Number 11                                                    

"Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers."   James 1:22

Our heart's desire is that you will enjoy the abundant life in Christ. We hope
these letters will spark your interest in God's Word. Prayerfully check these
quotes in your own Bible. God has great things in store for those who seek Him.

Please feel free to copy this newsletter or re-write it for your own use. If
you want to be added/deleted or want more info, please write us. It goes out to
about 50 families and friends. We want to share God's treasures with you.

                 T  I  M  E   -    T I M E  -  TIME

  A popular proverb has been "Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can
  do today."  Many have heard it, but it's hard to do it. One of Satan's
  most dangerous deceptions is to get people to put off God for "just a
  little while longer". How many people put off reading their Bibles until
  a more convenient time (and then never do)?  How many never get around to
  committing their life to Jesus. Look at the devil's first recorded
  deceptions to man.  He uses these same lies, time after time.

  "Did God really say (not to eat of that tree)?"                    Gen 3:1
  "You will surely not die (God is holding back on you)!"            Gen 3:4

  The battle ground with the enemy is in our mind. His first move is to get
  us to doubt the Word of God. Next, he will outright distort it. God's Word
  is the Rock foundation, and once it is eroded, the rest of our temple is in
  danger of being destroyed. Know God's Word, He warns us not to waste time.

  "My years are as nothing ... man's life is but a breath." Psa 39:5 & 90:1-10

  "You are a mist that appears for a little while ... you ought to say
   `If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'"   James 4:14

  Compared to eternal life, our existence on earth is very short. God expects
  us to be good stewards of the talents (things,money,time,etc.) He has given
  us. We need to be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit by putting God off.
  There are times of God's favor (mercy) and times when He allows men to harden
  their hearts to their own condemnation.  Following Jesus becomes increasingly
  difficult the longer we delay His call.

  "My Spirit will not always strive with man."                       Gen 6:3

  "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him                Psa 32:6
   while He is still near."                                          Isa 55:6

  Obedience implies a timely response.  Don't we get upset when we tell our
  kids to do something, and they don't do it right away.  Why do we get mad?
  One reason is that if they don't carry out instructions right away, they
  tend to forget to do it. How much more important that we redeem this time
  now, and heed God's call.  Killing time can kill us. Can you imagine, for
  a moment, hearing our Father plead with us, in these verses?

  "Now is the time of God's favor, Now is the day of salvation."   2 Cor 6:2

  "In the time of favor, I will answer you."          Isa 49:8       Psa 69:13

  "Today if you hear (my) Voice, do not harden your hearts."         Heb 3:8
                                                           Psa 95:7  Heb 4:7
  "Behold, I stand at the door and knock ... I will come in ."       Rev 3:20

  "He that comes to Me, I will in no way cast out."                  John 6:37

  We need to continue in the Lord. We cannot inherit the kingdom of God based
  on a one-time born-again experience or sacrament received long ago.  We can't
  inherit God's promises from our parents. We were created to be God's kids,
  and to live forever.  Hell was supposed to be for the devil and his fallen
  cohorts. After Adam & Eve fell to sin, all mankind became separated from
  God.  Jesus is our Savior from death and hell and He alone is the One who
  restores us with God, the Father.  Everything as we know it on earth is
  going to pass away, and the only thing of lasting value is our personal
  relationship with Jesus.

  "for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes."                  Hos 10:12

  "before the day of the Lord's wrath comes upon you, seek the Lord all
   you humble of the land ... perhaps you'll be sheltered on the day of
   the Lord's anger."                                                Zeph 2:3

  "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise ... He is patient, not
   wanting any to perish ... but the day of the Lord will come."   2 Peter 3:9

  "Seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness and all these (other)
   things will be added unto you."                                   Matt 6:33

  Spiritually, we should live each day as if it were our last. Physically we
  need to carry out our business until He comes (see Luke 19:13). Keep your
  eyes upon Jesus, make Him # 1.   SET  YOUR  PRIORITIES  RIGHT  TODAY  !

  " He who is coming will come and will not delay. "                 Heb 10:37

  " be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."   James 5:8

  "  I  am  coming  soon ! "    says Jesus                  Rev 3:11  &  22:20