Is It Time, Yet?

“Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. I said to myself, God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” (Ecclesiastes 3:15,17 NIV)

Most Believers who actually study The Word know the beginning of this chapter–a time for everything–and we often quote it in the midst of things we don’t understand, but know that God has a purpose in allowing everything we experience to happen. But when we become familiar with certain passages of scripture, do we keep reading and wondering what was on Solomon’s mind or for that matter, any of the others to whom God spoke?

God–who is without beginning or end–infinite in mercy and grace–who created all things knows that since the beginning of time–people would continue to do what has already been done–for there is truly nothing new–about the character of human beings–that God has not seen. We–who have only been around for a specified amount of time–have been allowed to see some things–some which amaze us and some which appall us, but we see them nonetheless.

We are amazed with the technological advances of men–whose minds have been ignited and imaginations fueled into creation of things not seen before by us, but where were we when God inspired those of ancient times to build irrigation systems and engineer buildings that are yet standing? The same God who inspired the ancients will inspire any and all who are willing to hear Him and for those who have never understood that inspiration–we will continue to be amazed.

We are appalled at the violence and societal decay that leaves such a stench that many of us can hardly breathe without inhaling the malodorous aura of a civilization rotting from the core of its being. This is nothing new! Civilizations have time after time–created havoc with God’s plan and He allowed it so they would see the devastation they wreaked upon themselves. We have but to look at history–and how men who seek power over others because of greed–always decimate the masses and themselves in their folly.

Many people were (and still are) up-in-arms about the decision of the Supreme Court Justices who apparently have no understanding of history repeating itself and certainly do not demonstrate having a relationship with God. None of what we experience is new to God–He’s seen it all before and in His timing–He has dealt with all of it. Most of those who choose to live in opposition to God’s Word do not like the reference to Sodom and Gomorrah, but the truth of the matter is–they were not the only cities destroyed because of sexual sin, or any other sins and neither will they be–the only cities/regions destroyed because of sin.

When we choose to sin and then blatantly flaunt sin–we set ourselves up for judgment here on earth--and then comes the determination of our eternity–at the throne of God. At any given time–we will see the consequences of our actions–before Jesus returns. And if we see with spiritual insight as He reveals it to us–we see it now.

So, in His timing–the world–people from all walks of life, who operate in various roles and practice numerous religions–all will see God’s wrath poured upon the earth and some–as in times past–will remain to share the experience with others for not all will perish–God must have a witness until it is time for His return to exact the final judgment upon the righteous and sinner alike. The question we must ask ourselves–is it time, yet?

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Wisdom and Instruction

“but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:33 NIV).

In the very first chapter of Proverbs–commonly referred to as the book of wisdom–we are see the importance of knowing God. In fact, Solomon begins by reminding us that, “the fear (reverential respect) of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:1 NIV). Throughout this conversation, we are told what happens when people refuse to hear God and obey and God’s reaction to our disobedience.

James tell us that “if any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives it liberally without condemnation” (paraphrased). Wisdom is mentioned 234 times in the KJV and instruction 33 times and knowledge 172 times, obey 69 times, pray 313 times, God 4,447. So, what’s the point? Wisdom, knowledge, and talking to God are important to Him.

Scoffers have always rebelled against any knowledge of God because they simply want to live their lives any way they choose. This is the way it has been since the beginning and this is still the way in the hearts of many. Any time a person or groups denies the credibility of The Bible or God–it is because they do not want to live a righteous life. By refusing to acknowledge moral values, they exempt themselves from the consequences of disobedience–they think.

When people violate or ignore “man’s laws” there are consequences when caught and man’s law states, “ignorance of the law is not an excuse to violate it” and fines or the consequences for breaking the law must be paid. What the rebellious have forgotten is that most of “man’s laws” were based on biblical principles. And now that lawmakers are changing laws, they think they are changing God’s principles, but when the consequences come due, they will understand that ignorance of God’s principles is not an excuse to ignore them or violate them. For those who have the mind of Christ, look around at our society right now and see the destruction already coming upon the land and know that when it’s over, God will have pronounced His judgment upon all because we refused to hear and obey.

What can we–who know God–do? We can continue to pray. “If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal the land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Believers must act with wisdom and follow God’s instructions–love Him and love others, and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions.  We must become the true ambassadors in order to save the lost. When we think we lack wisdom in doing the will of God, we must ask Him for more wisdom and He won’t think less of us when we do.

Before the trumpet sounds, we must make sure we have built our faith on a solid foundation and know without a doubt, we have attained the right to enter into our eternal place of rest, to be with The Lord. When we listen to God, we have no need to fear what the enemy might do because the enemy is already defeated for those who know and hear God.

Help us O God, to always hear You and obey!