Got priorities?

Got priorities? Don't you remember? Those things that are most important in life--to your family, your kids, your spouse--your soul's everlasting home! Priorities: Those things, when properly placed, that result in the peace and the security your heart seeks. What are your priorities? Are you living for and seeking the things in life that matter most? Or, are you living in a maze of confusion...striving to make a living, but hardly living.

Last week I read of a lady pulled over for running a red light that had a 24-pack of beer strapped in with a seat belt, but she had a 16 month old girl unrestrained in the back seat of her car with the tot's mother. The lady was arrested, charged with DUI, child abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving without a valid license. There is no question about where her values were...her priorities.

Are yours in the right place?

Today, someone asked, "Where are the young families in your church?"

I had an interesting visit today with a bright young couple with two beautiful kids. Both husband and wife were troubled, that upon a recent visit to our worship experience they saw very few young couples. While they observed that a 'baby shower' was on the church calendar, they asked "How many young married couples with children do you have in your church?" Of course, I knew that the church has not done so well in reaching this age group. In fact, couples age 35 and under are quite scarce. Wherever they are, they are not in church--at least, not in United Methodist churches in Plant City; and more specifically, they are not at Trinity. Want to know my response to their question? I replied, "Well, we have about 10 young married couples at Trinity." (35 and under) Is this correct? If it is, can you name them? And, do you think they are ever at the worship experience on the same Sunday? If so, are they participating in a Life Group/Small Group? Just a few more questions: 1) What do you think we can do to reach this age group? 2) Can you help? 3) If so, how? Ponder this conversation with me, will you? Any comments?

For all you smokers....

Yesterday, a lady gave me her testimony of how God had delivered her from a nicotine habit which she had for many years. She knew the habit was killing her and that it was diminishing her witness for Christ, as well. She attributed her victory over cigarettes to God's power. She claimed the promise, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Perhaps nicotine is not your challenge, but something else! There's help for you, too! How about memorizing that verse and begin using it in your arsenal of weapons against the bondage that may have hold on you--regardless of what it is! (Check out the Word of God as being part of your armor as God's warrior in Ephesians 6:10-18.) Let me know how you do!

Started the day at 5:15. Took another smooth stone (reference to David’s encounter with the giant) -- Prayer and Bible Reading -- which will help me defeat the enemy today. Read from the Word (Lev. 1-3 and Acts 13). Then, Daily Devotional Insights -- Renew my Heart-365 readings from John Wesley (a great volume, by the way!). Then, Blackaby, Experiencing God Day by Day. Then, I began a little volume I received from a meeting the other day at SE University -- High Adventure in Tibet! a missionary story of Victor Plymire.
More later. Off to Small Group. Have a blessed day! By the way, what are you reading for your preparation to encounter the enemy and for the edification of your soul?

Okay. The Youth Center Yard looks a lot better today! Actually, I had a call this morning from someone who needed some Community Service hours. So, I put him to work raking around the Jimmie Wynn Smith Youth Center. By 3:45 today it looked soooo much better.
You may not have gotten into trouble with the law and you may not need Community Service hours, but if you’d like to work for God (out of love for Him, and for a reward -- both reasons are legitimate, you know), just grab a rake and come on over! You can work on the backyard. You’ll be glad you did and it will make the grounds look a whole lot better.
Say, have you read I Corinthians 3 lately? Check it out. Of course, Paul knew "works" could not save you, but he also legitimized them by advocating that we do them. Grab your rake!

Hey! A very good friend engaged me this past (Super Bowl) Sunday with this question: "What would happen if those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ were to host a Super Jesus Sunday (every Sunday)? With chip and dip, Bibles, lively discussion about the things of God, good Christian music, and food galore as we had a pep rally for Jesus?
Do you suppose the neighbors would call the police, complaining about all the hoopla and noise, or would they be happy with us that Jesus was being enthusiastically celebrated?
Want to have a Super Jesus Party this Sunday? Would you even dare? Think about it!

(late evening)
I'm done! For the day, that is! I've just finished my 2.5-mile run, from the parsonage to downtown PC and back. It's a great course — especially in the late evening. I only encountered cats, drunks, sirens, loud motorcycles, and God. I pray as I run, thanking the good Lord for the day, for the privilege of advancing the Kingdom through contacts He allowed me to make, and just for the ability to keep moving. I met a few folks today who can't.
Anyway, be sure to maintain a consistent exercise regimen. It's one of the "5 smooth stones" that will help you defeat the giants in your life. God gave you a body! It's the only one you'll have — on this side, at least. Oh yes, I know. You'll have a spiritual body (I Cor. 15) but not until you lay this one aside. So, tomorrow, slip into those sneakers and at least go for a walk! You'll feel a lot better and you'll have longer to advance the Kingdom!
Oh! Maybe you are exercising! If so, how often? Do you walk, run, swim, or cycle? Good for you! Keep it up!
posted by Pastor Gary Brady at 12:44 AM 4 Comments