Priorities

Priorities are where we put our time.  The things that we want or "have" to do throughout the day.  These could include any number of things to do, people that we associate with or places we go.  When you think about it, you could find that you have so many things that you have to get done in a day that you do not have enough time.  List the ones that matter the most and do those first.  You could also find that you have very few and they are easy to remember and get done.  It is all personal to you. 

Most of the time you will find that you have things to do inside those priorities.  Little points that help you do what you need to do.  Cleaning the house could include, doing the dishes, laundry, sweep, etc. 

But what about having manliness God's way?  Becoming a man of God needs to be the #1 priority of not only today's men, but also our sons that we are raising.  But once you make this your top thing to do, satan will hit you with everything.  Tempting you to change your mind.  Putting up roadblocks to try and sidetrack you.  This priority is a choice and must not be taken lightly.  But it is necessary for our future.  To change things and turn the world on its' ear. 

I absolutely love Jeff Voth.  He is the founder of Cavetime.org and a pastor in Oklahoma.  He has written 'Cavetime' and 'The Sling'.  (I encourage you to visit  Cavetime)  In 'The Sling' he lists out five stones that every man needs to do to become closer to God.  These priorities are in addition to just attending church. 

They are:
Show Up- Show up everyday, taking time with God
Worship- A few minutes of uplifting music out loud or in your mind.
Prayer- Not just praying, but also listening for the response from God
Word- Diligently reading and researching the Word of God
Community- Iron sharpens Iron

Doing these will not only bring you closer to God, but will change your attitude to the world around you.  Your children seeing you do these will instill in them the need to, and probably spark some good conversations about it. 

My priorities are God, family, work, self.

What are yours?

Jesus is a mountain man

How many times did Jesus go to the mountains to pray?  The gospels say different numbers and I believe that not every time He went to the mountains is recorded.  But have you ever wondered why Jesus went?  

I believe that He went for the solitude He found there.  The physical struggle ending in the peace and beauty of what God had created.  Talking to God, pouring out His heart about the struggles He had faced and the ones yet to come.  Sometimes He brought His disciples with him.  Can you imagine what they were thinking as Christ took them on a journey up into those rocky places and the amazing feeling of being taught by Him in that solitude?  That would be wonderful.  

Just as Jesus sought solitude upon the hills, David sought it in the cave.  But sometimes we do not have a cave or a mountain to climb.  Sometimes we have a stream to sit beside or an open field.  Sometimes we have a car ride into work or a desk or armchair before everyone else is awake.  Those can be our places of solitude.  And in those peaceful moments we can hear God speak to us, just as He has with Jesus.  It is not easy to wake up before everyone and get in some personal quiet time with Him.  And more than likely it will not happen every single day.  But the quiet place, where you can find solitude is where God will meet you.  When you find it, you will know.  

Have you climbed your mountain today? Have you met God where you are?  It is not too late.