Scripture for Today: Colossians 4:5  “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

We live near the cuckoo clock capital of the world!  Black Forest, Germany is just over the border and they are known for their wood carving and clock making.  The variety is impressive.  Some are quite ornate and detailed.  We have  a simple one with just the cuckoo but I have always enjoyed those with figurines that dance on the hour.

Once I saw a very unique cuckoo clock that was difficult to leave behind.  On the hour a man seated in his chair would appear and behind him stood his wife with a rolling pin poised over her head.  With each cuckoo that rolling pin would come down on this poor man’s head!  I guess my husband would not want me getting any ideas!

Our verse for today is about redeeming the time.  It is said in a very specific context; that of our relationship with nonbelievers.  Paul, in the preceding verses, is asking for prayer.  He wants to make the Gospel clear to others.  But to do so, he wants God to open the door of opportunity to him.

Walking in this wisdom is knowing how to communicate with grace (verse 6).  Our speech is to be “seasoned with salt” so that we know how to answer anyone asking a question.  There is a certain urgency involved as doors of opportunity not only open but close.  That cuckoo sounding reminds me that time is fleeting and limited.  Am I praying for opportunities to share His Good News?  Do I have the wisdom described in Proverbs 11:30, that of winning souls?  Quite frankly, there are times I am too self-absorbed.

Lord, make me aware of fleeting time, open doors and sensitivity to people’s questions.  I need Your wisdom!

Scripture for Today:  Philippians 1:11  “May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God….”

It’s harvest time!  The vineyards above our house are filled with workers, tractors and even horses and carts for the steep places.  The “vendange” or grape harvest is a happy exciting time around here.  After months of hard work tending the vines, the fruit of all that labor appears.  Not only are there migrant workers picking the grapes but students earning extra cash, retired folk, and even whole families enjoying the experience together!  Many of the small villages in Alsace have festivals to celebrate the harvest.

Fruit that is harvested legitimately is fruit enjoyed for more than just one season.  The grapes are not only enjoyed fresh but also transformed into juice, wine, jams and raisins.  When I think about “forbidden fruit” or sin, it is pleasurable only for a season (Heb.11:25).  Our verse for today talks about another kind of fruit; the fruit of righteousness.  It is described as behavior that honors God.  Paul’s prayer is that we are filled with this kind of fruit which comes directly from our relationship to Jesus, the Vine (John 15:1).  The fruit of righteousness will be fruit that is lasting (verse 16).

When I consider what I can pass on to my children and grandchildren, there does not seem to be much that can last.  There is not much that can stand the test of time.  But a life marked by doing the right thing is a life that can touch others for eternity.  It is fruit that will remain.

Thank you, Lord, that Your fruit remains so that my life can make a difference!

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 69:30  “I will praise the name of God with song, And magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

My eyes do not see so well.  I wear glasses and contacts but I sometimes need a magnifying glass.  From time to time I come across stubborn tiny print that frustrates me.  Out comes the magnifying glass from the drawer.  I am careful to keep it there when not in use.  The sun pours in the window and I have a secret fear that the glass could start a fire!  I am always happy to see the symbol of the magnifying glass on my computer.  I can make print bigger and can even control how much something is magnified.

Our verse for today talks about magnifying the Lord.  He is magnified and more clearly seen by others when I am thankful.  Attributing every success to Him is what magnifies Him.  Recognizing that every thing positive in life is due to Him is what magnifies Him.  To magnify the Lord is to verbally give Him the credit He rightfully deserves.

I cannot help but think of John the Baptist’s statement in John 3:30; “He must increase but I must decrease.”  For Him to increase, I need to stop taking the credit for my blessings!  For Him to increase, I need to get myself out of the way.  Drawing attention to myself gets in the way of the Lord being magnified!  And being silent about His goodness also keeps Him from being magnified.

I want His goodness and grace to be clearly seen in my life!  He is worthy to be magnified!  After all He has done for me, it is the least I can do!  “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!”