02/08/2025 Generous: Redeeming the Days     Ephesians 5:15-17

Big Idea: The way you spend your time determines the direction of your life.

Sometimes we live as if we have an unlimited amount of time to live. We need to spend more time being with Jesus (think Mary), and less time doing for Him (think Martha).

When it comes to time in our lives:

1. Wisdom shows up in how you spend your time. (v 15) Does God actually care about out time the same way He cares about our money? Our lives need to reflect our relationship with Jesus. The life you live tomorrow is being shaped by the time you steward today.

2. Time isn’t owned, it’s entrusted. (v 16) The time we are given to live is valuable, we need to be wise in how we choose to spend it. See Psalm 90:12.

3. God’s direction becomes clearer when your time is ordered. (v 17) Is your schedule crowding out God’s voice?  See Mark 1:35. 

If God is first in your life, He’ll be first on your calendar.

Wisely stewarding the time entrusted to me means I:

1. Put God first on your calendar. (Matthew 6:33) The Creator of the universe wants to be in a relationship with each one of us as individuals.

2. Practice Sabbath and margin. Can you commit one day a week to connect with God, and let the world spin by? 

3. Be fully present where you are. We don’t need new priorities, we need new attention. Presence is one of the most generous gifts you can give.

4. Learn to say “no”. What is your “yes” costing you in your relationship with God?

Information -> Application -> Transformation