Have you ever noticed that your priorities change over time, and some days in a moment of frustration everything can get all flipped upside down. This is where I have been living lately. When we’re young we focus on having fun. As we age it becomes about education, work, family, and then retirement. Many times the priorities that we focus on in the world, the ones that are most important to us in the moment, don’t seem to be a priority to God at all. At times I feel like I spend more time on things that are urgent in my life and not enough time focused on activities that are building the kingdom. I am challenged at times trying to determine if something is urgent, demanding immediate attention and action or if it is important, something that is significant to my goals and has a long-term impact, even if it doesn’t need immediate action. The demands of our time, the interests we pursue, are defined by what we dedicate our life to. When we get too “busy” (Buried Under Satan’s Yoke), it is not so much a reflection of all that we have going on, it is a direct correlation of where the things of God are on our “priority list.” I pray quite often over what is written in *Colossians 3:1 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].* There are times in my life where I schedule all the things I need to prioritize and not understand that what I really need to do is prioritize my schedule by aligning it with God and His will for my life in every moment. Too often I allow the noise of the world to compete for my attention and distract me from what truly matters. The enemy does not always seek to make us bad; many times he simply keeps us busy enough to become ineffective. Every day presents opportunities to invest in things that will either fade away or bear eternal fruit. The more time I spend in God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other genuine Christians, the clearer His priorities become in my heart and mind. When I intentionally seek His direction first, I find greater peace, purpose, and clarity in every decision I make. I am actively trying to take my focus off of me and put it entirely upon Him, and it is a battle that I continually fight every day. Refining my priorities and putting God first helps keep at bay those things that would draw me away from Him and that cause me to not fulfill what He has called me to do. Our decisions on what we focus on today, the things that are most important to us, those things will help determine our destiny tomorrow. My Friends, may we encourage one another to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and to pursue the things that have eternal value. No matter where we are in our journey of faith, God invites each of us to draw closer to Him and align our hearts with His purpose. Together, with conviction and unwavering trust, let us make Him our highest priority and faithfully walk in the calling He has placed upon our lives. My prayer for me as well as for all who read these words, “Dear Lord, help us to surrender our lives and make our priorities what You want them to be. Help us to use the time that You have given us to further Your kingdom and not our own. Help us to understand that the demands that we put on our lives, the interests that we pursue, and the order of our priorities may be completely different from what You desire for us. Teach us to seek first the things that are above and to place eternal value above temporary pursuits. Give us wisdom to discern between what is merely urgent and what is truly important in Your eyes. When the distractions of this world compete for our attention, draw our hearts back to You and strengthen our desire to walk faithfully in Your will. Lord, guide and direct us to a purpose greater than ourselves. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, and all of God’s children say, Amen.”

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.