Time Management

January 7, 2007

I.            STEWARDSHIP EMPHASIS

II.            PROVERBS 24:30-34

III.            THE BASICS

A.   DETERMINE YOUR PRIORITIES

1.     Matthew 6:33f

   But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

2.    Marshal Shelley, The Healthy Hectic Home

It had been a full day, and I was almost late for my evening swim. Pleased with my first athletic success (I was able to write my number of laps on the public record board!), I was eager for as much time in the pool as possible. Jim was running late for a church appointment.

We were relieved that our two children were ready to go and were quietly listening to music. As we hurriedly changed clothes, Peter came into our room with tears trickling down his cheeks.

“That song is making me cry,” he said.

Jim mumbled something to the effect of “Oh, that’s too bad,” as he slipped past Peter and hurried out the door.

“Peter, I’m going to be late! Go back to the living room and wait,” I said. But when his small form was gone, I started wondering if perhaps something was happening that was more important than swimming laps. So I called him back into the bedroom.

“Why is the song making you cry, Peter?” I asked.

“Well, it’s the song about ‘In my life, Lord, be glorified,’” Peter sobbed, “and I just have a feeling like I want to be that way.”

A thrill ran through me as I tipped up his face and looked into his eyes.

“Do you mean you want to glorify God in your life, like the song says?” When he nodded, I hugged him to me, grateful to God for not letting me ignore my son. Peter needed me to direct him to God, as Eli had done for Samuel. We prayed together, and Peter told God that he loved him and wanted to serve him. That evening we had a profoundly contented little boy at our house — and two very thankful parents.

But we almost missed it. Our adult priorities almost kept us from responding to Peter when he needed us. Since that time, I have tried to be better prepared to listen and to help.

B.    DON’T WASTE TIME

1.     Proverbs 12:3

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

2.    Time Killers (TV, etc.)

C.    PLAN TIME

1.     Luke 14:28

 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?

D.   MAKE TIME COUNT

1.     Don’t Just Count Time or Mark Time

2.    Make the Time God Has Given You Count!

3.    Proverbs 20:4

The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;

he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

IV.            THE BEST TIME MANAGER EVER:JESUS

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ch. 28:19

[ch. 19:24]