Honor God With Your Time

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16

For the past five years, I’ve taught at my kids’ school … so, like many teachers, by the time May rolls around, I’m counting the days until the start of summer. My body and soul yearn for a slower pace that summer affords, where there awaits the luxury of days on repeat that don’t prioritize checking off a to-do list.

It’s as though something in me is hard-wired to know that life is about more than just the productivity our modern world worships.

Stop Playing God

Scripture Reading — Acts 12:6-11, 18-24

They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:22-23

Here Acts helps us again to stand in awe of God. King Herod had set himself up on his throne like a god. What he wore and what he said would have prompted the people to say that he was a god, not a man. And let’s not forget that they wanted something from him: peace and food.

Well, the king did not give due praise to God, so he was struck down and eaten by worms.

But let’s be careful not to pass judgment on King Herod so quickly. We may not have a throne to sit on or royal…

The Blessing of Shared Troubles

Philippians 4:10–23

A woman recently posted a video of her husband trying to mow their huge lawn with a small push-style lawnmower, an impossible task. But when she looked outside an hour later, she saw several neighbors, people they had not yet met, arriving with larger riding lawnmowers. She was deeply moved by their willingness to step in and help someone in need.

We often turn to friends to lighten our cares. In verse 10, Paul describes his joy over the church’s “renewed” concern for him. Their support had lapsed due to a lack of “opportunity” rather than disinterest. Yet he takes pains to assure them that, as much as he appreciated their help, he was not dependent upon it (v. 11). God’s supply was the secret of Paul’s contentment. He does not mean a supply of things but a constant supply of strength (v.…

She a Beauty

Scripture Reading — Acts 9:31

The church . . . enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Acts 9:31

I remember going to visit a town near our home and being surprised to find a Corvette show going on. I was excited to check out all the beautiful cars on display. From older ’Vettes to new ones, those cars were something to behold.

When I think of the church (no, not like a Corvette), I think of it as something of beauty. Sure, it has scratches and dents, and of course it has an ugly side because it’s made of people—but I think the church can be so stunning.

When Saul (Paul) became a follower of Jesus, he was committed to making sure the church was something to behold.