Time for Jesus
Basilea Schlink emphasizes that true Christian life begins when believers make dedicated time for Jesus, responding to His immeasurable love with wholehearted devotion.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink invites listeners to deepen their relationship with Jesus by making intentional time for Him. Through the inspiring example of a schoolteacher who sacrificed her vacation plans, Schlink illustrates the transformative power of first love and wholehearted devotion. She challenges believers to respond to Jesus’ immeasurable love with extravagant giving and joyful service. This message encourages renewed strength and joy in the Christian walk.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today, but His life can only be found in people who have time for Him. In today's meditation by Baselie Schlink, we will be hearing what happened when a schoolteacher made time for Jesus. Jesus, Lord, to love you only, I shall live for that alone, To your heart's uncomfort bringing, All your suffering making known.
Lord, I care now for my troubles, Since I've seen your pain and cross, But endeavor to console you, Willingly take up my cross. There is a love for Jesus which the Bible calls first love. This love has eyes and ears for Jesus alone.
This love draws us to Him. It makes our hands quick to serve Him. It uses the most loving words to tell how wonderful He is.
Yes, this love knows only one great joy, and that is Jesus Himself. I know of a schoolteacher who was looking forward to some weeks of rest and recuperation after an exhausting term. She had planned a vacation in the mountains and was longing for the bracing air and the warm sunshine.
She had already bought her ticket. Everything was arranged with her friends. But then she sensed, Jesus is waiting for me.
He wants my time, all my time. I won't have time for all the activities and get-togethers I've planned. Because she didn't want to let her Lord wait in vain, she canceled all her plans, used the time for quiet and prayer, and gave her vacation money to the Lord.
In these weeks, however, she received more strength, and she returned to her work with greater joy than from any previous vacation. This example portrays something of this love for Jesus, a love that sees only Him, lives for Him alone. If we begin truly to love Jesus, could we think of carefully measuring out our love to Him whose love toward us is beyond measure? Because Jesus loved us, His enemies, so much He paid for it with His life.
There can only be one response to such a love. One must love Him in return with a lavish, extravagant love that gives all, never counting the cost. Oh, make me Thine! Take all I love and treasure, my life, my honor, if that brings me pleasure and shows my love.
Yes, make me Thine! You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet.
If you do not have access to the web, please write to God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85028-4099. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Call to Make Time for Jesus
- God lives and works today through those who give Him time
- The example of a schoolteacher who prioritized Jesus over her plans
- The importance of responding to Jesus’ waiting love
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II. The Nature of First Love
- First love focuses eyes and ears solely on Jesus
- This love draws us closer and motivates service
- It brings joy in Jesus Himself, not in worldly activities
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III. Responding to Jesus’ Sacrificial Love
- Jesus loved us beyond measure, even as enemies
- Our response must be lavish, extravagant love
- Giving all without counting the cost honors His sacrifice
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IV. The Blessings of Devotion
- Sacrificing plans for Jesus brings renewed strength
- True joy comes from living for Jesus alone
- Devotion leads to greater effectiveness in Christian service
Key Quotes
“God lives and works today, but His life can only be found in people who have time for Him.” — Basilea Schlink
“There is a love for Jesus which the Bible calls first love. This love has eyes and ears for Jesus alone.” — Basilea Schlink
“Because Jesus loved us, His enemies, so much He paid for it with His life.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Set aside daily time for prayer and quiet reflection to deepen your love for Jesus.
- Be willing to sacrifice personal plans if it means prioritizing your relationship with Christ.
- Respond to Jesus’ love by serving others with joy and wholehearted commitment.