Using Your Time Well

This message challenges us to examine how we're investing our time and influence in the lives of the children around us—whether our own or those in our church family. Drawing from the story of Hannah and Samuel in 1 Samuel, we're confronted with a beautiful paradox: Hannah desperately wanted a child, yet when God answered her prayer, she surrendered that precious son back to the Lord. What made Samuel different from Eli's own sons, who were raised in the same temple environment yet became 'sons of Belial'? The answer lies in Hannah's complete surrender—first of herself, then of her child—to God's purposes. This message introduces us to three Greek words for 'life': bios (physical life), psuche (soul life—our mind and will), and zoe (divine, eternal life found only in Christ). We're called to move beyond merely teaching our children about God and instead demonstrate zoe life—that supernatural, uncreated life that flows from an authentic relationship with Jesus. The challenge is clear: Are we projecting grace, delight, and intentional spiritual investment into the next generation? Are we getting caught on our knees in prayer? This month presents us with an opportunity to disciple intentionally, to show children what it truly means to live in Christ, and to ensure that no young person leaves our influence without understanding the transformative power of zoe life.