Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)

7:54 Sunday morning — I have just finished reciting all the things that need to get done this day before 2:30 p.m. when it is time for me to leave for work. As I recited this very long to-do list to my husband, my mind was going over my options as to which things were not a priority.

• Backyard grass needs cutting before it reaches the top of the fence, which it is very close to doing.
• Item needing to be dropped off to have some work done on it before I need it next week, and the only time that it is convenient to drop this item off is today.
• Study for my test for tomorrow.
• Start the school assignment sooner rather than later.
• Either walk or ride my bike for 45 minutes; maybe I could multi-task and do this with one of the other errands.
• Oh yes, and most importantly, "church", as this is Sunday.

As I was about to start and cut items from this very overly-busy day, I turned on my computer to write my to-do list. There on the front page of my web browser — front and centre — was this heading for an article: "Time Management Tips That Really Work". I chuckled as I went to a blank page in my word processor to make up my to-do list.

As the Lord would have it, this devotional turned out to be my to-do list. He spoke to me that the best time management that I could do was to turn my focus to Him and share this with our readers. At the end of the day, it won't matter to Him what was on my list or what I completed or didn't complete. What does matter is my relationship with Him and the time that I spend with Him.

Exodus 20:8 – Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (NKJV)

So as I head now with my coffee and Bible in hand to spend time with Him before I go to worship, the rest of my to-do list doesn't seem so important. I am going to Him — the Lord — with the first fruits of my day: my restful self. From there, He will guide my day, and I know from the past that this day will finish with the Lord first, me second, and everything else either getting done or not getting done — and I am okay with that.

Hebrews 10:22 – Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (NKJV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for all the ways in which You remind us and direct us back to what is important: to put You first in our lives. Jesus, help us to be a reflection of what You died for and the fact that You are the truth and the way, too, for all. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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