While our internet connection was down, I had a bit more time to think. Some of it was spent waiting on the phone for answers or for software to load and/or install. Time is essential.So, your explanation is that you don’t have enough time to serve the Lord. You have a job and it takes up your time and energy. You’re up against a brick wall and there are only 24 hours in a day. You’ve made a commitment to your boss and are obligated to fulfill it.
Paul did, too. But he accomplished both his commitment to make a living and his commitment to God:
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. (Acts 18:3-4)
How difficult is it for us to accomplish the same two purposes – work our occupation and reason on the sabbath?
Not all of us are called to leave our county for foreign missions. Nor are most of us called to leave our homes for missions in our own country. But we are all called to follow His commandments and His will.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:22-25)
We all have the same allotment of time during a day. Our priorities determine how that time is spent. I know a young lady who found the Lord as her savior. She desired some time alone with her Bible to learn more of Him and His plans for her life. She got up an extra half-hour in the mornings and dedicated that time to that purpose. Can you give Him thirty minutes each and every day? Why not try it for seven days?
Don’t know Him? Regard His promise: But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
Do that and the first commandment is nearby: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Amen! I find with seven children and being a Missionary with everything pulling me each its own way that ... Seeking Him early is the best and only way for me. My brain is fresh and alert early...later is the day I get tired and reading is just difficult late in the evening for me. Getting up an hour or even three hours earlier than most everything around me allows me time to think, meditate and read the loving Word of my Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteThis verse came to my mind: Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. I too get up earlier than my family, just for this reason. Once they are up I'm waiting on and helping them to get ready for the day. It's non stop until bed time. Having that time early puts him first and helps me to keep my mind on him throughout the day. It's worth it to lose a little sleep. When we sacrifice something for the Lord, like sleep, God will bless it.
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