and churches expand worldwide.
IV. CCF Facilities
Worship and Training Center
Prayer Mountain
V. Personal Concerns
Deeper intimate relationship with God.
Righteous living.
Salvation of family and friends.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
KINDLY CLAIM YOUR LOST AND FOUND ITEMS BY APRIL 5. ANY ITEMS LEFT UNCLAIMED WILL BE DISPOSED OF.
Our last regular Nxtgen Sunday will be on March 15, 2026 as we step into a special summer season from March 16 to May 16, 2026. This break is a purposeful time for our team to refresh, plan, and prepare an even better Nxtgen experience for our kids. Enrollment will begin soon. Stay tuned for updates!
Starting March 15, Sunday DGroup meetings will be limited to 2 hours and 30 minutes to help us accommodate all DGroup reservations due to limited space.
Note: Weekday and Saturday DGroup meetings are not affected.