Time, not always a friend! So, don't waste it!
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph 5:15-16 (NKJV)
Time is not always a friend to anyone apart from Christ. The most valued asset anyone can have is definitely not found in the things of this world but rather finding their own personal relationship within the fullness of God. Being included within the kingdom of God today is a most comforting experience. Having confidence in being divinely led through this life, receiving understanding in the deep thing of God pertaining to one's own daily activities. Also, so richly, the everyday joy of seeking out our heavenly family and enjoying their presence. And this is a free gift to anyone that is willing to seek for it. Jesus paid the price for our reconciliation to God so those that would repent to God could enjoy this wonderful and incredible inheritance that is available today. But the thing I want to also focus on within this writing, is the urgency of time. Lastly, Jesus stated that no one knows the day when "Heaven and earth will pass away" except our heavenly Father.
Mark 13:31. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 32. "But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
For sure, there is one decision that everyone will make, to serve God or remain in the flesh, being caught up in the snares of the evil one. Many times focus is directed mostly towards salvation to eternal life rather than to what it means to serve the Lord God but Jesus warned those, in the following verse, about not making a sincere commitment to Him.
Matthew 10:39. "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. To me, Jesus is saying that those that live their lives, their own way, on this earth, will ultimately lose that life but those that give up their lives now and live for the Lord will find a much richer life that will last throughout all eternity.
Since we do not know, if that day of Judgment, is yet today or at some point in the future, the decision to serve God must not be delayed. That decision should be made as soon as possible for even more reasons. Not many know exactly when they are going to take their last breath. Everyday, many lose their lives due to accidents, murders, disease and other devastating events, including natural causes. And, as it is recorded in Hebrews 9:27, And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, therefore, today, right now, is the time, to make that divine decision for none of us are guaranteed another minute. There are also other reasons, maybe even more importantly, that time is not a friend to anyone, apart from Christ. Apart from the grace of God, I'm not sure how much time any of us would have if it were left to Satan.. Let us consider what Satan is getting accomplished everyday. One of Satan's primary goals is to restrict as many as possible from committing to the gospel of Christ and so deception is one of his most valued tools that will lead many to a hardened heart. The more time goes on, for those resisting the truth that is found in Christ, the harder the heart and an unwillingness to be corrected from their error. Many will settle for a belief that aligns with what they expect from God rather than what God expects from them and in this they will be deceived. A basic rule of thumb to deception is that Satan encloses it within an outer shell appearing as truth which conceals the deception so that trust can be established and secured. This shell is continually being presented in many different beliefs but accomplishes the same outcome of hiding truth and the will of God in one's life. The danger to this shell is that it rapidly hardens as trust is being established. Once the trust is established that shell is nearly impenetrable. It's so important to seek God direct for His truths through His revealing Holy Spirit rather than settling for the appealing (the shell) beliefs that are being taught by many. Another concern associated with time not being a friend to someone apart from Christ, is that the lives that they live will influence others from seeking the Lord as their hearts are also being hardened to the truths of Christ. This scenario is continuing everywhere, moment by moment, minute by minute. Similar to the high accruing interest on a past due credit card, Satan is continually gaining a greater foothold, in the destruction of one's life.
Satan's Resume:Regardless of our beliefs, we are all powerless against Satan apart from Christ. Let us take a look at what we know of Satan's resume. He once was in heaven in the presence of God Almighty. It seems he was influential in heaven, for angels were cast out with him. He knows the goodness of God and all of His creation. He also must of known the love of God, yet he wanted, in his heart to be like God and in his act of rebellion, he was apparently given the desire of his heart, a kingdom, a kingdom that was opposite, opposing God.
Isaiah 14:12. "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! 13. For you have said in your heart: `I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; 14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'
Jesus said: Luke 10:18. And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Revelation 12:9. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
2 Peter 2:4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
We could almost compare this act of rebellion of Satan to an employee that had worked for a employer for many years and then determined to go out on his own, and with all that knowledge and experience, set out to destroy the business and reputation of his previous employer. To better understand the effectiveness of Satan's works we should seriously consider how Satan, at one time, residing in heaven, being in the presence of God, and how that advantage would influence all mankind, apart from Christ. No one alive, here on earth has that understanding and knowledge of heaven.
Jesus said:John 10:10. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
1 John 3:7. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
The seed to demonic activity is simply seeking our own selfish desires and practicing unrighteousness. When we accept the anointing of Christ, the Holy Spirit, our eyes will be opened to this activity and then we have the choice to change and be a new creation. God will give the strength to overcome this activity if one is sincerely willing to change. This is one of the things that is so precious about the Holy Spirit is that God from within our own heart, will show us the error of our way, that is, if we do not reject His truths about our lives. It all depends upon our heart and it's openness to Christ. Sometimes in this life we have too many goals that take up precious time that should be spent in reaching the goals the Lord has set before all of us. It seems to me that even this behavior can be somewhat demonic when we are so focused on ourselves rather than those that are in so desperate need for the knowledge of the Lord.
John 14:13. "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Satan and his angels are at work 24/7 and a master of deception. He is behind everything that is against God and His plan of redemption. One of the most important things that Satan wants hidden is God's presence in our lives and the strength that we can realize with His divine presence. God's design is that everything has a seedtime and a harvest and Satan is very aware of this. Therefore it is very important for Satan and his ministers to squelch the seed of knowledge leading to God's presence and strength. Most teachings omit this divine knowledge leaving many without the strength to overcome their selfish desires of the flesh. Satan's plans of warfare also begins with a seed. Hatred will begin with a dislike, sometimes leading to murder. Divorce begins with one being self-serving. Everything we do begins with a thought leading to more thought, leading to one's actions. The result being, the longer we live in this world, and do not understand or believe in the strength that we can find in Christ, the harder the heart is from accepting the truths that will set us free from evil. Time is important, and it can be working against us if we're not taking advantage of the word of God that's found in the anointing of Christ.
On the other hand, time, under the influence of Christ, allows us to grow spiritually, experiencing our victory over the evil one and becoming useful servants of the Lord. Here's my point, everyday, everyone is growing, either further apart or closer to the Lord. For many that are teaching and focusing mostly on salvation, it seems to me that they're, unknowingly working right into Satan's hands for this narrow focus is giving Satan opportunity to continue working through those that do not know about the divine direction that is found in the gospel of Christ. I do believe that Satan's most effective "award winning" deception is accomplished when someone sincerely believes they're saved but on that Day of the Lord, will find that they aren't because of their failed trust in God, not having nor recognizing the presence and knowledge of God. Many a final decisions are made in a moment without the knowledge of God and this is to the shame of those that have the knowledge of God. Some of those decisions are irrevocable such as the case in some broken relationship to murder or even suicide. Had they had this knowledge and strength of Christ, just a moment before making those decisions, the outcome would be so different.
1 Corinthians 15:33. Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits.'' 34. Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
My fellow Christians, and to those that have a desire for His divine presence, the bible tells us to redeem the time, for this is so important. We must not waste it on ourselves but dedicate our lives to finding the presence of Christ in our lives and share that strength and divine glory of God with others (1 Peter 4:2). Time is what Satan needs to harden the heart and time is what the children of God need to grow spiritually. The clock keeps clicking and with every click, some are spiritually growing while others, their heart and their beliefs are setting up like concrete where God Himself may not be able to get through because of their unbelief and lack of trust in His Holy Spirit. For sure, time apart from Christ is a highway to a place, far from God.
Ephesians 5:15. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16. redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
2 Timothy 2:24. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25. in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26. and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Colossians 4:5. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Watch out for the deception:2 Corinthians 11:12. But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Today, make that ultimate decision, of trusting God through His Holy Spirit:
1 John 2:26. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:5. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 13:5. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed you are disqualified.
Bottom line is this, if anyone has even the slightest desire for the presence of God in their life, now is the time to seek and find that presence through Christ. Salvation is not just about being saved on Judgment Day but finding joy in the truth and the righteousness of God that is revealed through His Holy Spirit. If one does not want the presence of God in this life, why would God then save them for eternity? If that were the case then God may as well left Satan's residence in heaven. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:17. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. It is impossible to know what the will of the Lord is without the presence of the Holy Spirit.
With the Holy Spirit, those committed to Christ will know and obey, exercising their faith. The apostle Paul explained in Ephesians 2:8. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9. not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Faith is taking action upon the Holy Spirit's divine leadership. A life without the Holy Spirit will result in death.
Romans 8: 13. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
2 Corinthians 5:7. For we walk by faith, not by sight. ...10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
James 2:13. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 14. What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15. If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16. and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,'' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17. Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works.'' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! 20. But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
The truth and righteousness of God is actually quite simple. It is packaged in one word, love. Opening our hearts to love is a primary purpose of the Holy Spirit for in love we will do what is right to others. The Holy Spirit reveals to us God's will for our lives and our commitment to others in love. Through love we will speak out to others in helping them find this divine presence. Through love we will look out for the best for others. Through love we have been forgiven and through love we can forgive others. With love the heart is softened and without love the heart is hardened. Without love there is no faith, only sin.
1 John 4:7. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
Once again, today, this very moment, do not delay, it is urgent that either that "Ultimate Decision" is being made or being encouraged. To those that have not yet made this decision, Do not delay for life is difficult for everyone and none of the things of this world will give you peace of heart. Only the anointing of Christ Jesus can do that. Through Jesus Christ, we can experience God's love for us. Through the "all Truth" that is revealed to those that seek, will find divine direction in all things of this life to include business decisions, our jobs, our relationships and especially in our time of trials and heartbreaks, direction and comfort.. Because of the sacrifice that God gave of His Son Jesus, the ultimate price and final payment for the sins of all, has already been paid, therefore there is nothing that now stands in the way of finding God's presence with the exception of one thing, "choice"! It only takes a second of time to make that choice! Redeem this second for no one is guaranteed another!
Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39. "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.''