Today's Prayer
Dear God, So many things just look impossible. Sometimes I wonder how I will make it through this trial or how will we survive or where is this problem leading? But, when I stop concentrating on the problem and look to You and Your promises, I am relieved. For I know that all things are possible through You. You are in control and will make all things work to the good for those who love You. Thank You for those promises and for the "breath of fresh air" I feel in knowing You are here with me, for me, and in me through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.
Time Management
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
07-02-2009
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life" (Ps 39:4).
David accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. However, he also understood life had an end to it and he wanted to make the most of it. He learned to use his time wisely. And so should we.
Peter Drucker was a renown management consultant to major corporations and authored many bestselling business books. He suggested three activities that might help busy executives better manage their time.
Drucker refers to the second step as time management. After listing the activities to which we devote our time, he suggests that we ask three questions about each of these activities to help us minimize the amount of time we waste: "What would happen if this were not done at all?" And if the answer is, 'Nothing would happen,' then obviously the conclusion is to stop doing it. Next, which of the activities on my time log could be done by somebody else just as well, if not better? What do I do that wastes my time without contributing to my effectiveness?*
Drucker closes by saying 'Know Thyself,' this old prescription for wisdom is impossibly difficult for mortal men. But everyone can follow the injunction 'Know Thy Time' if you want to, and be well on the road toward contribution and effectiveness."
Why not evaluate how you are spending your time and ask God how to better use your time.
*Adapted from Peter Drucker, The Effective Executive, Harper
Collins Publishers, New York, NY 1994, 1995 and The Leadership Bible,
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1998, p.653 study notes.
received through www.churchgrowth.org daily devotional.
Finding Time for Relationships
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8
Life is all about relationships. Friends. Family. Husband. God. Each one demands a lot of personal time, energy, and heart. And with online communication and cell phones you would think we’d somehow be better connected. But we’re not! We may be connected on the facts of life but not on the issues that really matter. It’s those meaningful, deep conversations with one another that create closeness—over time…that we seem to have less and less of.
The lack of relational time, I believe, is a spiritual problem. If the evil one can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy. In order to grow in love for others and love for Christ, we must slow down and stay connected to Him. The Bible says to “come near to God and He will come near to you.” We cannot change the number of hours in a day…but we can change the way we spend our time. Be with others. Listen carefully. Have meaningful conversation. Eat a meal together. Make the moments count. Especially with your Heavenly Father.
Our willingness to give ourselves to others is what really leads to meaningful connection. It builds loyal friendships, trusted family ties, and loving relationships. But loyalty, trust, and love only come when we give ourselves to God and others—over time.
Dear Lord, Forgive my hurried life. Guide me in how I choose to use my time. Help me to make building relationships with You and others the top priority of my day. Amen.
From a weekly Devotional http://www.ewomen.net Julie Clinton
Life is a Wedding and a War
I arise today to
love God and hate the Devil.
I arise today to
love good and hate evil.
I arise today to
love people by fighting for their souls.
I arise today
attired in my wedding clothes
and God’s warrior armor.
I arise today as
God’s spouse and God’s champion.
I arise today to
walk the isle and the battlefield.
I arise today to
heal the brokenhearted
and bandage the walking wounded.
I arise today
a lover and a warrior.
Dr. Robert W. Kellemen, RPM Books, www.rpmbooks.org
