Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Every Minute Counts

Every Minute Counts

Last week I wrote a devotional called, “Worth It All.” Little did I know that this WednesdayI would be doing a funeral for John Putnam who was only 57. John was a member of our church board so he probably felt obligated to read my devotional/blog that I send out each week. So last week John would have been reading the poem, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be, If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.” John didn’t know that was his last week. That is why we are to make every minute count.

John will be missed here at our church. He did so many things behind the scenes. He was in charge of scheduling people to cut our grass during the spring and summer. He would show up unannounced sometimes and spray the grass for weeds. I can remember working with him side-by-side as we installed the landscaping rock around the front of the church. I learned a lot from him that day since he was a brick layer by trade. We had a lot of good laughs. John will be sorely missed by this pastor.

Make every minute count. You never know when your last day will be. Be faithful with every breath the Lord gives you.

In Ephesians 5 there are some words of wisdom we need to apply to our life and live out. Look at the following verses:

Verse 1-2: Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Verse 8-11a: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness…

Verse 15-20: 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 

Making every minute count means living with a holy abandon to honor God with a holy passion. That means we must be intentional about our choices, taking care that we use our moments wisely as we live a life of holiness – different from the world around us because Jesus is living through us.

The funeral service of John Putnam will be happening today. We will be saying goodbye to his earthly vessel. But we know that we will see him again because Jesus is the victor. He has conquered death and the grave. Live a life of faith and put your whole heart in Christ so you can trust Him with all your days. It will make an eternal difference in your destiny and make an eternal impact in the lives of others.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike


www.findlayfirstnaz.org

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