Represent

 

Slow down everyone!

Summer is coming . . .in fact, it is here!

 

Spiritual eyes opened

Now is not the time . . .

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6:11-12)

Now is not the time to become doubtful, lazy or dejected. Take up the challenge God has before us and press on toward the finish line. Follow those who have gone before us. 

Complete the tasks ahead with confidence knowing God has gone before us and marked out the way. Yes it will take faith. Yes it will take a lot of trust. Yes it will take endurance. Yet we can trust the promises of God. Now is not the time to shrink back, but step up! We have this hope . . .

 . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Less is more . . .

Doing less and spending more time with Jesus is a good thing! Many are trying to stay busy thinking this is how to live a productive life. We spend time at work . . . time at school . . . time practicing and training . . . time with family and friends . . . but how much time do we spend with God?

While all the things listed above can be productive and result in positive emotions and relationships and even make life comfortable and enjoyable, the less time we spend with our Lord makes the things we do spend time doing futile!

Walking in His Presence brings peace, contentment, and an unhurried pace of living. Others will notice. They will experience what they really need . . . Who they really need . . . JESUS! Less busyness and more resting in Jesus. It is not laziness, it is contentment!

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Let's examine ourselves...

Paul is reminding us here to be careful how we conduct ourselves, in all situations, because the world is watching and the world needs to hear and see Jesus! Paul is also writing from prison! The Colossian church was under attack from false teachers much like we are today. They doubted the deity of Jesus . . . was He really God?

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:5-6)

So let's examine ourselves today. Are our churches not under attack? Let's face it, we were forced to close our doors recently due to a pandemic. Many have not returned. Many are following false teachers on the internet and other sources . . . promising prosperity and good fortune. Others have simply lost hope due to the economy, disasters, and the threats of war and terrorism. Satan is on the attack . . . to kill, steal and destroy!

Jesus is still our Hope! He is still the only way to eternal life . . . abundant life! (John 10:10) People need to see and hear Jesus through us! How else will they know?

Let's examine ourselves!