Day 15 - PRINCIPLES OF EMPOWERMENT - How to Maximize Your Moments in Time
(Download the free PDF of the devotional book, "Principles of Empowerment" from www.NewCovenant.org
Ephesians 5:15-17 (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.
Taking advantage of opportunity is the purpose of God’s gift of time. Living life on purpose is the reason for living.
From Matthew Poole’s Commentary: Redeeming the time; or, buying the opportunity: is a metaphor taken from merchants, that diligently observe the time for buying and selling, and easily part with their pleasure for gain. It is the idea of a merchant who, knowing the value of an article and the good use to which he can put it, buys it up. “Because the days are evil”: The days of life in general are so exposed to evil, as to make it necessary to make the most of the seasonable opportunity so long as it lasts. These are days full of difficulties and dangers.
Through grace we seize the moments or opportunities ordained of God. Walk through the open door while it is open. Leonard Ravenhill wrote, “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.”
Jesus seized opportunity by “setting his face” to become our Savior: Luke 9:51, Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.
Time is the overall framework. Moments present opportunities for taking action. We maximize opportunities by taking action. “Maximize” means: “To increase to the greatest possible amount or degree; make the most of it.”
The time framework is like looking at a calendar. Moments are like selecting dates on the calendar to take action. Actions such as prayer, reading, studying, resting, working, meetings, writing, teaching, training, and every other fruitful action helps you maximize your time.
Here are some statements about time and opportunity to help develop a better mindset:
Time is a gift
Time is holy
Time cannot be replaced
Time makes you realistic and practical
Time reveals opportunity
Time moves in one direction only
You have less time than you realize
Time is a non-renewable resource
Time requires planning to be useful
Time is a small slice within eternity to fulfill God’s purpose
Times and seasons govern all activity
Time is a basis for good decisions
Reflection Question: What are 1-3 ways I can make better use of my time and opportunities?
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:
