Using Time Well
READ | Matthew 25:14-28
As today’s passage indicates, the Lord gives us resources and abilities, and He desires that we use them well. One such gift is time.
In order to manage our days effectively, we should continually review them: What activities did we choose? How long did each one take? What were the results? This discipline will reveal what is most important to us.
In looking closely at our assessments, we can determine what drives our decisions about how to use time. Some people merely respond to circumstances for a majority of their day. They jump from one thing to the next, answering phone calls, reorganizing shelves, or doing anything that appears in their world at the moment. But this style of living misses the mark.
Other people spend their time according to desires. They want to relax, so they get home and watch television for the evening. Or they love to hunt, so they use their time to research equipment and locate wildlife in the forest. Desires are not bad, but they should not drive the bulk of our actions.
Thankfully, there are also people who live according to what they deem important. Loving God and serving others, for instance, are two biblical values that should, ideally, determine what we do with our time.
If you itemize your activities and their time consumption over the course of a week, you might be surprised at the dominating events. Each moment is a gift, so set aside a few minutes each evening to plan. Then revisit the way you spent the last 24 hours. This will help you to live purposefully.
--In Touch Ministries
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The Power of Prayer
The IBRA has always tried to create and develop an association where members felt
like they were part of a family-type organization that truly cares about them. It is also
no secret that we are a Christian-based organization that's main goal is to serve God
wherever and in whatever arena He has placed us in.
Lately, we have been hearing many reports of hardships and tragedies that many of
our members are dealing with right now. We believe the LEAST and MOST you can
do to help someone is to pray for them, and we would like to encourage others to do
the same. Below is a list of several people, and their prayer needs, who have asked
to be put on this list. We know of more, but do not want to list them (privacy issues)
without knowing that it's okay. Please let me know if you or someone you know would
like to be added to this list. Please join with us in praying for our friends.
Grieving
Nathan Batey Family (KY)
Levi Daves Family (VA)
The Whiteman Family (IN)
Linda Biggs
Chris Palmer & Family (NC)
The family of Deloris Lucas (OH)
The family & friends of Amanda Saint (MS)
Glenda Leppo (PA)
Brenda Herman (PA)
Linda Jett & Family (NC)
The Hatzman Family (KY)
The Wilson Family (OH)
Doris Smith (GA)
Gower Family (KS)
Kathy Johnson & Family (VA)
Health Issues
Cindy Jackson & Husband
Mary Lynn Hutton (Lisa Barnette's Mother-VA)
Kim Decock (PA)
Noah Adams (PA)
Norma Stone (KY)
Jodi Hardings Mother (NC)
Carolyn Shoemake (SC)
Missions
Chip & Sandy Wanner
Salvation
Kenny (FL)
Stephanie (OH)
Ashley (FL)
Richard (CA)
Horse Injuries & Tragedies
Kyndall Le Comte (AL)
Lisa Davis (AL)
Mia Shaffer's - Mac (PA)
Karen Edelen - Joe (OH)
Job Related
James Hackworth (OH)
Joan Burns (OH)
Reason Not Specified
Bill Cochran (IL)
The Ross Carnahan Family (IL)
Confronting Conflict
READ | Galatians 2:11-16
The Scriptures record many instances of conflict—between nations, among friends, and in families. Today we see the same types of problems. While fighting, people can say harsh and even unfair words. Their accusations create turmoil and emotional pain. What we believe will determine the way we respond to such difficulties.
Scripture proclaims God’s sovereignty over nature ( Ps. 135:6), government ( Job 12:23), and mankind ( Acts 17:25). Nothing in heaven or on earth is hidden from Him or outside of His control. How does this help us in a conflict?
First, our heavenly Father knows when people verbally attack us, and He has promised to protect us. Nothing can touch His children apart from His permissive will. Second, He has the power to work painful times into something beneficial ( Rom. 8:28). We can have hope because His will cannot be thwarted, even in bad circumstances. Finally, we are His beloved children. He is a loving Father who understands what we’re going through and remains by our side. As His children, we are not on our own.
When we believe in the Lord’s sovereign rule, our perspective on hard times changes. Instead of responding with fear, anger, or resentment, we will turn to Him in prayer and ask for guidance.
Conflict is inevitable in our fallen world. When the turmoil’s source is our mistake, we are to apologize. If others are at fault, we may have to confront them the way Paul did with Peter. But we are also called to forgive without exception. As Christ’s ambassadors, the way we respond really matters.
In touch Ministries
Isaiah 41:10 -- So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I amyour God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you
with my righteous right hand.
Matthew 18:19 -- “I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about
anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with
them.”
Matthew 19:26 -- Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is
impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Psalms 46:1 -- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help
in trouble.
Exodus 15:26 -- I am the Lord, who heals you.
2 Kings 20:5 -- This is what the Lord, the God of your father David
says, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears: I will heal you.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 -- We live by faith, not by sight.
Hebrews 11:1 -- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see.
Isaiah 40:31 -- But those who hope in the Lord will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
2 Corinthians 12:9 -- He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
James 5:14-15 -- Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of
the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the
Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well;
The Lord will raise him up.
