The Watered Soul

Finding Refreshment in the Word

Keeping Watch of the Time

By

Romans 13-12

But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!  Romans 13:11-14 (The Message)

It’s something about having another birthday roll around that makes me more cognizant of the passing of time. It seems like it was just a few days ago when I longed for the freedom of adulthood. Along with new liberties, adulthood ushered in new responsibilities. As I’ve gone about the business of living, it’s been easy to get caught up in the have-to(s) of life and lose focus of the essential.

Lord, as I celebrate another year of life today help me to be alert and sensitive to you. Show me how to make the most of my days. Let me not spend my time in trivial pursuits. Don’t let me miss what you are doing God.

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Comments

  1. Renee says

    Well, Happy Birthday!!!!!!
    What an excellent post and gorgeous picture!
    I love The Message translation of this verse. I've never heard that translation, and it is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm glad I got to read this today.

  4. Amanda says

    Happy Birthday Wanda! Yes, birthdays come around all too quickly these days… one month rolls into the other so rapidly.

    I love your picture and you speak of an important message! In the busy-ness of life, He must be the centre of our attention and desires.

  5. Beth in NC says

    Happy Birthday sweet Sister!

    What wisdom in this scripture. It seems like I muddle through each day with all of the "have to's" on my list. What a great reminder to clothe ourselves in Christ and be alert to see what God is doing.

    Bless you!
    Beth

  6. CeCe Wilson says

    Happy Birthday Wanda!! I hope you enjoy this wonderful day to the fullest! I really look forward to your Word-Filled Wednesdays and today is no exception. The scripture is perfect for me today as I grumbled and complained about having to get up so "early" this morning. God bless you on this day and everyday as you keep on exalting Him!

  7. Joanne Sher says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Wanda! (mine was yesterday – we're ALMOST birthday twins!) I love this reminder. LOVE IT! He is the only one who can help us "number our days." Thanks sweetie!

  8. ozjane says

    Happy and blessed birthday with more to come.
    I join you in praying that we might live consciously in His presence in each of our days.

  10. godsown says

    BLESSINGS on YOUR( our) BIRTHDAY!!!
    What an special day for us…..
    You know that the Holy Spirit guided or thoughts in the same direction……
    To be clothed by Christ was my prayer also in my yesterday post and to hold my gaze on Him and Him alone!

    Reminizing about how fast the years are going came to my mind also……
    Your post and comment blessed me Wanda!

    Have an very special birthday!
    Bernice

  11. Julie Arduini.com: The Surrendered Scribe says

    Happy Birthday! Perfect verse and picture. Thank you!

  12. Daughter of the KING says

    Happy Birthday, Wanda. Really enjoyed your post today.

    blessings,
    Linda J

  13. BLUEBUTTERFLY says

    Blessings, Wanda. May God use you mightly in the coming year. I pray for you Psalm 138.

    "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands." – Psalm 138:8

  14. Peggy says

    Blessings Wanda and a special happy birthday to you! may it be as wonderful as this glorious photo & WORD! WOW!!! I love how detailed The Message gives and your own reflection. May the Lord celebrate with you in a very special and significant way! May your day be filled with His glory & love & all your dreams & hopes met in Him!!!

    Happy Birthday Wanda!
    Peggy

  16. Bear says

    Awesome birthday thoughts and devotional! I can tell you invited the Holy Spirit to your Birthday Party. 😉

  17. lori says

    Happy Birthday girl! What wisdom you've acquired! You are so right and your verse pairs so beautifully with mine…

    I LOVE this translation…it hits me square between the eyes!

    Loved it and have a wonderful birthday! Celebrating YOU!

    peace,
    lori

  18. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet says

    Happy birthday! What wonderful words today!!

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33
    Have a great day!
    Sherry

  19. LivingforGod says

    Happy Birthday, Wanda! Hope you have a joy-filled day and a blessed year ahead!

    What a beautiful WFW this is! Time flies so fast and it is good to be reminded that we need to redeem our time. "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

    Thanks for visiting my photo blog today.

  22. Monica says

    Happy birthday, Wanda, and thank you for this beautiful reminder. I pray you have a wonderful day!

  23. Karen says

    I love The Message version of this scripture…

    Very wise advice…with age comes wisdom…and eventually…gray hairs!

    Happy Birthday!

  25. GlowinGirl says

    Oh, I love, love this. Thank you for bringing this to my attention in a whole new way.

    And Happy Birthday, friend! I pray for a year or blessing and purpose for you.

  28. Debra Kaye says

    Wanda,

    This is so beautiful and so true. Really speaks to my heart, Blessings to you!

  29. Joan says

    Happy birthday, Wanda. I love your photo and post. I like the message translation of this passage – really says it like it is.

    Blessings,
    Joan

  30. Wanda says

    Thanks for all the lovely birthday greetings, scriptures and kind words. Having you drop helped to brighten my day. God bless each of you.

  32. Whidbey Woman says

    I hope your WFW and Birthday have been blessed! Love the scripture you shared today… very nice image,too. Summer sunsets can't be beat! Nor can spending time with the Lord as we unwind from the business of the day.

  33. jackie says

    you are absolutely right Wanda… Such a very nice post which reminds me to focus on the main thing: to follow God

  35. Janis@Open My Ears Lord says

    Something to really ponder! I must make wise use of my time!

    And Happy Birthday!

    Blessings,
    Janis

  42. Karen says

    Happy Birthday! I need keep my focus on what is near and dear to the heart of God! Thanks for sharing this passage.

  43. Anonymous says

    Good post and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you on your information.

  44. floyd says

    Happy Birthday! With each year comes more wisdom, which is apparent in your words and heart. May our Father continue to bless you abundantly as you see life from His perspective year upon year.