Now Is The Time

"Walk.. not as fools, but wise.. redeeming the time... because the days are evil."

Ephesians 5:15-17

I- Our Time on Earth is Limited - We must be careful how we live because our time on earth is limited. "The days of years are 3-score years & ten; and if by reason of strength they be 4-score years... for it is soon cut off & we fly away." (Psalm 90:10). Since life is too short, don't neglect what is truly important. Neither you nor I have a guarantee of even one day to live. The Bible tell us not to count on tomorrow because tomorrow may not come for you and me. All we have is right now. You cannot do a kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late.

II- Make The Most of Every Opportunity - This is the meaning of "Redeeming the Time". Paul gives a reason "because the days are evil." Jesus said that Satan is a robber or thief and one of the things he tries to rob from us is our time because time is a very precious possession. Just think of the time wasted in bars, gambling, shallow affairs, gossiping, spreading rumors, worrying. We get so caught up in the here and now that we fail to attend to eternal things. The major maladies of our time is "anxiety and stress." It is like we are overloaded with: commitments, possessions, appliances, credit cards, work, internet information.

If one lives to 70 years of age - he spends:

• 20 yrs. sleeping
• 20 yrs. working
• 6 yrs. eating
• 7 yrs. playing
• 5 yrs. dressing
• 2 1/2 yrs. smoking/eating candies
• 2 1/2 yrs. in bed (sick)
• 3 yrs. waiting for somebody
• 1 yr. gossiping
• 1 yr. tying or putting shoes

Total: 68 yrs. - How about the remaining 2 yrs? Where did you spend your 2 years? God's allocated time may be zero if you don't go to Church for 2 yrs.

III- Understand What The Will of Lord Is -What do you think God's will is for you? Establish your priorities. Worshiping the lord is the first priority. No one should interfere with this. Next priority is to have a quality time with your family. Don't forget - Home is the first target of Satan. The third priority is to LEARN HOW TO LIVE TODAY. The two greatest enemies of time are REGRETS for things we did in the past and WORRY about what will happen to us in the future. Many of us are living either in the past or in the future. Now is the time to be with our God.