Yesterday we set our clocks back to officially begin Daylight Saving Time. You know the routine: "Fall-Back; Spring-forward." When we lose an hour in the spring, we feel cheated. When we gain an extra hour on that one Sunday in autumn we feel blessed. Suddenly we are conscious that time is a precious gift.

The legend is told of a man who was walking home in the dark one night along the shore of a river. He stumbled upon a bag of stones. As he walked along, every now and then he amused himself by casting a stone into the river. He liked to hear the sound of the 'ker-plop' as each stone hit the water. When he got home he opened the bag in the light. There were only two stones left. They were diamonds.

The Psalmist writes, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12). Each hour of the day is like a precious diamond. In them we are to know the fellowship of the Creator. Don't squander them with unrighteous acts or idleness. Be fervent in Spirit. Put the Lord in the driver's seat in your life.

People often exclaim, "Thank God It's Friday" because it is the end of a work week. They look forward to being able to live for themselves on the weekend instead of their boss, their paycheck or the approval of others. True liberty is found when we surrender our self-rule to the Lord's new management and choose to live our lives unto Him, valuing every moment as a gift. We are to take stock of our days on earth as those who know we are to give an account.

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-21 NASB).

When we walk in the light of God's Word we are less likely to throw away what is truly valuable. We will be able to discern the difference between the urgent and the important. The Lord's Wisdom will arbitrate between our competing time demands.

Today is a gift from God that is not to be carelessly tossed in the river. We can say "Thank God It's Monday" because we are under the liberating rule of God. Each day we live is a priceless opportunity to know Christ and make Him known.

Seize the day,