… a gift we exchange daily

AS WE NEARED THE END
of a refreshing rest from our pastoral work, Dixie and I mulled over what to bring home to mark this time away. Eventually we decided. We were in Germany, so we bought a grandfather clock. It still ticks in my home today reminding me of past moments, present responsibilities, and future opportunities.

TIME IS ONE RESOURCE WE ALL RECEIVE
in equal measure—24 hours a day—but how we use it shapes who we become. There’s a well-known, anonymously written reflection that captures this truth:

“Today is the very first day of the rest of my life. This is the beginning of a new day. I have been given this day to use as I will. I can waste it … or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I want it to be gain and not loss; good and not evil; success and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it. I will try just for today, for you will never fail until you stop trying.”

This powerful reminder aligns deeply with biblical wisdom on the fleeting nature and sacred responsibility of time.

THE VALUE OF OUR TIME.
Time is Short and Precious
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm
90:12

The psalmist pleads for wisdom to recognize life’s brevity. The more we grasp the limited number of our days, the more we are motivated to live each one meaningfully.

1. We Are Accountable for Our Time
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16

The Apostle Paul encourages intentionality, urging believers to be mindful and strategic in how we spend time, especially in a world filled with distractions and moral drift.

2. Each Day is a Gift
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
Every morning offers a fresh opportunity—given by God—to be shaped with
gratitude, purpose, and impact.

3. Time Must Be Used to Pursue Good
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

This reinforces the closing lines of the poem—“you will never fail until you stop trying.” Perseverance is a virtue rewarded in both practical and eternal ways.

IT’S NOT JUST THE TICKING OF A CLOCK.
It is a divine currency. We are not merely spending it—we are investing it in the lives we lead, the people we touch, the help we give, and the legacy we leave. In our youth we instinctively sense time’s importance. But as we age, we approach each new day with an even greater reverence and resolve, stewarding our time in ways that reflect faith, hope, and love. It is God’s great gift to us. We can't save it. We can only invest it.

May Jesus keep us close.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
—Mr. Rogers
From: the pour over, 05-09-25

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Acts 19:22 (NIV)
He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

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MISSED ME? IT’S GAGE. I’M STILL HERE. I’M ONE OF MASTER’S HELPERS. HE COUNTS ON ME AND YOU CAN, TOO.
Getting used to a new home has been exciting. New trails. New streets. And more space to move about without a leash. WOW. That has been SO freeing! For 7+ dog years (like 50 human years) just walking around where we lived in the big city required a leash. I still use it to keep track of Master when we go on a walk or to church or shop for food, but I can say, once he’s back home and safe, I can relax. Life is good. I hope you enjoy being one of God’s helpers like I do!

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WARD TANNEBERG was inspired to write international thrillers after a trip to Israel when terrorists landed on a beach near his hotel. Today, he tells his stories in a new series called The Cain Family Thrillers. He also writes the blog, Perspective, about living, learning, and leading in midlife and beyond as a follower of Jesus. Ward is a widower with two children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He has a 70-lb labradoodle named Gage, who keeps life interesting. He has traveled to over 50+ countries, but makes his home in the Pacific Northwest, USA.

SEPTEMBER STRIKE is available today on amazon.com or Barnes & noble.com (print or ebook); PRIZE CHILD (print only—ebook coming soon).

September Strike: A Cain Family Thriller is a heart-pounding tale of danger, deception, and resilience. When the Cain family becomes entangled in a deadly plot threatening their community, they must rely on their courage, resourcefulness, and faith to survive. Packed with twists, emotional depth, and relentless action, this thriller explores the power of family bonds and the strength it takes to face unimaginable challenges. September Strike resonates with readers worldwide with its themes of survival, family loyalty, and moral courage. The book’s compelling mix of suspense and emotional storytelling appeals to diverse audiences, making it an excellent addition to a global literary
bookcase.

Prize Child: A Cain Family Thriller is the second in the series. The Cain’s suffered the loss of one daughter, and now their 12-year old Jessica has disappeared in the Middle East. What began as a vacation trip with her father has turned into a terrifying ordeal with terrorists who have found their perfect pawn. Another story packed with twists and turns, Prize Child is a gripping saga of a father struggling to get his daughter back from a terrorist who won’t hesitate to kill her for the attention of the world to his cause.