Chasing Rabbits

You know, it is an amazing thing. I have sat down in front of my laptop so many times to post a blog, and unfailingly I have allowed myself to become distracted with something else. I have always made the excuse, that I don't have time right now. Time, this is one thing that we all say we need more of, but in reality, we all have the same amount of time in each day. The thing is, that we make time within the 24hr period to do what we desire. It is all about priorities. This past Sunday at church, Pastor David made a remark, that was so simple yet so true. Now when I repeat it in a moment, you are going to think that I am just some hick from down south, but stop for a moment and think about the simple yet powerful truth. "If you try to chase two rabbits, then both will get away!" What are we chasing? Is our #1 priority following Jesus? Is it chasing the ever fading dollar? Is it time with family? Is it dedicated to our hobbies? Throughout the past couple of days, I have truly done some soul searching to evaluate my priorities. My God and my time with Him can never take second place to anything! This is the utmost priority in my life! If we allow this to fall out of place, then everything gets out of whack! If I am operating in my daily life with this as my number 1 priority, then number 2 comes extremely easy. Number 2 has to be our spouse. In my case it is a beautiful gift from God named Amy. She truly is a handpicked gift for me! Number 3 follows suit, my daughters. God uses my two girls to teach me so much about my heavenly father's love for me through them! I am so thankful for the honor to be their father and to lead them in the ways of God! Now you are probably saying what about ministry and work. Well, I am getting there right now. Number 4 in my life is ministry and then followed by my job. This strikes those that know me a little funny. Currently I am working a secular job full time and ministering part time. So how does this line up. Ministry is my life, it is what I have been created and called to be and do. It is an appointment given by God himself (My #1 just in case you forgot)and can only be removed by him! I am extremely appreciative to my God for providing me with my secular employment, but I know that if that should end tomorrow, that his provision would still continue! I am called to minister with my life, whether I am working or not. I hope that allows a little more understanding into my life. I have said all of this, not to say look at me, but to allow a little insight into my life and to challenge each of you to take a look at your priorities. So often we get out of sync, and are unable to fully operate in any area of our lives. Remember, if you chase two rabbits, both will get away! On a side note, often when we feel God lead us to do something, maybe a ministry at church, or to help someone, we respond and justify our lack of obedience to a lack of time. Remember, God created time and space and knows what you are filling your days and nights with. Priorities are a must! Be blessed and may you always follow in the footsteps of Jesus! Rev. Phillip B.