Valuable Time

Valuable Time

1 Peter 1: ¹⁷ You call him Father, when you pray to God, who judges all people by the same standard, according to what each one has done; so then, spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence for him. ¹⁸ For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; ¹⁹ it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. ²⁰ He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake. ²¹ Through him you believe in God, who raised him from death and gave him glory; and so your faith and hope are fixed on God.

 

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Having a lot to do, I began my work. “Come to this event” was a challenge posed to me. I asked who would be there. But he insisted that I attend. I spent time driving to the event only to find out it was not what presented to me.

 

• I felt that I had been tricked.
• I felt upset that I could have been doing something more valuable with my time.
• I felt I wasted my time going to an event that had nothing to do with what I was working on.

 

Peter tried to present CHRIST to everyone in terms of “value.” He provides sage advice to consider how precious JESUS is to the living versus only thinking of HIM as a being who prevents us from Hell. He suggests that everyone spend the rest of life in reverence of GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Life can bring on challenges that require time, BUT GOD deserves much more of my time.
• Trying to sustain a place to live, clothes on my back and food to eat can take time, BUT GOD should be thought of before I think of myself.
• Pleasure can take time, BUT GOD is the one I should seek before I seek pleasure.

 

Valuing GOD can be difficult in a cynical world. I mean, when other people place value on the acquisition of things or the knowledge of humans, GOD can look like a magical genie who is made up to grant human wishes. This is a false presentation of the MOST HIGH.

 

GOD is the all powerful, all knowing being who is everywhere. HE is the creator who has no beginning and no end. HIS SON is the only way we can even believe in GOD. I gladly give my time in reverence of HIM.

 

Challenge

• What value is the writer trying to portray?
• What are your pursuits?
• Are they more valuable to you than your relationship with JESUS?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom through belief in JESUS, who died for your sins and has been raised from the dead to guide you to a better life today?

Flexible Plans

Flexible Plans

1 Corinthians 16: ⁵ I shall come to you after I have gone through Macedonia—for I have to go through Macedonia. ⁶ I shall probably spend some time with you, perhaps the whole winter, and then you can help me to continue my trip, wherever it is I shall go next. ⁷ I want to see you more than just briefly in passing; I hope to spend quite a long time with you, if the Lord allows.

 

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“Hello. How are you?” was my polite obligatory statement. I had a full day planned and had finally gotten my schedule straight in my mind. She replied “Terrible” Then she started to tell me why. The longer she talked, the more time ticked off the clock. Unfortunately, I had to say “I have to go” in the middle of her tears.

 

• I have been overscheduled on items not concerning people.
• I have spent a large amount of time on things unrelated to people.
• I have planned my days so full, that I had no time for people.

 

Paul expresses his care for those who he wrote the letter to. He also spoke about entire regions he wanted to affect with the love of JESUS. He made plans to spend time with people, but knew his life was in the LORD’s hands. His plans needed to be flexible.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to make flexible plans that include caring for HIS people.
• GOD wants me to be flexible to be led to places HE wants me to go.
• GOD wants me to seek spending time with people so I and they can be made whole.

 

Worldly success comes with a price. I mean, everyone cheers a rich person, but JESUS spoke about the rarity of the rich entering heaven. HE said “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

Not knowing the full criteria of the heart, I think JESUS was talking about lack of care for others. It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to amass great wealth. This time is usually not spent giving or listening or serving. GOD wants time. The little time I spend here on Earth should have some of it focused on bringing people to HIM. I am glad people made time for me.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the writer’s heart?
• How can your time conflict with caring for others?
• Will you add flexibility to your schedule so you can be available to GOD’s leading today?

Make Time

 

Make Time

Acts 26: ²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

 

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

 

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

 

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

 

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After attending the meeting, I realized I would now have to work seven days a week to keep up. I mean, the pressure of the job required constant thinking to resolve issues right away. Soon, all of my conversations were centered around work. Even at the dinner table, work spewed out of my mouth. I had no time for anything else.

 

• One period of my life was spent worrying about money.
• One period of my life was spent dealing with life’s pressures.
• One period of my life was spent giving my all to those who demanded my time and giving none to those who needed it.

 

Festus interrupts Paul’s defense, saying he was “out of his mind.” Paul replied by appealing to King Agrippa by asking if he “believed.” King Agrippa questioned Paul by asking “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul was willing to make time, short or long, to persuade the king and everyone around to believe in JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to make time for HIM.
• GOD wants me to hope that everyone I come in contact with, believe in JESUS as our Savior.
• GOD wants me to see more opportunities to talk about JESUS than I used to.

 

Time is precious. I mean it can be spent on doing something that makes me great amongst humans or I can point my life to JESUS who deserves to be called Great. I can never get time back once I’ve spent it.

 

GOD loves when I spend time learning about HIM and loves it more when I take what I’ve learned and teach someone else about HIM. Short time or long, I pray that every reader believe in JESUS in a saving way.

 

• Are you too busy for GOD?
• Do you stay busy so you can be noticed by humans?
• Will you stop seeking to be noticed and start making time to speak about JESUS to many people today?

Make Time

Make Time

Acts 20: ¹³ We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. ¹⁴ When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. ¹⁵ The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. ¹⁶ Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

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Clearing my schedule, I started doing lots of work. Three was a huge event at work that I had to prepare for. I spent a couple of days preparing. I then went to several people to see if I got all the information right. This one day was going to be special because I made time to prepare.

• I have made time for special events.
• I have made time for special occasions.
• I have made time for special celebrations.

Paul was on a mission to make it back to Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. Perhaps he wanted to be in the place where Peter spoke so powerfully that tongues of fire appeared. Paul reserved time to remember what JESUS did when HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT.

• GOD wants me to make time for HIM.
• GOD wants me to remember HIM often.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face daily.

Making time for GOD is highly important. Unfortunately, there have been many times when HE has come second or third or tenth in my life. I mean, when it came to listening to someone preach or to set up a convention where tens of thousands would attend, I chose the convention.

People would say, “It’s only that one time” but the next and the next times came quickly. Soon, speaking about GOD was only a distant memory which eventually turned into a “fear of offending someone.” GOD wants me to worship HIM in spirit and truth. I am glad HE is always available to me in prayer.

• Are you too busy to spend time with GOD?
• Has GOD called you to do something but you are too busy?
• Will you make time for GOD today?

Limited Time

Limited Time

Acts 18: ²³ After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

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After saying the procrastinator’s credo, “I’ll get around to it” I missed another important deadline. “I have got to do better.” I said to myself. I procrastinated visiting people, registering for events and doing things that would help me grow up. When a relative was on her death bed, I vowed to see her. I made it just in time to say “I love you.” I had not talked to her in years.

• I used to think I had plenty of time.
• I used to think I could fit everything into my schedule.
• I used to think I of all the wonderful things I wanted to do, but got overwhelmed or “busy” or “too broke” to do anything.

Paul spent some time in many places speaking about the great news of JESUS. He stayed in some places longer than others when people were receptive to the HOLY SPIRIT. When he was led, he moved on so he could encourage others who professed CHRIST as their LORD and Savior.

• GOD wants me to know my time on earth is finite.
• GOD wants me to understand that I have a short time to bear fruit while I am alive.
• GOD wants me to act like this day is my last, every day.

“What would you do if you knew you had two weeks to live?” someone asked. Would you continue that argument or say I love you? How about GOD? Would you remain silent or tell about the importance of JESUS’ salvation?

Every action I do is worth something to GOD. I mean, when I lie, cheat and steal, those actions are paid for by JESUS needing to die. When I love those HE sends to me or sends me to or even my enemies, GOD values the love action and saves up a reward for me. I am grateful GOD gives me time to celebrate people by giving them the gift of HIS SON.

• What do you spend your time doing?
• Are you so busy that you have no time for GOD or for loving those HE needs you to love?
• Will you take time out of your busy schedule and use words to express the love of JESUS to someone, then go back to being an example for HIM with your actions today?

Isolated

Isolated

Acts 8: Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. ² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

³ As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

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After years of being the one who people sought after, I felt isolated in the new town. I did not know anyone other than my coworkers. And besides, who would go out to the not cool bars they had in this unheard of town. What was I going to do for “fun” now?

• There were times when I dreaded being alone.
• There were times when I felt isolated from “my” people.
• There were times when I was not able to be part of a social group and I did not enjoy it.

Saul consented the death of Stephen. Even more so, he started a great persecution of those who believed in JESUS as their Savior. Though people were scattered, he sent people to their homes, dragging them to prison.

• GOD sees me when I am separated from people.
• GOD knows I want to be around people but has a reason for separating me from the same old routine.
• GOD has a plan for me and is preparing me when HE separates me.

Isolation could be dreaded or embraced. I chose to embrace it. I wanted to clear up the misconceptions I had about this “GOD” being. I had to been to a lot of churches that spoke mostly about their brand and not about JESUS. Where to start?

GOD was gracious enough to have me read the book of John. When I saw in the first chapter that JESUS was GOD, I was shocked. It made me want to read this “bible” thing for myself. The isolation became welcome as it was a quiet place to learn about JESUS as part of the triune GOD. I am glad I went through the time of separation.

• Do you seek a crowd?
• Are you hungry for your social gathering?
• Will you embrace times when GOD separates you so you can quiet down and listen to HIM, while HE grows you?

Declared Holy

Declared Holy

John 18: ²⁸ Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. ²⁹ Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

³⁰ They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”

³¹ Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”

Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” ³² that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.

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After watching the movie filled with sex, violence and racy humor, we all laughed and went home. The next day I attended church and they showed clips from various movies to illustrate a point. I would be so embarrassed if everyone at church saw what I just watched the night before.

• There were places “I” declared holier than other places.
• There were things “I” did that I declared holier than other things.
• There were words “I” said that I declared holier than other words.

The church leaders were bent on murdering JESUS to gain back their popularity. They led HIM to a place they declared unholy, therefore they would not enter. When asked what accusation they had against JESUS, they could not answer forthright.

• JESUS wants me to know that my declarations of righteousness are like filthy, blood soaked, dung filled rags.
• JESUS wants me to know that any graceless words I use on others will be used on me.
• JESUS wants me to know that trying to live a double life between sin and holiness is impossible.

All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. So where is the hope? JESUS is the hope. HE was the only one who did not sin. Though HE was tempted in every way a human could, HE resisted and died for the sins of everyone. HE is the only Holy ONE, and I put my trust in HIM to wash away my many sins. I need JESUS to declare me holy because HE IS HOLY.

• Do you compare yourself to others?
• Do you say “Well, at least I’m not like ‘that’ person?”
• Will you look at your mounting sins and ask GOD to cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness by believing in JESUS today?

Today’s Plan

Today’s Plan

John 12: Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. ² There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. ³ Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

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Ask, “What are you going to do today?”, to your team so they can become more productive. I thought this was a great question so I not only asked them, I asked myself. The answers I got were highly ambitious, yet productive. “I am going to get more done using this simple question” I thought to myself.

• Some days I filled the hours with “being productive.”
• Some days I woke up working all the way until I went to bed.
• Some days I had no time for anything else but work.

JESUS went back to see Lazarus. Martha served JESUS as this was one of her gifts. Lazarus, being GOD’s example, sat with HIM. Mary saw JESUS’s dirty feet again. She remembered HIS reaction to the Pharisee who did not offer any water. I supposed she said, “Not in this house” as she used expensive oil and her hair to wipe away the mud.

• JESUS wants my attention.
• JESUS wants me to serve HIM.
• JESUS wants my highest honor.

Since I am not omnipresent, I can only be in one place at one time. When I plan my day so full of “being productive” I sometimes miss out on doing what GOD called me to do. HE allows me to be busy, but there are times when HE wants me to quiet down and just be with HIM. I am glad part of GOD’s work is simply just being with HIM.

• What are you going to do today?
• Are you going to fill your day up so full that you cannot hear GOD?
• Will you add GOD to your plan today and quiet down to listen to what HE wants to say?

Shining Bright

Daniel 12: ² Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ³ Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

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“You have the prettiest grass on the block” was a saying that puffed up my head. I am glad someone noticed! I mean I spent hours trying to keep weeds out and have each blade grow to the same length with the same dark green color.

• There are things I spend hours on.
• There are things I work hard at.
• There are things I take a lot of time doing that I wonder if they have meaning.

One day there will be a time when everything I currently do will not matter. I mean the bush that I trimmed so nicely or the grass I cut to perfection will one day be gone. While I spent hours toiling over the care of these elements, I wonder how much value it has.

• GOD says to me “There will come a day and it is coming soon when MY SON will return.”
• GOD says to me “One day the dead in CHRIST will arise at the shout of the Angel.”
• GOD says to me “Time is short, lead many back to me while there is still time.”

While there is no harm in cleaning, repairing and pruning I must notice the amount of time I spend doing these things. I mean is there someone who needs to hear an encouraging word near me? Am I open to guiding someone to a better place, namely GOD?

I should strike a balance between work, play and ministry. Quite honestly, ministry should be included in my work and play. I truly should be thinking about bringing someone to GOD on a daily basis, constantly asking HIM for the right words that they may hear. My purpose is to bring people to righteousness, only to shine like a star in GOD’s time.

• Are you busy?
• How much time are you spending doing what you are doing?
• Can you take a moment to pray for someone?
• Will you reach out to someone with the gift of compassion?
• Can you ask GOD for the right words to bring someone to HIS righteousness?

Spend Time Wisely

Psalm 135: ¹³ Your name, Lord, endures forever,
    your renown, Lord, through all generations.
¹⁴ For the Lord will vindicate his people
    and have compassion on his servants.

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Pressure seemed to grow the higher I climbed. Deadlines, meetings and conference calls filled my mind. I had to document all of them and review them at night. There was little to no time to think of people outside of the projects I worked on.

• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should praise the LORD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should spend some of it with GOD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should think of serving HIS people.

This chapter talks about how great and marvelous GOD is, but then it took a dark turn and talked about GOD destroying once mighty Egypt. Barbaric towards slaves, Egypt reigned with a mighty hand. Tierney caused GOD’s people to cry out. GOD heard.

• GOD hears me when I cry out.
• GOD hears me when I am in need.
• GOD hears me when I seek to serve HIM and HIS people.

Turning to GOD should be a daily thing rather than an afterthought upon attending church once a week. GOD wants me to seek the lost because time is running out. HIS name endures forever, not mine. My finite time should be spent as if tomorrow were the last.

• Are you spending an enormous amount of time mad, sad or worried?
• Can you quiet down for a moment and ponder GOD’s greatness?
• Will you stop spinning your troubles in your mind for a minute and notice GOD around you, even if it is for a second?