What Time Is It?

For we are His workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand

that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

      Once in awhile I ask myself this question, "What time is it?" I don't mean what time does the clock say it is, I mean according to God's great timeline, what time is it? Today history is being made and people will read about it sometime in the future. What will history books say about this time? What is God doing now...today?

      I think He is calling His people to Himself...to seek Him; to pray. To turn from the things that distract us in the world, and from sin. For some, those distractions come from a life of abundance, for others it's the lack of it, and for many it's the cares of this world. Is something distracting you today?

      The things that distract me are usually very small, but in large amounts; those little things that pile up and become in my perspective like the sand on the seashore, under every step I take. They slow me down and cause much of my labor to be in vain. Have you ever tried moving fast (or for very long) on sand?

      But God's timeline isn't drawn across the sand, it's drawn across time. The only sand that really matters are those grains falling from the hourglass of time. He sees the beginning and the end, because He drew the line and planned everything inbetween. We've been placed here for a special purpose...His purpose. Strategically placed in today. Why? Well, the bible says to do the good works He prepared beforehand - that we should walk in them.

      He chose the past and the future for someone else, His gift to us is today. This is our spot on the timeline, what history will we write with our lives? Will we do the good works He prepared for us to do? As I ask these questions, the ears of my own heart are opened and attentive to hear my lip's reply. To answer the call of God to draw closer to Him, and to do what He has planned for me while it is still today.

"What time is it?"  - The time is Now!

Running the Race to Win!

 

I Corinthians 9:24 & 26

v. 24 Do you not know that those who run a race all run,

but one receives the prize?

Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

v. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty.

Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

(It was a Tuesday...)

      This day took off and I frantically ran after it. I never caught up! It reached the finish line with me trailing far behind, nowhere in sight. I ran fast and gave my all, and it left me in the dust. So what happened? The day started out as usual; chores at the barn, making coffee... a shower, but then I had those extra things - the Dr. appointments, the errands, a visit with my grand babies, a stop at the store, date with my husband.....

      Did I pray? Did I do my bible study? No! I must confess, I didn't think of it. I got up earlier than usual so I could feed the living things before I left for the Doctor's. I fed everything but myself. My daily bread sat on the table with my bible study book. It was available but I was not. I could have grabbed it on my way out the door but I didn't. My focus was on the many things I "needed" to do.

      Through the day I shot an occasional shallow prayer up to my Father, but nothing deep, and I received no life-changing replies back. I didn't invest the time necessary to hear Him, so I ran with uncertainty. I fought the struggles of the day like one beating the air.

      When I take time to pray and read His word at the beginning of the day, it's like taking hold of His hand and walking (or running) with Him through it. I turn the race over to Him and let Him set the pace, as He leads me to the finish line. Each of those days add up to a lifetime. He wants all of us to run the race of our lives to win the prize!

      

          "Oh Lord, I am so sorry. My desire is to put you first and I put you last today. No wonder I felt like I was beating the air. I was running in my own strength and I might as well have been going backwards. Thank you for showing me that without you I won't win the race, no matter what I get accomplished - I won't even place. Thank you, that at the end of every day is the dawning of a brand new one; a fresh beginning with you. Help me run this race to win."

Be Still and Know...

"Be still, and know that I am God."
"I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted among the earth."
Psalm 46:10

Sit down and listen quietly,
While clouds pass over head.
For all around the works of God,
Are seen without much said.

Wordless songs as buds unfold,

They lift their faces high.

Morning Glories open up,

Their praises fill the sky.

The wind that sways the mighty trees,

His gentle breath we feel.

Are easier by far to know,

Those times we sit here still.

The beauties all around this world,

Are singing every day.

But sadly we walk by so fast,

We can't hear what they say.

The earth declares His glory,
It's here for all to see.
But when we are too busy,
And run by hastily-

We can miss the song its singing,
Heard only by each heart.
Its silent words exalt the One,
Who made this work of art.

Slow down and lay your blanket out,
Lean back upon the sod.
Take time to just be still and know-
To recognize He's God!

©2010 CharlotteFoster