864 Hours: 36 Days of Obedience

It’s November 25, 2018, exactly 30 days before Christmas, and 36 days until January 1, 2019; you have 864 hours left in 2018. Can you believe that 2018 is already coming to a close? When you think about it, 864 hours seems like a very long time. However, as the days pass and the end of the year draws closer, you realize that 864 hours will come and go at light speed.  Now is the time to start planning.

Here are five things to consider:

1. Give a little extra: Proverbs 3:9. There are many ways to honor God; however, giving to those in need is considered wise and prudent. Luke 6:38 tells us that giving to others is one of the ways we receive our blessings; therefore give, not because we will receive back, but because we love people and want to see others blessed. It is obedience to these things which causes us to receive blessings in return.
   
2. Win more souls to Christ: Matthew 28:19-20. As believers, we have been given the mandate to win others to Christ. Evangelism is not just for missionaries; it’s for all Christians. We have a ministry in which we are to reconcile others to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
3. Spend time with those less fortunate: Luke 4: 18, Matthew 11:5. Jesus was anointed to preach the good news to the poor. He was full of love for those who were needy. The Christmas season is a time when many are in great need. They may need food, money, or just someone to talk to. We are all busy, but take some time to share some love with someone who needs it.
4. Start a new business: Proverbs 31:10-31. We hear a lot about the Proverbs 31 women. This story has been waxed eloquently to us for many years. We want to be like her. Starting a business is not easy; however, if God called you to start a business, be obedient. Do not hesitate; procrastination is not part of God’s plan.
5. Write a book: Habakkuk 2:2, Daniel 5. When God wrote anything, He had a reason. When you start writing your book, you, too, should have a God-given reason for writing. Luke had a reason for writing the Book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. He stated, 
   “In as much as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us, just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, ..that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed” (Luke 1:1-4).

You have been given 24 hours in each day to live for Christ. Use the next eight hundred sixty-four (864) hours to accomplish great things for God. Not only is He counting on you, there are people out there who are waiting for you to obey God. They are waiting on the other side of your obedience. How do you plan on spending the next 864 hours?