Encouragement for Today - Nov. 15, 2006

 

November 15, 2006

 

Encouragement for Today

 

Principle 5

 

“Investing Time”

Sharon Glasgow, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team

Key Verse:

Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NKJ)

Devotion:

Imagine with me a mental chart of what could happen with an investment of 30 minutes. If we were to invest 30 minutes a day for one month, we would have invested 15 hours Take that 15 hours a month, times 30 years, and we would have invested 5,400 hours of our time. So, if we devoted 30 minutes a day for 30 years to something of eternal value, it would have a tremendous impact! If we invested 30 minutes a day with God I believe our direction in life would be clearer and we would waste less time.

 

George Washington considered time a precious commodity and carefully managed it as he sought God’s leading in all things. He calculated the hours in his day as early as a pre-teen. He set aside time to read the Bible, pray and write in a tablet the principles that would govern his manner and character.

 

In August of 1776, when faced with what seemed to be an impossible battle George Washington consulted with God, just as He had done every other day. Washington’s 8,000 men were untrained, ill equipped and cornered. The trained British out numbered his Continental Army two-to-one. There seemed to be no way out for Washington and his men.

 

George Washington went into his tent to seek God. Soon after, he came out with the plan that ultimately saved our country. He led all 8,000 men across the East River through the night on small boats without the British knowing. As the dense fog lifted the next morning, the last boat rowed to safety onto Manhattan.

 

It was written in the British diaries that the hand of God was upon the Continental Army. God was faithful to lead Washington that August 27^th night of 1776. He had set aside time with God each day and the returns on his investment led to wisdom that impacted thousands of lives.

 

If we set aside time to read our Bibles and pray, God will more than give back our time. He will give us the secret places of His heart! He will lead us in the direction we should go and help us face what seem to be impossible battles each day.

 

What will you be known for because of how you invested your time? Give to Him and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…for with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. (Luke 6:39, NKJ)

 

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, I want my every hour to be directed by You. Lead me because I desperately do not want to live under my fleshly desires. Help me to keep my eyes on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Make a plan to invest 30 minutes a day. Spend time with God. Invest the time and talents He gave you, and use your spiritual gifts at least once a day.

 

Reflection Points:
Looking for where to find 30 minutes? It could be time that you would normally read the paper, watch TV or surf the Internet.

 

What legacy will you leave by the way you spent your time?

 

Power Verses:

Ephesians 5:15, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (NKJ)

 

Colossians 4:5, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” (NKJ)

 

Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…for with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (NKJ)

 

Additional Resources:

The P31 Woman Magazine

 

Living Life on Purpose Lysa TerKeurst

 

Purposeful-Living, ETC Corner