The Gift of Time

We have been given "time". When I say given, I mean, it's our's to do with as we see fit. A limited asset that has an expiration date. Each moment that goes by, means less "time", you have. We start off by thinking little about time. When young, we think about the future as a distant reality. Then we notice, as we get older, that time flies. We have all kinds of memories about the past. Though much of it we forget. Maybe that's why we look back and find it hard to believe it's gone so fast. It's then we begin to appreciate how little time we have left. Some use up their time productively, others don't.

The fleeting nature of time brings a certain challenge to our lives. For those who desire to please God and bcome all that He created us to be, understanding and utilizing time productively becomes even more significant. Here are a few biblical truths and principles to guide us in making the most of our time:

1. Recognize the Gift of Time

• Psalm 90:12: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Recognizing that our days are numbered encourages us to live wisely and intentionally.

2. Seek God's Will Daily

• Ephesians 5:15-17: "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."   Redeeming time means making the most of every opportunity and aligning our actions with God's will.

3. Transform Through Renewing the Mind

• Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Transformation through the renewal of the mind involves daily engagement with God's Word, prayer, and obedience to His guidance.

4. Live With an Eternal Perspective

• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."    Focusing on eternal things rather than temporal concerns helps us prioritize our time for what truly matters.

5. Serve with Your Gifts and Talents

• 1 Peter 4:10: "As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."  Using our God-given gifts to serve others is a powerful way to honor God with our time.

6. Remain in Constant Communion with God

• John 15:4-5: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."  Abiding in Christ ensures that our efforts are fruitful and aligned with God's purposes.

Practical Steps for Redeeming Time:

1. Prioritize Daily Devotion: Set aside time each day for prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking God's direction.
2. Set God-Centered Goals: Align your goals with God's will and purpose for your life.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Be present in each moment, fully engaging with the tasks and people God has placed in your path.
4. Eliminate Distractions: Identify and remove activities or habits that consume time without contributing to your spiritual growth.
5. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to minister and serve within your community, church, and family.

In living this way, believers can make the most of the time given to them, ensuring that each moment contributes to their growth in Christ and the advancement of God's Kingdom."By grace, through faith" is a profound truth that underscores the foundation of our salvation and walk with God. This phrase is rooted in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."

Understanding and applying this truth can greatly impact how we use our time and live out our calling in Christ. Here’s how this principle can be integrated into the concept of making the most of our time:

1. Foundation of Salvation, The Sacrifice of Christ

• Ephesians 2:8-9: Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our efforts. This truth should humble us and inspire gratitude, leading us to use our time to glorify God who saved us.

2. Living by Grace, the Lordship of Christ

• Titus 2:11-12: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."  Grace teaches us to live in a way that honors God, helping us to prioritize godliness in our daily lives.

3. Walking in Faith, All the Promises are in Christ

• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  Walking by faith means trusting in God's promises and guidance even when we cannot see the outcome. This trust enables us to take bold steps in using our time for God's purposes.

4. Empowered by Grace

• 2 Corinthians 12:9: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  God's grace empowers us to overcome our weaknesses and limitations, encouraging us to rely on His strength to accomplish His will.

5. Faith in Action

• James 2:17: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."  Genuine faith results in action. By grace through faith, we are called to live out our faith in tangible ways, using our time to serve others and advance God's kingdom.

Practical Application:

1. Daily Dependence on Grace: Start each day by acknowledging your need for God's grace and asking for His guidance.
2. Acting in Faith: Take steps of faith, trusting God to lead you in how you spend your time and resources.
3. Serving with Grace: Use your gifts to serve others, reflecting God's grace in your interactions and endeavors.
4. Faithful Stewardship: Be a good steward of the time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to you, recognizing that they are given by His grace.
5. Resting in Grace: Find rest in the assurance that God's grace covers your efforts, allowing you to live with peace and confidence.

Encouraging Others:

Encourage fellow believers by reminding them that their salvation and daily walk are grounded in God's grace. Share testimonies of how faith has guided your use of time and inspired you to live purposefully. Emphasize the importance of staying connected to Christ, who is the source of our grace and the perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

By continually returning to the truth that we are saved "by grace, through faith," we can approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to living out God's will, making the most of the precious time we have been given.

Understanding God's Strategic Will: Three Areas of Unity

A comprehensive understanding of “God's Strategic Will” through the lens of unity provides a powerful framework for spiritual growth and effective ministry. Here’s a detailed exploration of the 3 areas of Unity:

1. Unity of Spirit

• Key Concepts: Biblical faith and being born again.

• Scriptural Basis:

• John 3:3-7: Jesus speaks about being born again to see the kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth is essential for unity with God’s Spirit.

• Romans 8:14-16: Being led by the Spirit and having the Spirit testify with our spirit confirms our identity as God’s children.

• Application: Unity of spirit is achieved through a foundational faith in Christ and the transformative experience of being born again. It involves a heart posture of radical dependence on God and a deep, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

2. Unity of Mind

• Key Concepts: The mind of Christ, transformation, and identity in Christ.

• Scriptural Basis:

• 1 Corinthians 2:16: "For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

• Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

• Ephesians 4:22-24: Putting off the old self and being made new in the attitude of your minds.

• Application: Unity of mind involves aligning our thoughts with biblical truths and the teachings of Christ. It means rejecting worldly patterns and embracing a renewed mindset shaped by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. This transformation helps believers understand their identity in Christ and live out their faith with a clear, focused mind.

3. Unity of Action

• Key Concepts: Revealing the kingdom and walking in the fruit of the Spirit.

• Scriptural Basis:

• Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

• Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• Application: Unity of action is about living out the kingdom values and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in daily life. It involves practical, visible expressions of faith that reveal God’s kingdom to the world. Walking in the fruit of the Spirit demonstrates the transformative power of God in our lives and aligns our actions with His will.

Integrating the Three Areas of Unity

When thinking about God's Strategic Will, you can integrate these three areas to present a holistic view of Christian living:

1. Unity of Spirit: Emphasize the importance of being born again and maintaining a close, dependent relationship with the Holy Spirit. This foundational unity brings believers into a right relationship with God and sets the stage for further growth.

2. Unity of Mind: Encourage believers to renew their minds through Scripture, embrace the mind of Christ, and understand their identity in Him. This intellectual and spiritual alignment helps believers to think and live according to God's truth.

3. Unity of Action: Highlight the importance of practical faith, demonstrated through good deeds and the fruit of the Spirit. Encourage believers to let their transformed lives reveal God’s kingdom and bring glory to Him.

Conclusion

By focusing on these three areas of unity—spirit, mind, and action—you offer a comprehensive approach to understanding and living out God's strategic will. This framework not only aids personal spiritual growth but also equips believers to effectively share their faith and impact the world around them.

The Fear of God

The "Fear of the Lord" in the following verses encapsulates a profound reverence and respect for God, which is foundational to understanding God’s Strategic Will. By embracing this "fear", we are guided away from evil, towards wisdom and understanding, and into a life of satisfaction, protection, and prolonged days. For a Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint, this reverence is not just a starting point but a sustaining force that shapes our entire walk with God, ensuring we live in alignment with His divine Guidance, Provision, and Care.

1. The Fear of the Lord as a Fountain of Life (Proverbs 14:27)

"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death."

• God's Strategic Will: Recognizing and revering God's holiness and authority directs us to a life-giving path, safeguarding us from spiritual and moral pitfalls.

• Fully Actualized Saint: A fully actualized saint draws sustenance and vitality from this reverence, experiencing spiritual renewal and protection.

2. The Fear of the Lord as the Beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

• God's Strategic Will: Wisdom starts with acknowledging God's supreme authority and seeking His guidance, which is foundational to understanding His will.

• Fully Actualized Saint: Wisdom and understanding, grounded in the fear of the Lord, are essential traits of a saint fully operating under God's guidance and truth.

3. Not Being Wise in Our Own Eyes (Proverbs 3:7)

"Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil."

• God's Strategic Will: Reliance on God's wisdom rather than our own ensures we follow His strategic plan, avoiding the deception of self-reliance.

• Fully Actualized Saint: Humility and dependence on God characterize a fully actualized saint, recognizing the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine guidance.

4. Prolonging Life Through the Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 10:27)

"The fear of the Lord prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."

• God's Strategic Will: God's plan includes the promise of a longer, more fruitful life for those who revere Him and follow His commandments.

• Fully Actualized Saint: Longevity and a blessed life are rewards for those who live in reverent obedience to God, embodying His will on earth.

5.  Seeking Wisdom and Understanding (Proverbs 2:3-5)

"Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God."

• God's Strategic Will: God desires us to actively seek wisdom and understanding, promising that such a pursuit will lead us to a more profound knowledge and reverence for Him.

• Fully Actualized Saint: The quest for divine wisdom and understanding is a continuous journey for a fully actualized saint, resulting in a deeper relationship with God and alignment with His will.

The fear of the Lord has many benefits. But, these benefits come with expectations from God, highlighting the importance of faithful stewardship and active engagement in the gifts and responsibilities He entrusts to us. 

Let's explore Matthew 25:25-28 and how it aligns with the concept of the fear of the Lord and the expectations for those who are born again.

25. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.  26. “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27. Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28. “So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Connection to the Fear of the Lord and God's Expectations

1. Reverence and Responsibility

• Fear of the Lord: The parable emphasizes the importance of reverence for the master's (God's) expectations. The servant's fear led to inaction, a misunderstanding of what true reverence and fear of the Lord entail.

• God's Expectation: True fear of the Lord should motivate us to actively use and invest the gifts and talents He has given us, not to hide them out of fear of failure or judgment.

2. Faithful Stewardship

• Fear of the Lord: A reverent fear of the Lord includes recognizing our responsibility to steward His gifts wisely, using our talents, time, and resources for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

• God's Expectation: God expects us to be faithful and proactive in our stewardship. He rewards those who diligently work and invest what He has entrusted to them.

3. Accountability and Reward

• Fear of the Lord: Understanding that we will be held accountable for how we use what God has given us is part of the fear of the Lord. This accountability should drive us to live purposefully and productively in His service.

• God's Expectation: The parable shows that there are consequences for both faithful and unfaithful stewardship. Those who use their talents wisely are rewarded, while those who do not face loss.

4. Active Engagement

• Fear of the Lord: True fear of the Lord leads to active engagement in His work, seeking to multiply and grow the resources and opportunities He provides.

• God's Expectation: The Lord expects us to engage actively in His mission, using our unique abilities to contribute to His kingdom's growth and to serve others effectively.

The parable in Matthew 25:25-28 illustrates that the fear of the Lord involves not just reverence but also active, faithful stewardship. For those who are born again, this means recognizing and responding to God's expectations by using the gifts and talents He has given us to their fullest potential. It highlights that true reverence for God leads to proactive engagement in His work, ensuring that we are fruitful and productive in our service to Him. This aligns with becoming a fully actualized saint, living out God's strategic will through radical dependence, trust, and obedience.

At this point a heavy load began to bear down on me. But I was reminded of two very important truths...

The call to faithful stewardship and active engagement in God’s work can seem daunting. However, it is important to be reminded that our ability to fulfill these responsibilities is grounded in God's grace and  His guidance. Colossians 2:6 and Ephesians 2:8-10 provide a powerful reminder of these truths:

• "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
• "Therefore As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him."

Connecting Fear of the Lord, Stewardship, and God's Grace:

1. Salvation and Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• God's Gift: Our salvation is a gift of grace from God, not something we achieve through our own efforts. This foundational truth reminds us that our relationship with God starts and is sustained by His grace.

• Freedom from Boasting: Since salvation is not based on our works, we are freed from the pressure of earning God’s favor. Instead, we can rest in His grace.

2. Created for Good Works (Ephesians 2:10)

• His Workmanship: We are God’s workmanship, crafted with purpose in Christ Jesus. This means that God has intentionally designed us for the good works He has planned.

• Prepared by God: The good works we are called to walk in are already prepared by God. Our role is to step into them, trusting in His guidance and provision.

3. Walking in Christ (Colossians 2:6)

• Receiving and Walking: Just as we received Christ by Grace, we are called to continue walking in Him through Faith. This means living daily in dependence on His guidance and strength.

• Empowerment in Christ: Walking in Christ signifies living out our faith through His empowerment, not relying on our own strength but on His indwelling presence.

The weight of the responsibility to be faithful stewards and to engage in God's work is lightened by the truth of God’s grace and empowerment. Ephesians 2:8-10 and Colossians 2:6 remind us that:

• Our salvation and ability to serve are gifts of God’s grace.

• We are created with purpose and equipped for the good works God has prepared.

• Our walk in Christ is a continual process of transformation. We depend on Him, just as we initially received Him by faith.

These truths reassure us that while the call to stewardship and engagement is significant, we are not left to bear it alone. God’s Guidance, Provision and Care enable us to fulfill His expectations, transforming us into Fully Actualized Kingdom Saints who walk in His Strategic Will with confidence and trust.

Conclusion

This discussion has intricately woven together the profound concepts of God's strategic will, the journey towards becoming a fully actualized Kingdom saint, and the essential practice of operating in the fullness of God's guidance, provision, and care.

• God's Strategic Will: The fear of the Lord, as emphasized in Proverbs, serves as the foundation for understanding and living out God's strategic will. This reverence for God directs us to a life that turns away from evil, embraces wisdom, and experiences divine protection and satisfaction. The parable in Matthew 25 further underscores the responsibility to steward God's gifts faithfully, illustrating that reverence for God involves active engagement and fruitful service.
• Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint: The journey to becoming a fully actualized Kingdom saint involves recognizing our identity in Christ and walking in His ways. This process is deeply rooted in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works that He has prepared for us. This calling is not a burdensome task but a divinely orchestrated plan that we are invited to participate in through His grace.
• Operating in the Fullness of God's Guidance, Provision, and Care: Walking in the fullness of God's guidance, provision, and care means living in radical dependence on Him. Colossians 2:6 encourages us to continue our journey in Christ as we began it—by faith. This ongoing relationship with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enables us to fulfill our God-given purposes. We are not left to bear the weight of responsibility alone; God's grace and presence empower us to walk in His strategic will effectively.

The fear of the Lord anchors us in God's wisdom and protection, while His grace equips us to be faithful stewards and fully actualized saints. By embracing our identity in Christ and relying on His guidance, provision, and care, we can confidently live out God's strategic will, revealing His Kingdom through our transformed lives and faithful service.

Pray without ceasing?

"Thessalonians 5:17  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you".

This is a command to live in a constant state of communication with God, being aware of God's presence and involvement in one's thoughts and actions at all times. It doesn't mean to be in a constant posture of prayer, but rather to have an realization / recognition of God's presence and participation in your life. 

Some tips for praying without ceasing include:

• Understand God wants to have a relationship with you.
• Don't define prayer times by limiting God's access to your heart, mind and spirit.
• Acknowledge and confess your need for God's guidance at the start of each day and remind yourself of the veracity of Proverbs 3:5-6.
• Make time for God in every situation.
• Take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ. And in everything you do, ask God what He thinks and how He feels about what you're doing. 
• When you find you are arguing with yourself realize you are in a spiritual battle.
• Consider your thoughts: When thoughts turn to guilt, worry, regret or confusion, consciously turn them into an opportunity to seek His guidance, understanding you are His child. 
• But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right / authority / power / privilege to become a "Child of God". John 1:12
• Do you have some tips? Please comment.

"They knew God"?

Genesis 5:24

And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Hebrews 11:5-6

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

YET...

 

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not acknowledge / recognize him as God or thank Him nor glorified Him (they did not give credit what credit was due), and they became futile in their thinking (their thoughts), and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Hebrews 6:4–8 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. 

(The metaphor). When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.

Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.

Ephesians 1:18

I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

By grace through faith.

All that are led by the spirit of God they are the children of God 

My sheep hear my voice I know them and they follow me. 

John 3:8 New Century Version (NCV)

The wind blows where it wants to and you hear the sound of it, but you don’t know where the wind comes from or where it is going. It is the same with every person who is born from the Spirit.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ. 

Pray without ceasing.

Remember...

“All flesh is as grass,

And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.

The grass withers,

And its flower falls away,

But the word of the Lord endures forever.”. (1 Peter 1:24-25)