It’s a new morning—Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. I used to dread arriving in class only to be greeted with a test... especially when I had no idea it was coming. This morning, our instructor is Gamaliel, the very one who taught the Apostle Paul. In this scenario, he encourages me to test myself. That will be the essence of fruitfulness and success in your future. Can you pass that test? Read on...
Today's Reading:
Exodus 23,24; Psalms 14; Acts 5
Scripture
“... if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)
Observation
It was Gamaliel. Thank God for his wisdom and leadership. He quelled the mob with sensible advice, but his words extend far beyond the Sanhedrin’s jealousy. They prompt us to reexamine our motives and calling—if they pass the test, we can move forward with gumption and confidence.
Application
As I review my activities and how I spend my time, I need to place them into two categories. One consists of the activities and investments I know are from God—those that align with His will and purposes for my life. These are part of the assignment for which I will be accountable on that Day.
There may also be some I need to add. For me, it’s health—I need to invest more time there. Financial awareness, my writing, my study, and a few other assignments also fall into this “God-given” category.
The rest go into a pending file. I must reassess them periodically and, if necessary, readjust the time I spend on them—or prune them altogether.
Prayer
Father, thank You for encouraging me to take inventory of my life periodically. This allows me to boldly proclaim that what I am doing is a God-given purpose and not of human origin. It is a timely evaluation—a self-administered test to check and see if I am in the faith. I don’t want my life to be graded by the teacher of consequences. I must begin with me.
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
—2 Corinthians 13:5
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