Redeeming the Time
A word of encouragement from Stephen Lungu
Our valued partners in the gospel,
The Lord has been challenging me to preach to fellow brothers and sisters on “Redeeming the time”. What does it mean “to redeem”? The Collins English Dictionary & Thesaurus has several meanings for redeem: to save; reclaim; buy back; recover; regain; repurchase or retrieve. These few meanings actually tell us that we are reclaiming or repurchasing something that at one time was ours, but somehow lost. Because we know its value, we endeavor to repurchase it.
God created and gave us 24 hours in a day. In His plan, 24 hours is just enough for
each one of us to do the very best for the Kingdom of God. The body and the mind can function effectively within these God appointed hours.
As the world continues to develop, we seem to have lost the 24 hours God has given us. We are continually racing against time. We hear people saying again and again that they do not have enough time to finish what they started or wanted to do. To try gain ‘more’ time, some deprive themselves of the necessary 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep that is needed to function effectively. Everything in our world has just become too fast! Yes, fast cars, fast foods, fast marriages,fast divorces, and fast one hour Church services. In some fast church services, God is only given 15 to 20 minutes to speak to congregations.
Ephesians 5:15-17 begins with these words of warning; “Be very careful then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise.” How you live is a very striking phrase. So often in these end times, people are living for themselves and striving to gain more material things, rather than living for Kingdom gain. Paul goes on to say: “make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” My dear valued partners in the Lord, because we “live in the now,” times are very evil. The hours we have lost in doing things which did not count for the Kingdom of God need to be redeemed. Often people due to some unbiblical ideologies, invest their lives, resources, and time on things that will not count in heaven. I pray that God will help us, through His grace that both African Enterprise and all our partners will make the most of every opportunity given to us, for the sake of the Kingdom of God as we face these evil days. Apostle Paul ends his thoughts by saying: “therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” I pray that the Lord will continue to help each one of us to make the most of every opportunity to snatch souls for the Kingdom of God through His wisdom.
As you consider a New Year’s resolution think about the ways in which you could be redeeming your time. Consider serving in your congregation, food bank or another community based organization. Can I challenge you to find ways to further His kingdom in 2010, rather than your own?
May the Lord richly bless you in 2010,
Stephen Lungu
International Team Leader
PS: May I remind you to consider s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g your dollars this Christmas?
African Enterprise conducts carefully researched outreach into cities and communities in Africa. Through its 10 indigenous teams around Africa, AE reaches the cities of Africa through word and deed in partnership with the church.
This word and deed ministry is achieved through preaching and teaching in large and small meetings, by providing vocational training to former prostitutes, training relatives of HIV & AIDS victims how to care for their loved ones, offering business training to young entrepreneurs and through microfinance projects (grants and loans to start a business).None of the many projects, missions and outreach programs are possible without the dedicated staff and teams of AE. Without them none of our work in Africa can take place. They know the countries, the cultures, the people, the languages, the things that affect their cities and the things that the people are concerned about. They are the hands and feet of Jesus on the ground in Africa.
In Africa prostitution is often an economic pressure on uneducated and untrained women who have no other means of support for themselves and their children.
African Enterprise trains these women so that they may be equipped and reintegrated into society. This enables them to begin a marketable trade and provide for their children, while deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ.
In recent years, the children of Africa have been devastated by preventable diseases such as Measles, Tetanus, TB, Diphtheria, Hepatitis and Whooping Cough. Immunization of children against preventable diseases together with Christian teaching is making the difference in Africa.
1 inoculation, which costs only $3, prevents the 6 above mentioned chilhood diseases.
You can help a recent Job Skills Training graduate by putting trades tools into their hands.
They have been trained by local craftspeople in carpentry, auto mechanics, refrigeration repair, welding, dress-making, tailoring or hair-dressing.
They graduate with a Trades Board approved certificate.This very worthwhile program provides a new start for very needy children and adults—60% of them are young girls and women.
Donate securely online, to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your dollars and create lasting change this Christmas.