“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15-16
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The clock is always ticking and time passes quickly. If we waste time on less important matters, then important stuff is neglected and we miss opportunities. When Moses Malone played basketball, he didn’t get distracted by complaining about people fouling him, he just went to work. He used his size, strength and speed to go straight to the basket to score, and straight to the basketball for rebounds. He didn’t waste time or energy and was a great professional basketball player for 19 years.
If we don’t start praying early in the day or set a time to pray, then we often go to bed without praying at all. In the Bible, the apostle Paul traveled long distances to preach and start new churches throughout the Roman Empire. Though he kept a fast-paced schedule, prayer was a priority. He spoke several times about making the most of our time, like in Ephesians 5:16: “… making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
When Moses led Israel, he did not trust in his own strength or smarts to lead the people. He went up on the mountain to seek God’s wisdom and power in order to know which way to go and what to do, and he relied on the Lord for success. “Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God” (Exodus 24:13).
When Joshua later took over leadership, he also looked to God through prayer daily. Therefore, the Lord blessed the people in many ways.
After King David went to Heaven, his son, Solomon, humbly sought God in prayer as he took the throne. As Solomon sought God’s guidance, the Lord brought peace and prosperity. “Behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you” (1 Kings 3:12).
When we pray with the right attitude, the Lord does more than we ask.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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