COVID-19 Devotional: Redeeming the Time

Ever heard of the phrase “redeeming the time?” Check out our COVID-19 Devotional and thoughts from Matt Swanson on how this new kind of time we have can be used for good. (video below)

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“Welcome to Today’s Reign Ministry Digital Devotional. I’m Matt from Royal Servants mission trips. How are you feeling today? Is doing school online a bit overwhelming? Are you struggling to manage your time? Have you binge watched every show you could possibly stomach on Netflix and now finding yourself feeling sort of empty and bored by the end of each day? How can we redeem all this time we have at home?

The Bible says in
Ephesians 5:15-16
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

How then do we walk in wisdom?
Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

While physical distancing has limited our ability to be out doing evangelism, our call to grow as disciples continues. Jesus says in
John 13:35
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
And
Hebrews 10:23-25 says
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

While we are physically distanced, our call is to be part of the community of God’s people the church. So what is your church doing to be a community? Are they doing prayer times online or streaming services? Can you set up google meets with friends from church with the explicit purpose of sharing scripture together – think about your D-group discussions from your past summers? How could your reach out to non-christian friends to show them support and pray for them? Have you reached out to elderly friends and family to love them? How could you make loving community an intentional part of everyday while you are socially distanced? Alumni, we are launching a fun new initiative on Friday so make sure to check back in on instagram and youtube to find our more and don’t forget to subscribe to get regular devotionals and seek our creator and King together in this trying season.

Further Study

Ephesians 5
Hebrews 10

Reflection Question:
How can you make seeking God in his Word and prayer a part of your everyday routine?
How can you make loving fellow brothers and sisters in Christ a part of your everyday routine?
How can you make compassion for the Lost a part of your everyday routine?

Worship Songs
“I Will Follow” Jon Guerra
“Satisfied in You” by the Sing Team
“Redeemer” by Nicole C. Mullen

Want to dig a little deeper? Spend some time on the following:

Ephesians 5:15-16
How then do we walk in wisdom?
Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:35; Hebrews 10:23-25
While we are physically distanced, our call is to be part of the community of God’s people the church. So what is your church doing to be a community? Are they doing prayer times online or streaming services? Can you set up google meets with friends from church with the explicit purpose of sharing scripture together – think about your D-group discussions from your past summers? How could your reach out to non-christian friends to show them support and pray for them? Have you reached out to elderly friends and family to love them? How could you make loving community an intentional part of everyday while you are socially distanced?

Alumni, we are launching a fun new initiative on Friday so make sure to check back in on instagram and youtube to find our more and don’t forget to subscribe to get regular devotionals and seek our creator and King together in this trying season.

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Originally Published April 16, 2020