While standing in line waiting to check out at the convenience store the other day, I was shocked to see Caleb, my soon to be 6 year old, holding a can of the widely advertised Red Bull.  I asked him, “Son, what is that?”  And with all the confidence in the world, he looked up and said, “This is good stuff and I want it, Dad.”  Now he didn’t really know what he had, but just the thought of my child under the influence of an energy drink made me shutter and want to lock myself in a room.  How could he have any more energy and what would happen if he did?  But many of us can think of the extra stuff we could do with a little more energy, huh?

In today’s world, everyone seems to need and want more energy.  Why?  Is it because we find ourselves running around attempting to cram more “activity” in the 24 hours that have been given to us all?  I think so.  

Many times, we can find ourselves tired, worn out, lacking energy because we are burning the candle at both ends, so to speak, running kids around from here to there, pulling overtime at work, appointments, meetings, deadlines all the while wishing we could add just one more hour to our day or simply get away from it all.  

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

 Here we see the Apostle Paul encouraging us to comprehend just how important the way we use our time is.  “Make the most of every opportunity he says.”  In other words, “Go ahead and make a maximum impact.”  Each and every one of us get the same amount of time everyday, but not everyone gets the same results.

The average life expectancy for a human being today is about 77.5 years with is about 28,288 days, 678,900 hours, 40, 734,000 minutes and how we spend those 40,734,000 minutes is exactly how we will be remembered and how we will be rewarded.

Time is a resource that God has given us, and He expects us to steward this resource wisely with an eternal perspective, and make a maximum impact.  Because after all, we have been created by Him and FOR Him.

Learning how to apply what Paul is talking about here takes more than good intentions. 

 “I think I’m gonna start working out," I said.  I was fired up.  I was passionate.  I bought the workout clothes, the new tennis shoes, and the holder for my ipod, but my failure to incorporate that into a daily schedule led me to say the next year…“I think I’m gonna start working out.”

“I think I’m gonna start having a consistent quiet time with the Lord.  Man, I’m so hungry for God’s Word, but you got too hungry for that breakfast taco!”  Failure to incorporate that into a daily schedule.  “Repeat.”

We have to ask ourselves, "what’s filling our time?"  What are we really doing? 

What if we really could get it all together, put in a schedule, and go for it?  Wouldn’t the be awesome?

 “Yeah, but Josh, things come up.  Things come up out of my control.”  You’re right!  They do!  But what does that mean?  Does that mean that we never get on a budget with our time?  You know what it really is going to take…a new level of discipline, and I am learning that the pain of self-discipline is far less than the pain of regret!

 Now I know that we all want to honor God with our time, there’s no doubt about that.  The great thing is that God wants to give us wisdom on how to do just that.

 Here's what you can do:

Analyze your current pace. – “Be careful how you live.”

Am I running at an unhealthy pace?  How is my time with the Lord?  Am I close with the Holy Spirit and in tune with him?  Am I In balance, spirit, soul and body?

Have I confused activity with accomplishment?   There is a difference between the two.  Accomplishment produces a desired outcome, activity is effort without effect.

 I remember one time early in my ministry where I was really being stretched.  Oh man, I thought I was so busy, and I was.  I was busy doing things that I didn’t need to do.  I remember one time editing a TV Show late at night.  Kara and I had just had Caleb and I wanted to be at home hanging out with the baby but instead I’m sitting here trying to render a TV Commercial that was taking forever and I began to feel sorry for myself.  I called my friend the next day and told him, bro, I can’t do this anymore.  You’ve got to get me out of here.  I wanted to run so bad, but he told me Josh, you’re just out of control.  You need to chill.  You need to reevaluate your pace.

I was out of control.  I was trippin’.  You ever felt like that?

I am here to remind you that there is no redbull, no monster, no pill, no espresso shot that can sustain a lifestyle and a daily schedule that is out of control.

Living with an “out of control” schedule can cause us to lose the proper perspective of our God-given purpose in life and our leadership responsibility within the Kingdom of God, because let’s face it, time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin, into the future.

How many of you want to fly like an eagle?  Feeling free from stress, worry, drama.  How many of you want to make a big impact with the time you have been given?  I know you do, and God does too!  He wants us all to be in good balance, enjoying life, making the most of our time and living free from stress and the drama that can so easily fill our lives.

Prioritize on Purpose. – “Understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

Jesus Had Priorities – Mark 1:35-38 (NIV) He spent time with the Father and modeled for us on how to stay fresh in His heart so He could do what God had sent Him to do.

We as Christians should have priorities:

• Great Commandment - Love God.  Love People. – Mark 12:30-31
• Great Commission – Serve the World. – Matthew 28:19-20

Church Leaders have a priority. – Acts 6:2-4

• Do the Work of the Ministry.
• Do I know what I am being asked to do?
• Own it. – Personal investment.

Understanding our Purpose as a Christ follower and as a leader helps us to set our priorities with an eternal perspective. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

As we draw closer to our God-given mission, we will experience deeper fulfillment.

Utilize the Present – “Make the most out of every opportunity.”

1. Make To-Do Lists - Either manage your time or your time will manage you.
2. Avoid Perfectionism.
3. Welcome Tension- Tension helps us determine what's most important. - Matthew 6:33
4. Use a calender.  
5. Get rid of clutter.
6. Avoid procrastination. 

Here’s what I know.  Jesus is coming back someday and I believe that is very soon.  I also believe that God is going to do His greatest work in hearts during our lifetime.  What’s that going to mean for us?

It’s going to mean that we as leaders are by the grace of God, at the top of our game, and you know what…we will be!  We’re going to see the greatest move of the Holy Spirit take place within this family, within our ministry teams and the people of the crossroads and beyond are going to learn how to experience the Grace of God and live under the fullness of His blessing!  Amen?!