Making God a Priority When Busy Keeps Getting Busier

The excuses of I’m tired,  I don’t feel like it, or not today I will do better tomorrow all come across our lips from time to time. The burden of life chores, duties and immediate obligations takes over.  The jobs never seem to end or work always follows us home. We get burned out or put under so much pressure we can’t clear our minds apart from the distractions. Perhaps something has changed, we received more responsibility, more recognition, we got promoted, we started school, found a new goal or hobby. Distractions come in various styles, sizes and ways, and perhaps one could argue that they are the devils favorite and best way to keep us from the word, prayer and fellowship.

                When we are exhausted from the day, when the distractions have depleted us, we tend to have no energy and no desire to do anything else that seems like work.

                Perhaps the thought of reading the Bible seems boring or that you have so many other things to do you don’t have time to pray….

                We all, at some crazy chaotic point in our lives, have felt this way. We have 24hrs in a day and yet we still need more time to do all we want, to accomplish all we need to.  The enemy loves it when we think this way, when we are stressed about time, when our earthy duties take away from the time we spend in the word reading, worshiping and praying.

                The devil loves to steal the time we would normally give God.

                It is up to us to be aware of how our distractions and outside obligations impact our time with God, we have to keep God as the priority and we have to be willing and able to shake off some of the distractions.  Set time aside to read the word, if you are having trouble fitting in time to read the Bible focus on reading a verse a day, schedule time for it. Make it a priority. It is up to us to make time for prayer, you can pray anytime, anywhere and the benefit is God is always there to hear you. Driving in the car, in-between meetings or classes, wake up a few minutes’ earlier, turn the TV off a few minutes sooner. Pray when you are tired- God can give you energy, more strength to keep going. When things seem hard, or you need help, pray. God can give you grace, favor, wisdom that you wouldn’t otherwise have.  And ultimately sometimes we just have to do things when we don’t feel like it; because it’s the right thing to do, because our emotions can’t run our lives and because God is the priority. Sign up for the bible study, get involved with people at your church, read your daily devotional, get involved.

                  God is a priority.

                Where you spend your time shows what you deem as important.  We are all busy and that will be unlikely to change, as we age we grow,  as we grow we get busier, so grasp this now- that God doesn’t come after the rest of your day, but God comes first and should be involved throughout your day.  Remember the devil and his distractions want you, Keep God first and the devil will continue to be defeated.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

A Love I Never Knew

You loved me before I even knew you.
Your love runs deep, more love then I ever knew.
For my love was lost, when I turned to you.

You brought me under your wing.
Protected me, shielded me when I couldn’t see.
Oh Lord I give You all the glory.
For you lifted me up, when I fell, and you strengthened me when I was weak.

You are a God of forgiveness, of mightiness and greatness.
You transformed my soul, into what I wished to be.
Now my eyes are open and I can see how you are in every single thing.

For I have found in You a calmness, a peacefulness.
That can’t be found outside of You; now I worship You.
I won’t look back, for the past gave me Your present, a gift of eternity.
And a love I never knew.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:7-8  

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Warrior Anthem

I am a mighty child of God, I am a strong warrior, I follow the path of righteousness which is full of strength, power and determination, I rise above, I conquer, I have a hedge around me,  I defeat my enemy because my God gets the victory.  I have the greatest protection, the best army, the most skilled counselor. I can’t be stopped.   If I fall, I rise again by saying my God’s name. I have the highest favor, an abundance of blessings, and a table formed around my enemies.  God has made me a warrior and my strength is because of His strength. I am strong, I am bold, I am courageous and I fear no enemy because Jesus made my way.  When I am in trouble, I persevere by saying His name. My God has made a way for me even when there seems to be no way.  I am a mighty child of God; I am a strong warrior, not because of me, but because of the one that came before me, Jesus.

Psalm 23:3  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Micah 7:8 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Psalm 27:1   The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;   your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

It’s Time to Wake Up

Too many of us walk around in a cloud, consumed by the day to day task that we have to achieve, the unending to do list of errands, family obligations and countless meetings. We focus on the events of the day and the problems that come with them.  Our life becomes what bill has to be paid, what we will cook for dinner tonight, what kid needs to finish his homework, how many meetings we have for the day….

            We get so bogged down with these day to day task we simply forget that this life on this multitasking earth is not really what we are living for.  We get so distracted that we forget God. We forget about eternity and ignore Heaven and Hell.  In fact, when you compare eternity to the average 78 years humans spend on the earth, the time on this earth it’s just a blink.  When are we going to wake up from behind our desks, wake up from the  8 to 5 clock, the chores, the earthly duties, the distractions and remember that, all this on earth is just temporary; and the priorities of our life, putting God first instead of our list of distractions, determine where we spend eternity.

            When are we going to wake up that when we die on this earth our day to day task wont matter?

            When are we going to wake up and realize that the harsh reality is no one escapes death on this earth?

            We never know when it will be our time, you see we all have invisible timers and we never know when they are going to go off. We walk around simply unaware that my timer, my clock would go off. We seem to think we are invisible or that, its not my turn today. Yet, we never know. God created us and He alone decides when we leave.

Every day matters.

            On my heart I have an urgency for a wake up call for those who don’t know Jesus, who spend there days filled with the worries of the things of this earth, who don’t have a relationship with Him yet or perhaps know Him but haven’t made Him first in there life. The time is now to put God first, to make Him a priority in this very hour to not trade your fate in heaven for the mundane task of this earth. Focus on the big picture, on Eternity and on Heaven. God and a relationship With Jesus is the only way to get there.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:13

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

What do you face today?

You may not know what you will face today, but know God will get you through. He fights for you, battles for you, and loves you. When you feel weary call out to Him, when you need comfort simply say His name, Jesus.  When you feel frustrated, scared, like no one understands, simply talk with Him- tell Him your concerns, tell Him your fears, be vulnerable and open to Him.  He sees your heart, He counts your tears, and He has promised to never leave.

Today and everyday He is your God, your Father, your Faithful Friend; today and everyday He pours out unconditional love and covers us with grace. Today and everyday He heals, restores, and renews, not because He owes it to us, but because His love is unwavering.

If you have a relationship with Jesus then you receive all of His promises, no matter what you are facing today, know that He is right there with you, seek Him and He will get you through.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you;

      Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

      I will strengthen you,

      Yes, I will help you,

      I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

While you are going through it, remember God has a plan for it!

 When adversities come against us, we want to question why it is happening to us?  How could this trial bring good?  Why must I endure?

We ask these questions because we do not know what God has planned.  Our capacity limits us to know, even though our mind strains to understand. Our faith demands that we lay down all our cares to the Lord so that He, in His mighty power and authority, will guide and take care of us.

The Lord has far greater understanding and far greater knowledge than we do, He created the world. He alone knows the plan He has for it and for each one of us individually. In our weakness we will glorify His strength and ability. When we go through trials and praise Him, we glorify His name. When tribulations hit us, He can stretch us, and mold us, and give us a powerful testimony.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

No matter what you face: guilt, a broken marriage, anxiety, health problems, financial problems, loneliness- don’t let the devil make you doubt that God isn’t right there with you. If you turn to Him, He will never leave you. You may not know why you have to go through it, but trust that God has a plan for it.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Randomosity: Part 4

Randomosity: The state of being or being part of random occurrences & activities. Also known as being in a state of complete randomness

This week has been wonderful. Blessings have been abundent! Here are some words and thoughts that have inspired me this week!

Glory to God in the highest! Praise Him for what He is about to do. Trust, lean on and rely on Him. His strength will get you through. His love will comfort. His promises are never broken. When your mind says no, let your spirit say YES! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  Ask and you shall receive.  Go to Him. Ask for your plan, for your purpose. Ask for an increase. Seek. Believe. Trust the Lord wholeheartedly. Jesus, He is with us, He will guide us, for the rest of our days. Let Him be the one your heart beats for!

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa