The Clock is Running Down

Time is of essence. Whether we realize it, or not.

This past Sunday guest speaker Rick Grubb gave a powerful sermon on time. It revolutionized my thinking and the way I now live. I couldn't keep this good, convicting stuff to myself, so I'm sharing it with you! :P

What does it mean to redeem time? 

• Redeem: to rescue from going to waste
• Time: the passing of life.

If time means the passing of life, then how much time do we have? 

The average life span is seventy years. Say you are thirty-five. Already half of your life is gone! To what has it gone to? What change have you made in the world? What service have you done for God? You have only thirty-five years left. Unless you succeed and live past seventy therefore making you one who is living on borrowed time. ;)

Why is it so important to redeem the time?

Our time is limited; death is certain. Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" 

Our use of time brings about eternal consequences whether they be good or bad. Whatever you invest your time in here on earth you are going to reap the consequences for years and years to come. 

"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences." 2 Corinthians 5:11

Time is not recoverable.

James 4:14 says, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 

Time is our most valuable earthly possession.

Matthew 25:14-30

We must give an account to God

"But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

When you have a car running and it is sitting idle, what does it do? It wastes gas. When you are idling away your time you are literally throwing your life down the drain. Bottom line.

If we know what we know....

Why do we still do what we do?

What are specific ways I can redeem the time?

A) Learn how to wake up and get up

"How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep." Proverbs 6:9-10

"As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed." Proverbs 26:14

You know your favorite button on your alarm clock? Yeah, the snooze button. The alarm goes off, you slap the snooze button, "Just ten minutes more..." It goes off again...."Oh, sleeping here for ten more minutes is not going to kill me..." By the time you actually get out of the bed most of your morning is gone; completely wasted by you sleeping. 

B) Get organized. 

Arrange your life so God can use you to your fullest potential. 

"Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:40

C) Identify and eliminate time wasters.

"Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

Two questions you should ask before committing your time to any activity:

1. What will be the fruit of this activity in 5 years?
2. What will be the fruit of this activity in Eternity?

D) Conquer Procrastination!!! 

"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient time I will call for thee." 

There is no record of Felix ever finding the right moment. Because of procrastination Felix is most likely now spending eternity in Hell. 

The real key to redeeming the time:

Constantly ask yourself: 

"What does God want me to do right now? 

 Don't waste your life. Do something for God. And do it now. 

THE CLOCK IS RUNNING DOWN!

Rick Grubbs lives in South Carolina with his wife Carrie and their 11 children. He is available for workshops and seminars. His web site is: Life Changing Seminars. There are many wonderful resources available there!