MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME
Use It or Lose It - Part 2
June 20-24, 2005

Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 (NLT)

What is the most valuable thing you have while you're here on earth? It's not money or possessions, but your time. Time is the one thing that once you have lost it, you cannot get it back. Unfortunately, you can't make more of it. So if you want to make your life count, you must get control of your time. What really matters, however, is not the duration of your life, but the donation of your life for God's purposes. Don't waste another moment. God can teach you to make the most of your time so that you may grow in wisdom and serve Him more effectively. To help you on your journey, we will look at five principles you can use to take and keep control of your time. They're as easy as ABCDE. Well, almost. We will then look at four ways you can challenge yourself personally to grow over the next 3 months: intellectually, physically, relationally and spiritually. With God's help, you can do it!

MONDAY

1. TIME MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

[Your Objective: Learn and choose to apply these five principles of time management to enable us to truly live for God.]

ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY TIME.

According to Galatians 6:5, for what is each person responsible?

  • Why is personal responsibility important? What are some of the consequences of not accepting personal responsibility?

In Proverbs 22:13, what does the lazy person do?

  • What excuses might we use to avoid accepting responsibility?
  • How can avoiding responsibility ultimately keep us from living God's purposes for our lives?

BELIEVE GOD WILL HELP ME IF I TRUST HIM.

From Philippians 4:13, who gives us strength and for what is it given?

  • Why is it often difficult to believe God will help us? Why do you think God wants to strengthen us?
  • As we face various troubles and trials, in what ways does Christ strengthen us?
  • In what ways is faith in God important for success? Why is faith essential to pleasing God?

CLARIFY WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT.

In Proverbs 17:24, how is a fool described versus a wise person?

  • If we don't prioritize our values and plan ahead, what tends to happen to our time?
  • If we aim our actions wisely on what is important to God, what things could we spend less time on?

In Job 34:3-4, what does it say that we must first know or learn?

  • If we identify what is good in God's eyes, on what areas in our lives would we spend more time?
  • How does clarity about what is important enable us to live lives that demonstrate our love and commitment to God?
  • Why is clarity about what is most important vital to demonstrating our love for God?

TUESDAY

DON'T WAIT TO BEGIN.

According to Ecclesiastes 11:4, what would happen if one watches and waits for perfect conditions?

  • What are the consequences of waiting for a better time to start fixing our lives or obeying God?
  • Even when the time didn't seem right, what great results have you seen when one obeys God's?
  • What does it take to obey God when we see obstacles before us?

ENLIST A SPIRITUAL PARTNER.

What does Ecclesiastes 4:9 say is better than the work of one?

  • What tends to happen when we try to manage life on our own?
  • What spiritual benefits can another person bring to our growth?

Worship (Magnification) - Using our time to glorify and honor God with our lives is a life of worship. Evaluate how you spend your time. In order to live this kind of life we must intentionally assume responsibility for our time and trust God to help us clarify what is important. Begin by reviewing the points above. Ask God to reveal what is missing and keeping you from honoring Him with your life. Don't wait! Next week, share with the group or your spiritual partner the outcome of your determination.

WEDNESDAY

2. HOW WILL I USE THIS SUMMER (OR NEXT THREE MONTHS)?

[Your Objective: Make a determined decision to grow intellectually, physically, relationally, and spiritually in the next 90 days.]

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and favor with people.

Luke 2:52 (NIV)

INTELLECTUAL GROWTH.

To prosper or find good, what does Proverbs 19:8 direct us to do?

  • What specific things can one do to master a subject or skill one is interested or talented in?
  • What distractions can cause a person to lose focus on mastering a desired goal?

According to Proverbs 19:27 what happens if one stops learning or listening to instructions?

  • What happens to talents or skills we have not used in awhile?
  • What motivates a person to continue mastering a task or talent that can be used for God's purposes?

PHYSICAL GROWTH.

According to 1 Corinthians 6:19, what is our body?

  • What are some ways one should treat God's temple? How should one treat "borrowed" property?

What does 1 Corinthians 6:20 say one should do with their body?

  • How do we honor our bodies? How do we dishonor our bodies?
  • What are some ways we can honor God with our bodies?
  • How can a healthy body benefit other aspects of growth? How can an unhealthy body keep us from doing God's work?

THURSDAY

RELATIONAL GROWTH.

In Philippians 1:9, what does Paul pray for the believers at Philippi to receive more of?

  • Why is it important for love to grow in order for relationships to grow?

What does Romans 12:13 tell us to practice?

  • What keeps some people from showing hospitality? What can overcome these obstacles?
  • How does inviting guests into our home help us become more like Christ?
  • Why can hospitality help restore a relationship and aid in forgiveness?

SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

What characteristics of Jesus does 2 Peter 3:18 tell us to become acquainted with?

  • How does being acquainted with the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ help us become more like Him?

What are we to make the most of and understand according to Ephesians 5:15-17?

  • How does wisdom help us to make the most of every opportunity? What can help us to know God's will?
  • How can knowing the will of the Lord help a person avoid making foolish or costly mistakes?

Read Jeremiah 8:20. What had not yet happened?

  • How can procrastination keep us from achieving the spiritual growth we desire? What can change this pattern?
  • How does evidence of spiritual growth relate to the depth of a person's relationship with God?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Jesus is the perfect model for spiritual growth. We all need to grow in the four areas listed in Luke 2:52 like Jesus did. NOW is the best time to plan what you will to do with your life in the next three months. Take some time to set one goal in answer to each of these four questions. What do I want to learn? How can I improve my health? How can I develop stronger relationships? How will I deepen my trust in God? Remember SMART goals are Specific, Motivational, Attainable, Relevant, and Trackable. Commit to revisiting your goals three months from now to see the changes that have come about because you took a few minutes to plan your future according to God's will.

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Realize time is the most precious gift God gives us and He gives us guidance to spend our time wisely.]

How will you make the most of your time in the next three months and for the rest of your life? Use the five principles - Assume, Believe, Clarify, Don't wait, and Enlist - to help you determine where God wants you to invest your time for the purpose of His Kingdom. Then take the first steps to putting these principles into action by identifying four growth opportunities you can accomplish in the next ninety days. Ask yourself "What is the one thing that will make the biggest difference in my life?". Maybe you should being with what you have been putting off; you may find they are the same. Spend some time with God to determine His plan to help you accomplish this change and how He wants you to use your time for His glory.