“ And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come .” Luke 19:13

We are doing business in this world for Christ. Each one of us has something of His—a pound which He has entrusted to us to trade with as his agent. Our life itself, with all its powers, its endowments, its opportunities, its privileges, its blessings, its possibilities—is our pound. Our life is not our own. We are not in this world merely to have a good time for a few years. Life is a trust. We are not done with it either, when we have lived it through to its last day. We must render an account of it to him who gave it to us. Our business is to gather gains through our trading with our Lord’s money. We are required to make the most that is possible of our life!

People often speak of the solemnity of dying. It is a grave and serious matter—but it is a great deal more solemn thing to live. Dying is but giving back into God’s hand his own gift—life. If we have lived well, dying is victory, glory, the trampling of life’s fragile vanities to fragments, as our soul bursts into real and full life and blessedness.

It is living then, which is serious and solemn. Life to its last particle is our Lord’s property, entrusted to us to be used so that it shall grow. Then comes the judgment. We shall have to look up into our Lord’s face, and tell him what we have done with his pound. We shall be expected to return our trust, not , only kept safe—but enhanced in value!–J. R. Miller

Several years ago I read some books on “time management” and jumped on the bandwagon. I thought, these guys are experts. They know what they’re doing and I need to learn. After all, who doesn’t want to be more productive? But, like most things, the new soon wore off and the excitement was gone. I discovered that I was spending more time on my list than on my life. I was working more on my list of things to do than doing the things on my list.

It seems to me that some folks think if they are busy they’re doing what they should, but that’s not always true. Our priorities are out of place when we try to justify neglecting our duty by saying, “I’m too busy”. Let me put it this way–“If you are too busy to read your Bible and pray, you are too busy!” Yet multitudes do that almost everyday. They spend the bulk of their lives majoring on minors.

David Jeremiah gave good advice when he wrote: “It’s not enough to be busy. We must make sure we’re keeping our bearings in Christ. As you go through the day, the month, and the year, remember to periodically pause to check your priorities and get your bearings. Take time to pray and ponder. Set aside time for Bible study and personal meditation. Pull over at rest stops. Pause often to remember who you are, where you’re going, and the God you’re serving.” Think about it!

As important as the truth is many never become acquainted with it because they refuse to listen. By “listen” I mean hear or read–seek the truth. The attention span of some is so short that they can’t / won’t sit still long enough to get the facts. They “don’t get it” because they don’t want it. And they don’t want it because they don’t see the need or advantage of it. It’s not on their list of things they think will make them happy.

Children today are raised in front of a TV or computer. Nearly everyone goes through life with a cell phone in their hand and their head in the clouds. You might as well expect a hare to chase a hound as to expect them to pursue the truth. If they “listen” at all, they want “sound-bites”, reviews, and sermonetts, etc. They are not going to dig deep and stay down long in pursuit of spiritual knowledge. They might sing “Take Time to be Holy”, but they don’t do it.

This isn’t a new problem. Getting people interested in acquiring knowledge has always been a problem. In fact, it was for “lack of knowledge” that Israel was destroyed (Hos.4:6). And people are doing the same today. The average church member doesn’t know beans about the Bible, church history, the development of the Bible, or the stories of great Christians. They have no idea why Baptist are not Protestants, as many claim, and they are mystified as to why we use only the K.J.V. of the Bible and refuse to use “mission boards”, and still sing hymns, etc. They are willingly and woefully ignorant of these important issues.

But there’s more. In addition to their ignorance of this important information they never experience the inspiration that comes from studying these things. They’ve never read about the great men and women whom God used mightily —amazing stories that should be read, remembered, and repeated. Stories that challenge, comfort, and create confidence in Christ—so this is no minor matter. For some people, at certain times, inspiration can be more important than information. But some of the best inspiration you will ever receive comes through information– information that comes from instruction. So, to learn you must learn to listen.

—-Fear not,I will help thee. – Isaiah 41:13
Due to the tough times of the past, many anticipate anguish in the future– and their days are filled with dread. But it need not be that way. God has given us many precious promises designed to give us hope and happiness. Claiming them is the key to calmness. These words from James Smith in 1840 reminds us of this:

Wherever the Lord leads us, He will support us; nor shall the difficulties of the way, or the weakness we feel, be too much for us. His hand is stretched out to us, and it is for faith to lay hold of it and proceed, confident of assistance.

The arm of His power is the protection of His people in danger, and the strength of His people in weakness. He is a very present help in trouble. A God at hand. Are you weak, or in difficulty?
Plead His word; it is plain, positive, and sure. He cannot lie.
He will not deceive. His strength is made perfect, and is glorified in your weakness. Fear not, underneath are everlasting arms. He will strengthen you with strength in your soul.

He CAN help, for He is omnipotent. He WILL help, for He has given you His word. Trust in the Lord at all times; yea, trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. That strength is promised to you, and will be employed for you in answer to prayer.

Why then are you so fearful? Why cast down? He says, “I WILL HELP THEE.” “He hath said, and shall He not do it? He hath spoken, and shall He not make it good?”

Fear not; I am with thee; O be not dismay’d!
For, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid!
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.