" TIME "

This week we are discussing " Time " A period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues. God created the earth in an orderly fashion (He did not make plants before light), and He created men and women as unique beings capable of communication with Him. Now, take a moment, no other part of creation can claim that remarkable privilege. He created it just the way He wanted it.

OK, in saying " My times are in Your hand," all of life's circumstances are under God's control. Knowing that God loves and cares for us enables us to keep steady in our faith regardless of our circumstances. It keeps us from sinning foolishly by taking matters into our own hands and consenting to God's timetable. Did you know that God's own people were not allowed to work on the Sabbath? They were not even suppose to cook food? Why? They knew that the busy routine of daily living could distract people from worshiping Him. It is so easy to let work, family responsibilities, and recreation crowd our schedules so tightly that we don't take time to worship. Carefully guard your time with God.

We may be tempted to think we should not take time out from our " Important " work for social occasions. But maybe these social occasions are part of our mission. Bring balance to your life by bringing Jesus into times of pleasure as well as times of work. For it is time to seek the Lord. Your time may just be running out, so make sure that you turn to God to forgive your sins. We cannot see the stopwatch of God's patience, and there is no bargaining for additional time. God shows His great patience with us.

You know, I've come to the realization that God will act when He is ready. Children have difficulty grasping the concept of time. " It's not time yet " is not a reason they easily understand because they only comprehend the present. As restricted Human Beings, we can't understand God's perspective about time. We want everything now, unaware that God's timing is better. When God is ready, He will do what needs to be done, not what we would like Him to do. We may be as anxious as children, but we must not doubt the wisdom of timing. Watch and pray for God to reveal His plan. Don't take matters into your own hands.

LAST POINT: Many of us need time for an idea to marinate within us. It takes time to accept something that changes the very foundations of our lives. In taking this time we will be able to hopefully put things together for ourselves. Sharing the gospel will not always have immediate results. When you ask people to let Jesus change their lives, give them time to weigh the matter.

Until Next Time...

Jim