Encouragement 08-31-04

 

August 31, 2004
Encouragement for Today

My Day-Timer
Ramona Davis, Member of the Proverbs31 Speaker Team, certified P31 speaker

Key Verse:

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God. My times are in Your hand;" Psalm 31: 14, 15 (NKJV)


Devotion:

Here I am, ready to begin my quiet time and talk to the Creator of the Universe. But today my quiet time is not so quiet. My mind is bombarded with everything I need to accomplish today. In my heart, I am on my knees in a holy position to praise, worship, and listen. But in my head, I am writing my "To Do" list! I am so ashamed. It isn't the first time this has happened.

I wanted to run and hide from God. I mean, how could I dare be going through the motions but rush to get up as if He didn't know what was going on in my heart? In my shame, I sensed His presence and He wasn't angry. He wanted to help.

I prayed, "Lord, forgive me. How do I allow the busyness of my day to come between my heart and Yours? Please help me. You know everything I need to accomplish." There it was, my answer... He knows everything I need to accomplish!

Years ago when I worked in banking, I purchased a Day-Timer to help me organize my appointments, responsibilities and contacts. I no longer forgot important meetings and deadlines. I had the names and phone numbers of all my important contacts at my fingertips. My Day-Timer was so specific that I could plan my day in 30-minute intervals. It was a lifesaver - except for the days I mistakenly left it at home. I even jokingly referred to my Day-Timer as my "other bible".

Yes, I had received a great revelation! Jesus knows exactly what I need to accomplish so why not consult Him. My prayer changed from "Forgive me, Lord" to "Thank you, Lord." I asked Him to be my Day-Timer!

I need His agenda to be the agenda I follow each day. I need Him to prioritize my day. He alone knows what lies ahead in the twenty-four hours that are before me.
One problem with my schedule was unrealistic expectations of what I could even accomplish in one day. At the end of the day, I was frustrated and discouraged. When I began to pray this prayer each day, I was ecstatic to know it really works! He shows me what is really important and necessary. He even shows me when to do what. He has weeded out activities that I do not need to be involved in. I can see more clearly His divine appointments that used to appear in my day as major interruptions. He has shown me what my time-wasters really are.

He wants to be your Day-Timer too.

First, pray that He show you His agenda for the day. I often make a list in the evening listing all the things that come to my mind for the next day. List everything you think you need to accomplish.

The next morning pray over your list asking Him to show you what you need to eliminate.

Listen carefully to His leading as He instructs you each day. Often times He rearranges my priorities into a schedule that doesn't really make sense to me.

Be obedient. At first, it was hard for me to release my expectations of what I needed to accomplish each day to Him. The more I obeyed the easier I submitted my time to Him.

Since I have allowed Him to be my Day-Timer, my days are more purpose driven and organized. I feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. I no longer am burning the candle at both ends. I have submitted my time to the One Who is Timeless.

Our time really is in His hands. Reaffirm your complete dependence on the Lord and allow Him to be your Day-Timer.


My Prayer for today:

Dear Lord, Please help me release each minute into Your All-Knowing hands. I need You to be my Day-Timer. You alone know what my day should consist of. Lead me to trust you with every minute of my life.  Show me clearly the difference between the things that are wasting time and the things that are divine appointments created by You. Amen


Application Steps:

Make a list of all you think you need to accomplish tomorrow. Pray before you go to bed that He will direct your thoughts and actions clearly the next day.

Be faithful to do this each day for 30 days. You will be amazed at the difference in your days.


Reflection Points:

Do I trust God with my "To Do" List?

Do I rush through my days with no plan or purpose?

What are the "interruptions" in my days that could be "divine appointments" from God?


Power Verses:

In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

His compassions are new each morning. Lamentations 5:23 (NIV)

Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 (NLT)

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD,
have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10 (NKJV)


Additional Resources:

The Power of a Simple Life by Mary Southerland
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/simpleset.html

P31 Woman Magazine
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/p31woman.html


 

Originally published Tuesday, 31 August 2004.

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