George Smiles From Jane's MarmaladeSample

DAY 7

30,000 foot view of our priorities: GOD, SPOUSE, FAMILY, JOB, MINISTRY

ASK God to show up in your time today as we wrap our arms around living out the GSFJM list.

READ: HEB 13.8, LUK 1.26-37

DEVOTIONAL: “No word from God will ever fail.” While this one verse is tucked into what might be considered just an “Intro to Christmas” story, it’s the foundation for how God’s word will play out for us in our everyday lives. The Angel Gabriel shows up to tell Mary she is highly favored. Her response? She is troubled by his words. Huh? An angel just told you “You are special” and you’re troubled? That’s our natural broken state though, to not immediately accept or trust God working in our lives. Many times God will speak to us through prayers, reading His Word, our circumstances, or other people's words. And if that big left turn comes taking us down a different path from what we expected or planned for our own lives, we get confused, angry even. It’s not easy to accept when something like this happens (even though it may very well be the best thing for us!). While I may not readily agree with what God is doing in my life, I always take it from the “Let’s assume that God is still in control and knows what He is doing.” Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever!

The world may try hard to preoccupy us and pull us into different, less fulfilling lives if we let it. There are a million voices vying for our attention today and it can be easy to get distracted, off track, or give up. God made you, God loves you and God made you special. So choose every day, every hour, even every minute to have the courage to stand strong and live up to these priorities of honoring God, honoring our spouses, leading our families, being present in our jobs, and helping others through ministry. GOD, SPOUSE, FAMILY, JOB, MINISTRY - Believe it, seek it, live it.

WRITE down some thoughts about finishing up this reading plan. What do you think about living out these priorities? What needs to change in your life to help you put these in order? How can you engage your spouse, your family, and people at work to help you be better at living these out? What do you need to give back to God that will allow Him to be first in everything in your life?

MEDITATE: Ask God to be with you, to lead you, and prompt you in everything you do in your life. Ask God to be present with you, to guide you, and give you wisdom for following Him and living out these priorities. Thank Him for creating and loving YOU – no matter what! And as Mary did, tell God from your heart, “I am Your servant. May your word in me be fulfilled!”