May 31, 2010

Back to the Beginning

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

— 

Every day begins with the hands of the clock straight up at 12:00 midnight. Halfway through the day the hands return there again. And twelve hours later, as another new day begins, the hands of the clock come back to where they began.

We began this month’s devotions with the writer of Ecclesiastes: “There is a time for every-

thing …” And now here we are back in the same chapter in that book: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Thoughout this month we’ve reflected on our sin, on our urgent need for renewal in God’s salvation, on rededicating our lives for service to him and others that results in great joy for life. I pray that this journey about God’s gift of time has enriched your life.

Here are some final thoughts for using time to make life beautiful:

Use your time to grow in Christ through Bible reading and prayer.

Use your time to make friends with God’s family in the church of Jesus.

Use your time to do good for God by asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen you each day.

Use your time to enrich your life through love for God and other people.

Time is a beautiful thing. You are a beautiful person in Christ. Have a great time with God every day you live!

Dear God, this month as I have reflected on you and your gift of time, I want to thank you for every minute. I love you Lord—even more today than ever before. Amen.

About the author — Jack Gray

Jack Gray recently retired after forty years as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. During that time he served seven churches from coast to coast in the United States. He and his wife, Wanda, have four sons and three grandchildren. They also have ministered to 44 foster children. This month’s devotions are inspired by his reflections on time at this transition in his life.

Start your day with quick daily devotions.

See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!