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?

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?

Living life with “purpose.”

Matthew 25: ²¹ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

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My supervisor had given me the easiest assignment so I could finish my work in half the allotted time. After doing this a few times I saw an opportunity for me to jump in my car, go home, eat, watch TV and return unnoticed.

“I am going to fire you one day” were the surprising words I heard from my boss’s mouth. “How did he know” ran through my mind. I guess it was the smell of food and half done work that gave me away.

• When no one is looking, GOD is watching me.
• When I have something good and I use it for evil, I come out on bottom.
• When my thoughts are constantly on getting “over” on people rather than helping them, I come out on bottom.

My life should have meaning, purpose, goals, but when I squander my life on selfish gain I lose out on GOD’s wonderful blessings. GOD wants to use my life to do some amazing things and HE requires me to be excited about HIM and HIS SON.

• When I use my talents to tell someone about JESUS, the FATHER gets excited.
• When I use my time to focus on worshipping our LORD and SAVIOR I receive blessings beyond my wildest dreams.
• When I use my treasure to further GOD’s kingdom HE not only sustains me, but HE grows my wealth to share with others.

I am not trying to say I need to work my way into heaven, but when I am obedient to GOD’s leadership I have never been disappointed. Being faithful to GOD has truly been a blessing to me throughout the years.

• What talents has GOD given you?
• Are you using them to grow HIS kingdom or squandering them on selfish gain?
• Will you focus a little of your time on serving someone?