Weekly Devotionals – 1 September 2025

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

This week represents the time of year when students of all ages would prepare to go back to school after their summer break. The Labour Day holiday would finish on Monday with schools opening two days later on Wednesday. Some were excited while others were lamenting the resumption of classes. Regrettably, I was often found in the latter category.

This year also represents my 50-year anniversary in graduating from high school. There are several thoughts that come to mind upon reflecting over my seasons of going back to school. These memories reveal areas where I could have done better as a student. At the same time, I am discovering that there are principles that can still be learned and applied to help ensure a Passing Grade on the subject of LIFE.

Principle 1 – Time Management

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

I failed this test big time! On Day 1 of school, I would start looking at the clock and longing for 2:30 PM to come quickly. I already started making plans for the weekend. As the days progressed my thoughts would ponder over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. As the month of spring came into bloom, the countdown to summer vacation would begin. This continual cycle resulted in lost opportunities to learn and grow in needed disciplines. This approach to school put into motion a “doing enough to get by” type of mentality that played out in my later years.

Lesson to be Applied

As one gets older the desire for time to slow down becomes a reality. Time is now viewed as a precious commodity that needs to be properly stewarded. Though its not possible to turn back the clock of time for a do-over on my school days I can make the most of the allotted time that God still affords me. Lord, help me to pass this make-up exam on the precious commodity of Time.

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).

Principle 2 – Finishing Well

In reflecting through the years, I can see myself as one who started well in many of life’s endeavours. This was also true at the beginning of a new class year. Even though I was a “clock watcher” there were good attempts to start off on the right foot. Unfortunately, it was a matter of time before slipping back into the groove of “doing enough to get by”. My report cards revealed passing grades, but they often included comments from my teachers that stated the following. “Tim is capable of doing better”. Even as a student, I knew they were right.

Lesson to be Applied

What could have I done differently as a student to get over this obstacle? Many influential people in my life have reminded me that it is not how we start a race that matters but more importantly its how we finish. To achieve this, one must establish goals in life. In school, my only goal was to pass and move on to the next grade. In this I succeeded but it set me up into a pattern of mediocrity.

As a Christian I soon realized that this is unacceptable. I may have not finished well scholastically as a student, but God’s grace has been made available to finish well so as to obtain the ultimate reward of Christ.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Principle 3 – Making Connections

One of the positive experiences in all of my school days was in having meaningful friendships. It’s easy to revisit a special memory when calling to mind friends from the past. Many of these friendships extended beyond the classroom as we grew into adolescence and eventual adulthood. This is one grade that I passed with flying colours. This principle of Making Connections has benefitted me throughout the whole of my life.

(The accompanying photo are friends that have been connected as far back as the mid 1960’s. All maintain a close friendship to this day. Can you spot the author?)

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Lesson to Be Applied

As believers in Christ, it is vital that we come to know our place in the Body of Christ. People today are slipping into a world of isolation and loneliness, oftentimes without even knowing it. This positive reflection of my School Days serves as a catalyst to reinforce the importance of having meaningful connections, in addition to spreading this needed message to others. Now, more than ever, we need each other. We need to be Connected!

This devotional has brought an awareness of that day when our Report Card of Life will be presented before God. What will yours look like? It is hoped that some of these reflections will help to inspire us as we have opportunity to go back to God’s School of life on a daily basis. 

DAILY MEDITATIONS

Monday: 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Tuesday: James 4:14
Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

Wednesday: Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

Thursday: Romans 14:12
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Friday: John 21:18
Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”

Saturday: Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Sunday: 2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell