After reading Psalm 90 and writing in yesterday’s post, the main thought for me was that I need to make the minutes count. I need to spend time thinking of ideas to use my time wisely and make sure that every spare moment is meaningful for the future. My hope is that if I continuously improve this habit, spare moments will turn into treasures of a useful life.
As I read in the Bible, there are principles that can be applied to life. In considering the reading of Psalm 90, making better use of time is one lesson learned. If we use our time wisely, there is more to spend with those we love. I found this video that communicates this idea of making the minutes count: Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman.
As brought out in Psalm 90, God was here before the mountains were formed; is here now and will be here for eternity. A thousand years is like a day for God. We were made to live a lengthy life but we do not know how much time we have on earth. It is important to consider the shortness of life and devote the time we have to the true wisdom of God whose glorious presence works for us and is in us. Let us accept the love of God in Christ and pray that our faith allows the Holy Spirit to work in us; steadily fulfilling God’s purpose now and into eternity.
Each day, let us be aware our daily routine; thinking of ways that might make better use of our time so there is more to spend with those we love. Let us set aside time to become more aware of God’s glory. Beginning our day with Him, ending our day with Him, and in between asking Him to work with us as we accomplish things together.
This Day with God will be amazing because we have a chance to pray continuously; while doing work around the house or on the job, while soaking up rays or whatever we enjoy doing in our spare time.
I just finished my study of the book of Nehemiah so here’s a link to all the studies along this journey so far: Index of Devotionals. In the study of Nehemiah, I learned that the moment we pray for more of God and less of our own desires, the power to change intangible aspirations into real plans of action are set in motion. Each day can be a challenge and by going to the ONE who created it all and passionately stirring each other up to boldly step ahead, we are ready for any challenge.
As I learned from Nehemiah’s leadership in building the wall to protect the Holy city, great purposes can be achieved when people work together. But In order to succeed in any project that brings positive change, the desire to complete it has to be greater than the fear brought on by those trying to stop it.
Now that the study of Nehemiah is complete, I will continue my journey into the Psalms. We need to grow roots and the best way is by reading some of the Bible each day. Going to God builds momentum for each day so we are in a position to run the day and not let the day run us. Instead, putting things into order will allow small things to lead to big things and doors will be opened. This Day with God reading plan can be used as a tool so that a small amount of reading each day leads to a growing knowledge of God’s Word and ways to apply this knowledge in life. The questions below can be used to stimulate thought about each block of reading.
Psalm 90 Passage Lookup
How does Moses describe the existence of God (See verse 1-2 with Deut. 33:27)? How does God react to human sin? Why? What does God require of you in order to experience his mercy?
Psalm 91 Passage Lookup
What is the prerequisite for the kind of protection we read in this Psalm? Make a list of your fears and troubles for which you want to trust God for deliverance or security.
Psalm 92 Passage Lookup
Why is it good to praise God? What is signified by the images of grass and the palm tree? Which is a symbol of permanence, dignity and fruitfulness? What is the promise for success and prosperity for the Christian?
Psalm 93 Passage Lookup
Compare verse 2 with Psalm 29:10. What qualities of God are being extolled? What happens to God when floods come? To God’s people? Why?
The Olympics are almost over and many lessons can be learned from sports. One lesson is that it takes a lot of practice and rigorous training to get in shape and stay in shape. Spiritually, how can we be all that God made us to be? Well, in many ways, the same principles are in play. We have to be tough on ourselves and practice until it becomes easier with each passing day. But you’ve got to want to change, receive the power to change, become like Christ, and never go back to the way it used to be. The glue that holds our Spiritual well-being together is the Cross. My hope over this next adventurous stretch of the journey is to continue internalizing God’s Word and stay on course by focusing on the Cross.
I would like to thank Nizy at http://nackynice.wordpress.com/ who has honored this blog with a nomination for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Nizy is very friendly and positive about life and it comes across in her blog. It’s truly rewarding when recognition is given by fellow bloggers like Nizy.
Here are the rules for accepting this award. Write 7 things about yourself, say thanks to the person that nominated you, and then nominate as many deserving followers you have that are Beautiful Bloggers like yourself.
To follow the rules, here are seven things about myself.
Met some great Christian Friends when I moved to Waco, Texas after college
Met my wife Donna at a small group from our Church
We have one daughter named Ashlee
Continue to live in Waco Texas which is 100 miles to the south of Dallas and 100 miles north of Austin
Before 1869, crossing the Brazos river was dangerous and time-consuming . Due to the location of Waco on the growing Chisholm Trail, this historic bridge helped transform Waco from a small frontier town to a commercial center
Below are the Nominees for The Beautiful Blogger Award.
Also, I’d like to introduce you to the growing list of blogs I follow on the right side.
I’m thankful for the friendships, awards, and most of all the ultimate reward in salvation through Jesus Christ. The New Testament rewards us by being the most joyful book in the world filled with the theme of happiness and victory.
We continued the sermon series called “Life Apps” this past weekend at the church I attend. This week’s message is titled “Vacation App” and can be listened to or viewed at thislink. There are apps for personal finance, exercise, and many other things we do in life but none of them do what we want unless we use them. It’s the same with God’s Word. There are many useful principles but we must use and apply them to make a difference. Below in black print is an outline of the message which is supplied by the church staff and I added the notes in the blue print as I listened.
1. CHOOSE YOUR PRIORITY.
“So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?” – Matthew 6:25 (NLT)
Don’t worry …
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will given to you as well?” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
God has a pattern for us and that is to seek Him first.
2. APPLY THE LIFE APP OF REST.
“The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” Mark 1:35 (NLT)
Spend time with God and spend time in activities that recharge and refresh. It’s God’s will for us to rest so we are physically and mentally ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
“One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and He prayed to God all night.” – Luke 6i:12 (NLT)
“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.’ There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31 (NLT)
3. APPLY GOD’S RULES FOR LIVING.
“Remember to keep the Sabbath holy. Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God:…” – Exodus 20:8-9a (NCV)
Once time is used, it’s gone so use it wisely and set aside a day of rest. Let God bless you and receive these blessings on His day.
4. MOVE AT A SUSTAINABLE PACE.
Elijah was as human as we are….” – James 5:a (NLT)
“When Elijah heard this, he was afraid and ran for his life…. He sat down under a bush and asked to die….” – 1 Kings 19:3a &4b (NCV)
After great victories, we are high but then we go through valleys.
“ ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he prayed. ‘Let me die. I am no better than my ancestors.’” – 1 Kings 19:4c(NCV)
“Then he lay down under the tree and slept. Suddenly an angel came to him and touched him. ‘Get up and eat.’…Then he went back to sleep.” … The angel touched him and said,… ‘Get up and eat….’ ” – 1 Kings 19:5 a, b; 6b; & 7b (NCV)
Elijah needed this rest to prepare for the purpose God had for him.
“Then Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the Lord spoke His word to him: ….” – 1 Kings 19:9a, b (NCV)
After victories, take time to celebrate but then get some rest because there’s more that needs to be done.
5. REST, REFLECT, RECHARGE AND THEN RE-ENGAGE.
“Immediately after this, Jesus made His disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while He sent the people home. Afterward He went up into the hills by Himself to pray….” – Matthew 14:22-23 (NLT)
We underestimate the need for rest. Jesus understood it and teaches us to take care of our mental and physical health so we can do all that God wants us to do. The sustainable plan for rest involves working for six days and then a day is set aside where God blesses us and we bless Him. The Sabbath is a day to rest, reflect, and recharge so we are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Here’s a video that brings out a lot of points brought out in the message:Healing Begins – Tenth Avenue North.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 