MONEY VERSUS TIME
Dear Lord, you see the tradeoffs we make. Money versus time. Sometimes we run after money (I am talking about myself) instead of valuing time as more precious. But the question is, time to do what? Please show me and readers of this daily devotional what you would have us see today.
Dear child, you are asking the right question. Time to do what? Is it time for more activities to get your mind off me? All the hobbies that mankind has created often serve to distract people from spending time with me. I want to be first. I want to be the first conversation of everyone’s day. I want to communicate with you and others throughout your day. And I want to be the last conversation you have before you go to sleep.
Yes, Lord. I am trying to do that. Where can I improve?
What you did this morning is what I want to see more of. You moved your schedule around because you woke up late, cancelled a client, and made room so as not to miss this time of ours together. However, you are only giving us a half hour. That is not leaving you enough time to get into my Word. That is another thing I want from you and my other Christ-followers. I want you in my Scriptures every day.
Well, I have 20 minutes left here, so let me do that now. Please guide me to passages I should read.
1. PUT CHRIST FIRST: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
2. TITHE: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
3. FREELY GIVE: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
4. GIVE GENEROUSLY: “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'” (Mark 12:41-44 NIV)
5. SPEND MORE TIME WITH GOD: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV)
6. KEEP AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 NIV)
7. HONOR GOD IN ALL THAT WE DO: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)
Lord God, you have given each of us a bag of gold. Please help us to do the right thing with what you have given us, help us not get so wrapped up in our hobbies or other things that we neglect regular conversations with you. Help us to put you first, second, and third.
Dear child, good work. This is from me. You can rest assured that this is my will. So many of my children struggle with discovering my will for their lives, when it is right in front of them. If they would only read my Word, spend more time in conversations with me, and put me first, their lives would be so much better.
Lord, I just realized my mistake here today. It is not my time, and it is not my money. I keep forgetting, I fully belong to you. Therefore, it is your time, and your money. I am a steward only. A trusted servant. Help me, and all who read this, to be inspired to be more trustworthy as servants of the living God. I pray this in your name, Father God, the name above all names, Jesus Christ your one and only Son, and the Holy Spirit, who has empowered me to write this today. All glory, honor and praise go to you for anything good that comes out of this post. Amen.
Your aspiring servant,
Daniel M.
23 May 2023
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