Daily Digest #169

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. —Isaiah 53:6

It is always comforting to be reminded that it is never too late. There are times that we can't help but slip or fall, but we can always get up and move on. We are constantly reminded that whatever God gives, we can always bear. It is all a matter of choice. While He waits for us to surrender and draw strength and courage from Him, He assures us of His mercy and power... only if we believe.

For this, let us pray. May we never give up. May we ask for a faithful and hopeful heart. May we take our battles to God. May we allow Him to take over our lives, and believe that He will be with us, wherever fate takes us. May we believe in His mercy and forgiveness. May we practice consulting Him regularly about our plans and decisions. Pray always.

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The Time of Your Life
2008/10/23
by Rick Warren

Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Ephesians 5:16 (MSG)

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Why is it that time drags when you want it to pass quickly and flies when you need more of it? It's not very cooperative!

Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same amount of it. The difference between successful people and average people is this: Achievers manage their time wisely. Rather than wasting time or spending time, they invest time. They make the most out of each moment.

In these difficult days, people are realizing that time is more important than money. Money is a renewable resource - there are always places to get more of it.

But time is a limited resource.

You only have a certain allotment of time in your life. When it's used up ... that's it! YOUR TIME IS YOUR LIFE.

When you give someone your money, you've given them something that you can replace. But when you give someone your time, you've given them a part of your life. This means time management is really "life management."

The Bible has this to say: "Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants" (Ephesians 5:15b-17 MSG).

You could summarize these verses this way:

1. Analyze Your Lifestyle. Be aware of where your time is going.
2. Utilize The Present. Make the most of this moment.
3. Recognize What's Important. Focus on priorities that last.

A question to consider throughout the day: "How much of what I'm doing right now is going to count ten years from now … 50 years from now … or for eternity?"

You have just enough time to fulfill God's purpose for your life. If you can't get it all done it means:

1. You're doing things God never intended for you to do, or
2. You're doing the right thing in the wrong way.

Prayer: "God, help me to manage my time wisely this week."


Do It Now!
2008/10/24
If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

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Most of us have experienced the 8 Phases of Procrastination:

Phase 1: Hopeful – "I'll start early this time."

Phase 2: A little tension – "I've got to start soon."

Phase 3: Creeping guilt – "I should have started sooner."

Phase 4: False reassurance – "There is still time to do it."

Phase 5: Getting desperate – "What's wrong with me?"

Phase 6: Intense pain – "I can't wait any longer!"

Phase 7: Get it over with – "Just get it done!"

Phase 8: Cycle repeats – "Next time, I'll start earlier."

Procrastination does tremendous damage to ourselves and others at work. It causes unnecessary pressure and problems … and it wastes opportunities, time, and money.

The problem is: procrastination is addicting! The more you succumb to it, the harder it is to change. It becomes a way of life, causing you a lot of misery.

The Bible says, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done" (Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT).

· Stop making excuses!

· Realize perfectionism paralyzes performance!

· Face your fears!

· Focus on the gain, not the pain!

· DO IT NOW!

What have you been putting off that you know you need to do? … something at work … at home … at church? DO IT NOW!

Prayer: "God, help me to DO what I already know I need to do. Help me to do it NOW!"