“University Of Eternal
Life: Part IV: OFFICE HOURS!”
Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher
OFFICE HOURS:
After buying the textbook and studying the assigned readings, I put
my Bible away. Then I looked at the syllabus to make sure of
tomorrows’ assignment. A particular sentence on the syllabus
startled my eyes. It was about office hours.
I loved the fact that the office hours were very convenient. They
were 24 hrs a day seven days a week! Wow! Being new to this class, I
was thrilled. I now had a way to ask Jesus directly what He meant by
certain passages in His Word.
I
could also bring my other requests before Him. If I had trouble in
my other classes, Jesus wanted to even hear about that, but the only
problem I had was contacting Jesus.
The syllabus actually had Jesus' phone number on it.
This was too awesome to comprehend. I realized all that I had to do
was to call on Him and He would listen, wherever I was. Not only
that, He would also answer me.
"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and
noon, I cry out in distress and He hears my voice" (Psalm
55:16-17).
Utilizing Christ's office hours are meant to give us rest and hope
through the struggles. Jesus loved it when we came to His office
hours regardless of the day or time.
He even told me, "Come
to me, all you who are weary, and burdened, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy and my burden is light" (Matt 11:28-30).
Calling on the name of the Lord and talking to Him became known as
Prayer. Jesus wants us to turn to Him always and talk to Him
whatever problems we face.
Jesus told me, "Pray
continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
So each time I would talk to the Lord about my previous day and the
coming day! I would also ask Him questions whenever I was confused.
These were such cool times. I was so happy and grateful. However, it
was not always like this.
Under the pressure of other classes and duties, many times I would
not take advantage of the office hrs Jesus provided. It was not
deliberate, it just happened that way. The worldly affairs had
gotten to me and I was dwelling in them. I remember one time being
so lonely and anxious.
The miracle was that Jesus never abandoned me, even when I skipped
office hours so many times.
Jesus gave me a promise, "Remain
in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself;
it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you
remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains
in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can
do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like branches
that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown
into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in
you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my
Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be
my disciples" (John 15:4-8).
The concept that Jesus loves me so much and wants me to depend on
Him completely to bear fruit gave me so much happiness. Knowing that
single fact, that when I remain in Him and He in me, He will help me
out, helped me to go to His office hours than any other fact. Don't
ignore the office hours Jesus has provided for you. Go to Him with
your prayer requests, comments, and questions daily.
Jesus reminded me, "Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4-6-7).
To be continued.....
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University of Eternal Life: Part I:
Admissions By Ramesh C. Reddy
(Wed, Jan 28, 15, 8:20 a.m.)
University of Eternal Life: Part II:
Registration, Tuition, Lecture By Ramesh C. Reddy
(Thurs, Jan 29, 15, 10:55 a.m.)
University of Eternal Life: Part III: TEXTBOOK
By Ramesh C. Reddy
(Sat, Jan 31, 15, 06:37 a.m.)
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