Time Is Precious

 

In the early 1970’s, William Jenny, a retired clock maker in his 60’s, was employed by the prestigious Savoy Hotel in London to keep 1,105 of their time pieces correctly set and wound. The winding of the clocks took four days before starting all over again. It is said that Mr. Jenny could tell the correct time (within half a minute), any time day or night, without using a watch. The British medical association put Jenny through some exhaustive tests to discover what they called “an acute psychical poise” but without success. Did he possess some sort of miraculous gift? No, I don’t think so. Many people can determine to wake up at a certain time and do; you may have done that yourself. While in business I could tell what time it was plus or minus ten minutes and I’m still pretty good at guessing the time today. I would suggest Mr. Jenny was so involved with clocks and time all his life that his brain (which God gave him) could subconsciously mark time, much like we do even when keeping time in a song. Be it of historical value, or legendary myth, or a preacher’s tale I know not, but we can apply it to a Biblical ideal.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16). The human mind is able to absorb huge amounts of detail, store them and use them logically. Show me a person who knows more Bible and I will show a person who has studied more Bible. Keep filling and fueling your mind with God’s Word and you will recall Bible information in a more efficient, and logical way, with proper application.

[ 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11] What would you do to be at the birth of your child? Would you miss work? Skip an important meeting? Risk disappointing customers and co-workers? That’s the decision Daniel Hudson faced a few years back. Only Daniel isn’t in the corporate world; he’s a relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals (at the time of this story, 2019. He is now with the LA Dodgers). And, despite it being the 1st game of the National League Championship, Daniel’s decision was easy - go to the birth.

For Hudson, family is a top priority. He explained: “Baseball is what I do; it isn’t who I am.” He made the decision to be at the birth, no matter what the consequences. And that decision angered many people. Some posted derogatory comments on social media. In their minds, missing a championship game was inexcusable! But Hudson also received support. A fellow pitcher said: “We sacrifice so much, and we miss so much during our careers. We miss graduations and weddings. Lots of players might miss their kids’ first steps or first words. They’re gone six to eight months out of the year and can’t take their kids to school or help their wives with taking care of the kids. So, when he said, ‘Hey, I need a day to be with my family because my wife is about to give birth,’ it was a no-brainer for me, and we focused all our energy on picking him up.” Daniel’s example is a good reminder; “what you do,” for a living and “who you are” are not the same thing. We should all answer the question: “What won’t you miss?” And answer in advance so you won’t second-guess in the moment.

If you are a Christian, you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), called (2 Peter 1:3), and chosen (Revelation 17:14). You are a minister and a witness (Acts 26:16), a saint (Romans 1:7), a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3), and a steward, (1 Peter 4:10). You are a citizen (Philippians 3:20) and an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are loved (John 3:16). That’s who you are. Your vocation is a choice. So, whether you make or miss events in this life, decide today to endure in the faith. Then you won’t miss the most important thing: eternity in heaven. Be like Paul; serve Christ well (Philippians 1:21-26).

After Thanksgiving Sale

 

Many phrases inspire quick responsive behavior on the part of others. “Fire!” “Run!” “Help!” “Dinner!” “Free Television!” “Incoming!” “Snake!” Right alongside these declarations “After Thanksgiving Sale” and “Black Friday” must reside. Each year, prior to Thanksgiving the advertisements come pouring out. Shopping men and women dutifully take note, writing down all the particulars or saving the printed ads and searching web sites for the best deals. Many literally write down a schedule of where they need to be minute by minute and what they specifically need to obtain in each location of every store. They know the prices, shapes, sizes, and colors of their objectives. Their priorities are established. It is not unusual to see long lines of people waiting early in the morning hours before stores open whether it is cold, dark, or rainy. Not only do these folks come early, but they also stay late! Busy with the priorities of the day, their life is driven like no other time throughout the year.

Let us consider another moment – “Sunday morning.” “The First Day of the Week.” “The Lord’s Day.” Sunday morning is a time when the Lord’s church gathers as was the example in the early days of the church (Acts 20:7). At that time, they sang hymns to God (Ephesians 5:19) and partook of communion as Jesus had commanded them to do in remembrance of Him (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Christians encouraged one another by gathering at these assemblies (Hebrews 10-25) as they also gave cheerfully a collection to further the Word of God and aid needy saints (1 Corinthians 16:2). In the midst of this gathering, Christians also received the Word of God which was able to save their souls (James 1:21). Sunday morning truly offers great treasure! Praising God, glorifying God in obedience, remembering the Savior of mankind, aiding others, and enjoying their fellowship, and partaking of spiritual nourishment to make one complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). My daughter used to wake up as a little girl and declare “It’s day!” She woke prepared to get going with the day. How energized do you feel when you hear the phrase “It’s Sunday!”? Do you prioritize that day to the One who provides all things needed for life? (Acts 17: 28).

[Psalm 122:1] “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD’.” It’s Sunday!” or “After Thanksgiving Sale!” Which of these phrases brings more organization, excitement, and involvement to the Christian? Do they plan ahead their interaction on Sunday? Do they have their Bibles, notepads, and pens prepared? Are their lessons done ahead of time? Is their frame of mind prepared to glorify God or be a spectator? Do they engage in the singing with voices bright and reverence and cheer on their faces? When the congregation is viewed, does it appear everyone is at nap time, or at a funeral, or bored out of their mind, or disinterested? Does the Christian come early to fellowship with his spiritual brothers and sisters? Does he stay late or find opportunity throughout the day to engage in the work of God rain or shine? Where is your heart? Are you excited, day by day, as the coming of Jesus grows nearer (I Peter 1:13)? Is this what drives your behavior above all other aspects of your life? There are many phrases which may ignite your behavior such as “After Thanksgiving Sale,” “Free food and drinks,” and “75% off!” But may, “It’s Sunday! Let us pray, and study together the will of God for the fulfillment of our lives’” be among the phrases that ignite your heart, soul, strength, and mind being of priority above all things. “…taste and see that the Lord is good; …those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:8-10). “Salvation is FREE!”

Am I The Problem?

 “Psssst! I’ve got a secret! If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone else?” Have you ever put yourself into a situation like that before? Of course you have. Have you then ever gone on to share the “secret”? Yes, you have, haven’t you! But it’s what happens after you share the secret that makes you wish you’d kept your mouth shut. It’s hard to not feel superior when in possession of confidential information and it’s harder to control ourselves from wanting to be important. “Letting the cat out of the bag” can, and generally does, cause a lot of trouble, because as the “secret” gets told over and over, it tends to become a vicious rumor, which then has a nasty habit of changing lives. Sharing secrets can ruin friendships, split families, sink ships, lose battles, destroy credibility and, who knows, could ultimately change the world. There’s a great responsibility placed on you when “you’re the only one that knows” certain things, so keep it to yourself. The next time someone wants to share a secret, say, “No, thanks.”

The following inscription can be found on a tomb in Westminster Abbey, England. When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If only I had changed myself first, then by example, I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

[Galatians 5: 13-15] “…love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus shared the same thought in His great sermon and today we teach it to our children as “The Golden Rule”: “Do to others as you would want done to you” (Matthew 7: 12 & Luke 6: 31) Our biggest problem here is we tend to use our knowledge and “secrets” in an attempt to change those around us to become like us and do things our way. If you’re “long in the tooth” at all you already know that attempting to change anyone results in rebellion. Think about how you’ve changed over the years. Did the changes in you come by force or more by training, or greater yet, by example? There is a fundamental truth in our relationship with God, no matter what happens around us, no matter what others may be doing, we can be responsible before God only for ourselves. We have obligations to one another, but in the end, the only true change we control is within ourselves. So, think about this. If I study and work to show myself approved before God, what better example could I present? What then will I control, but my own attitudes and actions, how I think and how I will treat other people. I will do right, no matter what those around me do. No matter what happens, I must do what is right – what God expects of me. I will act responsibly. It’s not responsible to always be observing others and not ourselves, expecting others to change but not seek to change ourselves. In the end others may be influenced by me, but it is only my own destiny that I control. Are you having problems with others? Maybe you’re the problem. It is no secret; With God all things are possible.

“Oh, what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contended I will be; How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t! To weep and sigh because I’m blind – I cannot, and I won’t.” Fanny Crosby (at 8 years old).

God Forgives and Forgets

 

One day a Christian farmer spent the day shopping in the big city. At lunch time, he entered a restaurant and sat down near some young men who happened to not care much for religion. When the farmer’s meal was served, he bowed his head and silently gave thanks for the food. One of the young men looked at the farmer and said in a loud voice, “Does everyone do that where you come from?” The farmer replied, “The pigs don’t!”

Once upon a time there was a man who called himself a Christian. But he was indeed a strange one. On Monday while he was at work, something went wrong. He forgot about God and cursed using the name of God freely. On Tuesday he heard something evil about a brother and he passed it on without taking the trouble or time to determine whether it was true or not. He even made the story a little worse than when he heard it. On Wednesday while making a business transaction, he saw an opportunity to take advantage of a customer and he did it for the few dollars involved. On Thursday he went to a friend’s home for a little game of cards – he didn’t lose much. Naturally there was a cocktail and a few beers. “A very cheap night of entertainment,” he told himself. On Friday he became angry with everyone with whom he was working. They could not see that all ought to be done his way and he told them off – really good! On Saturday his grocer made a mistake and did not charge him for a pound of butter. He rationalized it was the grocer’s fault and said nothing. On Sunday morning he went to church; took part in the services – the part where one sits in the pew and mutters to himself that the service is going too long. That night he stayed home to rest up, getting ready for another week.

Two brothers were caught stealing sheep. The villagers punished the young men by branding their foreheads with a hot iron marked ST for “sheep thief”. One brother ran from the village to another to hide from the stigma. When those villagers learned the meaning of the letters branded on his forehead, he fled to the next town. His life was lived in this manner until he died, hopelessly unhappy. The other brother, however, stayed in his home village determined to gain back the love and respect of his fellow villagers. He turned away from sheep stealing, and he paid back his debts. Over the years he became a highly respected citizen of his community. After many years had passed, a stranger traveled through the village one day. Upon seeing an old man with a strange brand on his forehead, he asked a life-long citizen about it. “It happened a long time ago,” the old timer replied. “And I don’t remember the particulars,” he said while scratching his head and searching his memory, “but I believe the ST stands for ‘saint’.”

[Psalm 40:1-5] “I waited patiently for the Lord and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet on a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth – Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust and does not respect the proud, nor such as to turn aside to lies. Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

It is said that God has a short memory. When we confess our faults, repent of our sins, obey the commands of God – then when God forgives, He forgets. May our memories be equally poor with our fellow man. Rather, let us look to ourselves that we might stand before God, in that day, with clean hands and a pure heart. Lord save us.