*DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

*REDEEM THE TIME*

*BIBLE READING: JOB 14:1-6; LUKE 19:41-44*

*See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:16-18(NKJV).*

We live in an age where man is trying to stop the unstoppable - the onward march of time. Elongating life has become a high priority through trends like extreme fitness, age reversal supplements, and the likes. Fitness and healthy living are commendable but the mindset that through it someone can overcome death is not. Life is measured in time. Time, not money is the most precious possession. Time gives money value.

Job 14:1&5 (NKJV) says; *"Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble." "Since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass."* Seeing that our days on earth are fixed like the Northern star, we cannot presume on tommorow. We should therefore live with eternity in mind, thereby stewarding time like money - saving it, investing it, using it with wisdom and intentionality.

The way we throw away time on social media, television, and idle chatter is alarming. Someone observed that, "If people threw away their money as thoughtlessly as they throw away their time, we would think them insane. Yet time is infinitely more precious than money because money can't buy time."

Our earthly lives are so fixed that we cannot afford to play games with our time.The Psalmist was asking God for prudence in managing his time on earth when he said, *"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."* - Psalm 90:12(NKJV). If you do no know how to wisely use time, your purpose on earth will not be achieved. Your purpose was given to you with time allotted to it (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

In Luke 19:41-44, the people of Jesus day were not able to recognise their time of visitation, even though they had Abraham as their father, they could not take advantage of the coming of Jesus. And for that singular act, their city (family, business, ministry, relationships, etc.) experienced unimaginable destruction and desolation which could have been averted. Someone currently in your life can be an answer to your prayers. May you be wise enough to recognize your time of visitation! Your time of visitation can disguise itself, therefore, discernment may be required.

Our allotment of time is a special gift from God, to be used for kingdom purposes. In Ephesians 5:16-18, Apostle Paul charged the church to buy back time and not waste it, by making efficient use of it. Also, in Romans 13: 11-12, he said, *"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."*

*PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to manage my time and to strategically allot it for the activities that will advance your purpose on the earth.

*CONFESSION
I will keep being filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with melody in my heart to God who helps me to redeem time.