InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package
TDGC shop the sale

Sweeter Than Honey: Using Our Time Wisely

4/26/2022

19 Comments

 
As I read Proverbs 22-24, I am struck by the words to the wise about how we are to use our time. In Proverbs 22:13, I see a worrier, a person who is hunkered down in their comfort zone and afraid to venture out into the unknown because of potential dangers. I've often said, “Good things are waiting for you, friend, just outside your comfort zone--things you never dreamed possible. And the best thing is, God is waiting to meet you there!” It's the truth, friend! #Biblestudy #devotional #goodreads
From the Old Testament to the New, the eternality of God's Word is clearly proclaimed: 

Job tells us, “I have treasured the Words of His mouth more than my portion of food” (Job 23:12). 

Isaiah reminds us that, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). 

And Matthew records Jesus saying, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

God's Word is like an eternal Love Letter to us!

​Have you ever received a love letter, friend? Did you read it? Did you read it just once, or did you read it over and over again? A Love Letter is a treasure when you love the One who sent it!
STH Order Now
How would you like to read through God's Love Letter—His Word, the Bible, with a group of like-minded, Christian girlfriends? We're doing that over in the private, Sweeter Than Honey, Facebook group. Did you know you don't have to start a Bible reading plan on January 1? You can begin today! This simple plan, and an accountability partner, will help you succeed. Who will be your accountability partner? Share this post with them and invite them to the private Facebook group.
JOIN THE PRIVATE SWEETER THAN HONEY FACEBOOK GROUP
Sweeter Than Honey is patterned after this Bible Reading Itinerary. On Tuesdays, here at the blog, I would love it if you and I could take a trip through God's Word and Sweeter Than Honey, together! I would also encourage you to Join us over in the private, Sweeter Than Honey, Facebook group, introduce yourself, meet new friends, and share your thoughts there as well. We're waiting for you!

Proverbs 22-24: Using Our Time Wisely

Today, as I read this passage I am struck by the words to the wise about how we are to use our time. In chapter 22, I see a worrier, a person who is hunkered down in their comfort zone and afraid to venture out into the unknown because of potential dangers.
“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!’” (Proverbs 22:13)
I have often said, “Good things are waiting for you, friend, just outside your comfort zone—things you never dreamed possible. And the best thing is, God is waiting to meet you there!”
In chapter 24, we see an emphasis on building our homes with wisdom and understanding, “…by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (24:4). We need strength to be all that God has called us to be and this passage tells us that strength is found in knowledge, guidance, and good counsel.
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:3-6)
What happens if we are not diligent about our work? “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man” (24:34). ​
“Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house…. I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:27-34)
I don’t want to be a woman that lacks sense. I’m sure you don’t either. Let’s ask God for wisdom today so that we use our time wisely.

About Sweeter Than Honey

When I read God’s Word each morning, I find inspiration and insight that keeps my day on track. Join me on this journey. Let’s settle in with His Word—it’s His Love Letter to us. Did you know that? Let’s read it like a love letter, expecting to glean something for our walk with Him every day. Let’s look for peace in the chaos and strength for our weaknesses. Even on our busiest days we can carve out a few minutes to refocus on the important—the eternal. Can’t we? We may have to get up a little earlier, when the house is still and quiet, or stay up a few minutes after the others are all tucked in for the night, but we can do this! I know we can.
Let's be intentional about focusing on God’s Word and the truths found there. Let's let it inspire us to live out our faith each day in a way that causes those we come in contact with to want what we have found. God sees you. He knows you by name, He knows the number of hairs on your head, and He cares about every detail of your daily existence. He wrote you a Love Letter. Let’s dive in!

​Hey Mama! PRAY: Praying Proverbs Over Your Child

As Christian parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children to be more like Christ, and we need help with this daunting task. We need a resource for character building!
Hey Mama! PRAY
There are a lot of books written on child-rearing, but let me introduce you to the best child-rearing book ever written—the book of Proverbs. It’s God’s textbook for the task of raising little Christians that become adults who strive in every way to be more like Him.
  • Read it
  • Study it
  • Meditate on it
  • Teach it to your children
  • PRAY IT OVER THEM
GRAB YOUR COPY OF HEY MAMA! PRAY AND GET STARTED TODAY!

IE Link-up logo
Thanks for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We would really appreciate it if you would grab this IE link-up button, place it on your blog, and link back to this post. Thanks! Have an awesome week! 

If you're new to link-ups, checkout our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation and a list of other link-ups to participate in!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Please Share
19 Comments
Barbara Harper link
4/26/2022 09:08:04 am

I am learning that using my time wisely isn't something I learn for all time just once--rather, it's a continual adjusting of my priorities and yielding them to Him.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/26/2022 10:55:53 am

Absolutely, Barbara! I like that —> "...a continual adjusting of my priorities and yielding them to Him." So true!! The "yielding them to Him" is key!

Reply
Michele Morin link
4/26/2022 09:13:33 am

For me, sometimes using my time wisely means that I release my white-knuckle control over my minutes and just relax into the present moment. Definitely a learning curve!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/26/2022 11:03:13 am

For sure, Michele!

Just a couple of days ago, when we read Proverbs 16-18, I wrote:
I find myself saying this a lot: “What’s next, God?” I say often of myself, “I’m just a girl asking God what’s next.” It’s the truth! I have learned over time to hold my little plans very loosely in my hands because quite often (more often than not) God has bigger and better plans for me.

Releasing my white-knuckle control and saying “What’s next, God?” Learning to hold onto my little plans very loosely!

Reply
Joanne Viola link
4/26/2022 09:20:15 am

Using my time wisely is something I do well at times, and then other times, not so well. It's a continuous learning process for which I am grateful for the reminders!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/26/2022 11:04:51 am

Yes, it is, Joanne. Some days I am very good at it, other days, not so much! Continual reminders are needed!

Reply
Lisa notes link
4/26/2022 09:33:05 am

Like others are saying, time management is definitely a learning process. I lean toward being too inflexible with my schedule, which isn't a good thing. Thanks for this encouragement to use my time wisely.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/26/2022 11:06:40 am

And I am too flexible, Lisa! LOL I need structure in my life!

Reply
Donna link
4/26/2022 09:52:38 am

I agree with Barb, learning to use my time wisely is done over time, part of my spiritual growth. For me it is a little of everyone's comments, flexibility and not clinging too tightly to "my" agenda and mostly acknowledging my moments belong to God and I often ask him, "what would be the best use of my time right now? And like Michele's answer, sometimes that is rest and stillness.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/26/2022 11:13:01 am

I love that you write that "sometimes that is rest and stillness" Donna! We often forget that is also included in using our time wisely.

Reply
Lauren Renee Sparks link
4/26/2022 04:13:41 pm

I tend to always think I need to be working on something and not truly resting. Neither extreme is healthy and God honoring.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/26/2022 04:20:14 pm

I am with you, Lauren! And you are going to LOVE Elisabeth's post this Friday—4 Things to Remember When Life Feels Ordinary!! :) It speaks to the truth that God accomplishes much in the ordinary. We don't always have to be busy for God to be working. Maybe, His work can be done in the ordinary rest days too? YES! It can be!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/26/2022 04:32:44 pm

This, Lauren, speaks to exactly what you are saying! :) We need built in rest, intentional rest. And, "When we say we’re too busy to rest, we’re saying we can’t trust God with our time or our schedules." TRUTH!!

https://lisajordanbooks.com/are-you-getting-intentional-rest/

Reply
Amy Jung link
4/26/2022 10:54:06 pm

I'd like to memorize that verse from Job! Lovely! Treasuring God's Word IS the best use of our time. Thank you for encouraging us to be good stewards of the time we have.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/29/2022 10:58:50 pm

“I have treasured the Words of His mouth more than my portion of food” (Job 23:12). That's a great one to meditate on and memorize, Amy!

Reply
Paula Short link
4/28/2022 08:35:09 pm

This> “ I see a worrier, a person who is hunkered down in their comfort zone and afraid to venture out into the unknown because of potential dangers.” — I used to be that person, because of crippling anxiety. Jesus call’s me quite frequently out of my comfort zone now, and when he call’s I go.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/29/2022 11:00:36 pm

I used to be that person too, Paula, and "out of our comfort zone" is where He likes to use us!

Reply
Elena Wiggins link
4/28/2022 09:37:32 pm

the private FB group sounds like such a wonderful place to connect, have accountability for reading the Word, and be encouraged in the daily struggles and triumphs! What a wonderful idea!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
4/29/2022 11:02:04 pm

I absolutely LOVE IT over there, Elena!! So much wisdom and encouragement! :) I love the accountability too!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, and more? You’re going to love this library, which has all kinds of exclusive content just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! —Patsy

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required
    Come & Dwell
    16 Names of God
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Heart That Heals cover

    Top Posts

    8 Ways God Spoke to People in the Past and How He Speaks to Us Today
    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat
    16 Names of God:
    ​El Shaddai
    David's Second Goliath
    3 Practical Points
    ​About Prayer
    5 Characteristics
    ​of God's Love
    12 Favorite
    ​Bible Study Tools
    Honoring God by Maintaining Our
    ​Physical Health
    Artza blog banner

    Featured

    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    WORTHY Bible Studies
    Money Wise Steward
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    16 Names Of God
    7 Biblical Feasts
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Evidences Of Faith
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Link-ups
    Our Words Matter
    Prayer
    Printables
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a
​means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Not Consumed, and Artza.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2025|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package