Now is the Time

1 Timothy 4:1-5

Now is the time!
There is no better time for you to come to your peace with your maker!
Nor is there a better time for you, as a Christian, to be witnessing to those around you!

We live in an age and culture where "truth" has become relative - or people have been lead to think by those whom argue there are no absolutes.  Yet, a lie is still a lie, even when people desire to call it "truth"!

This is a serious problem for man has been led astray by the doctrines of demons, even those weak in the faith succumb to the fanciful lies of those listened to.  Lies, presented as "truth", or deeper "truth", or meant to have an impact upon those within a certain age group or cultural setting.  Tailor made death, to block the listener from actually finding release from what this culture teaches.

It always boils down to: "Whom do you say, Jesus, is?"  (as well as how much do you add to the Gospel?)

These false witnesses in our midst, as Paul calls them, Snakes, no longer have an active conscious - they are dead to their sin and no longer suffer any conviction for their deeds.  They sleep quite well facing their pending judgment.

The Christian message of LOVE has been mutilated by a culture to which innocence has been lost.  Instead of the freedom God gives us, man has created a step ladder of do's and don'ts, never intended by God.  Legalism, without compassion, judgement without trial nor defense, you will lose - you have already lost.  Wake up!

But, we can still reach the world, it is hard, you will be judged, you will be misunderstood, the worse will be thought of you, but it can be done:

• Deal with the sin in your life, give Satan as few of doors as possible to whack you from behind
• Show holiness in your life, not empty piety, the real thing - how you should be living your life
• Prayer is your telephone line to God, use it and use it frequently
• Pray for your leaders, religious and civil
• Pray for your friends and family
• Pray for special needs, not the never ending shopping list
• Pray to thank and praise God for whom He is
• Remove from your life those things which hamper your success as a Christian.

Use the gifts God has given you, we all have at least one when we are doing His will (reaching others), so be emboldened in reaching out to others.  And reaching out means more than just telling about the Gospel, it is being involved, being vulnerable, being a true servant of God (be His slave!).

So, as you go forth today: Pray, Praise, live your life for Him - if you can't, then change your life ... and clean up all of those spots ...

A fitting tune for this moment in my life: