June 17-18 – What a difference a day makes

“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same – Mark 14:27-31.

Your greatest possession - is your next twenty-four hours, and how we spend those hours, will make a difference to our lives, and the lives of others. Will you allow television, pointless emails, unimportant tasks, your own impulses, the wrong people, or other meaningless distractions to consume your day? Or will you take control of your time and make today count?

Leadership experts say that focusing on the top 20 per cent of your priorities brings an 80 per cent return on your effort. So when you get up each morning, look in the mirror and say, ‘Today I’ll live my life according to God’s will, and give my energies to the things that help me fulfil it’. The truth is, there’ll always be things vying for your attention.

Advertisers want you to spend money on their products. And have you noticed how people with nothing to do, usually want to spend their time with you? Even your own desires can be so diverse and your focus so scattered that you aren’t sure what needs your attention first. That’s why you need to focus like a laser on your God-given purpose.

Whatever you concentrate on, you give strength and momentum to. Your priorities determine how you spend your time, so set them prayerfully and maintain them carefully. Eliminate non-essentials. Those who tell you, ‘You can have it all’ are misguided. You can’t do everything you want to do, but you can do everything God wants you to do. You’ve got to choose! Success comes from doing the right things right, and letting the rest go.

If you’re not sure what the right things are for you, imagine yourself looking back on your life years from now – as we through the Scriptures, look back on Peter's life, his successes and failures. 

Tomorrow, June 18^th 2016 is, throughout the Seventh-day Adventist church, Refugee Emphasis Day, and Monday 20^th June 2016 is World Refugee Day  (don't miss Monday's blog)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeypXVtWQT4  

Which decisions would you long to correct - things you regret not doing?

(Adapted from UCB)

"No Turning Back - sung by Tommy Brandt has been chosen by Bryn for today's music.  Click on
the picture to listen.