Take the trip, eat the cake, buy the shoes

Last week my wife Debbie and I had the honor of distributing my brother Eddie’s ashes at significant locations throughout Chicagoland. It was just a few short months ago that he and his wife Nancy were enjoying a European vacation. It served as a reminder that our time on earth is short. This is a message we can all hear and respond to. Time is short. We never know when we or the ones we love will take their last breath so what we do with the precious little time we have is important.

While at Wrigley Field we ran into former C3 attenders Kerry & Anna (Herl) Shannon. On her Facebook page regarding the encounter she posted this very good advice:

*Life is way too short! Take the trip, eat the cake, buy the shoes*

The Bible also give us great advice regarding prioritizing and managing our time.

Jesus says to us all:

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

So what does this mean? To "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" means to turn to God first for help, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything. As we offer up our lives to Him He expands our capacity to do more than we can even imagine.

What is important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don't actively choose to give him first place in every area of your life.

In His word God has made His purpose for your life very clear. We are to love Him with all we have and with all we are and to honor Him in all we do (Worship).

We are to grow in our relationship with Him so we may gain spiritual maturity and become more like Him (Discipleship).

We are to connect with His body, the church so we can encourage one another along in this journey (Fellowship).

We are to serve Him by serving others with the gifts and abilities He has given us (Ministry).

We are to share with others Jesus, the reason for the hope we have within us. (Mission)

If we live each day seeking Him first and His purposes for our lives, God will provide for us the things of life like trips and cake and shoes. He will also provide ample time to do all these things and more and to do them well.

Make the most of your time because our time is short. Be sure to worship with your church family this weekend as we continue in the series, “HIS Church”.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle