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WHAT'S IMPORTANT

1. Where do you spend your time?  Time management is important because of the brevity of our lives. Because our earthly sojourn is significantly shorter than we are inclined to think, David so aptly points out, “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath” (Psalm 39:4–5). The apostle James echoes this: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Indeed, our time on earth is fleeting—in fact, it is infinitesimally small compared to eternity. To live as God would have us live, it is essential we make the best possible use of our allotted time.

Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). A good way to gain wisdom is to learn to live each day with an eternal perspective.  Our Creator has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Knowing that we will have to give an account to the One who gives us time should motivate us to use it well. C. S. Lewis understood this: “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul cautioned the saints, “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). Living wisely involves using our time carefully. Knowing that the harvest is great and the workers are few (Luke 10:2) and that time is rapidly dwindling should help us make better use of our time to witness, both through our words and our example. We are to spend time loving others in deed and in truth (1 John 3:17–18)..  Choose to invest your time in the relationships with the greatest return.

2. Where is your money spent?  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal, "For where our treasure is there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:20-21. This can be your tithe, support charities and noble works, or  missionaries to spread the message of Gospel. Also, god wants us to have fun. Solomon says, " there is nothing better for a man to enjoy the fruits of his labor". But make sure you are investing in things with lasting value with as much joy and satisfaction as saving for a vacation, buying a new home, etc.

3. Where do your thoughts stray?  "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! -Deuteronomy 30:19.  Dr. Caroline Leaf says this in her book Switch On Your Brain,“As we think, we change the physical nature of our brain. As we consciously direct our thinking, we can wire out toxic patterns of thinking and replace them with healthy thoughts.”When you are just sitting at your desk, waiting in line or doing nothing, what kind of thoughts come to mind?  Where your thoughts go, so goes your heart.

4. When you are gone, what legacy will you leave?  When your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” - Joshua 4:6-7 Don’t let life pass you by.  Don’t wait for tomorrow to make a difference because we are not promised one day beyond today.  Spend time on the people, places and things that matter most.  Leave a legacy of changed lives.

5. If you had one day left to live, how would you spend it?  This sounds morbid, and I don’t mean for it to, but no one knows the day of their death. In September of 2019 I experienced death and miraculously God restored my life again. All we know for sure is that we’re all destined to die and then face the judgment (Heb. 9:27), so none of us can take our lives for granted and just rest, relax, eat, and be happy (Luke 12:19) because our very life might end tonight. What would you do differently if you knew you had only one day to live?If today were your last, how would you spend it?  Do it now!  If you are waiting for an answer in one area of your life, do not put the rest of your life on hold.  No regrets!

6. What area of your life do you neglect the most?  There are three spiritual conditions for a believer: falling away, being passively secure, and actively growing. Our goal is the third.​

We may not have fallen into actual sin that we can put our finger on, but we know that our relationship with God isn’t what it once was or should be. We can become lawless in that we no longer feel comfortable in the lifestyle that Jesus calls us to live.  We can begin to reject it by ignoring or avoiding it. 2 Peter 3:17-18 says, “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Yeshua our Lord.To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 

    Find the area in your life that you neglect the most and these should be the areas that you care the least about and is of least importance.  Make sure these areas should not be moved up the list of priorities. The Lord, His Word, Prayer, Family, marriage and other relationships should never be on the list of neglects.

7. When was the last time you were truly happy? Known as “the Beatitudes,” this first section of Matthew, chapter 5 is made up of several statements beginning with the phrase, “Blessed are…” The word “blessed” in this verse really just means happy. And in some translations, it actually says, “Happy are you…” In short, Jesus is telling us how to be truly happy. And he’s doing so by describing the kind of mindset necessary to experience true happiness. If you can’t remember the answer, make a change! 

    Remember, happiness is influenced by circumstances, joy is not.  If you have faith, you have the ability to be joyful in all circumstances.  But, if you want to have a happy, abundant life, then you may need to make some adjustments to the things that are under your control. 

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IN OUR LIFE OF FAITH

WHAT'S IMPORTANT

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