Ephesians 5:15-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Living by the Spirit’s Power
15 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.
The Apostle Paul gave advice to the Ephesian Christians to redeem the time because of the evil day (v.16). If you wish to avoid being foolish and desire to understand the Lord’s will, you will redeem (buy, get or win back) the time (v.17).
God definitely cares about how well a person manages time. The first principle of time management is recognizing the value of time and redeeming it … buying it up and using it carefully as the priceless resource which it represents.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
KILLING TIME
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
This well-known passage stresses the preciousness of time as a resource. In that light, think on this quote by Henry David Thoreau. “As if we could kill time without injuring eternity.” Time is our most precious resource, and Scripture assures us that our stewardship of the time we have been allotted is not something we should take for granted.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
This well-known passage stresses the preciousness of time as a resource. In that light, think on this quote by Henry David Thoreau. “As if we could kill time without injuring eternity.” Time is our most precious resource, and Scripture assures us that our stewardship of the time we have been allotted is not something we should take for granted.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
ALL THE TIME NEEDED
2 Peter 3:8-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Day of the Lord is Coming
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
God views all things as part of an eternal now. He has all the time He needs to provide for each of us the individual care He has promised us.
Do you believe that the Sovereign God has given you enough time to accomplish His purpose for your life? God’s plan for you has been unfolding since the beginning of earthly time. He calls you to seek out His plan for your life and act on it. What steps can you take today to begin the work God has called you to do in your family, church, personal and professional life?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Day of the Lord is Coming
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
God views all things as part of an eternal now. He has all the time He needs to provide for each of us the individual care He has promised us.
Do you believe that the Sovereign God has given you enough time to accomplish His purpose for your life? God’s plan for you has been unfolding since the beginning of earthly time. He calls you to seek out His plan for your life and act on it. What steps can you take today to begin the work God has called you to do in your family, church, personal and professional life?
Monday, March 22, 2010
THE VALUE OF TIME
Psalm 90:10-12; 17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Prayer of Moses
10 Seventy years are given to us!
Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
soon they disappear, and we fly away.
11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger?
Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.
12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom…
17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!
Moses essentially said, “Unless we are gripped by life’s brevity and place proper value on the time we have, no matter how long or short it is, we will never gain a wise heart.”
We can employ the skills and principles of time management, buy a new calendar (even a high priced electronic one), employ a better scheduling system … all are of little benefit until we understand the value of time. Granted, we may do a better job of scheduling time, but that doesn’t mean we’re doing a better job of spending that time. Knowing the difference defines wisdom. “Lord teach us …”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Prayer of Moses
10 Seventy years are given to us!
Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
soon they disappear, and we fly away.
11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger?
Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.
12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom…
17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!
Moses essentially said, “Unless we are gripped by life’s brevity and place proper value on the time we have, no matter how long or short it is, we will never gain a wise heart.”
We can employ the skills and principles of time management, buy a new calendar (even a high priced electronic one), employ a better scheduling system … all are of little benefit until we understand the value of time. Granted, we may do a better job of scheduling time, but that doesn’t mean we’re doing a better job of spending that time. Knowing the difference defines wisdom. “Lord teach us …”
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
TEAM COMMITMENT
2 Samuel 23:15-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David’s Mightiest Warriors
15 David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” 16 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the LORD.
Read 2nd Samuel 23:8-17 for the story of “David’s Mighty Men.” Because David attempted mighty things, only the mighty could keep up with him. Those who could not or would not keep pace, could not join the team.
David’s team was one of the most celebrated teams in the Old Testament. This group was the all-star team of his battle-hardened warriors.
When these three mighty men risked their lives to obtain drinking water for David during a battle, David refused to drink it. Instead he poured it onto the ground as a sacrifice to the Lord. That act of sacrifice communicated a depth of devotion and love that had to have impressed those warriors.
What priority do you place on your work for the Lord? Does He come first … ahead of job … ahead of self? Are you keeping pace? Are you all-star caliber or just a part-time (briefly on Sunday morning) player on the team?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David’s Mightiest Warriors
15 David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” 16 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the LORD.
Read 2nd Samuel 23:8-17 for the story of “David’s Mighty Men.” Because David attempted mighty things, only the mighty could keep up with him. Those who could not or would not keep pace, could not join the team.
David’s team was one of the most celebrated teams in the Old Testament. This group was the all-star team of his battle-hardened warriors.
When these three mighty men risked their lives to obtain drinking water for David during a battle, David refused to drink it. Instead he poured it onto the ground as a sacrifice to the Lord. That act of sacrifice communicated a depth of devotion and love that had to have impressed those warriors.
What priority do you place on your work for the Lord? Does He come first … ahead of job … ahead of self? Are you keeping pace? Are you all-star caliber or just a part-time (briefly on Sunday morning) player on the team?
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
PERFECT HARMONY
Ephesians 1:9-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Spiritual Blessings
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.
For the full context, read Ephesians 1:3-14.
When we work together … teamwork … Kingdom building … it requires the harmony we find in the Trinity.
Paul speaks first of the work of the Father in accomplishing our salvation in verses 3-6. The Father chose us before the creation of the world and sent His Son into the world so that through Him we could be adopted into His family. Second, the apostle focused on the work of the Son in verses 7-12. Christ’s blood sacrifice on our behalf paid the penalty for our sins so that we could enjoy forgiveness and lay hold of God’s purpose for our lives. Third, the work of the Holy Spirit, identified in verses 13-14, seals and guarantees our spiritual inheritance.
The Father initiated our salvation … the Son accomplished it … the Holy Spirit makes it real in our lives. The Trinity works in perfect harmony and agreement, each performing distinct roles. Wherever your team is working and whatever your role on the team, purpose to find that kind of perfect harmony.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Spiritual Blessings
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.
For the full context, read Ephesians 1:3-14.
When we work together … teamwork … Kingdom building … it requires the harmony we find in the Trinity.
Paul speaks first of the work of the Father in accomplishing our salvation in verses 3-6. The Father chose us before the creation of the world and sent His Son into the world so that through Him we could be adopted into His family. Second, the apostle focused on the work of the Son in verses 7-12. Christ’s blood sacrifice on our behalf paid the penalty for our sins so that we could enjoy forgiveness and lay hold of God’s purpose for our lives. Third, the work of the Holy Spirit, identified in verses 13-14, seals and guarantees our spiritual inheritance.
The Father initiated our salvation … the Son accomplished it … the Holy Spirit makes it real in our lives. The Trinity works in perfect harmony and agreement, each performing distinct roles. Wherever your team is working and whatever your role on the team, purpose to find that kind of perfect harmony.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
TRICKLE DOWN IMPACT
Jonah 1:7-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jonah Runs from the Lord
7 Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit. 8 “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”
9 Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”
10 The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the LORD. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned. 11 And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”
Jonah’s decision to run from the Lord put the lives of unknowing sailors in peril.
What is the impact of the decisions you make in life? Who do your decisions, good or bad, have an effect on? Your family … your church … your community … your co-workers.
Every decision you make touches the lives of others. Purpose in your heart that these decisions are pleasing to the LORD. You don’t want to stir up a storm that negatively impacts the lives of those your life touches.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jonah Runs from the Lord
7 Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit. 8 “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”
9 Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”
10 The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the LORD. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned. 11 And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”
Jonah’s decision to run from the Lord put the lives of unknowing sailors in peril.
What is the impact of the decisions you make in life? Who do your decisions, good or bad, have an effect on? Your family … your church … your community … your co-workers.
Every decision you make touches the lives of others. Purpose in your heart that these decisions are pleasing to the LORD. You don’t want to stir up a storm that negatively impacts the lives of those your life touches.
Monday, March 01, 2010
CHRIST’S TEAM
1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
One Body with Many Parts
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[a] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit…
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
Read 1st Corinthians 12:12-27 for the full message God is communicating to us through the Apostle Paul.
Paul wanted to ensure us that every follower of Christ is important. Be assured that your contribution to Christ’s Team is crucial. No one has the right to act as though he or she is separate from the body nor should members of Christ’s body envy one another.
While we may wish that we (or others) were different, the bottom line is that God created each of us just as He wanted us to be and calls upon each of us to faithfully serve according to our unique calling. We are to view every member of our team as a crucial part.
How do you feel about your role on your current team or on teams with whom you have been involved in the past? How do you feel about the roles of other team members? What could you do to demonstrate that you value each member and want to strengthen his or her relationship with the rest of the team?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
One Body with Many Parts
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[a] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit…
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
Read 1st Corinthians 12:12-27 for the full message God is communicating to us through the Apostle Paul.
Paul wanted to ensure us that every follower of Christ is important. Be assured that your contribution to Christ’s Team is crucial. No one has the right to act as though he or she is separate from the body nor should members of Christ’s body envy one another.
While we may wish that we (or others) were different, the bottom line is that God created each of us just as He wanted us to be and calls upon each of us to faithfully serve according to our unique calling. We are to view every member of our team as a crucial part.
How do you feel about your role on your current team or on teams with whom you have been involved in the past? How do you feel about the roles of other team members? What could you do to demonstrate that you value each member and want to strengthen his or her relationship with the rest of the team?
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