Luke 22:31-37 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Acts 6:1-7 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Ralph Waldo Emerson - “Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life. ” Rick Warren - “You have just enough time to do God’s will. If you can’t get it all done, it means you’re trying to do more than God intended for you to do (or, possibly, that you’re watching too much television). " Day-Timers, Inc. - Only one-third of American workers plan their daily schedules. And only 9 percent follow through and complete what they planned. 7.5 hours a week is spent browsing social media at work. Michael LeBoef - “Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. KEY KINGDOM PRIORITIES: 1. I CAN’T SOMETHING I DON’T , SO I CAN NEVER STOP CLOSER TO . Acts 6:2 & 4 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program…. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.… Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 2. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT MY PURPOSE . I NEED TO BE IN CHRIST-CENTERED . Acts 5:3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 3. CHRIST IS THE THAT SHOULD OVERSHADOW AND INFILTRATES ALL OTHER PRIORITIES. Acts 5:7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Missionary Amy Carmichael - “We will have all eternity to celebrate the victories, but only a few hours before sunset to win them.” Matthew 24:14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.