Prayer Journal
Monday, July 24, 2000
"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thes 4;17,18
I like to think about our future "reunion" in the clouds. It will mark an "end" and it will mark a "beginning". When the trumpet sounds, this life on earth is over as we know it, but our "real" life is just beginning. (cp: 1 Cor 15:50-53)
But, what is our hope "today" - this day alone? Will I spend this day with my eyes fixed on the clouds? True, we should be looking for the return of the Lord Jesus all the time, but until He comes, there is much to be done. I'm not sure how effective I would be with my eyes lifted up and my hands on the plow.
I've found that keeping a TODO list is most productive to keep me focused on the work I want to accomplish. I like to begin each day the night before, by laying out (in my mind) those things I wish to accomplish the next day. Afterward, I think about heaven, many times pondering the truth of God's word. As I drift off to sleep, I try to "forget" those things I just recorded by surrendering their completion to God. Then, the next morning, I prioritize my TODO list by setting a priority to the tasks on my list.
I would like to say that I never swap TODO items in the prioritized list, but during each day "new" things constantly arise taking precedence over recorded tasks on my list. And I shift priorities based on what I feel is God's leading. These factors make the TODO list dynamic and something requiring constant attention.
If you've ever seen my TODO list, you'll notice that the list starts with a blank space in the first position. That's because I want to remind myself that "prayer" permanently occupies that position and it's not negotiable.
You probably have your own time-management method and mine is not "better" than yours. But I'm sure we'll agree that, as Christians, we have a wonderful privilege called "life" - a time to accomplish things that can glorify God. Knowing that, I ask you to consider giving prayer first place on your TODO list. You'll find that in doing so, you'll accomplish more and you'll get more pleasure from the journey than I can describe.
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that you labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Cor 15:58
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
