Time Makers or Time Wasters?
TIME MAKERS — Last Tuesday I felt Texan proud as I had the privilege of attending the 2023 Texas Inaugural Prayer Service for Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. We blessed the name of the Lord and sought His face as the Austin Baptist Church Choir led in worship and praise for our State of Texas and Nation.
Pastor John Hagee gave a powerful and timely message. The Gatlin Brothers concluded the service with “Amazing Grace”. The State Minister, Todd Stearns, prayed for our leaders’ discernment, resolve, courage and conviction of wholly dependence on Almighty God.
In my devotion, I had an aha moment when I read this scripture: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7
When I see the highlights of “wicked schemes” of various people (political and otherwise) on social media, it moves me to earnestly pray for my Country. Whatever side we may be on, we should diligently pray for God’s wisdom to our elected and military officials and leaders. They need our prayers.
Interceding for those in authority is not an option. It is a biblical command: “I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
In my blog yesterday, I spoke about our Supreme Judge and His perfect judgment. The good news is God’s perfect judgment WILL put things right! If we believe in a God Who will execute judgment with perfect justice, then we can leave it in His sovereign hands and do what Jesus told us to do: “Love your enemies”! Whew! That’s the test.
TIME WASTER – It is a TIME WASTER to complain and moan the state of the world when we know the end of the Book’s WINNING outcome. So many of the world’s problems would be solved if people believed that there is a God Who judges justly and we can trust Him to put things right in the end.
Why, then, should we be worrying and fretting about anything? The older I get, the more I realize the most precious time in life is when I spend it with the people I love the most — my family, my extended family, my church family, and dear friends. And I like to think they like to spend time with me. That is TIME MAKERS.
Yet even more amazing to me is that God desires to spend time with me – especially when I’m in a “time maker” mode with Him and delighting in Him! In fact, He wants to spend time with you and me so much that He paid a hefty debt He didn’t owe to get it.
He sent Jesus to remove every barrier, tear down every wall and unlock every door so we could have a personal relationship with Him. In fact, He gave us His Word so we could hear from Him constantly.
God gives us unrestricted access to Him, anywhere and anytime. God wants us to get to know Him better so we can love Him fully, hear Him clearly and experience His guidance. This comes by spending quality time with Him.
So today — instead of wasting our time on fruitless thoughts and bemoaning the troubles in our world, let’s set aside time to spend with the One who is above all. He makes our time beautiful and well spent!