Leading The Way - Week of April 1
April 1, 2024
Redeem the Time
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Romans 13:11-14.
What does it look like to live in light of eternity? In the last few chapters of Romans, the apostle Paul gives us practical ways to follow God’s will in different areas of our lives—and it all starts with waking from our slumber.
One of the biggest struggles in the church today is spiritual drowsiness, even laziness. God’s Word tells us that when we are more concerned about worldly pleasures—reputation, career, wealth—than about what concerns Christ, when our love for Christ grows cold, when we succumb to self-indulgence, when we pay lip-service to God but presume upon His grace, we are spiritually asleep.
Is there something God has called you to do that you have delayed because you are waiting for a more opportune time? Christian, you belong to the day. It’s time to awake from your spiritual sleep. Christ is coming!
Paul urges us to redeem the time God has given us by using our God-given opportunities, talents, and spiritual gifts to glorify Christ—for “[t]he night is nearly over; the day is almost here” (Romans 13:12). God may open doors of opportunity specifically for you. He may put a certain person in your life with whom He wants you to share the Gospel. He may give you a unique platform to firmly stand on His Word. May each of us be alert and prepared for the day when the clouds roll back like a scroll and the trumpets signal our Lord’s return!
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I fall asleep spiritually and forget the urgency of the age, for “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Use me, Lord, to share this Truth with those You put in my path. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon From Valley to Victory, Part 17: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
What awaits the believer after this life? And how does our eternal future impact our lives today? In his new book Heaven Awaits, Dr. Michael Youssef dispels misconceptions about the believer’s eternal home and articulates the blessings, majesty, and reality of heaven as displayed in Scripture. As you dig into God’s promises for your future in Christ, you’ll be lifted up and empowered to persevere today with joy in your hope that will never disappoint. Pre-order your copy today for your gift of any amount! *Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through May 31, 2024. The book will ship upon its release in early May.
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Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.