Freelance writer Lupie Riley 

Thought:  What does it mean to occupy our time?  In simpler terms it means to “stay busy.”

What should our focus be in how we spend our time?  As a Christian, it should be on things that count for the Lord.

1. FOCUS on the eternal. It’s hard to feel at peace when you focus on only short-term worries.
2. LET GO of what you can’t control. When something outside your control takes away your peace, it’s tempting to feel hopeless and angry.
3. FORGIVE others. Clean up your broken relationships.
4. REPENT and rely on Christ

Use your spiritual gifts to glorify God.  Find out what was imparted to you at the time of your Salvation.  What are you good at and what is your passions?

We are ambassadors for Christ.  You don’t have to depend on the pastor, deacon or Sunday school teacher to share the good news of the gospel with anyone, anywhere, anytime as the Holy Spirit leads.

We are royalty.  Remember we are children of the coming King and that makes us royalty.  Our conduct should be becoming of royalty. This can be accomplished by keeping our eyes on the King (Jesus) and obeying His Words.  Lost souls may have only you to lead them the way to eternal life and personal relationship with Jesus.  Is your life, their book, able to lead them to Christ?

This is what the word of God says about occupying our time:

“So be careful how you act; these are difficult days.  Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.  Don’t act thoughtlessly but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to (Eph. 5:15-17).”

“So my dear brothers (sisters), since future victory is sure, be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lords work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted as it would be if there were no resurrection ( I Cor. 15:58).”

“We try to live in such a way that no one will ever be offended or kept back from finding the Lord by the way we act, so that no one can find fault with us and blame it on the Lord.  In fact, in everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God (II cor. 6:3-4).”

By now we should know how to occupy our time.  In everything we do it should bring glory to the Lord for He is our Master and we were bought with a price.  Even the Apostles referred to Him as their Master, should we do any less.

Prayer:  Father God, remind me that I belong to the coming King and I’m royalty, very important in your eyes.  Help me to conduct myself in such a way I bring honor to your name.  Amen

Verse:  Psalms 34:12-14 “Do you want a long, good life?  Then watch your tongue!  Keep your lips from lying.  Turn from all known sin and spend your time doing good.  Try to live in peace with everyone; WORK hard at it.”

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com