‘TIME IS A GIFT’
We often think about the gifts we are given but seldom consider time a gift. Time is one of the most precious gifts we have, and, with the exception of love, is the most valuable gift we can give others. Time is a gift that we can never get back once it is gone. Once it passes, it is gone forever and can not be retrieved. It is most important that we use each moment wisely. Time is something we tend to spend frivolously and waste. There are three different avenues in which we give our time:  time for others, time we give ourselves, and most importantly, time we give to God. 
Taking time for others is often so difficult to do in the fast paced world in which we live. It is becoming more and more difficult to find quality time in any of these areas of our lives. We live so in the fast lane we rarely accomplish the full potential of what we set out to achieve. We also get so caught up in our own world that we often are insensitive to the needs of others. Giving of your time is an unselfish act of generosity. Like love, it costs us absolutely nothing to give but reaps great rewards and benefits.
Taking time for ourselves is important; however, few of us have that luxury these days. Somehow we need to have time to clear and rest our minds from day-to-day stress and do something we really enjoy doing. Doing so has its rewards as it affords us the opportunity to use our talents and God- given gifts to improve our quality of life, including taking care of our bodies, our temples.
Taking time out for God helps us to keep our priorities straight and gives

us great strength to see us through the difficult times we all face sooner or later.  It also gives us comfort and peace through the Holy Ghost and strengthens our faith.
So often it is easier to give a charitable donation or give someone a few dollars instead of giving what that person really needs. As a pastor, you may be shocked that I would say this, but God would much rather have your time than your money. Don’t get me wrong; His work needs your money to carry on, but God Himself does not need your money.  That is solely to bless you. He does need your time and the giving of yourself to Him, which will lead you to give money to His work because of the love

you will have for Him. God loves a cheerful giver and especially a gift

from the heart; YOURS.