Hello there! It’s going to be a busy day right? Do you have a “to-do” list a mile long for the day or week ahead? I know I have a thousand things I would like to accomplish, and I am sure you do too. Let’s get to it!

“But First, Coffee.”

We have all seen this slogan on cute coffee mugs, farmhouse signs, chalkboards and even t-shirts. It’s a well-known fact that coffee practically fuels our world! But where is our true power source? Shouldn’t we really be saying, “But first, Jesus” instead? Coffee is fine, (it’s green tea for me, thanks), but the issue is whether or not Jesus is our top priority. I know I have had to take a closer look at my own priorities lately, and I quickly realized that Jesus most certainly has not been first.

It’s been an exciting week as my long awaited new blog has finally become a reality. I have barely been able to sleep with all the creative ideas running through my mind.  Although I have blogged in the past, a chronic long term illness resulted in sporadic blogging and eventually a total hiatus. As with all things technology related, so much has changed and there are many new things to learn, but I am a born go-getter, and when I put my mind to something it’s all or nothing!

These past few days have been no different as I have thrown myself completely back into blog land. Although it’s exciting, I have also found myself becoming a bit anxious, overwhelmed and stressed. My normally tidy house is the messiest it’s been in as long as I can remember. The laundry needs to be sorted and put away. I have wreath making materials strewn about which I intended to start on three days ago and hoped would be finished by now! All of the sudden everything is out of order, and my to-do list just got longer with blogging added to it.

It’s not only the house and routine that’s a bit out of order, however. It’s me. It’s my priorities. It’s my time with the Lord.

If there is one thing I have learned in my Christian walk, it’s that God must absolutely be first and foremost in everything I do. Making time for God is not something to be put on a to-do list! It is the most crucial factor to success in any and every endeavor. Spending time in God’s word, communicating with him and listening for his guidance are not only necessary tools for growing in our intimacy with him, but also essential to our overall health and well being.  Nevertheless in our humanity, we often let our goals and dreams, life’s stresses and circumstances, and just plain laziness get in the way of any time with God at all, much less quality time. We become anxious, fretful, busy and concerned with all the things that WE want to do, and miss out on God’s peace and rest.

When I realize that I am not a peace, I almost always recognize that I have been negligent in my Bible study, and also just down right disobedient as I have felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to stop and enter into his presence.  In those times he always brings this verse to my mind:

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

It’s a well known verse, but so profound in it’s simplicity. Quit worrying. The cure to all this anxiety and busy-ness is right there, as always, in the word. Jesus made it plain and easy for us to understand. No parables here, no cultural context to sort out. Simply seek him first.

We don’t have to be anxious, or grouchy, or stressed about our to-do list or anything for that matter. Even if there are actual responsibilities that must be taken care of, when we seek God first, the comforter abides with us and in us. Our focus changes and we see things from an eternal perspective. It’s okay if the laundry has been sitting in a basket for a week. Life will go on!

The Lord wants what is best for us, knows what is best for us, and definitely does not want us to lose focus of eternal things by being wrapped up in the cares and stresses of this world. He is also very clear throughout his word that we are to put him first, and that we must not love (idolize) the world and the things in it.

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

In addition, we must remember who we are, and what our purpose is here on this earth in the time we have been given:

Colossians 3:1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

We must measure this reality of being raised with Christ against our daily “to-do” lists. I know that every time I do that, I find that my perspective changes, my attitude changes, my priorities change, and more often than not, my days are far more productive! I have discovered that God’s righteous jealousy and his desire for us to put him first is for our own protection. By starting the day with him through scripture reading, prayer and quiet time, we become supernaturally recharged and equipped for whatever lies ahead throughout the day. We are reminded to put on our Ephesians 6:10-13 spiritual warfare, and I know through first hand experience that there is not a day that goes by that we shouldn’t be fully suited up for the battle!

As we are prepare for all the important “stuff” in our days, weeks, months, or even years ahead, we should remember that in the end, it’s only what we have done for Christ that counts. Our walk with him is the only way to have true joy, true peace, and true contentment. Why miss out on God’s best for “stuff” we want to do first? The world is full of distractions, and it takes a conscious effort on our part to BE STILL. I am still working on this! Luckily I have a heavenly father who is always willing and waiting for me to help me grow and become equipped for every good work. He is ready and waiting for you too. Start your day off with the Lord, and he will abide with you all day and equip YOU for every good work! 2 Timothy 3:17

I found this cute and applicable free printable, and I thought you might enjoy it too!  You can find it here: HERE

In closing, it is my prayer that we all will draw closer to him by seeking him first, and that we will experience the joy and peace that only he gives in this busy world. The choice is ours. May we always be bold to say, “But first, Jesus” and truly mean it.

Love in Christ,

Amber

  Prayer Requests

Do you have a special prayer request or a need for intercessory prayer for deliverance or healing? Perhaps the need is unspoken? Simply leave a comment or send a private email message and I will be happy to intercede for you.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.

Thank you for stopping by! If you are looking for inspiration, just follow the yellow brick home!