Spiritual Health First, Everything Else Second!

As I read my Parenting by design devotional this morning I realized that I have been failing miserably at on of the most important aspects of being a good parent. I have a lot on my plate right now and as a result have really been forgoing my time with God as a result. Why is it so often that we never have enough time for everything and it is so tempting to make time with God the first thing to go. God is to be the center of our world and he is supposed to come first, everything else is supposed to come second. Have you ever noticed that when you start your day in the word and pray even if for only a few minutes, that your day goes much better? But if you neglect that time alone with your savior then look out!

The end of today's reading said this, "Forsaking time with God, even when you spend that time on family , can leave you empty and ineffective. Take care of your spiritual health so you will be strong when difficult times come." Its simple and to the point, but had a profound effect on me this morning. I often forsake time with God because I have a lesson for my online class due, or Jaden is not feeling well and wants me to snuggle with him, or Luis needs supper cooked so he can go to work. These are not bad things to occupy my time, but I still need time for God or I won't be able to do those things with love and patience and focus. I will find everything goes wrong and that I supper burned or Jaden seems especially cranky, or my lesson is too confusing. Its actually worth putting everything aside for even 15 minutes in the word with God.

So here is to getting back on track and making the effort to take care of my spiritual health first and letting everything else fall into place as it should. Think about it, if you need work in this area too then don't wait until next week, but get started now! Wish me luck!

I Peter 3:14-16

This passage is one of my favorites for sure. There have been a good many times that I have turned to these verses for comfort strength and a reminder of the hope that is in me.

"But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. "

Christ is Lord in my heart and I need to live like it every moment of every day, sometimes I fail, sometimes I stumble off the path, but that hope is still within me and Christ will never leave. No matter how much we suffer, how much trouble we face or how much we lose sight of the goal we are all creations of Christ, called according to his purpose and we have a hope that cannot be hidden or silenced.

So lets ask ourselves, are we ready to give an account for the hope that is in us? Do we let others see that hope every day so that they know to ask? I hope and pray that that hope will become more evident in me every day and that I bring honor and glory to God in all that I do, from this day forward.