Time Is Precious

Today I want to talk about something that is dear to my heart and the reason for that is because it's a lesson that I've had to remember continuously throughout my life.

Time is precious...

Psalm 90:12 NIV

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

God has taught me the value of time and just how truly precious it is. This doesn't mean that I have spent all of my time wisely, but God is always faithful to step in and remind me when I haven't.

Psalm 39:4-5 NIV

"Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."

We are given only a short window of time here on earth and we can spend it being self-centered or God-centered. We live in a sinful world so it's easy to be self-centered right? In fact, it takes very little thought or effort; but it takes a lot of discipline and determination to be God-centered because we have to let go of our human wants & desires. This is where God has been speaking to my heart lately, because I have not been disciplined in areas where He is asking me to be and for that I ask for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

I want to encourage you to read Ecclesiastes chapter 3 as it talks about "A Time for Everything."

Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live." verse 14 "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him."

Today, I want to encourage you to pray about your short window of opportunity that God has given you, write down your thoughts, dissect them and determine where He is speaking to your heart.

Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

How do you spend your time?

• Do you spend it worrying about your trials and challenges or do you spend it being joyful because you trust that God will help you overcome them?

Matthew 6:25-27 NIV

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important that clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

• Do you spend your time collecting worldly possessions or do you spend quiet time with the Lord so you can collect His heavenly insight and wisdom?

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

• Do you spend your time indulging in unhealthy foods or habits or are you disciplined in asking God to help you overcome these temptations?

1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Friends we all have just limited window of opportunity, I want to encourage you to spend your time wisely. This doesn't mean that we are busy every minute of the day, it means that we are seeking God's will for our daily walk with Him. We must make time of rest a priority so that He can replenish our souls and renew our minds.

Romans 12:2 NIV "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

May your time on earth be full of God's richest blessings and your relationships be strengthened and nurtured, as you choose to live a God-centered life.

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime