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            Priorities in place means keeping our spiritual interests first priority!  Every new day presents us with a new list of priorities—what is really important; what has to be done; and what is absolutely necessary to take care of first—we ask ourselves as we begin the day.  If we are too busy to spend time in the Word or with the children, we are simply, too busy!  Priorities are not in place!

            The world today offers a multitude of distractions that can easily command our attention, and shift our focus from what matters most, to what should matter least.  As each day begins, we connect—computer, tablet, or cell phone—to Twitter; Facebook; LinkedIn; Pinterest; Google Plus; Tumblr; Instagram; Flickr, or something, but why; what benefit is it; and how much time spent are questions we must answer honestly.

            Jesus said John 15:4 “Abide in me, and I in you.”  If we abide in Christ, we will walk with Him in faith.  Our main priority would be the “crown of righteousness” given to those who “love his appearing,” 2 Timothy 4:8.  Loving Him means loving those around us—putting priority on their needs and interests ahead of ours—John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

            Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”  With so many distractions today, we must make a conscious effort to prioritize what matters most—things that are of spiritual benefit to us.

            The Lord Jesus gave us a warning Revelation 22:20 “Surely I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”  If the Lord will return suddenly—taking the world, but not believers, by surprise, then having our spiritual priorities in place, should be first priority with us.

            Our attention and priorities can easily be diverted—things of little importance taking first priority.  The Word reminds—Ephesians 5:15-17 “See then that ye walk circumspectly [be very careful how you live], not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, [Buy up your opportunities], because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”  The will of the Lord is—reading, being enlightened, and following His Word—and that would include treating those who love us, and even those who do not, like we really love them!

            By the grace of God and the inspiration of His Spirit, let us place first priority on our spiritual interests—things like what is most valuable to children but least costly to us—our time!  Priorities in place means giving quality time to the children; it means giving them our undivided attention, and not allowing ourselves to be distracted with things of much lesser importance.

            Quality time for them is often just watching them; playing a game with them, and always teaching them manners—how to be respectful toward everyone.  To the young, the apostle says 1 Peter 5:5 “submit yourselves to your elders.”  A child must be taught to say thank you; to be respectful; and to share things—because manners, respect toward elders, and generosity don’t come naturally!

            Priorities in place means material things have the least place of importance with us, and that human lives or the feelings of others are important to us.  Our prayer: Lord, my attention is easily distracted from important to unimportant things.  Help me to do Your will and to place priority on what is truly important!  Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  The calling of God is giving our time and attention to spiritual matters.

            Tomorrow will present us with a list of priorities.  If it means awaking early so we can read the Bible and listen to what God is saying to us—then that is first on the list.  We ask that He enlighten us to His Truth and enable us to apply the principle of trust on Him concerning everything.

            Today’s world has many distractions—it is so important that we stay focused on what matters most—things that are of spiritual benefit to us, the children, and the family.  Many times in a day priorities need readjusted or reorganized. 

            We need to ask ourselves why we are involved in what we are doing, reading, viewing, or what is taking up much of our time—Is there any spiritual benefit in what I’m doing; Is it any help to me or the family; Am I just entertaining myself and not learning anything of importance; Am I taking time away from my children and just wasting time on this—they all need honest answers, and adjustments, if necessary.

            There are many things, interests, and activities we are involved with each day that are not wrong in themselves, but giving our attention to them and spending our time with them, can mean taking our time and energy away from someone, some responsibility, or some child who really needs our time and attention.  It is a reminder to ask God for divine wisdom every morning, so we can know what is of spiritual benefit and lasting value—and then asking Him for the ability to do the right thing.

            Jesus spent all of His time helping others while He was here on earth.  He always focused on the needs of the person at that moment in time—whether it was teaching, healing, helping, reminding, encouraging, or warning those who listened.  He is our supreme example of placing priority on the right things.  Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

            Since we are to be of the same attitude, then whatever we are planning to do; get involved with; or spend our time on, we must stop and ask if we are following the example of Jesus, or the way of the world.  Look all around you, find someone in need; Though it be little—a neighborly deed—Help somebody today!  Many are waiting a kind, loving word; You have a message, O let it be heard, Help somebody today!

            We are only given so much time—how we use it is a priority!  What we are doing with that time; who or what is commanding our prime time—that is the issue.  Priorities in place means we are never so busy that we are too busy to read the Bible, pray, and spend time with the children—helping them learn; teaching them manners; and showing them how to share in a me-only world. 

            The apostle told how to have priorities in place—1 Timothy 2:1-4 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

            As we retire for the evening—ending the activities for this day, priorities still need to be in place—seeing to the needs of littles ones—reminding them of our love for them; and making sure that they get enough sleep and rest.  Good habits formed early in life, follow us all through life, so children reap many benefits from good habits learned early.  Psalm 4:8 “I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”

            It is an Atonement right to claim good rest and sound sleep—for ourselves and the family.  We should keep that request before God, and asking Him for wisdom if our peace is being disturbed.  Any time—day or night that prayer can be offered Psalm 121:4 “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”  Peaceful sleep is a promise that can be enjoyed by anyone, because Psalm 127:2 “He grants sleep to those he loves.”

            Priorities in place does not mean that we stop doing things we like to do, and to start doing those things we would rather not do—certainly not.  It means awaking with a list of priorities and asking God to help us put them in a right line-up for that day.  It can mean getting up earlier and doing some things we like to do before others awake and need our attention.

            As we begin the day, it almost always means resetting and rearranging priorities, so that the important things are first on the list, and other less important things second or third.  We must remind ourselves of how important it is to spend prime-time with children who depend on us; look to us; and listen to every word.  Children did not ask to be brought into this world, but when God blesses us with them, He will also give us the inspiration to put first priority on their needs.

            The apostle wrote to his young assistant 1 Timothy 4:15-16 “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere [continue] in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

            God’s Word continually reminds—Psalm 9:1-2 “I WILL praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.  I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”  But praising His Name means doing His will—in all things; like reading His Word; trusting for wisdom; and being ready to rearrange priorities so that they are in the right place.

            Tomorrow—if we find ourselves rushing into the activities of the day, before taking the time to hear what God has to say to us from the Bible; or rushing off before saying our prayers and claiming His protection, then it is time to readjust and put our priorities in place!  It is an individual matter between us and God; and it is an individual choice to place first importance on important things. 

            Many have said, that this has never been said—I wish I had spent more time at the office; or I spent too much time with my children.  The opposite, of course, has definitely been said over and over and over—I wish I had spent less time at work and more time with the children—now it’s too late.

            Children grow up so quickly; those tender years vanish like a morning mist—first priority must be on spending time with them during these early years—it is a must issue!  God is waiting to inspire anyone who will ask, and He will help anyone who wants to readjust priorities so that they are in place and on the right ones—the children!