Benjamin Franklin said, “Do not squander time, for it is the stuff life is made of.” Many people are frustrated because the always seem to be fighting the clock. They stay up late, then sleep as late as they can and rush frantically to school or work. The Bible gives us some great insight into how time can become your friend rather than your enemy. The first step in making time our friend is to totally immerse our life in God. Psalm 90:12 reminds us to “teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Numbering our days means that we recognize that we only have a finite number of days, and each day we live is one more day that we do not have to invest in others. In the business of our lives, we need to make some margin in order to keep from becoming so preoccupied with the things around us that we forget what is truly important. Time is a commodity that we cannot barter, sell, or give away. We can use time to invest in others, or we can spend time in frivolous matters. Either way we are all stewards … READ MORE

Surrounded by jeering taunts, weakened by the loss of blood, Jesus’ lip were moving, the words were not a curse or request for vengeance, instead his words were for the forgiveness of His enemies. Even now, as Jesus was bearing our sin, He was pleading that His sacrifice might be effectively applied to us. The reason for the request is stated by Jesus, “They do not know what they are doing.” While those involved in this act, may have understood the facts of their guilt; in no way did they understand the ENORMITY of their crime. They did not know that they were crucifying the Son of God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:8 says, none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Their crime was much greater than they could ever have realized because of the infinite value of the person whom they had condemned. We must remember, as we struggle to forgive others of their sinful acts against us, they do not understand the “ENORMITY” of their sin against us either. That is why we must trust their discipline to the one who understand the … READ MORE

Forgiveness sounds like a marvelous idea until you ae the one who has to do it. In Luke 23:34 Jesus says, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” In this first cry from the cross, Jesus cries out to the Father not to hold this act against those perpetrating it. It was not that they did not understand their guilt, it is that they did not understand the enormity of their guilt. 1 Corinthians 2:8 says none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord ofglory.” We need to remember that when people sin against us and hurt us, they do not realize the enormity of their sin. They are often caught up in their own selfish ambition, and their idolatrous hearts. They are blind to the needs of others, and focus only on their own longings and desires. This is not to justify the behavior of others, but to remind us that we leave the “vengeance” to the Father. Don’t allow others to cause us to allow the root of bitterness in our hearts. We can allow the Father to work in the lives … READ MORE