Ever since I can remember I have always been busy doing something. Some of it was important but most of it was just filler, something to fill the quietness of my mind. I have come to understand that the majority of what consumes my time is causing me to be Buried Under Satan’s Yoke. Many live a lifestyle where there is so much time and so little to do, not me, strike that, reverse it, I have so much to do and so little time. Every one of us has the same 24 hours in a day. Personally, I have always had too many irons in the fire and live life by taking care of whatever is screaming the loudest. My mind seems to speed out of control sometimes, most of the time over my list of things that I need to accomplish. Family, work, ministry, then I have the to-do list of household chores, car maintenance, pay the bills, then hopefully some devotional time, prayer, worship and then some sleep. Somewhere along the way, I can become so focused on what needs to be done that I forget to stop and ask God what He is wanting me to do. I can fill every empty space on my calendar and still find my soul longing for something deeper. Sometimes the very things I call responsibilities can become distractions when they continually pull my attention away from the One who gave me only some of those responsibilities in the first place.

As I seek clarity, I read the words of Paul. They help me to calm down and focus a little more every time I read them. It is written in Philippians 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. When all is said and done, when I come to the end of my life, what is really going to matter, that is the question that I ask myself more frequently as I get older? It is not, should I have worked more, had a nicer house or more stuff. I pray it will be, “Did I make a difference for the Kingdom? Did other people truly know that Jesus loved them and that I loved them too? Will I hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant?'”

I have come to appreciate the words of Charles Swindoll, “Make a plan now to keep a daily appointment with God. The enemy is going to tell you to set it aside, but you must carve it out. If you are too busy to meet with the Lord, friend, then you are simply too busy.” We must be kingdom minded or we will be no earthly good.

I know that there is still time to change what has been consuming me and to place my life back into the hands of God to be at His disposal. We do not have to remain trapped in the cycle of hurry, distraction and constantly trying to keep up. Today can be the day we slow down long enough to hear His voice and allow Him to reorder our priorities. There is hope when we surrender our schedules, our plans and even our busyness to the Lord, because He is faithful to show us what truly matters if we only ask.

Closing thoughts: there have been many things that I believe that I needed to pray about as to whether or not God wanted me to do them. Either I didn’t pray fervently or was disobedient to His leading, and for that I am eternally sorrowful. Please don’t make the same mistakes I have. If God calls you to it, do it, whether it is comfortable or not. Our Heavenly Father will never lead you in the wrong direction. Please, don’t allow another day to be swallowed up by things that may not matter for eternity; stop, pray, listen and ask God where He wants your time and attention to be invested. My plea is simple: seek Him first, follow His leading, and make room for what has eternal value before the noise of this world fills every empty space of your days. Remember also that not everything that is urgent is always important. I am thankful that God is showing me where I need to change, because I am prone to over-commitment. If only I can do it, I feel that I will have a little peace, but also know that at my age it will be my greatest challenge of life. I am sure about anyone else but my greatest desire and what I am deeply struggling with is, “What deserves my life?” Today I know I need to change one list for another, a physical one for a more spiritual one. Identify the problem → make a plan → work harder → fix it. This is something I’m still learning and will most likely be working through till the day I go into glory. 

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.