Time is a gift from God to man; therefore, we must not waste it. Moses writes in a prayer to God: “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NLT). Paul exhorts the believers in Ephesus: “Make the most of your time, for the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).  Here, the apostle reminds us we live in a sin-sick world.

The very best use of any day is to spend time with Almighty God. In the current frenetically-paced, hyper-speed culture we live in, it is absolutely essential that we daily remove ourselves from it. Your heart was meant to beat with God’s heart, not the arrhythmic, congested, clot-prone heart of American life! In Psalm 46:10 the Lord says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” When was the last time you were truly still? I’m not talking about “forced” stillness through sickness but chosen stillness. This meditative, reflective time with the Almighty is Great-Physician recommended therapy! David wrote of God: “You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). Again David sings: “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:7). If you expect quick “sound bites” with God – you may be gone before He shows up! It is possible that the “get it now” generation may find it difficult to relate to a God who would rather talk than text!

Slow the Pace!

We must figure out a way to slow the pace enough to meet God on His terms. We tend to be more in a hurry than He is. The demands of every day have a way of sucking the life out of time with the author of both life and time! To do things differently this year probably requires breaking bad habits and starting new ones.

Harness the Energy!

The devil loves speed and noise, Facebook, Twitter, iPods, and video games – He is the Master Distracter and he loves anything that will keep us from serious time with his Arch Rival! Who of us is good at keeping modern technology from running and ruining our lives? Sure, we can harness the power of modern innovation for God’s glory and our good. However, like nuclear energy, both good and evil are possible outcomes of its use.

Prepare a Plan!

Plan regular times to be still before God this year. Cozy up to God’s Word like a child in its Father’s loving arms! I promise that you will not regret it. In fact, if you choose to discipline yourself to get alone with the Prince of Peace, and blessed Supplier of all your deepest needs, you can be assured of the most heart-healthy, Christ-honoring year you have ever had. If we cherish the gift of time, we will make the best use of it.

John Wallace Miller

The trip many of us recently took to Rocky Point was a very rewarding (and safe) time. As 77 of us constructed buildings from the ground up over a three-day period, we witnessed the onlooking, joyful smiles of the families who had been chosen to occupy and own these new dwellings. What a gift they were about to receive. These new structures will be their greatest earthly investment and deeply cherished. On our last day, Sunday, we all gathered in a circle, handed these eager tenants the keys, and offered a prayer for them. What a joyous occasion! Each precious family made a meal for us in appreciation – mmm, mmm good! Guess what these families did the minute we drove away? They welcomed neighbors over! When a new house is built, it is customary to invite extended family, friends, and neighbors over to celebrate and experience this grand and glorious gift.

This December, think of the blessing it would be to others for you to open up your house so they might enjoy the gift you have been given. Perhaps a Friday dinner/potluck or maybe inviting someone to church and then over to your place for a little grill action.  Do you know there are around a 1000 refugees in Tucson living in rented housing – some with only the bare necessities? Some have never seen a house as nice as yours, and many come from poverty-stricken areas. Do you know that MentorKids USA has a young girl or boy (or two) just waiting to experience the hospitality of a warm loving family? When you think about it, there is the widow who lost her husband or the single mom down the street who are not all that excited about experiencing a “different” kind of Christmas this year. Then there is that person currently living alone who would cherish time with you and your children. Or consider the elderly couple who is not up to entertaining others any more but would love to be a part of an event in your home. Ideas of who to have over can go to infinity and beyond!

The Lord has blessed us with our residences – they are a gift. Where a house becomes a home – warmth and love reside. You may have what others may not have. You may enjoy what others wish they could experience. This Christmas season open up your home and share your blessing with others. You will brighten their day and bless their lives as you invite them to enjoy what God’s AMOR has graciously given you!

“Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:13

Sherie Gray – tucsonrefugeeministry.com

Don McNeil – mentorkidsusatucson.org

Phil Alderink – International Students – (InterVarsity) alderink@u.arizona.edu

The family next door, the one God has been placing on your heart – I don’t have their contact information.

John Wallace Miller