April 12, 2024 – How Are You Using Your Time?

How Are You Using Your Time?
April 12, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 9:6-9
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

        We have only a limited number of hours each day, just a few opportunities to make use of the minutes God has granted us. The Bible instructs us to be good stewards of all that God provides, which often relates to money but also encompasses our time and talents.

      Our verses today focus on being good stewards of our time. Rebuking a sinner for their sins before they are saved can be compared to banging your head against a brick wall. They are indifferent and not convicted of their sinfulness, resulting in no benefit for either party. First, they need salvation.

      Using your time to help someone who is open to learning is a better investment. A teachable spirit is a Christ-like spirit. When you rebuke a born-again Christian, it offers them an opportunity to introspect and evaluate their relationship with God. If the rebuke is valid, they can identify areas that need correction and grow stronger in their faith. If the rebuke is mistaken, they can engage in a loving discussion with you to clarify the situation. In either case, both parties grow stronger in their faith and improve their fellowship. This benefits everyone involved and ultimately glorifies God.

    Is it ever easy to point out perceived sin or shortcomings in a friend’s life? No, it is not. There is a slogan that says, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” Similarly, Christian friends should not let their fellow Christians persist in harmful unrighteousness.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     In the New Testament, Jesus referred to it as “casting your pearls before swine.” This is not about withholding the gospel from anyone, as everyone should have the opportunity to hear it. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of using your time wisely. Not everyone is prepared to listen or receive the message at a given moment.

What would be the best use of your time today?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: APRIL 12, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  2 Samuel 5-10
  Proverbs 9:6-9

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Judges 3-5
Luke 11:1-28