Into Your Hands

Silhouette illustration of the ascension of Jesus Christ

Jesus did not retaliate when He was spit on, mocked, beaten and blasphemed. Through six fake trials He did not speak out, but when His sacrifice on the cross was finished, He called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Then He breathed His last.

THINK ABOUT IT

Jesus’ teaching, healing, miracles and sacrifice all had a purpose–to change people’s lives. Not just for those He walked this earth with, but for us too. What good does it do to read His word or go to church unless our lives are changed? Two things amazed Jesus: the faith of a Roman Centurion when Jesus healed his servant, and the lack of faith of many of His followers in Capernaum, Bethsaida and Chorazin where He taught in the synagogue and performed miracles.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, we want to live for you. Teach us how to confess our faith before others and bless your holy name by the way we live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How Valuable is Your Time?

Photo by Lachlan Ross on Pexels.com

Everyone on planet earth gets the same allotment of hours in a day. Why is it some people accomplish so much more? I think they must get up earlier or stay up later than I do. Maybe both. I am convicted by this verse: “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15). This Scripture might be misunderstood by those who are driven by their work or hobbies. God didn’t intend for busyness to rob us of rest and sleep. Yet, He doesn’t want us to miss opportunities to help others either. I suggest two keys in time management: priority and flexibility.

Every day we have a time to eat and a time to sleep; a time to devote to God an a time to serve; a time to work and a time to create; a time for family and a time for friends. And we still find time to waste–time spent doing unimportant things–ouch!

THINK ABOUT IT

Time takes on greater meaning when we have purpose. Do you know what your purpose is? A Christian’s purpose is to know God and to make Him known. Plain and simple. Each one has different gifts and callings, talents and abilities, personalities and experiences. God even uses the messes of our pasts to create messages for the redemption of others. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). The harvest is the world and the workers are God’s people called to be His light in a dark world, to redeem the lost for His kingdom.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Heavenly Father, help us to use our time wisely and to accomplish all you have for us to do. Empower us with wisdom, priorities and flexibility to reach others with the same love you have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.