CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 987

“Redeem the Time”

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

Florida has been called ‘God’s waiting room’. Living and working here near the world’s largest retirement community only reinforces that point. I remember when my uncle retired and moved to Florida. He stated that he was in ‘paradise’. That very night – his first night in his new house – the Lord called him home to true Paradise.

The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

It seems that throughout most of our lives we act and behave as if there will always be a tomorrow here on earth. We spend our time chasing the things and comforts of this life and cast hardly a thought about our eternal future and destiny. Yet that is precisely what the Scriptures exhort and admonish us to do. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

Jesus taught the parable about the rich fool who lived solely to satisfy his selfish pleasures of this world. But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” – Luke 12:20-22

I confess that I do look forward to the day that I do not have to work full-time and can enjoy time with my wife, family and friends as well as hobbies and activities without an employer dictating when and how much time I have to do so.

As that day draws closer, the Lord is reminding me to approach it soberly and with wisdom and understanding of His Word. The Lord wants to teach you and me how to redeem the time we have in this life to fulfill His purposes – not our own agendas. So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Redeeming the time is to make the best use of it. ‘Best’ is being about our Father’s business. It is alright to make future plans for your life as long as they are done with a heart that is right before God. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Only the Lord knows how many more tomorrows you and I have in this life. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me when as yet there was none of them. – Psalm 139:16

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will teach us to live each moment in His abiding presence. I pray that we will acknowledge Him in all that we do and plan to do. May you redeem the time He has graciously given you for His glory and purpose.