Putting first things first is an issue at the very heart of life.
Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.
Stephen Covey (1932-2012) was an American educator, author, and speaker.
From the “General Confession” found in the Book of Common Prayer: “We have left undone those things which we ought to have done.”
Skeptics whispering with doubts
Tomorrow shall never come
Priorities breathe empty
Hearing enemy’s distant drum
Disciples praise God each day
Indeed, His kingdom shall come
Priorities set on Christ
Hearing blessed, heavenly drum
Skeptics gather in darkness
Distant worries always come
Priorities ignore light
Hearing only, that hidden drum
Disciples find hope in God
Heaven’s light rises to come
Priorities embrace truth
Hearing faith’s righteous, heartfelt drum
Skeptic’s voices now wither
Tomorrow will surely come
Priorities flee darkness
Hearing echoes of faithful drum
Disciples accept God’s grace
Through Son’s love, sunrise will come
Priorities witness peace
Hearing redemption’s trusted drum
From 2 John 8-9: “Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for but may receive a full reward. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”
From Habakkuk 2:4: “Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faithfulness.”
Too many demands
Fewer precious hours
Life out of control
Darkness set to devour
Light beams from God’s Word
Life’s frantic pace slows
Moment by moment
Steps finding high plateau
Fresh landscape of peace
In God, faith shall trust
Heart fills with new hope
Priorities adjust
Hidden darkness flees
Armor of light worn
God’s grace stretching out
His answers come each morn
Prayer’s conveyance
Journey with God’s love
Freedom at last found
Guidance breathes from above
From Romans 13:12: “The night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
The Lord is first, my friends are second, and I am third.
From Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Gayle Sayers (1943-2020) was an American professional football player. Nicknamed the “Kansas Comet,” Sayers was gracious with receiving his many football honors. Most of all, his life’s philosophy was reflected in this quote.
Feeling defeated
Heavy shadow weighs upon—
Procrastinating
Welcoming freedom
Sunrise lifting confidence—
Invigorating
Nurturing habit
Tackling biggest challenge first—
Prioritizing
Focus on being productive instead of busy.
What we fear doing most is usually what are most we most need to do.
Timothy Ferriss (born 1946) is an American entrepreneur and author.
Jesus is saying that the great care of the life is to put the relationship to God first, and everything else second.
From Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
Jesus was aware of where true importance lies, where the priorities are. And where your priorities are, there your time will be.
From Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Big Sky Buckeye 