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“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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