God is the Master Builder of My Life

1. Time Management

Key Scripture:

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. (Psalm 39:4, NLT)

Thoughts:

'Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time… Your time is your life.' – Rick Warren

The older I get, the more I realise how precious time is and how fleeting life can be. We tend to look back on past memories, reminiscing and sometimes dwelling on them as the 'good old days'. At the same time we eagerly await the future and all the big plans we have, but rarely do we embrace the present, the 'now moments'. It is the now moments that make the past memories so precious and our future dreams a reality. We're all given the same 24 hours but the outcome of our day depends on how we choose to use each one.

Notice how Jesus always used His now moments wisely. Often surrounded by crowds, daily followed by His disciples and analysed by religious teachers, yet He always made time for God (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Matthew 6:33). This happened to be in solitude in the early hours, when there were no distractions, no noise and no people – just Him and God. He made it His priority to manage His time: time for teaching, time for people and time for God.

Make time for God. Don't give Him your leftovers, your remaining time or the end of your day. Instead, give Him your first and your best. Give Him your full attention and make Him a priority. Time is a valuable, precious gift and once you've spent it you can never get it back.

Reflections:

• How could I spend more time devoted to God?
• Are there things I could sacrifice or remove to allow room for Jesus?
• Does how I spend my time show that I live for God?
• Do I give God enough of my time each day?

Prayer Points:

• Seek His Kingdom and His will above your own desires.
• Use time wisely: specifically on God.
• Make room for God in your busy schedule.
• Learn to rest in His presence and be still.

Further Scriptures:

Ephesians 5:15-17; James 4:14; Proverbs 27:1; Isaiah 55:6; Ephesians 2:10

2. Thoughts

Key Scripture:

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5, NLT)

Thoughts:

If you continuously snack on junk food eventually you will get full, but it won't be on the good stuff. You won't feel full for very long and your body certainly won't be thanking you for the unhealthy treats. This is what we tend to do with our mind. We fill it with negative thoughts; thoughts from the world, thoughts from ourselves, thoughts from the enemy, and then it becomes full. It damages our mind and then our heart, which in time begins to affect our life. We have gone and filled ourselves with thoughts that are not from God.

The Bible says to combat this by 'taking every thought captive'. Don't allow those thoughts to fester, to grow and to take root. Take them captive before the seed turns into a plant that produces bad fruit. Submit your thoughts to God in prayer (2 Corinthians 4:18) because once the enemy's got your mind, he's got you! Ask God to transform your mind and the way you think, and then focus your eyes on the unseen.

Give yourself a healthy meal, one that fills you up and nourishes your body. Do this by feasting on God's Word. Soak in His presence. Bow down at His feet and worship His holy name. Take your attention off yourself and focus on God. Allow Him to transform your old ways of thinking because once God's got your mind, He's got you!

Reflections:

• What does setting my eyes on Jesus mean? How would this help take my thoughts captive?
• What areas of my thought life need restoration?
• What is a recurring toxic thought that I need to take captive?
• Are there things that I watch or listen to that are affecting my thoughts?

Prayer Points:

• Ask God to cleanse your mind by going deeper in His Word.
• Ask God to help you fight your battles in worship and prayer.
• Ask God to guard and protect your mind.
• Ask God to help you get rid of the thoughts that are causing destruction.

Further Scriptures:

Colossians 3:2; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Isaiah 26:3

3. Emotions

Key Scripture:

Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1, NLT)

Thoughts:

Have you ever read a bunch of psalms in one sitting and experienced the whirlwind of King David's emotions? One chapter he's up, next chapter he's down. One page he’s praising God, next page he's questioning His existence. One paragraph starts off in dismay and despair, next paragraph ends in praise and victory.

Do you ever have days like that? It starts off so well, singing – dancing and smiling away – but then you receive some bad news or someone says something that changes your day. It affects your attitude, your emotions and then your behaviour. We let our emotions not only control our day, but control our perspective, our conduct and our response.

David was human and honest. He never denied what he felt, but he always took his emotions to God. We live in a world where we are led by our emotions as if they are a guide, a map or a compass. But the problem with emotions is that they are temperamental, influenced by our thoughts, our day, our circumstances and even the people around us. Emotions don't have to be denied but they do have to be controlled and surrendered to God, otherwise they could lead you down the wrong path.

King David poured his emotions out to God. He fought his battles through worship and prayer. He turned to the one that gives everlasting peace. He knew that ultimately his strength and joy came from the Lord, despite how he felt. Yield your emotions to God today.

Reflections:

• Are emotions controlling my moods and behaviour?
• How is rejoicing a choice? What does it look like to rejoice in the Lord?
• How confident am I that God is in control?
• What emotions will I ask God to intervene in today?

Prayer Points:

• Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and that you would be led by Him and not your emotions.
• Ask for strength and peace to get you through the day.
• Ask God to restore your joy again.
• Pray for those who have hurt or wronged you.

Further Scriptures:

Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:105

4. The Church

Key Scripture:

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Matthew 16:18, NLT)

Thoughts:

When Jesus walked the earth over 2000 years ago, many doubted Him. Religious leaders ridiculed Him, unbelievers questioned Him and emperors persecuted Him. Yet here we are in 2021 still worshiping His name. What they tried to destroy failed because you cannot destroy our God or His plan. He trained up 12 unqualified and unknown men who went out and boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus and the church began to grow.

For years the church was persecuted, and it still is today. Yet the more the church is persecuted, the more believers begin to flourish. God shows up in His splendour and inspires Christians to rise up in faith and in boldness. Why? Because you cannot stop God's plan! Jesus said, 'I am building my church and the gates of hell will not prevail'. Take a moment to understand how powerful that statement is: The church belongs to Jesus; He is the one that builds it, therefore it cannot be destroyed or built my human effort or skill; and nothing can or will stop it. Wow!

The church has been attacked and criticised, but here we are as one body still standing strong. Not because of us or even our pastors, but because of Jesus. He is building His church and nothing can stop it. If He is building it and it won't be destroyed, I want to be a part of it. Don't you want to be part of the thing God is working in, building and using?

Reflections:

• How can I help the church flourish?
• What does church mean to me?
• How could God use me to bring glory to His name?
• Am I doing enough for His Kingdom?

Prayer Points:

• Ask for boldness to witness and evangelise.
• Ask to be used to fulfil God’s purpose in building the church.
• Ask for passion for God’s house.
• Ask to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly.

Further Scriptures:

Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 12:5

5. Finances

Key Scripture:

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

"They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever."

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:6-15, NLT)

Thoughts:

Jesus spoke about money and material possessions more than any other subject, including prayer. He always based His teaching on the assumption that all material things belong to God (Psalm 24:1). As Christians, we are therefore stewards – not owners – of everything God has given us, and we’re responsible to Him for how we use our possessions and what we do with our money.

In the above passage, the Apostle Paul reminds us that Jesus is God's inexpressible gift to us, resulting in God's surpassing grace. Our heart response should be cheerful generosity, not giving out of compulsion or legalism. One of the main ways we can show God that we genuinely trust Him is by putting Him and His church first with our tithes, firstfruits and offerings when looking at our monthly outgoings. In his book, 'The Blessed Life', Robert Morris discusses how our money and possessions are a daily test from God to show where our heart really is. Jesus said you cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6.24). The striking thing in this passage is the huge blessings that result from a lifestyle of cheerful generosity: building up the church, meeting the needs of others, and bringing glory to God. It’s a true delight to Him and allows Him to bless us so that we can bless others even more.

‘He calls to each one of us to minister to Himself in caring for the least of His brethren. We can only really help people when we impoverish ourselves, but in the end we are not losers. God will be in no man's debt. What we keep we lose; what we give is like scattered seed that comes back in bountiful harvests. Lay your heart against the heart of Christ, until you become filled with His love and spirit, and are content to call nothing your own. Be the steward of everything you possess for His glory and the help of others.’ – FB Myers

Reflections:

• Do I tithe?
• Is there something I need to change in how I spend my money?
• Are there more ways I can use my money and possessions to bless those in need?

Prayer Points:

• Thank God for His financial blessings in your life.
• Ask God to give you an increasing revelation of the principle of stewardship.
• Commit your finances to Him and ask His blessing and provision as you obey Him in this important area.

Further Scriptures:

Malachi 3:1-8; Matthew 6:19-21, 25-34; Mark 12:41-44; Proverbs 3:9-10; Luke 6:38; 1 Timothy 6:10; Philippians 4:19

6. Career

Key Scripture:

There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, "Please come as soon as possible!"

So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha." And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.

The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:36-42, NLT)

Thoughts:

History has many examples of Christian men and women who had illustrious, influential and even glorious careers in a secular environment. Some are well-known Bible characters like Joseph, David, and Daniel, others include politicians like William Wilberforce, who was instrumental in the abolition of the slave trade. Even today there is a group for Christian MPs from all political parties who meet regularly for prayer. In fact, on the floor of the central lobby of Parliament is Psalm 127:1: 'Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.'

Equally, there are many examples of Christian men and women who gave up opportunities for the sake of the Gospel, like famous missionaries Eric Liddell and CT Studd, who gave up lucrative careers in athletics and cricket respectively in obedience to Christ.

Through all these examples, the Bible teaches us that it is good to study hard and learn as much as we can (Daniel would have learnt languages, maths, science, etc. at the university of Babylon), however it is the 'career of our soul' that matters the most.

In the passage above, Dorcas' career was so important to God that when she died, He raised her from the dead so she could carry on doing it! Dorcas never travelled, never wrote a book, never appeared on a platform. She focussed on what she had, not what she didn't have and she didn't compare herself with others. She could make clothes, so she used that gift to build the church by making clothes for those in need. What a great example for us to follow!

Reflections:

• Am I thankful to God for my present job and do I honour God by doing my best?
• Am I using the time I have wisely?
• Am I focussed on using what I have to serve the church or am I preoccupied with what I don't have?
• Do I put God first when it comes to my career choices?

Prayer Points:

• Thank God for the job you have.
• Pray for a good attitude to your work and for God to use you in your workplace.
• Pray for God's direction to make the right career choices for His glory, for building the church and for your soul’s health.

Further Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 3:5-6; 12:27; 18.9; 18:15; 19:15, 24; 20:18; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Philippians 4:11-13; Matthew 6:19-21; Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 27:11

7. Future

Key Scripture:

Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me."

Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own."

Then he told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"'

"But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?'

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." (Luke 12:13-21, NLT)

Thoughts:

Jesus tells a story about a rich man making choices to plan his future. He makes his riches the source of his future security and happiness (my crop, my barn, my grain, my goods, my soul). Jesus' audience would have been aware that many hundreds of years before the prophet Isaiah had been used by God to warn their ancestors against the same disastrous way to plan for the future (Isaiah‬ ‭5:8)‬.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

In the parable, the rich fool realises he has made a lonely (and ultimately fatal) choice when he suddenly discovers that his soul and his wealth were not his but on loan from God who could demand the return of that loan at any time.

As He often did, Jesus told a story in answer to a question. The question that prompted this story was a young man who felt his future had been put on hold due to a personal injustice – his older brother had inherited their father's wealth and refused to share it with him.

Jesus wasn't in favour of injustice or against planning for the future, but He was making the point that the route to true security and contentment lies in a person – Him – and not in wealth (Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30).‬‬‬

At the end of his life, the Apostle Paul talked about his own devotion to Jesus Christ. Paul's joyful experience was that the most important thing in life, death and eternity was the reality of Jesus – both His presence and His Lordship (Philippians‬ ‭1:20-21‬)‬‬‬.

Reflections:

• Do I choose to serve God or money when I make life choices?
• Do I have an eternal perspective?
• Am I trusting in God for my future needs?
• Am I seeking advice from my church leaders before making important decisions?

Prayer Points:

• Ask God to deal with any pride and bitterness in your heart which is proving a barrier to your future.
• Tell God about your needs and your dreams.
• Praise God for your present blessings. Ask Him to show you more of Himself and bring rest and peace to your soul.

Further Scriptures:

James 5:1-3; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 11:24-25; Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:10; Ecclesiastes 8:6-8; John 10:28; John 14:1-3; Psalm 37:25; Philippians 4:19; Isaiah 26:3; Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 24:6; Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 42:1-2