News – Page 4 – East Central Philippine Union Coference

In our busy lives, we often feel pressured by urgency, managing lists of reports, tests, and deadlines.

Acts 1:6–8 shows that struggling to prioritize is not new. Even the disciples, in the presence of the risen Jesus, focused on less important matters.

The disciples asked, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" They sought political restoration and authority. Jesus responded with a gentle but firm correction, reminding them that only the Father determines the "times and seasons."

We often do the same, focusing on when our situations will change or when God will act.

Jesus calls us to move from speculation about the future to active participation in the present mission. As He redirected the disciples from political concerns to spiritual empowerment, so He does for us. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."

Discerning the Season

To align with Kingdom priorities, we must view time as Ecclesiastes 3 describes. Busyness does not equal meaning. As scripture asks, "What gain has the worker from his toil?" Work not centered on God’s purpose is unproductive.

Wisdom comes from discerning the season we are in. Whether it is a season of planting, weeping, or serving, God makes everything beautiful in its time. When we place "eternity in our hearts," our focus shifts from temporary titles and degrees to the only things that last: our character, our relationships, and our obedience to God.

The Source of the Mission

It is easy to think of the Holy Spirit as something extra or just an idea, but as Ellen White reminds us, the Spirit is the only way we get power. Without this connection, our spiritual lives grow weak.

We must remember that Christ is not an addition to the mission. He is the mission. His name is not a label; He is the source. Everything we say and do —baptizing, praying, serving, speaking —should clearly point to Him. We are not successful just because we finish our tasks, but because our lives show that we belong to Him.

As we move forward, let’s review our top priorities. Compare them with the "Seek First" principle of Matthew 6:33. Are we setting the agenda for God, or are we letting God set the agenda for us?

Adapted from the message of Miss Ana Liza Facon, delivered January 19, 2026, during the second session of the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) Ten Sessions of Prayer: Renewal and Empowered Service.

Lyn Lucero/ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communication Department

Align with Kingdom Priorities

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