Priorities

Routines That Are Not Routine

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I had to start walking, take proper nutrients, and eat correctly to lose the weight.  I had to read and listen to podcasts to learn.  I had to start doing things to learn (and maybe master) those things.  I had to make certain activities a routine part of my life to see change.

For many, life is nothing but a routine.  We do the same things, the same ways, the same time, and wonder why life can be depressing.  But what if life could be more?  What if life could be amazing?

In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”  THAT is the kind of life that I’m talking about.  It’s the kind of life that (I believe) everyone wants.  Abundant life.  Meaningful life.  Purposeful life.

However, it isn’t going to happen until our routines line up.

Jesus also told us what it means to live the kind of life that we all want (deep down).  He said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

To follow after him, you have to choose to accept him as your Lord and Savior.  He is not going to force you to do it, he does not give salvation willy-nilly, and he said that you have to choose to do it.  He has to enter your life – your routines.

Jesus also must become your chief aim.  He must come first.  He does not deserve or accept leftovers, but that is what we often given him.  We work Monday through Friday, get stuff done on Saturdays, and are wiped out on Sundays – so, we often put ourselves first and “skip” worshiping and serving him.  However, the truth is that you choose what comes first in your life.  You choose.

To be first, we have to deny ourselves.  He cannot be first if we keep jumping in front of him.  Paul (in Galatians 2:20) explained it like this: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  After all, if we know that Jesus wants what is best, we should realize that our schemes do not lead to the best.

Ultimately, the routines get changed when we seriously accept our responsibilities to Jesus.  He said that his mission was to provide the way to be saved, so he faced the cross and died because of our guilt to offer that salvation.  Our cross – our responsibility is to be willing to give our all to the one who gave his all.  And that includes being willing to do whatever he desires – daily.

Getting what you desire takes effort.  It requires a change in routines.  So, if you want to get what is most important in life, Jesus becomes the aim.  Will you choose what’s best?

Need some help in forming the right routines? Click the picture below to see a great resource…

Ready for the School Year

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It’s already time for another school year.  I am always amazed at how fast summers seem to pass.  Just when a rhythm sets in, your whole schedule must change again.

I have one in high school and one in college.  My desire for them is what I hope is your desire for yours.  In fact, may I share three things that I want for our kids?

“Be a good student.”

We are blessed to have an educational system that can prepare our children for the future.  Of course, nothing is perfect, and there are always ways that we can improve.  However, most of the world does not have anything like we have.

When you are young, you do not always see the advantages of school; but we should.  And we should help our kids understand how important it is to work with the system.

I am reminded that Proverbs 1:8-9 says, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, for they will be a garland of favor on your head and pendants around your neck.”  And 1 Peter 2:13 says, “Submit to every human authority because of the Lord.”

Our children need to understand that authorities can help or discipline us.  We can ask for trouble or seek rewards.  I think you know what we should do.

“Don’t follow the crowd in the wrong direction.”

I would have my head in the sand if I did not realize the pressures that our children face.  They are bombarded by a culture that is bent on selfishness, division, and sin.  No matter how much time we can spend with them, they spend a lot of their days with people who are not looking out for their best interests.

We need to remind them of some truths.  Proverbs 1:10 states: “My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded.”  1 Corinthians 15:33 states: “Do not be deceived, ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”

It is not only OK to keep an eye on our children.  It is vital that we do.

“Make sure that Jesus comes first.”

If you are a Christian, you know this.  If you are not, I encourage you to seek Him.

1 Peter 3:15 reminds us of the focus we should have: “in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”

School is important, but our most important education is grounded in Jesus.  He is the only one who can make you a better person and give you hope.  Our children desperately need to know that.

Honestly, we all need to know that.  So, let me encourage you to not only help your children start the school year in the right way.  Let us all start anew in making the rest of our life aimed toward the right way.