Setting Priorities - Day One

God's Priorities - pgs 115-121

Realize
1. On a scale of 1-5,where do you generally fall on each of the following categories, as it relates to your priorities, your schedule and your use of time?

1 being peaceful, calm and 5 being stressed and frazzled.
1 being well ordered and 5 being out of control
1 being purposeful use of time and 5 being reacting to life
1 being good steward of time and 5 being waste a lot of time
1 being balanced priorities and 5 being overwhelmed by demands
1 being fulfilling His "to-do" list for me and 5 being frustrated by unfinished tasks
1 being relaxed spirit and 5 being uptight spirit
1 being putting "first things first" and 5 being "Majoring in the minors"
1 being led by the Spirit and 5 being driven by others or circumstances

Reflect
2. The word "priority" comes from the Latin word prior, which means "first". Our priorities are the things that take "first place" in our time and attention. We all live by priorities. The question is: are we living by the right priorities? Are we putting the first things first? Read Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 10:38-42. What are some of the things that compete for "first place" in our lives? What should be the top priorities for every child of God?

3. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What are some of the consequences we might experience if we rely on our own understanding rather than looking to God to direct our schedule and order our priorities?

4. According to the verses you just read and Proverbs 2:1-6, how can we discern what responsibilities God is assigning us and what is merely on our own "to-do" list?

Respond
5. Complete this sentence: From now on, before I take on any more activities, I will seek God's guidance first by...

6. Write out a brief prayer of commitment, expressing your desire to know and to do the will of God and to have His priorities in your life.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I want to live according to Your priorities for my life. Please lead me and give me wisdom; teach me what things really matter to You. Help me to make the necessary adjustments in my schedule so that I might use the days You have given me to fulfill Your agenda. Amen.