Time. How many statements do we make using the word time? Many famous people are recognized for quotes about time.
“You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again.” — Benjamin Franklin
“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” — Nelson Mandela.
“It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.”— Steve Jobs
Others have offered words of wisdom concerning time. Harvey Mackay said, “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.”
I tend to agree with this observation by Bill Watterson, “There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.”
Bill Keane usually gets credit for this: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is the future, but today is a gift; that is why it is called the present.”
Times and seasons change. The calendar is adjusted an extra day every four years in a Leap Year. “Happy Birthday” tomorrow to all those born on Feb. 29! I used to ask my class, “Which month has 28 days?” The answer is they all do.
God’s word offers timely advice about time. Jesus spoke of the “signs of the times.” Those signs should be noted in preparation for his return. There will come a time “that there should be time no longer.” Bible scholars differ on the meaning of that phrase in its context in the Book of Revelation, but eternity will be the end result, and time will be no more.
The Cross’s song gives this joyful perspective of eternity in heaven: “I’m gonna let the glory roll when the roll is called in glory. I’ll get beside myself when I get beside the king that day. I’m gonna have the time of my life when the time of my life is over, I’m gonna get carried away when I get carried away.”
We should be aware of the end times. Romans 13:11 says, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Now is not the time for a believer to be spiritually drowsy, but to be alert and aware, expecting the return of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Acts tells the beginning of the church. The disciples preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power in his name. They encouraged repentance and conversion so that sins can be blotted out, and “times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Those are wonderful times indeed.
We often face troubling times. When perplexed and distressed, turn to the Lord for help. His grace and mercy can meet our spiritual needs with encouragement and blessing. Hebrews 4:16 advises us to pray; “So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.” That’s when hard times can become times of mercy, grace and help from God.
Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
• Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
