Psalm 119:33 gives us an incredible assignment, that of ordering our steps according to God's Word.
While that verse undoubtedly gives us a foundational principle to be utilized every day of our lives, it becomes of paramount importance during those times when we face difficulties, trials, and challenges of various sorts. The most critical issue at a time like that is to be able to rely on the priority planning that has been done beforehand. There will be, of necessity a time or times in which that plan will need to be tweaked, considering the pacing changes that may or may not be needed.
The academic truth of these statements is rarely questioned by those who are exposed to them. However, there is always that seemingly unanswerable question of HOW to do so. Today, I wanted to think though some possible ways that could be of help and encouragement.
When we look at our leading passage, it is obvious that we will not be able to order our lives by His Word, unless we know His Word. So, the first step of action for believers must must the highest priority, that of actually scheduling a time alone each AM with the Lord. In that time of fellowship, we should embrace the 2 way divine communication plan of Scripture reading (where God talks to us), then responsive prayer (where we talk to God). This singular response of practical yieldedness to the heart, mind, will and purpose of God establishes a firm foundation upon which to construct a life of order, according to God's Word. Of a certainty, our thoughts will be more likened to His, and as we change and grow, our actions and words will do so, as well.
As we begin to apply what we know in a balanced time frame of currently available time, in consideration of current life situations, we will see the patten of orderliness that imitates that of our Creator, Who in 1 Corinthians 14:40, reminds us that He, Himself, does everything decently and in order.
Where do we start? Look at your sphere of influence, that is, the people in your life that affect you and those whom you affect. Start at the closest relationship and start thinking through your spouse, children, church, areas of job or ministry responsibility, your extended influence on others, and your own personal time of rest and revitalization.
Considering there are 112 spendable hours in each and every week, start thinking of percentages of that week that you believe would balance it all out. Then, of course, percentages translate into minutes/hours, and you would be able to establish a starting schedule so that your stewardship of time uld be such that honors God
Thereafter, stewardship of gifts and talents, money, and health all come into play. It is important to know that ordering our steps is actually a continuing process of arranging and re-arranging the various aspects of our days in ways that agree with the principles of God as we see them in Hs Word.
May God bless you as you seek to order your steps according to His Word.
(c) 1993, 2012 N.A. Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy
While that verse undoubtedly gives us a foundational principle to be utilized every day of our lives, it becomes of paramount importance during those times when we face difficulties, trials, and challenges of various sorts. The most critical issue at a time like that is to be able to rely on the priority planning that has been done beforehand. There will be, of necessity a time or times in which that plan will need to be tweaked, considering the pacing changes that may or may not be needed.
The academic truth of these statements is rarely questioned by those who are exposed to them. However, there is always that seemingly unanswerable question of HOW to do so. Today, I wanted to think though some possible ways that could be of help and encouragement.
When we look at our leading passage, it is obvious that we will not be able to order our lives by His Word, unless we know His Word. So, the first step of action for believers must must the highest priority, that of actually scheduling a time alone each AM with the Lord. In that time of fellowship, we should embrace the 2 way divine communication plan of Scripture reading (where God talks to us), then responsive prayer (where we talk to God). This singular response of practical yieldedness to the heart, mind, will and purpose of God establishes a firm foundation upon which to construct a life of order, according to God's Word. Of a certainty, our thoughts will be more likened to His, and as we change and grow, our actions and words will do so, as well.
As we begin to apply what we know in a balanced time frame of currently available time, in consideration of current life situations, we will see the patten of orderliness that imitates that of our Creator, Who in 1 Corinthians 14:40, reminds us that He, Himself, does everything decently and in order.
Where do we start? Look at your sphere of influence, that is, the people in your life that affect you and those whom you affect. Start at the closest relationship and start thinking through your spouse, children, church, areas of job or ministry responsibility, your extended influence on others, and your own personal time of rest and revitalization.
Considering there are 112 spendable hours in each and every week, start thinking of percentages of that week that you believe would balance it all out. Then, of course, percentages translate into minutes/hours, and you would be able to establish a starting schedule so that your stewardship of time uld be such that honors God
Thereafter, stewardship of gifts and talents, money, and health all come into play. It is important to know that ordering our steps is actually a continuing process of arranging and re-arranging the various aspects of our days in ways that agree with the principles of God as we see them in Hs Word.
May God bless you as you seek to order your steps according to His Word.
(c) 1993, 2012 N.A. Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy
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