A close, but much younger friend of mine had a continuous battle with the age-old time factor, i.e. never having enough of it! Overall, he managed his time well. However, he frequently complained that his personal relationship time with the Lord in prayer, praise, worship, and reading God's Word was almost non-existent. Over a long period of time, I saw his desire, his much struggle, and his failure to enjoy a daily time with his Lord and Saviour.

Many Christians may identify with this young man's dilemma: balancing time looking after his family, home, and the many other commitments vital to survival.

My earthly father expressed this statement often: "If things don't change, they'll stay as they are. There are 24 hours in every day, 7 days in every week, 4 or 5 weeks in every month, and 12 months in every year. Time doesn't grow, stretch, or suddenly become more. What time does do, is pass! Days pass. Weeks pass. Months pass. Years pass. How we choose to use our time is what our lives become! We make our choices; then our choices turn around and make us."

Profound, and true!

Ephesians 5:15-16 – Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)

When we make time with Jesus, He keeps us in His way and gives us days of happiness instead of stress. He gives us confidence, peace, and joy as we talk to and listen to Him. This sweet communion is food; it fills any emptiness and grows our faith and love. It is the key to heavenly happenings here on earth.

I'm happy to say my young friend's desire for daily time with the Lord came to fruition when he began to just stop what he was doing, to talk to God about anything and everything.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 – "For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." (NASB)

Now my friend has found his own regular time. Also, we often have a time of praying and sharing together.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You promise so much to us for so little of our time. Please help us to keep a daily appointment of communion with You, our King of kings. Show us when we should say "No," so we may say "Yes" to greater things. Please help us to see that all we place in Your caring hands will never be lost, misplaced, or forgotten. In Jesus our Christ's lovely name we pray. Amen and Amen.

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