Using Our Time Wisely

As the month of February passed with many memories of loved ones whose birthdays,  anniversaries or other special times we'd have celebrated, I am reminded of Paul's words to the churches about using our time wisely. As a new Christian I was told when the Holy Spirit wrote through Paul it was for Christians of all ages as God's Love Letter to us.  One Pastor even suggested inserting our own names to make it more personal.  Ephesians 5:15-16 says,  "Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as those who are wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil."

I recently came across a short poem I found interesting by "Author Unknown". What do you think?

One Minute

I have only just a minute, Only sixty seconds in it,
Forced upon me, can't refuse it.  Didn't seek it, didn't choose it,
But it's up to me to use it.  I must suffer if I lose it,
Give account if I abuse it.  It is only just a minute,
But eternity is in it.

As I grow older, and I hope more wise,  I think of how our days are numbered. We all see signs in God's Word and in our news that time as we've known it is rapidly coming to a close. The nations are coming together as the prophets foretold, and we must all one day make an account to our Maker about how we have spent our time.  Have we used His gifts to us wisely, or are we like the one who was given one talent who hid it in the ground?  When the Master came to receive what he earned, he was called "You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest." (Matt. 25:26)

When younger, I used to think everyone else was prettier, more talented, had more than I did. Yet, as God opens my eyes to see more clearly, I realize how unique each of us is created, and the gifts God gives to each of us that are special to us. I didn't know when I was newly widowed how God would change me throughout the years and give me just what I needed for the seemingly impossible tasks before me.  At that time, I couldn't see beyond one day. Yet, as I look back, despite my mistakes, I see how God was there with the right person, right answer or provision, just what I needed.

So I would like to encourage each of you to be grateful for each new day. Give it to Jesus, and ask Him to lead and guide your day with His appointments and plans for you. In Sheila Walsh's study of  "The Shelter of God's Promises" I am reminded "... He is our Hope, He is our Home. This is Christ's promise: to keep our hearts set on home with Him, with God, with the Holy Spirit. He has gone to prepare a place for us and left behind flagstones on which we can stand, a path for getting there. It is not simply that He has gone to prepare a place for us, but that His death and resurrection have made it possible for us to be there with Him forever. This is the glorious gift of the gospel. Not only that, but Christ has promised that He will return and take us with Him to His home!  So until we see Him face-to-face, may you find shelter in His glorious promises."

I encourage you to hide yourself in the Shelter of God's Promises. They are all we can truly depend on in these uncertain days.  May each of you, my beloved friends, find rest, love and Shelter in Him.

In Christ's love and mine,
Dee