"What would you be doing right now if Jesus were standing in the room or sitting in the car with you? Would if be something different from what you’re doing right now perhaps? Maybe you would even be embarrassed or shamed if He were to see how carelessly you’re spending your time today.
Well guess what. Jesus is present with you right this moment right where you are. He knows how you’re planning to spend today. If you’re on the right track, that’s a comforting thought. The one who created you, and gave you this day to live, is going through the day with you, and helping you to make the most of it.
On the other hand, if your plans for the day are not in line with God’s will, realizing and consciously practicing the presence of God can be a great motivator to make the changes needed to experience God’s best.
Remember, practicing the presence of God will make you redeem the time.
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"Do you enjoy waiting in line at the post office? Probably about as much as you enjoy talking to a telemarketer at supper time right?
Well then, why do you still do it? If you’re making trips to the post office because you are sending oversize mail that has to be weighed, you should invest in a small postal scale. They cost less than $10 at any office supply store and they can tell you exactly how many extra stamps you need. Just buy a roll of extra ounce stamps and keep them on hand.
While you’re at it, pick up some other mailing supplies such as flat rate envelopes and the stamps that go with them. Keep a good supply of them so you don’t have to run to the post office in a crunch.
When Solomon extolled the ant in Proverbs, one of its positive characteristics was the way it made provision ahead of time. Remember, planning ahead is a good way to redeem the time.
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"It takes about 63 feet of wire to make a Slinky. It also takes about 63 seconds to write a post card. That’s one reason why you should keep a stack of post cards at your desk.
When you write someone a letter, you have to make it a respectable length, fold the letter properly, put it in an envelope, seal it and stamp it. The process makes writing a letter a more time consuming task than you can handle right now, so you just don’t do it.
Instead buy a stack of pre-stamped post cards from the post office and stamp your return address on the whole stack at once. Then, when you want to send someone a note of encouragement, zip one out and be done with it in 63 seconds.
Post cards are a good way to encourage your pastor or Sunday school teacher, or to keep in touch with old friends and relatives. They’re quick and easy and a good way to redeem the time.
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"Author Wesley Duewel wrote the following poem called, “Invest Your Life for God”:
Invest your time for eternity;
Invest your life for the life to be
Forever gone are the hours you’ve lost.
Don’t waste your life; count again the cost
Your money place in the Savior’s hand;
It’s only safe when on heaven’s strand.
You never lose what you give to God,
But lose all else when beneath the sod.
Invest your work in the Savior’s plan;
Work hard for God and His will for man.
Don’t count the hours that you toil and plod-
You’ll reap again all you do for God.
Don’t waste your life for a passing joy;
Don’t sell your soul for a fragile toy.
Give till it hurts; give your very blood-
You live but once; live all out for God.
That beautiful piece of poetry expresses well the great rewards awaiting those who redeem the time.
From Measure your life 1992 Zondervan.
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