Priorities Again?

Last year around this time I wrote about my priorities for the new year. Increase my time in the Bible, increase my time in prayer, and increase my love walk. Actually as I look back, I think that I did better than I realized at the time. I didn't do as well as I hoped, but better than if I hadn't tried at all. So I guess that 2007 was not a bad year after all. Well now that 2008 has come, I have heard another strategy session from one of my mentors. Let me share a few of his comments:

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We all have a subliminal list of priorities and for most people there is one major priority. Money. We all need more of it. Yet the Bible has a completely different approach.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things (read: money) shall be added unto you.

~ Matthew 6:33

One meaning of "seek" is to pursue and to study it until you understand it. "Righteousness" means right standing with God or doing and being right with God. Jesus is telling me to first study the kingdom until I understand it and how it operates, and also to understand how to be right with God. After doing these things, in fact while I'm in the process of learning His ways, God will add to my life (the things that I need).

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Okay that is quite a step of faith, but not one that is completely out of line with believing Romans 12:2 ~ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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(This is all easier said than done, but with God, all things are possible. My, my! This promises to be a challenging year ahead.)

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My mentor also mentioned that "how we use our time defines our life." I may need to be busy about my "father's business" this year. Also stated was, "how we spend our time determines the quality of our lives." Yes, I want more quality in my life. So it looks like my first priority this year is to seek the kingdom (of God). That is really quite a bite that I have decided to chew. But like I said before, I will get farther trying than I would if I don't try at all.

Here's to the new year!

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~ rachman

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