REDEEMING THE TIME

REDEEMING THE TIME

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

"These days we are bombarded with opportunities that entice us to invest our time and energy. Each day the voices of urgency cry out for every available moment. So many causes promise that time spent on them will reap great rewards; how can we recognize God's voice among so many competing voices?

A fool makes unwise choices with his time. With every new opportunity that comes along, the fool chases off in a different direction, not questioning whether that is the best choice. The loudest voice gains his attention. At some point the fool discovers to his dismay that he has squandered the investment of his time.

The days in which you live are evil. Marriages are under tremendous pressure; families are disintegrating. Multitudes are dying each year without hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Investing your life wisely is critical to you and to those around you. Foolishly spending your time in sinful or wasteful pursuits can you and others dearly.

Often, it is not evil pursuits that rob your time. Rather, the temptation is to sacrifice what is BEST for what is good. The enemy knows that blatantly tempting you with evil will be obvious, so he will lure you with distractions, leaving you no time to carry out God's will. He will tempt you to so fill your schedule with GOOD things that you will have no time for GOD'S BEST. You may inadvertently substitute religious ACTIVITY for GOD'S WILL, pursuing your OWN goals for God's kingdom instead of waiting for HIS assignment. Time is a precious commodity. Be sure to invest it wisely." from the pen of Dr. Henry Blackaby -- EXPERIENCING GOD DAY BY DAY -- Devotional.

Several weeks ago I had a brief conversation with a 91-year old retired doctor who served in Africa for over 50 plus years. He was observing my schedule and activities and pulled me aside to give me some "grandfatherly" advice. He told me that early on in his ministry of medicine as Chief of Staff of the hospital, he was headed for burn-out. It was overwhelming to him that there were so many people that demanded his time and attention. One day he began to pray, "Lord, please only bring into my life today the people and things that I must handle for YOU today." For fifty plus years he prayed that simple prayer and God answered. He was able to accomplish God's purposes for his life and never experienced burn-out or fatigue. Good advice for those of us that face the pressures of life on a daily basis.

GREAT QUOTE: Work is a blessing. [YES! A BLESSING!] God has so arranged the world that work is necessary, and He gives us hands and strength to do it. The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we had only leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest, just as it is the experiences of hunger and thirst that make food and drink such pleasures. - Discipline: The Glad Surrender -- Elisabeth Elliot