Inspired by . . . refreshment

 

 

Am I the only one that feels like 2014 is spinning into the past at warp speed?

It occurred to me that I probably say that every year, but, no, 2014 seems especially accelerated.

We're already to the end of June and I'm thinking back over the last six months wondering what I've been doing with my life.

 

"...whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God." 1 Cor 10:31

 

I've been trying to be more intentional with my time this year. There have been those rare moments when I feel like I'm succeeding and manage to "delete" a few tasks.

And then, suddenly, five or six more appear to take their place! It's like those Russian nesting dolls in the old animation shorts . Except my "dolls" just keep on multiplying!

Beth Moore  describes it this way, "We are caught in the captivity of activity--."

I don't think God intends for us to live this way. I believe He gives all of us the exact amount of time we need to do His will.

That includes time for worship, work, service, pleasure, and rest. All of these things can be, and are part of His will for us.

I can tell you with a degree of certainty that God does not wish us to live chaotic, frenzied lives. That's the devils work. He just loves to keep us busy!

 

Textured with Kim's bentedges

I think most of us know of at least two or three time robbers that we should put out of our lives. But what about all the "good" we do? We may be sacrificing quality for quantity, but if it's all good, how do we know what to say no to?

These four steps, based on a devotional commentary by Beth Moore, give us insight on how to recalibrate our lives and find a little refreshment:

Reestablish the goal.  "Bring everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:7 tells us that we were created for His glory. Our purpose is to glorify Him. Our best energies {first fruits} should be used for His work.

Redirect your focus. "But first, be concerned about His kingdom and what has His approval. Then all these things will be provided for you." Matthew 6:33 gives us a promise! If we seek God first, He will direct us. That means He will give us the wisdom and discernment we need to set our schedules and priorities according to His will. Give it a try – it works!

Rethink your motivation. "Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant." Galatians 1:10 prompts us to ask ourselves if we're seeking approval from man or from God. If we seek to please people rather than God we will never succeed.

Rest in God's will. Hebrews 4:10 says, "Those who entered His place of rest also rested from their work as God did from His." Rest is always part of God's will for us. He is not unreasonable. He does not ask us to do anything alone, or under our own power when we seek to do His will.

 

 

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling the stress start to roll off my shoulders just from reading His word today!

Summer is a good time for many of us to step back and reevaluate how we're spending our time. 

Some of these steps may be challenging or even convicting! Either way, they're sure to bring refreshment!

 

Have a wonder-filled day,

 

 

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Inspired by . . . time

 

The hands of time tick on,

like spokes on a wheel,

moving our souls forward into eternity.

 

Textured with Bonnie's Graphique texture

 

We don't have any control over time. The passing of minutes, hours, days, years. But we do have control over what we DO during this mysterious "when" that we call time.

What I do with my time is one thing I want to be more intentional about in 2014.

With all of the advice out there about time management, you would think we would have this one aced. While some people do better than others, I think we all struggle with managing our time to one degree or another.

I'm not an expert, but I think the reason for that is because time management is ultimately a personal issue. Our lives can go from simple to complicated and back again -sometimes all within 24 hours!. What worked last year, or last month, may not work this year, or this month.

The Psalmist prays, "[Lord] Teach us to number each of our days so that we may grow in wisdom."

 

 

To number our days - to be aware of the passage of time, allows us to grow in wisdom.  This is a wisdom that only the Lord can give, and it's specific to each one of us.

Let's face it, we are never going to have enough time to do everything we want to do, or think we should do. But I believe that God gives us enough time to accomplish His will for our lives.

All those tips out there on how to manage your time more effectively have their place. But if we can begin by knowing what we should be doing in the first place the need for self time management will be greatly reduced.

 

 

So how do we know God's will for our time?

The same way we know anything about God:  by staying connected to Him. We stay connected through prayer, the reading & study of His word, and worship. This seems so simple and yet so many of us just don't do it. I think I'm too busy to carve out time for God, but the truth is: I'm too busy NOT to!

This is where some of those time management tips can help:

Say no.

Put yourself {i.e. your relationship with God} first.

 

 

This is another thing I want to be more intentional about in 2014: Spending more time with God.

I know from experience that spending time with Him results in a better life for me. I'm convinced that until I can be more intentional about time spent with God, I won't have the wisdom I need to effectively manage my time.

I know what I need to do – now I just need to {sincerely} ask God to give me the discipline I need to do it!

 

Blessings,

 

 

 

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