WHAT'S NEXT

But you must continue in the things

which you have learned and been

assured of, knowing from whom you

have learned them,

and that from childhood you have

known the Holy Scriptures,  

which are able to make you wise

for salvation through faith which

is in Jesus Christ.

II Timothy 3:14,15

Time is a funny thing.  We live in every moment of it and rarely give it any attention.  About the only time we really notice time is when looking at our seasons, being late 

for an appointment, leaving on a long awaited trip or even supper ready when the family usually sits down to eat.  Time is important in music.  There isn't a piece of music worth anything if time is disregarded.  It just becomes a page full of notes that can't be interpreted in any way.  

We all use time in different ways.  The most important though are those times we inhale and exhale.  That's a vital part of time that we keep on breathing.  Our bodies have a way of letting us know some things about time.  When a child, there is the desire to grow taller, and mature physically and every other way.  However in those days, we don't consider that growing process through time brings us to where we find ourselves to be aging parents and grandparents.  Time is wonderful for the human body but for some of us who have used up alot of time, it shows in the form of wrinkles, bifocals, slow in step, pain in the joints....it all and more goes with the territory.

Time, however, in spiritual terms can take on a different look.  Spiritual growth depends on each individual child of God.  It doesn't necessarily mean that when a Christian has been a child of God for twenty five years, that they are spiritually mature in that scope of years.  We all have had friends and family members who have known Christ as Savior since childhood but who haven't matured much beyond that in spiritual years.

In facing a new year, i can't help but look back at the last fifty two weeks and wonder if I have grown in the Lord as I should have.  This kind of growth is very personal...we can't ride on the spiritual coat tails of others.  Do I know Jesus better, love Him more, serve Him faithfully and live to bring Him honor and glory on a daily basis?  There's always more to be done, but I pray I will be more aware of the importance of time in everyday living, to make the most and best of it with my Heavenly Father at the helm of my life.  If we aim for spiritual growth in coming days, time will tell and God will be glorified.

I thank You Father for the time You have given me to enjoy so many phases of life.  Best of all is having You in my life 24/7.  May I make good use of whatever time You choose to give me in days to come.  I want You honored and glorified in my life, no matter the time.  I so love You in it all....in Jesus' name....Amen