Instead of Saturday being a change of pace day, it has become an opportunity to squeeze in a second job. And Sunday? A time for renewal and refreshment? You’re smiling. Every time I officiate at a funeral, I’m reminded of the things that really matter. Stuff that seems so all-fired important yesterday loses its steam when you stand on a windswept hill surrounded by weather beaten grave markers. At that moment, something within you cries: Simplify!
Chuck Swindoll
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Proverbs 15:16 New International Version
Busyness is contrary to Godliness. – John Mark Comer
Silence and solitude, Sabbath, simplicity, and slowing – John Mark Comer
“If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy.” Corey Ten Boom
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with Gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3: 16-17 (NIV)
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
The scriptures are full of then therefore’s with relationship to God. Let me say it this way, because I love you, then therefore you will not want to be foolish or unwise and seek out my will for you in your life. You see the difference, everything we do should be in response to God’s great love for us!
Ephesians 5: 15-17 (NIV)
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10: 25-37 (NIV)
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Luke 10: 38-42 (NIV)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10: 38-42 (NIV)
So, what’s it going to take?
What’s it going to take for you to make time for yourself so you can draw close to Jesus
What’s it going to take for you to make time for your family?
What’s it going to take for you to make time for your friends, or others at work or along your road to Jericho?
What’s it going to take for you to make time for Jesus before you run out of time.