Redeem the Time…
“Teach us to make the most of our time…” (Psalm 90:12)
“Make the most of every opportunity for doing good…” (Ephesians 5:16)
“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” (Proverbs 27:1)
As my wife and I have fervently prayed and fasted into this New Year of 2025 for God’s guidance, I feel compelled by God’s Holy Spirit to “Redeem the Time” more than ever before. As I imagine many of you can attest with me, 2024 seemed to fly by so very quickly in retrospect. Now, we are nearly one month into 2025 already.
For 2025, do you have a specific inkling, verse, word, or goal from the Lord for this year on which to focus? If not, pray for God to reveal one to you. Then, I encourage you – as I was taught – to do 3 simple things.
- Write it Down.
- Start it Now.
- Review/re-read it Weekly.
Write it Down. Something tangible happens when we take pen to paper and write down our dreams, goals, or Scriptures. They seem to become more concrete and attainable, and the written copy itself helps keep you accountable to your new focus. “Write down the revelation and make it plain…Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:2,4)
Next, Start it Now. Sometimes the most difficult part of a task is simply getting started. My father used to say something like, “Getting started is half done.” Whether it is registering for college or tackling a project, once you get the ball rolling, its movement can motivate you to keep it rolling. As I learned in my engineering studies, “An object in motion tends to stay in motion…” (Isaac Newton). Overcoming the resistance from that initial inertia can often be the biggest roadblock.
Lastly, re-read and Review it Weekly. Place the slip of paper in the front of your Bible, in a journal, on a mirror, or on a cabinet – and then glance at it weekly to refresh its content in your mind on a regular basis. This will help keep the Scripture, goal, or dream alive and help orient your thinking and actions toward that end.
I pray these simple suggestions might help you further “Redeem the Time” this New Year as we strive to Life a Life of No Regrets.
Yesterday marked the 2nd anniversary of the day I helped carry my eldest brother’s coffin at his funeral in Kentucky. Dr. Paul Joseph Rogers was my roommate growing up (8 children in 3 bedrooms), and his all-too brief life of 67 years has impacted me ever more so to live life’s moments intentionally. We all miss him deeply, especially his bride and 6 children and grandchildren.
I thank God that only 4 days before Paul’s untimely death, God had prompted my wife and me to drive 5 hours to Louisville to visit him in the hospital where he was valiantly battling pancreatic cancer. Had we not redeemed the time, we might have missed that final moment and the “thumbs-up” he gave as we departed his hospital room for the last time. Little did we know Paul would breathe his final breath just 4 days later.
Similarly in 2008, just two weeks before my previous wife’s father (Jere) passed away of large-cell bone cancer in Kansas, my new family and I were ministering near Kansas City. We felt prompted to go visit Jere on a Sunday afternoon – and Redeem the Time. Thank God we did. Inga was able to meet Jere and his wife Judy, along with Melissa’s brother and family. It was a sacred moment, indeed. Little did we know Jere would take his last breath only 14 day later.
Often, when we ponder death, it helps us put life in proper perspective. Every death and funeral remind us just how fragile life is, and how essential it is to “Redeem the Time” indeed. As an elderly couple I met in Ohio at a Ministry Visit taught me, “When you wake up, get up! When you get up, do something worthwhile.”
So put into motion those dreams and goals which God has impressed upon you. Bring those Scripture verses from the Bible to life in your home. Spend time with your family. Turn off the screen and tune into your spouse, children, and grandchildren instead. Share that banana split or ice-cream sundae with your loved-one and make a memory. “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” (Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
Bottom line: “Redeem the Time”! You will never regret it.