Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 19!

Hard to believe that it is already October 1st.  I wouldn't know it, but for the weather change!  In this little valley the weather goes from hot and dry to windy, rainy, and and array of color overnight.  I can't complain much.  I love all the beautiful trees here in the fall.  They are painted with reds and oranges and every color in between.  Plus I love to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book and have me some peaceful quiet time if I can find it!  (Five kids makes that a little rare.)  This afternoon I happen to be home with a sick son, so I am soaking in the down time while I make sure he is as comfortable as possible.

I knew a couple of days ago which verses I was going to memorize for the first half of October.  I was reading a passage for my Bible Study and they just jumped off the pages at me.  I've looked them up in several versions, but my favorite translation to sit down and study with, NASB, used the actual word "time" in it, so I chose that wording to memorize.  Here's a photo of my handy dandy spiral notebook with my memory verses in it...

 

 

Making the most of your time...

 

I can't tell you how many times I have thought to myself, even today, how there's not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished that is on my list!  These verses really spoke to me in a powerful way.  I was moved to look at exactly where my time DOES go during the day and evaluate what might be changed for the better.  Let's just say that if I were going to do a series on this blog, it would definitely NOT be on time management.  I often feel like I'm running in circles with constant interruptions and distractions all around me.

 

The NIV version of these verses uses the words "making the most of every opportunity" in verse 16.  So the question here is "how do I use my time wisely?"  Well, looking a little further into this passage, Paul says in verse 17, "do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." There it is.  The good, perfect, pleasing will of the Lord.  Now I could probably write on THIS topic for hours...but I don't have time!  *Grin*

  

Instead, allow me to share three little instructions that I know are God's will for each and every one of us as Christ followers.  

 

Rejoice.

Pray.

Give Thanks.

 

I only put them in that order because that's how they appear in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Each of these instructions are equally important in the life of a believer.

 

How does this all tie back into my memory verse and making the most of my time?  Well, that's easy.  Practicing those three little things on a daily basis helps me to understand what the will of God is.  And when I understand what the will of the Lord is, then I am able to make the most of my time, no matter how my day might unfold.

 

So there you have it.  That's what God is working on in my life right now.  He reminds me to take time for a little RPGT whenever I feel overwhelmed with the details of my calendar or to-do list.  Because He is so faithful to meet us right where we are.

 

Here's to a great October!

-Melissa