Thank the Lord for a tremendous start to the New Year. I have just returned from three weeks away from home, two with my family outside the United States, and a third away from San Antonio in intensive planning meetings with key leaders and staff as we seek the wisdom of the Lord to be the wisest steward of the vision and mission which we believe the Lord has given to us. In my view, it pays to dedicate the first month in twelve to planning, strategy, and prayer, if one hopes to wisely steward time and resources for the next eleven. For those of you who can still devote some important strategic prayer and planning time to this inaugural month of 2007, here are a few verses of encouragement concerning the preciousness of the time which the Lord has given to us:

Teach us to number our days that we may present a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

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

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 4:5)

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 1:10)

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. (Proverbs 18:9)