NOW IS THE TIME
THE THREE GOD ENCOUNTERS SURROUNDING THE BIRTH OF JESUS
January 7, 2015HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS
January 7, 2015 GCC Message 1stJanuary 2015
Ephesians 5: 15-19
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
Psalms 39: 4-5
4“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Psalms 90:12
12Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
1. YOU HAVE A LIMITED TIME.
EPH 5:15-17; PS. 39:4; PS 90:10
a. You will not live on this earth forever. Every day you live reduces the number of days and years you have.
b. You have only one life to live and God desires, that life is lived profitably and leaves an impact on the people you get the opportunity to touch.
c. The Bible encourages us not to count on tomorrow, you have today.
Time has to be budgeted. You need to make a schedule on your Schedule God must have the first part of your time and then family, then your service and work.
Be aware of time thieves: some TV programs, some unproductive friends. Etc. Be aware of those things that shout at you but they may not be as important.
You do not have to attend all weddings, all receptions, all burials, you do not have to listen to all announcements on Radio.
ECC 3: 1-15
2. USE THE OPPORTUNITIES GOD GIVES YOU.
“Making the most use of your time.” (NASB)
“Redeeming the time.” (KJV)
“Use the opportunity to the full.” (NLB)
· Opportunity may be time to do something.
· Opportunity may be a person that God brings in your life to connect with.
It may be a specific timing to begin; a class, to begin a business.
The enemy of opportunity is fear, is procrastination, it is not being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
This year be available to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 25 The parable of Talent. Each servant was given talents according to the master’s estimate of their ability. The master did not specify how to use the talent but he said go and use what I have given you. Today each of us has life, has gifts, has education, has contacts. You can end the year life as one servant the same, complaining about what you have or you can say; I WILL USE WHAT I HAVE AND NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT WHAT I DO NOT HAVE.
The 3rd servant: Had excuses, he had a bad attitude, he feared to loose.
The 1st two servants: I have this opportunity, I now have the chance to get out of my situation. I am trusted by my master, I know with God’s help I will get out. He has recognized I am gifted let me risk.
2015 is a year for you to take advantage of opportunity.
3. FIND OUT GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE.
The Answer is in Verse 18-19. Spend time in the presence of God. This makes it your ambition to seek after God. You cannot seek God and fail to find His will for your life.
Use the prayer room, dedicate time in fasting and prayer. Spend time in His word. He will open your eyes to His will.
4. BOLDLY STEP OUT AND ACT.
ROMANS 13:11
The Day Is Near
11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light
This is a year of ACTION. After you have found His will, step out and act on God’s word.
THE PEOPLE WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS YEAR ARE THE COURAGEOUS ONES. THE MEN AND WOMEN OF FAITH WHO WILL TAKE BOLD STEPS TO ACT ON WHAT GOD SAYS. PEOPLE WHO WILL BELIEVE THAT GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS.
THESE PEOPLE WILL:
o Will begin businesses
o They will begin new ministries
o Many of these will even find a spouse.
o Many of these will see God at work in their lives.
DON’T WAIT FOR TOMORROW ACT ON WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
