Jim's Devotional - October 6th

October 6th

Some people wish days were 36 hours long while others would like 6-hour days. Paul had some things to say about time. Ephesians 5:16, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

To Redeem here means to make wise use of. Are our days cluttered with “time consuming” things that are not productive. Rest and relaxation are very important so don’t take a guilt trip if you just do nothing at times; we need “down time.”

Paul included in his letter to the Ephesians to examine ourselves. Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” “Psalms” here refers to times when we get alone with the Holy Spirit, in a quiet place, and examine our heart. In other words, get real or authentic, with God and ourselves. Are we using time wisely? We have to answer that question honestly.

Next Paul talks about “hymns.” Hymns has to do with anthems to God. To remove what is not productive in our lives and to reinforce what is. Again, be honest.

The last of this progression is “spiritual songs.” “Spiritual songs” is the result of a time alone in the “closet” with God, then reinforcing what is of the Kingdom (dominion of the King). We come out of this quiet time with a renewed spiritual vitality. Go ahead, do it.