Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
Time management is important because of the brevity of our lives. Our earthly sojourn is significantly shorter than we are inclined to think. As David so aptly points out, “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath” (Psalm 39:4–5). The apostle James echoes this: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Indeed, our time on earth is fleeting—in fact, it is infinitesimally small compared to eternity. To live as God would have us live, it is essential we make the best possible use of our allotted time.
Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). A good way to gain wisdom is to learn to live each day with an eternal perspective. Our Creator has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Knowing that we will have to give an account to the One who gives us time should motivate us to use it well. C. S. Lewis understood this: “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul cautioned the saints, “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). Living wisely involves using our time carefully. Knowing that the harvest is great and the workers are few (Luke 10:2) and that time is rapidly dwindling should help us make better use of our time to witness, both through our words and our example. We are to spend time loving others in deed and in truth (1 John 3:17–18).
There is no doubt that the responsibilities and pressures of this world vie for our attention. The myriad of things pulling us in different directions makes it easy for our time to get swallowed up in mundane, lesser matters. Those endeavors that have eternal value, then, often get pushed aside. To avoid losing focus, we need to prioritize and set goals. Additionally, to whatever extent possible, we need to delegate. Recall how Moses’ father-in-law Jethro wisely taught him to delegate some of his heavy work load (Exodus 18:13–22).
Regarding our work ethic, we remember that God did all of His work in six days and rested on the seventh. This ratio of work to rest sheds light on our Creator’s expectations relative to our own work ethic. Indeed, Proverbs 6:10–11 reveals the Lord’s disdain for slothful behavior: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit” (see also Proverbs 12:24; 13:4; 18:9; 20:4; 21:25; 26:14). Furthermore, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) illustrates the tragedy of wasted opportunity as well as the importance of laboring faithfully until the Lord comes. We should work diligently in our earthly employment, but our “work” is not limited to that which we do for monetary gain. In fact, our primary focus in all that we do should be the glory of God (Colossians 3:17). Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Jesus spoke of storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). We are not to work ourselves to exhaustion in the pursuit of earthly wealth (John 6:27). Rather, we are to give our best to everything to which God has called us. In all our endeavors—our relationships, our labors, our studies, serving others, the administrative details of our lives, caring for the health of our bodies, recreation, etc.—our primary focus is God. It is He who has entrusted us with this time on earth, and He is the One who directs how we spend it.
It should be noted that rest is a legitimate and needed use of time. We cannot neglect spending time with God, both in private and corporately. We are absolutely called to invest time in relationships with others and work hard in the things of life. But we also cannot neglect the refreshment He gives us through times of rest. Rest is not wasted time; it is refreshment that prepares us to make better use of time. It also reminds us that it is ultimately God who is in control and who provides for our every need. As we seek to manage our time well, we are wise to schedule regular times of rest.
Most importantly, we need to schedule regular—daily—time with God. It is He who equips us to carry out the tasks He has given us. It is He who directs our days. The worst thing we could do is manage our time as if it belongs to us. Time belongs to Him, so ask for His wisdom in how to best use it, then proceed in confidence, sensitive to His course corrections and open to God-ordained interruptions along the way.
If you are seeking to change your use of time, the first step is reflection. Make a concerted effort to consider your time management. This article shares some of what God says about time. It would be wise to further study the topic in Scripture. Consider what things God deems valuable. Consider what He has called you to specifically. Consider how much of your time you are currently investing in these things. Consider what else is taking your time. Make a list of priorities and responsibilities and ask God to direct you regarding any changes that need to be made. Reflecting on your priorities and use of time is a good practice to engage in regularly. Some find that an intentional annual review of their time management is helpful.
Regarding time, the Bible counsels that we need to place our focus on that which is eternal as opposed to the fleeting pleasures of this passing world. Accordingly, we should move forward with diligence and divine purpose as the courses of our lives progress toward God’s ultimate goal. Time spent with God and getting to know Him, through reading His Word and prayer, is never wasted. Time spent building up the body of Christ and loving others with God’s love (Hebrews 10:24–25; John 13:34–35; 1 John 3:17–18) is time well spent. Time invested in sharing the gospel so that others will come to know salvation in Jesus bears eternal fruit (Matthew 28:18–20). We should live as if each minute counts—because it really does.
Tydsbestuur is belangrik vanweë die kortstondigheid van ons lewens. Ons aardse verblyf is aansienlik korter as wat ons geneig is om te dink. Soos Dawid so gepas uitwys: “U het my dae ‘n handbreedte gemaak; die lewensduur van my jare is soos niks voor U nie. ‘n Man se lewe is maar ‘n asemteug” (Psalm 39:4–5). Die apostel Jakobus herhaal dit: “U is soos ‘n mis wat vir ‘n kort rukkie verskyn en dan verdwyn” (Jakobus 4:14). Inderdaad, ons tyd op aarde is vlietend – trouens, dit is oneindig klein in vergelyking met die ewigheid. Om te leef soos God wil hê ons moet leef, is dit noodsaaklik dat ons die beste moontlike gebruik maak van ons toegekende tyd.
Moses bid: “Leer ons ons dae tel, sodat ons ‘n wyse hart kan bekom” (Psalm 90:12). ‘n Goeie manier om wysheid te verkry, is om te leer om elke dag met ‘n ewige perspektief te leef. Ons Skepper het die ewigheid in ons harte gelê (Prediker 3:11). Die wete dat ons rekenskap sal moet gee aan die Een wat ons tyd gee, behoort ons te motiveer om dit goed te gebruik. C. S. Lewis het dit verstaan: “As jy die geskiedenis lees, sal jy vind dat die Christene wat die meeste vir die huidige wêreld gedoen het, net diegene was wat die meeste aan die volgende gedink het.”
In sy brief aan die Efesiërs het Paulus die heiliges gewaarsku: “Wees dan baie versigtig hoe julle leef – nie as onwyses nie, maar as wyses. Maak die meeste van elke geleentheid, want die dae is boos” (Efesiërs 5:15–16). Om wys te leef, behels om ons tyd versigtig te gebruik. Om te weet dat die oes groot is en die arbeiders min (Lukas 10:2) en dat tyd vinnig afneem, behoort ons te help om ons tyd beter te benut om te getuig, beide deur ons woorde en ons voorbeeld. Ons moet tyd spandeer om ander in daad en in waarheid lief te hê (1 Johannes 3:17–18).
Daar is geen twyfel dat die verantwoordelikhede en druk van hierdie wêreld om ons aandag meeding nie. Die menigte dinge wat ons in verskillende rigtings trek, maak dit maklik dat ons tyd in alledaagse, kleiner sake ingesluk word. Daardie pogings wat ewige waarde het, word dan dikwels opsy geskuif. Om te verhoed dat ons fokus verloor, moet ons prioritiseer en doelwitte stel. Daarbenewens moet ons, sover moontlik, delegeer. Onthou hoe Moses se skoonvader, Jetro, hom wyslik geleer het om van sy swaar werklas te delegeer (Eksodus 18:13–22).
Wat ons werksetiek betref, onthou ons dat God al Sy werk in ses dae gedoen het en op die sewende gerus het. Hierdie verhouding van werk tot rus werp lig op ons Skepper se verwagtinge relatief tot ons eie werksetiek. Spreuke 6:10–11 openbaar inderdaad die Here se minagting vir lui gedrag: “’n Bietjie slaap, ’n bietjie sluimer, ’n bietjie handevou om te rus – en armoede sal jou oorval soos ’n rower” (sien ook Spreuke 12:24; 13:4; 18:9; 20:4; 21:25; 26:14). Verder illustreer die Gelykenis van die Talente (Matteus 25:14–30) die tragedie van vermorste geleentheid sowel as die belangrikheid daarvan om getrou te arbei totdat die Here kom. Ons moet ywerig werk in ons aardse werk, maar ons “werk” is nie beperk tot dit wat ons vir geldelike gewin doen nie. Trouens, ons primêre fokus in alles wat ons doen, moet die eer van God wees (Kolossense 3:17). Kolossense 3:23–24 sê: “Wat julle ook al doen, doen dit met julle hele hart soos vir die Here en nie vir menslike here nie, omdat julle weet dat julle van die Here ‘n erfenis as beloning sal ontvang. Julle dien die Here Christus.” Jesus het gepraat van die bymekaarmaak van skatte in die hemel (Matteus 6:19–21). Ons moet onsself nie tot uitputting in die nastrewing van aardse rykdom uitput nie (Johannes 6:27). Ons moet eerder ons beste gee aan alles waartoe God ons geroep het. In al ons pogings – ons verhoudings, ons arbeid, ons studies, dien ander, die administratiewe besonderhede van ons lewens, die versorging van die gesondheid van ons liggame, ontspanning, ens. – is ons primêre fokus God. Dit is Hy wat ons hierdie tyd op aarde toevertrou het, en Hy is die Een wat bepaal hoe ons dit spandeer.
Daar moet kennis geneem word dat rus ‘n wettige en nodige gebruik van tyd is. Ons kan nie tyd saam met God verwaarloos nie, beide privaat en gesamentlik. Ons is absoluut geroep om tyd in verhoudings met ander te belê en hard te werk in die dinge van die lewe. Maar ons kan ook nie die verkwikking wat Hy ons deur tye van rus gee, verwaarloos nie. Rus is nie vermorste tyd nie; dit is verkwikking wat ons voorberei om tyd beter te benut. Dit herinner ons ook daaraan dat dit uiteindelik God is wat in beheer is en wat in elke behoefte van ons voorsien. Terwyl ons daarna streef om ons tyd goed te bestuur, is dit wys van ons om gereelde tye van rus te skeduleer.
Die belangrikste is dat ons gereelde – daaglikse – tyd saam met God moet skeduleer. Dit is Hy wat ons toerus om die take wat Hy ons gegee het, uit te voer. Dit is Hy wat ons dae rig. Die ergste ding wat ons kan doen, is om ons tyd te bestuur asof dit aan ons behoort. Tyd behoort aan Hom, vra dus vir Sy wysheid oor hoe om dit die beste te gebruik, gaan dan voort in vertroue, sensitief vir Sy koerskorreksies en oop vir God-bepaalde onderbrekings langs die pad.
As jy jou tydsgebruik wil verander, is die eerste stap refleksie. Wend ‘n gesamentlike poging aan om jou tydsbestuur te oorweeg. Hierdie artikel deel sommige van wat God oor tyd sê. Dit sal wys wees om die onderwerp verder in die Skrif te bestudeer. Dink na oor watter dinge God waardevol ag. Dink na oor waartoe Hy jou spesifiek geroep het. Dink na oor hoeveel van jou tyd jy tans in hierdie dinge belê. Dink na oor wat anders jou tyd in beslag neem. Maak ‘n lys van prioriteite en verantwoordelikhede en vra God om jou te lei rakende enige veranderinge wat aangebring moet word. Om gereeld oor jou prioriteite en tydsgebruik te besin, is ‘n goeie praktyk om aan deel te neem. Sommige vind dat ‘n doelbewuste jaarlikse hersiening van hul tydsbestuur nuttig is.
Wat tyd betref, raai die Bybel ons aan om ons fokus te plaas op dit wat ewig is, in teenstelling met die vlietende plesiere van hierdie verbygaande wêreld. Gevolglik moet ons met ywer en goddelike doel vorentoe beweeg soos die bane van ons lewens vorder na God se uiteindelike doel. Tyd wat saam met God spandeer word en Hom leer ken, deur Sy Woord te lees en te bid, is nooit vermors nie. Tyd wat spandeer word om die liggaam van Christus op te bou en ander met God se liefde lief te hê (Hebreërs 10:24–25; Johannes 13:34–35; 1 Johannes 3:17–18) is tyd wat goed bestee word. Tyd wat belê word in die deel van die evangelie sodat ander sal leer ken dat verlossing in Jesus ewige vrugte dra (Matteus 28:18–20). Ons moet leef asof elke minuut tel – want dit tel werklik.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
God has promised a closing time for everyone who has ever lived. It will be a reckoning where human power and influence cannot blot out the truth and where each person who has ever lived will have to face what they have done, whether good or evil. Evil will overtake those who have been partnered with evil. Their hatred and wickedness will come back upon them. God will not allow righteousness, truth, and justice to be short-circuited, perverted, or forgotten! “Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.”
Prayer
ather, thank you for making me clean and whole by the purifying work of your Holy Spirit. Please train me to live righteously. Help me develop a revulsion for what is sinful and evil. Use me, please, to help others caught in the evil one’s work to escape and find deliverance in the Lord Jesus. In the name of my Savior, the one who died for all people to be able to come to you, I pray. Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
God het 'n sluitingstyd belowe vir almal wat ooit geleef het. Dit sal 'n afrekening wees waar menslike mag en invloed nie die waarheid kan uitwis nie en waar elke persoon wat ooit geleef het, sal moet konfronteer wat hulle gedoen het, of dit goed of kwaad is. Die bose sal diegene inhaal wat met die bose saamgewerk het. Hul haat en goddeloosheid sal op hulle terugkom. God sal nie toelaat dat geregtigheid, waarheid en geregtigheid kortgesluit, verdraai of vergeet word nie! "Die bose sal die goddelose doodmaak; die vyande van die regverdiges sal veroordeel word."
Gebed
Vader, dankie dat U my rein en heel maak deur die reinigende werk van u Heilige Gees. Lei my asseblief op om regverdig te lewe. Help my om 'n afkeer te ontwikkel vir wat sondig en kwaad is. Gebruik my asseblief om ander wat vasgevang is in die bose se werk te help om te ontsnap en verlossing in die Here Jesus te vind. In die Naam van my Verlosser, die een wat gesterf het sodat alle mense na U kan kom, bid ek. Amen en Amen
Bible Teaching of the Day
Ephesians 5:15–16 in the King James Version says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The phrase redeeming the time is also found in Colossians 4:5: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (KJV). In both passages, redeeming the time is related to wisdom in how we “walk,” that is, in how we live.
To redeem something means to buy it back, to regain possession of it. Time is a gift from God, and none of us know how much of it we are allotted. Only God knows how much time each of us has on this earth to make decisions that will impact eternity (Psalm 139:16). When God says we should be “redeeming the time,” He wants us to live in constant awareness of that ticking clock and make the most of the time we have. In fact, the NIV’s translation of Ephesians 5:16 uses the phrase making the most of every opportunity instead of redeeming the time. Rather than waste our days on frivolous pursuits that leave no lasting imprint, Scripture instructs us to be diligent about doing good (Titus 3:8).
The context of the command to redeem the time helps us understand what redeeming the time looks like and why it’s important: “Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life” (Ephesians 5:15–18, NLT). Redeeming the time means that we are careful in how we live. We seek out and employ wisdom (see Proverbs 2:1–15). We seize every opportunity and use it for God’s glory. We think through our plans and make sure they align with God’s will. And we avoid empty, harmful activities such as getting drunk. Why are we to live this way? “Because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). We must overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Jesus taught His disciples the necessity of redeeming the time: “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). Jesus was diligent about keeping to His mission. Distractions were as prevalent then as they are now, but He let none of them deter Him from preaching and teaching God’s Word. That was why He had come (Luke 4:43). Though He spent only 33 years on this earth, Jesus changed the world forever because He redeemed the time.
We can learn to redeem the time by becoming conscious of the fact that we may not have another day. The song “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw is about redeeming the time. While its focus is on pursuing earthly passions in the time we have left, the lyrics make an important point. They conclude with this thought: “Someday I hope you get the chance, to live like you were dying.” As Christians, we should live like we were dying and pursue all God has given us to do while we have time. Everything done for Christ on earth earns eternal rewards (Mark 9:41). That which was done for selfish, carnal reasons will burn up and blow away (1 Corinthians 3:12–15).
Another way we can learn to redeem the time is by asking God to help us. We should start every morning by committing our day to the Lord and asking Him to help us do something that day that has eternal significance. By beginning our day with eternity in mind, we become more aware of spiritual nudges in our hearts. We look for ways we can honor the Lord, help someone else, or utilize our time in productive ways. Sitting at a red light, we can pray for our neighbor. Mopping the floor, we can worship in song. At a restaurant, we can leave an extra big tip along with a gospel tract or a card inviting the waiter to church. We can evaluate our gifts and interests and find ways to invest them for God’s kingdom. Volunteering, serving at church, leading a ministry, taking Bible studies to the jails and prisons, and studying to show ourselves “approved unto God” are all ways we can redeem the time (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV).
James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly lives are no more than a fog that appears and then quickly evaporates. Our money and possessions will be given to someone else. Our jobs will be filled by others. Our families may remember us with fondness but will move on with lives that don’t include us. All that remains of our lives on earth is that which was invested in eternity. In the end, all that matters is what we did or did not do to redeem the time (Psalm 102:3; 144:4).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Efesiërs 5:15–16 in die King James-weergawe sê: “Pas dan op dat julle nugter wandel, nie as dwase nie, maar as wyse, en koop die tyd uit, omdat die dae boos is.” Die frase om die tyd uit te koop, word ook in Kolossense 4:5 gevind: “Wandel in wysheid teenoor die wat buite is, en koop die tyd uit” (KJV). In beide gedeeltes hou die koop van die tyd verband met wysheid in hoe ons “wandel”, dit wil sê in hoe ons leef.
Om iets los te koop beteken om dit terug te koop, om dit weer in besit te neem. Tyd is ‘n geskenk van God, en niemand van ons weet hoeveel daarvan ons toegeken is nie. Slegs God weet hoeveel tyd elkeen van ons op hierdie aarde het om besluite te neem wat die ewigheid sal beïnvloed (Psalm 139:16). Wanneer God sê ons moet “die tyd uitkoop”, wil Hy hê dat ons in voortdurende bewustheid van daardie tikkende horlosie moet leef en die meeste van die tyd wat ons het, moet maak. Trouens, die NIV se vertaling van Efesiërs 5:16 gebruik die frase om elke geleentheid ten volle te benut in plaas daarvan om die tyd uit te koop. Eerder as om ons dae te mors met ligsinnige strewes wat geen blywende afdruk laat nie, beveel die Skrif ons om ywerig te wees om goed te doen (Titus 3:8).
Die konteks van die opdrag om die tyd uit te koop, help ons om te verstaan hoe dit lyk om die tyd uit te koop en hoekom dit belangrik is: “Wees versigtig hoe julle leef. Moenie soos dwase leef nie, maar soos wyse mense. Maak die beste gebruik van elke geleentheid in hierdie slegte dae. Moenie onnadenkend optree nie, maar verstaan wat die Here wil hê julle moet doen. Moenie dronk word van wyn nie, want dit sal julle lewe bederf” (Efesiërs 5:15–18). Om die tyd uit te koop beteken dat ons versigtig is in hoe ons leef. Ons soek wysheid en gebruik dit (sien Spreuke 2:1–15). Ons gryp elke geleentheid aan en gebruik dit tot God se eer. Ons dink deur ons planne en maak seker dat hulle in lyn is met God se wil. En ons vermy leë, skadelike aktiwiteite soos om dronk te word. Waarom moet ons so leef? “Omdat die dae boos is” (Efesiërs 5:16). Ons moet die kwaad deur die goeie oorwin (Romeine 12:21).
Jesus het Sy dissipels geleer hoe belangrik dit is om die tyd te koop: “Ons moet die werke doen van Hom wat My gestuur het terwyl dit dag is; die nag kom, wanneer niemand kan werk nie” (Johannes 9:4). Jesus was ywerig om by Sy sending te bly. Afleidings was toe net so algemeen soos nou, maar Hy het toegelaat dat geeneen daarvan Hom afskrik om God se Woord te preek en te onderrig nie. Dit is hoekom Hy gekom het (Lukas 4:43). Alhoewel Hy slegs 33 jaar op hierdie aarde deurgebring het, het Jesus die wêreld vir altyd verander omdat Hy die tyd verlos het.
Ons kan leer om die tyd te koop deur bewus te word van die feit dat ons dalk nie nog ‘n dag sal hê nie. Die liedjie “Live Like You Were Dying” deur Tim McGraw gaan oor die koop van die tyd. Terwyl die fokus daarop is om aardse passies na te streef in die tyd wat ons oor het, maak die lirieke ‘n belangrike punt. Hulle sluit af met hierdie gedagte: “Eendag hoop ek jy kry die kans om te lewe asof jy besig is om te sterf.” As Christene moet ons lewe asof ons besig is om te sterf en alles nastreef wat God ons gegee het om te doen terwyl ons tyd het. Alles wat vir Christus op aarde gedoen word, verdien ewige belonings (Markus 9:41). Dit wat vir selfsugtige, vleeslike redes gedoen is, sal verbrand en wegwaai (1 Korintiërs 3:12–15).
Nog ‘n manier waarop ons kan leer om die tyd uit te koop, is deur God te vra om ons te help. Ons moet elke oggend begin deur ons dag aan die Here toe te wy en Hom te vra om ons te help om daardie dag iets te doen wat ewige betekenis het. Deur ons dag met die ewigheid in gedagte te begin, word ons meer bewus van geestelike stootjies in ons harte. Ons soek na maniere waarop ons die Here kan eer, iemand anders kan help, of ons tyd op produktiewe maniere kan gebruik. Ons sit by ‘n rooi lig en kan vir ons naaste bid. Terwyl ons die vloer vee, kan ons in sang aanbid. By ‘n restaurant kan ons ‘n ekstra groot fooitjie los saam met ‘n evangelie-traktaat of ‘n kaartjie wat die kelner na die kerk nooi. Ons kan ons gawes en belangstellings evalueer en maniere vind om dit vir God se koninkryk te belê. Vrywilligerswerk, kerkdiens, bediening, Bybelstudies na tronke en gevangenisse neem, en studeer om onsself “goedgekeur voor God” te toon, is alles maniere waarop ons die tyd kan uitkoop (2 Timoteus 2:15).
Jakobus 4:14 herinner ons daaraan dat ons aardse lewens niks meer is as ‘n mis wat verskyn en dan vinnig verdamp nie. Ons geld en besittings sal aan iemand anders gegee word. Ons werk sal deur ander gevul word. Ons families mag ons met geneentheid onthou, maar sal aangaan met lewens wat ons nie insluit nie. Al wat van ons lewens op aarde oorbly, is dit wat in die ewigheid belê is. Uiteindelik is al wat saak maak wat ons gedoen of nie gedoen het om die tyd uit te koop nie (Psalm 102:3; 144:4).
Today’s Devotional
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). This statement of Jesus has become somewhat of an idiom in Western culture and is found, paraphrased, in Uncle Ben’s words of wisdom to Peter Parker in Spider-man: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
The idea of “to whom much is given, much will be required” is that we are held responsible for what we have. If we are blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we use these well to glorify God and benefit others.
In context, Jesus had just told a parable about being ready for His return. His disciple Peter asked if the parable was for just them or for everyone. Jesus replied with another parable in which He defines the “faithful and wise manager” as one who gives out food and other allowances “at the proper time.” When the master returns and finds the faithful servant managing his resources well, he “put him in charge of all his possessions” (Luke 12:42–44). We have been entrusted with certain things, and faithfulness requires that we manage those things wisely and unselfishly.
Jesus continued the parable with a contrast: “Suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows” (Luke 12:44–47). The unfaithful servant mismanages the master’s resources to satiate his own greed, and Jesus warns that judgment is certain for that servant. The Lord then summarizes the point of the parable with these words: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (verse 48, ESV). A related parable that also deals with stewardship is the Parable of the Talents (or the Parable of the Bags of Gold) in Matthew 25:14–30.
It is easy to assume that only wealthy people have been “given much,” but, in truth, we have all been given much (1 Corinthians 4:7). We have been granted the abundant grace of God (Ephesians 1:3–10; 3:16–21; Romans 5:8–11; 8:14–17), the Word of God, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–21; 16:13; Romans 12:6). “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
We should also not assume that the less we know about God and His gifts, the less we’ll have to do. As evident in Jesus’ parable, we are held responsible to know our master’s will. God has plainly shown us what He requires (Micah 6:8).
God gives us resources such as finances and time, talents such as culinary skills or musical ability, and spiritual gifts such as encouragement or teaching. We should ask God for wisdom on how to use those resources and commit ourselves to expending them according to His will so that He may be glorified. In regards to spiritual gifts, Paul said, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6–8). This is simply responsible stewardship.
We have been given much, and God desires us to use what He has given to further His Kingdom and proclaim His glory. It’s what we were created to do. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. . . . For the Son of Man . . . will reward each person according to what they have done’” (Matthew 16:24–25, 27). We are living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), giving the things God has given us in service to others, and in that we actually find life. God, the giver of all good things (James 1:17), gives us everything we need to fulfill His will. “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
Vandag se Bemoediging
“Van elkeen aan wie baie gegee is, sal baie geëis word; en van hom aan wie baie toevertrou is, sal nog meer gevra word” (Lukas 12:48). Hierdie stelling van Jesus het ietwat van ‘n idioom in die Westerse kultuur geword en word, geparafraseer, gevind in Oom Ben se wyse woorde aan Peter Parker in Spider-Man: “Met groot mag kom groot verantwoordelikheid.”
Die idee van “aan wie baie gegee is, sal baie vereis word” is dat ons verantwoordelik gehou word vir wat ons het. As ons geseën is met talente, rykdom, kennis, tyd en dies meer, word daar verwag dat ons dit goed gebruik om God te verheerlik en ander te bevoordeel.
In konteks het Jesus pas ‘n gelykenis vertel oor gereed wees vir Sy wederkoms. Sy dissipel Petrus het gevra of die gelykenis net vir hulle of vir almal was. Jesus het geantwoord met ‘n ander gelykenis waarin Hy die “getroue en wyse bestuurder” definieer as iemand wat kos en ander toelaes “op die regte tyd” uitdeel. Wanneer die meester terugkeer en die getroue dienaar vind wat sy hulpbronne goed bestuur, “het hy hom in beheer van al sy besittings geplaas” (Lukas 12:42–44). Sekere dinge is aan ons toevertrou, en getrouheid vereis dat ons daardie dinge wyslik en onselfsugtig bestuur.
Jesus het die gelykenis met ‘n kontras voortgesit: “Sê nou die dienaar sê vir homself: ‘My meester talm om te kom,’ en dan begin hy die ander dienaars, mans en vroue, slaan en eet en drink en dronk word. Die meester van daardie dienaar sal kom op ‘n dag dat hy hom nie verwag nie en op ‘n uur wat hy nie weet nie. Hy sal hom in stukke kap en hom ‘n plek by die ongelowiges toewys. Die dienaar wat die wil van die meester ken en nie gereed maak of nie doen wat die meester wil hê nie, sal met baie slae geslaan word” (Lukas 12:44–47). Die ontroue dienaar bestuur die meester se hulpbronne wan om sy eie gierigheid te bevredig, en Jesus waarsku dat oordeel vir daardie dienaar verseker is. Die Here som dan die punt van die gelykenis op met hierdie woorde: “Elkeen aan wie veel gegee is, van hom sal veel geëis word, en van hom aan wie hulle veel toevertrou het, sal hulle meer eis” (vers 48). ’n Verwante gelykenis wat ook oor rentmeesterskap handel, is die gelykenis van die talente (of die gelykenis van die goue sakke) in Matteus 25:14–30.
Dit is maklik om aan te neem dat slegs welgestelde mense “baie gegee” is, maar in werklikheid is ons almal baie gegee (1 Korintiërs 4:7). Ons is die oorvloedige genade van God gegun (Efesiërs 1:3–10; 3:16–21; Romeine 5:8–11; 8:14–17), die Woord van God en die gawes van die Heilige Gees (Johannes 14:16–21; 16:13; Romeine 12:6). “Elkeen van julle moet, met die genadegawe wat hy ontvang het, ander dien as getroue rentmeesters van God se genade in al sy vorme” (1 Petrus 4:10).
Ons moet ook nie aanneem dat hoe minder ons van God en Sy gawes weet, hoe minder ons sal hoef te doen nie. Soos blyk uit Jesus se gelykenis, word ons verantwoordelik gehou om ons meester se wil te ken. God het ons duidelik getoon wat Hy vereis (Miga 6:8).
God gee ons hulpbronne soos finansies en tyd, talente soos kulinêre vaardighede of musikale vermoë, en geestelike gawes soos aanmoediging of onderrig. Ons moet God vra vir wysheid oor hoe om daardie hulpbronne te gebruik en onsself daartoe verbind om dit volgens Sy wil te bestee sodat Hy verheerlik kan word. Wat geestelike gawes betref, het Paulus gesê: “Ons het verskillende gawes, volgens die genade wat aan elkeen van ons gegee is. As jou gawe profeteer, profeteer dan volgens jou geloof; as dit bediening is, dien dan; as dit onderrig is, leer dan; as dit bemoediging is, bemoedig dan; as dit gee is, gee dan vrygewig; as dit leiding is, doen dit ywerig; as dit barmhartigheid is, doen dit met blymoedigheid” (Romeine 12:6–8). Dit is eenvoudig verantwoordelike rentmeesterskap.
Ons is baie gegee, en God verlang dat ons dit wat Hy gegee het, moet gebruik om Sy Koninkryk te bevorder en Sy heerlikheid te verkondig. Dis waarvoor ons geskape is. “Toe sê Jesus vir sy dissipels: ‘Elkeen wat my dissipel wil wees, moet homself verloën, sy kruis opneem en My volg. Want elkeen wat sy lewe wil red, sal dit verloor, maar elkeen wat sy lewe vir My verloor, sal dit vind. … Want die Seun van die mens … sal elkeen vergeld volgens sy werk’” (Matteus 16:24–25, 27). Ons is lewende offers (Romeine 12:1), wat die dinge wat God ons gegee het in diens van ander gee, en daarin vind ons werklik die lewe. God, die gewer van alle goeie dinge (Jakobus 1:17), gee ons alles wat ons nodig het om Sy wil te vervul. “Julle het dit verniet ontvang; gee dit verniet” (Matteus 10:8).
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Om Onsself Te Sien:
Lank gelede, voor die uitvinding van spieëls, het mense hulself gesien deur poele water, strome en riviere dit was een van die min maniere waarop hulle hul eie weerkaatsing kon sien. Maar spieëls het dit verander. En die uitvinding van kameras het ons voorkoms na ‘n heel nuwe vlak toe geneem. Ons het nou blywende beelde van onsself van enige gegewe tyd deur ons hele lewe. Dit is goed om foto albums te maak en familiegeskiedenisse te hou, maar dit kan nadelig wees vir ons geestelike welstand. Die pret om onsself op kamera te sien, kan ons gefokus hou op uiterlike voorkoms en ons met min belangstelling laat om ons innerlike self te ondersoek. Selfondersoek is noodsaaklik vir ‘n gesonde geestelike lewe. God wil hê ons moet onsself sien sodat ons die gevolge van sondige keuses gespaar kan word. Dit is so belangrik dat die Skrif sê dat ons nie aan die Nagmaal moet deelneem sonder om eers te ondersoek nie (1 Kor 11:28). Die punt van hierdie selfondersoek is nie net om dinge reg te maak met God nie, maar ook om seker te maak dat ons reg is met mekaar. Die nagmaal is ‘n herinnering aan Christus se liggaam, en ons kan dit nie behoorlik vier as ons nie in harmonie met ander leef nie. Om ons sonde te sien en te bely, bevorder eenheid met ander en ‘n gesonde verhouding met God.
Wanneer ons in die spieël van God se woord kyk, sien ons onsself duideliker.
Seeing Ourselves:
Long ago, before the invention of mirrors, people saw themselves through pools of water, streams, and rivers—one of the few ways they could see their own reflection. But mirrors changed that. And the invention of cameras took our appearance to a whole new level. We now have lasting images of ourselves from any given time throughout our lives. It’s good to make photo albums and keep family histories, but it can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. The fun of seeing ourselves on camera can keep us focused on outward appearance and leave us with little interest in examining our inner selves. Self-examination is essential to a healthy spiritual life. God wants us to see ourselves so that we can be spared the consequences of sinful choices. It’s so important that Scripture says we should not partake of the Lord’s Supper without first examining ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28). The point of this self-examination is not only to make things right with God, but also to make sure that we are right with each other. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s body, and we cannot properly celebrate it if we are not living in harmony with others. Seeing and confessing our sin promotes unity with others and a healthy relationship with God.
When we look into the mirror of God’s word, we see ourselves more clearly.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – CAMPFIRE HOMECOMING
An incredible array of artists join Bill and Gloria Gaither for this selection of gospel songs–all sung around the rising flames of a warm camp fire. The concert was shot at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Tennessee, and features appearances from Eva Mae LeFevre and Lynda Randle. Enjoy!
Today on TruLight Radio XM
TruLight Radio XM 24/7
Program
GMT / UTC +2
Monday To Fridays
00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Nightsounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
VISIT THE WEBSITE
https://TruLightRadioXM.org.za
BIBLE PROPHECY IN THE NEWS
Trump says he expects expansion of Abraham Accords soon
US President Donald Trump said he expected an expansion of the Abraham Accords soon and hopes Saudi Arabia will join the pact that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab states.
“I hope to see Saudi Arabia go in, and I hope to see others go in. I think when Saudi Arabia goes in, everybody goes in,” Trump said in an interview broadcast on Friday on Fox Business Network.
Trump said he had had “some very good conversations” as recently as Wednesday with states that have indicated their willingness to join the accords.
“I think that they’re going to all go in very soon,” Trump said in the interview, which was recorded on Thursday.
The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed the accords in 2020 during Trump‘s first term in the White House, breaking a longstanding taboo to become the first Arab states to recognize Israel in a quarter century. Morocco and Sudan followed suit.
Trump, who convened Muslim and European leaders in Egypt to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip on Monday, has presented his plan to end the war in Gaza as the catalyst for a wider regional peace settlement.
He said then that more countries would join the Abraham Accords initiative and even floated the idea of a peace deal between arch Middle East enemies Iran and Israel, telling the Israeli parliament he thought Iran wanted one: “Wouldn’t it be nice?”
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Global Persecution Of Christians On The Rise – Western Media Silent
Globally, the persecution of Christians is getting worse with each passing year, but since the mainstream media mostly ignores what is going on most of us just assume that it really isn’t a big deal. But the truth is that what is being done to our brothers and sisters all over the world is absolutely horrifying.
Hezbollah And Iran Are Already Rebuilding — And Next Time Will Be Different
If history is a teacher, then Iran and Hezbollah have taken careful notes. The last conflict was swift, brutal, and one-sided. Israeli intelligence unraveled their plans before they could act, neutralizing air defenses, cutting off communications, and decapitating leadership structures. They will not make the same mistakes again.
GOG AND MAGOG UPDATE
South Africa = a Member of BRICS — BRICS are the Biblical Gog and Magog
South Africa vows to continue genocide case against Israel at ICJ despite Gaza ceasefire
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that the US-backed peace deal “will have no bearing” on the ongoing legal proceedings against the Jewish state.
South Africa has vowed to continue its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) despite the ceasefire in Gaza, the most significant effort yet to halt the nearly two-year Middle Eastern conflict, taking effect.
Speaking before parliament in Cape Town on Tuesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that the US-backed peace deal “will have no bearing” on the ongoing legal proceedings against the Jewish state.
Ramaphosa promised to continue seeking “justice for the people of Gaza,” while reiterating false accusations that Israel committed genocide under international law during its defensive military campaign against the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.
“The peace deal that has been struck, which we welcome, will have no bearing on the case that is before the International Court of Justice,” the South African leader said.
“The case is proceeding, and it now has to go to the stage where Israel has to respond to our pleadings that have been filed in the court, and they have to do so by January of next year,” he continued.
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
TruLight Ministries found a “Huge heap of Hidden Treasure”
Daniel Light in his search for New Music for TruLight Radio XM Playlist stumbled upon a Huge Heap of Hidden Treasure , of never Released to the Christian Market , or Played on any Christians Radio, over 100 Christian Blues songs dated back to the 50’s and 60’s . 17 Albums of Christian Blues that Nobody knew about since Now ,
TruLight Ministries will be the 1st to Play and Air this on Christian Radio and TV ever .
Please Listen to the 1st Volume turned into a Program by Pastor Dirk – in His very Popular Rhema Gospel Express Show .
Pastor Dirk says , This find is for The Time we Live in , Never Released , the Band , Artist and Singers are Unknown and sound even Better than the Gospel Music of Elvis Presley or the Gaithers and Friends . Every Song speaks to the Hearth in Healing , Uplifting , Building Peace and Faith in your Heart = HEARTFELT MUSIC
ENJOY ! You will be among the 1st People on Earth to Hear this Music Hidden Treasure.
The Rhema Gospel Express – Never Played Gospel Blues Worship songs Vol 1
Introduction Song – You Hold my Heart
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