Living Intentionally: Seizing the Moment for God
Summary
In life, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle, forgetting that time is a precious and finite resource. Life is like a running clock, constantly moving forward without the option to pause or rewind. This reality calls us to live intentionally and purposefully, making the most of every moment. My father used to say that life is like a dollar bill—you only get to spend it once, so spend it wisely. This analogy serves as a reminder that our time on earth is limited, and we must use it to fulfill the promises and purposes God has for us.
When we look at the life of Joshua, we see a powerful example of living in the "now." The first word that stands out in Joshua's story is "now," emphasizing the importance of immediate action and seizing the opportunities God presents to us. Ephesians 1 tells us that God has already stored up everything we need in heavenly places. Our task is to draw down these blessings and make the most of our one shot at life. We are encouraged to live with urgency and intention, recognizing that the time to act is now.
Key Takeaways:
1. Life is a running clock, and we must live with urgency and purpose. There is no option to pause or rewind, so we must make the most of every moment, just as we would spend a dollar bill wisely. [00:13]
2. The story of Joshua teaches us the importance of acting in the present. The word "now" signifies the need to seize opportunities and fulfill God's promises in our lives without delay. [00:25]
3. Ephesians 1 reminds us that God has already prepared everything we need in heavenly places. Our responsibility is to draw down these blessings and live out our purpose with intention. [00:40]
4. We only get one shot at life, and it's crucial to live it fully and intentionally. By recognizing the finite nature of our time, we can focus on what truly matters and align our actions with God's will. [00:52]
5. Living in the "now" requires us to be present and attentive to God's guidance. By embracing the opportunities before us, we can fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. [00:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - The Running Clock of Life
[00:25] - Spend Your Life Wisely
[00:40] - Joshua's Example of "Now"
[00:52] - Drawing Down Heavenly Blessings
[01:05] - Living with Urgency and Purpose
[01:18] - Embracing God's Timing
[01:31] - Aligning with God's Will
[01:44] - The Importance of Being Present
[01:57] - Fulfilling Your Unique Calling
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:1-2 - "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.'"
2. Ephesians 1:3 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the analogy of life being like a dollar bill suggest about how we should approach our time on earth? [00:25]
2. How does the word "now" in Joshua's story emphasize the importance of immediate action? [00:40]
3. According to Ephesians 1, where has God stored up everything we need, and what is our responsibility regarding these blessings? [00:40]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of life as a "running clock" influence one's perspective on daily decisions and priorities? [00:13]
2. In what ways does Joshua's example of acting in the "now" challenge common attitudes towards procrastination and delay? [00:40]
3. How might understanding that God has already prepared everything we need in heavenly places change a person's approach to challenges and opportunities? [00:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you approach it with the urgency and purpose described in the sermon? How might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? [00:13]
2. Identify an opportunity in your life that you have been delaying. What steps can you take this week to act on it, following Joshua's example of living in the "now"? [00:40]
3. Consider the blessings God has stored up for you. How can you actively "draw down" these blessings in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to align your actions with God's will? [00:52]
4. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by the busyness of life. How can you remind yourself of the finite nature of time and refocus on what truly matters? [00:13]
5. What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to live more intentionally? How can you start making changes today to fulfill that calling? [00:52]
6. How can you ensure that you are present and attentive to God's guidance in your daily routine? What distractions might you need to minimize to better embrace the opportunities before you? [00:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Time is a Precious Resource
Life is a running clock, constantly moving forward without the option to pause or rewind. This reality calls us to live intentionally and purposefully, making the most of every moment. Just as one would spend a dollar bill wisely, we must use our time on earth to fulfill the promises and purposes God has for us. Recognizing the finite nature of our time helps us focus on what truly matters and align our actions with God's will. [00:13]
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel time slipping away? How can you intentionally prioritize this area to align with God's purpose for you today?
Day 2: Seize the Present Moment
The story of Joshua emphasizes the importance of acting in the present. The word "now" signifies the need to seize opportunities and fulfill God's promises in our lives without delay. Joshua's life is a powerful example of living in the "now," urging us to take immediate action and embrace the opportunities God presents to us. By living with urgency and intention, we can make the most of our one shot at life. [00:25]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: What opportunity has God placed before you that you have been hesitant to act on? How can you take a step of faith today to seize this moment?
Day 3: Drawing Down Heavenly Blessings
Ephesians 1 reminds us that God has already prepared everything we need in heavenly places. Our responsibility is to draw down these blessings and live out our purpose with intention. By recognizing that God has stored up all we need, we can live with confidence and assurance, knowing that we are equipped to fulfill His calling on our lives. [00:40]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one blessing you feel God has prepared for you that you have yet to fully embrace? How can you actively draw this blessing into your life today?
Day 4: Living Fully and Intentionally
We only get one shot at life, and it's crucial to live it fully and intentionally. By recognizing the finite nature of our time, we can focus on what truly matters and align our actions with God's will. Living with urgency and purpose allows us to embrace the opportunities before us and fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. [00:52]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are not living fully? How can you realign this area with God's purpose and live more intentionally today?
Day 5: Embracing God's Timing
Living in the "now" requires us to be present and attentive to God's guidance. By embracing the opportunities before us, we can fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. Being present allows us to hear God's voice and follow His lead, ensuring that we are walking in His timing and purpose. [00:52]
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more attuned to God's timing in your life? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are present and attentive to His guidance today?
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