Redeeming The Time

Ephesians 5:1-20

Money can be refunded, property can be restored, even health can be renewed, but there’s one thing that can never be replaced once it’s been used, and that’s time. Life on earth is indeed short, and many today won’t live beyond the years their ancestors were blessed to see. This is mostly due to the change in the quality of foods and resources, but mostly, lack of faith in the God who created all things. Knowing the average lifetime for humans is roughly threescore and ten, every person on the planet who’s capable of learning, and has a desire to please God should make redeeming the time top priority in their lives. The days are evil, and the love of God amongst men is fleeting, but to those who boldly live according to godly standards, fulfilling God’s will is a must. Lost time can never be recovered, but with the time we have left, let’s make a conscious effort to value it, by doing things that will have a positive, and eternal effect.

Live A Little

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Life is short, and the time we’re blessed with on the earth is finite, so rather than carry a ball-n-chain of errors and mistakes of the past, we should instead, try to live a little, before we pass on from death, to life. God gives us strength to work and earn an honest living, and while we’re bound to be tied to some type of bill or expense, we should try to use some of our earnings to enjoy some of this beautiful planet God created.

I’ve never been one to live lavish, or spend too much in order to have a “good time”, but there are things to do, that don’t require much money at all. For instance, a great place to enjoy, any time of day (I prefer nights) is, the beach. Sitting on the sand while enjoying the sound of waves beating upon the beach, is a breathtaking experience. Other places I’ve yet to visit are zoos, to see all the amazing animals God created, and national parks, where families can go to enjoy reunions and great food.

The time we are living in today is far from peachy. In fact, there are many things brewing that will soon be manifested, and will change the way we live forever. But, until that time comes, let’s do all we can to love God, love others, and find something in this life to enjoy, and be thankful for.

Time Between

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The time between the day you were born, and the day you cross over into eternity, is invaluable, yet limited. Therefore, every moment spent in this life, should be focused on doing things relevant to eternal matters. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

“Tick tock, your life is on the clock.” – Ell

One day like one thousand years

2 Peter 3:8-10

One thing many people are ignorant of is, God’s timing, and how it is not the same as the time man is confined to. In fact, God resides outside of time, and is not limited, nor affected by it in any way. He is a timeless being, who existed before the beginning of the beginnings. As AMAZING as that sounds, I don’t understand, nor can I explain how that’s possible, but based on the irrefutable evidence I see on a daily basis, I believe every word inspired by Him, and written in the Bible.

Knowing that our time on earth is limited, should provoke every man to seek counsel from the One who exists outside of time. Unfortunately, many are willingly ignorant of this fact, and choose to live as though their end is secure, while living according to their own wills. Time that’s wasted can never be regained, and it’s sad how countless hours a day are spent on actions and habits that do nothing to please God, bring glory to His name, nor strengthen the faith or character of a man. It’s interesting to see a sports team strive hard to win a game, as the time slowly expires; contributing effortless physical and mental exertion to come out victorious. I say this often, and I’ll say it again, “God cares nothing about sports!” The time men spend shooting balls in hoops, kicking balls through goals, or swinging golf clubs from the greens, could be used learning, growing, and spreading the message of the Gospel all around the world.

According to verse ten of our text, “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”. Take a moment, and read that verse again. Go ahead, I’ll wait……….”the earth also and the works therein shall be burned up”. All the amazing buildings, monuments, stadiums, homes, cars, attractions, amusement parks, malls, and every Walmart, will be destroyed, on the day of the Lord. If reading this verse frightens you a little, good. It’s intent is to make you aware that our existence on this planet is temporary, and God has a better place prepared for us, after this life. So, why do men invest so much precious time in things that will someday be an afterthought? God doesn’t need time, we do, so it’s time that we learn to appreciate the time we’re given, and spend it wisely, because when it’s gone, judgment awaits.

After studying this lesson, I recommend everyone to invest your time doing things that bring pleasure to God. For example, instead of hating your enemies, learn to love them, and seek to draw them closer to God, rather than wish evil upon them. If you have lingering issues with a brother sister, coworker, or friend, release the grudge, forgive them, then try to make up for all the time lost during your time of separation. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him”. (Colossians 3:15-17 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell