Do You Know What Time It Is?

The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes tells that there is a time for everything under the sun. This wonderful book is another illustration depicting God knowing all things. Solomon was the wisest and richest man that ever lived. Ecclesiastes was written to spare future generations the necessity of learning through their own experiences. In this book he shares the futility of living a life apart from God’s principles. He also tells us that “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed”. One thing that is clear, is that there is nothing that takes place that God is not aware of. We were created for his glory! The purpose of our life is to glorify God in all that we do.

We have a moral, ethical and spiritual obligation to grow in the knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Once we accept Christ we progress toward spiritual wholeness. To become a new creation one must put away old sinful habits. The Apostle Paul talks about becoming a new creature through Christ Jesus. Paul in the New Testament knew as well that there would be those who would try to undermine his good intentions. He knew that there would be those who would continue in sin. That there would be those who would justify supporting those who choose to continue to practice sin.

God’s Word clearly tells us that there will come a time when they will even attempt to put you out of their church. They will even try to control you with rules they made themselves. Yet they do not adhere to them! That time is now! You see Paul expressed freedom rather than rules! Paul tells us that those who rely on the law are cursed. (See Galatians) He stressed freedom and living in the liberty that Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection made possible! God instructs us to be careful of those who divide His Church as well! God is not divided nor is He the author of confusion. Before faith came we were prisoners to the law. The righteous are to live by FAITH! He has left us His Comforter to lead and guide us to all TRUTH! Hebrews tells us that the Lord would write His laws in our hearts!

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Please bear with me as we look at a few scenarios. Tell me, is it okay to stand before God’s people drunk or under the influence of some narcotic substance and deliver scripture? ( This excludes temporary medications ) If so is this a good example for children or anyone else? Is this of the Holy Spirit? Is it okay to engage in immoral activities? Does it matter if you do or say whatever you desire and then want to stand in front of God’s people and tell them how and when to worship Him? Or is it that the above are okay for some and not for others? Or is it only for those who let you do whatever you want, when and how you want? Better yet does it even matter at all if we consecrate ourselves for Worship Services? Oh well, I guess we just confess we believe in Jesus? At some point in time you can seriously decide to change? Just think for a moment. What if Jesus came back during Worship? When you are on a date? Or at home? Perhaps while at work? Or had you even given His return much thought? Well, how about on Saturday morning or Wednesday evening? That time is nearer than you might think. What if death knocks on your door are you ready? Are you preparing to live with Him in eternity?

God is calling His children home daily! The point is, do you know what time it is? It is time out for foolishness! Let’s see what the book of Galatians tells us about the works of the flesh. They are “Sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealously, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy drunkenness, or orgies, and the like, I warn you, as I did before that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God!” You see we really need to know what time it is. Look how marvelous God is! He knew in Solomon and Paul’s time as well that the world would be the way it is today! Jesus died that we might overcome sin in the flesh. Do not be deceived. This is why when sin knocks at your door you do not have to answer! You can sincerely call on the Savior!

Do you really know the purpose of life? Do you know what time it is? The wide road that leads to destruction is well traveled by many. The narrow road that leads to God has fewer travelers. We must be careful when we decide to stand up for our rights. Have they been measured by God’s standards? God wants us to stand up for His principles. In today’s time Ecclesiastes would be considered negative. But from God’s perspective it has a plethora of wisdom!

You see! God wants your life fulltime! He is not only interested in what you do on Sunday! Or just what other people see! He is interested in every facet of your life! When your life focuses on God it will have meaning! He wants to not only free you but your children and your children’s children! Get off that wide road! Break generational cycles of dysfunction! You do not have to settle for a pseudo emotional temporary experience. He can deliver you from all evil! He can and will keep you in any and every situation. He will even turn what others mean for evil into GOOD! Do you really know what time it is?

We were created in the image of God. We must learn to take heed to what God says throughout His Word. We must be doers of His Word! He even tells us in Ecclesiastes ” Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are in earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.” If you carefully read and prayerfully listen to God’s Word you can commence fervently cultivating an environment where God’s Spiritual Fruit can grow and flourish.

Paul tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control! Against such there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” It is important that we really know, and implement God’s Word in our lives daily!

The teacher in Ecclesiastes was not only wise but he imparted and shared his Wisdom. Today sin abounds! Everything and anything goes! God continually Speaks To His children in many ways. God always has a better way! We are Soldiers; but our weapons are not carnal! He will fight all your battles! This is why He says when you have done all you can do just “Stand!” He did not say that everything in this life would be good. But He did say if you love Him and are called according to His purpose; He would work it out for your good! He Tells to ” overcome evil with good!” Works do not save you, but they do display your Faith.

His Word tells us to pray for those who despitefully use you.

I urge you to take some time and really evaluate where you are in your relationship with the Lord? Do you know what time it is? Do not walk in the counsel of ungodly people. Do not allow anyone to enable you by making you comfortable in sin.  This keeps you separated from God. “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to You”  It is not too late for you to get your life in order… Jesus Christ death on the cross atoned for the sins of the world… You do not have to continue to live a yoyo existence!  YOU CAN BE DELIVERED!  Today is a good day to start anew.  REPENT!  It is a beautiful thing to see one’s life turned around in the right direction by the Lord. God is truly more able! THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST JESUS CLEANSES US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS! God’s plan for mankind has not changed.  GOD LOVES YOU BUT NOT THE SIN!

The author of Ecclesiastes ends this wonderful book of wisdom by simply stating; ” Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man For GOD will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Do YOU know what time it is?