making the best of your time

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

James 4:14 says, “…What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.“ There are times in our life where we reflect and think about how fast life goes by. The older you get, the more you experience this thought!

In one of David’s intimate times with the Lord we see him reflecting on this thought and sorting out what is really important in life from what’s not! Psalm 39:4-7 NLT, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth for someone else to spend. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you…”

There will be times and ages to come in your life where you will reflect how fast life goes by. In those moments, God wants us to focus on what is truly important. He wants to remind us that the things we often give too much importance to, mock us later when we discover that they weren’t. They distract us from the plan of God.

Renee and I frequently try often to reflect on what’s important and what we believe God wants us to accomplish in our time here on earth. By doing so, we sort out priorities from distractions and get focused on what’s important. When we do that, we strengthen our love for each other and our marriage, and strengthen our purpose in life serving God.

Our lives are dedicated to finding ways to help people learn of Jesus’ saving grace and of the depth of His love for them. Getting off track is not an option. As Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) says, “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

We will count our days reflecting on the big picture so that we can do our best to stay in the will of God. We want our life to count for Him. We want to encourage others to discover why He put them on this earth so that they also can be saved, given eternal life, and learn to live purpose-driven lives.

And lastly, don’t forget that serving the Lord carries eternal rewards! Mark 9:41 (NLT2) “If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.” If you haven’t figured out how fast life goes by yet, I promise you, you will! Life on earth goes so very fast. Eternity for Jesus will last forever. Being an extension of His love in this earth can and in many cases will affect other’s lives forever. Understand that, adjust your life accordingly, and you will honor God and bless others and yourself, for all eternity.

Psalms 86:11 (NLT) “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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