SCRIPTURE
“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruits of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12
SPOTLIGHT
There are so many voices calling for your attention. Employers, teachers, spouse, children, extended family, friends, community groups, and social causes all want to have the voice that is heard. They want their message to be the clearest and the loudest. Plainly put they are saying, “My goal is the most important. Come help me. Join me in meeting this challenge/need.” You have to decide which voices you will listen to. In addition, you have to prioritize them as well. Which voice will you pay attention to above all others? How will you use your, “here on earth time?”
One voice should always stand out above the rest. That is the voice of God. God’s call is crystal clear as seen in Hosea 10:12. Here is a picture of a very productive farmer at work. He wisely uses his, “here on earth time.” Please note that God is clearly and loudly calling believers to take action the way a farmer would. There is nothing passive about sowing, reaping, plowing, seeking, or expecting Godly showers of blessing. These 5 verbs require you to do something in order to see results. God wants you to make these 5 words your lifetime goals.
God’s clear and loud call has no time limits. He doesn’t say that His message is just for a season of time. He doesn’t suggest that His action-oriented goals will ever lapse. A farmer’s work is never finished. Neither is a believer’s work. Just like a farmer, a believer’s goals are continuous. Sowing leads to reaping, which is followed by plowing again for another crop.
God’s call can be translated into 5 questions believers should ask themselves every day/week:
1) What am I sowing/doing that has Godly value? Is my life turning people toward God?
2) What am I reaping that is eternal? Are my goals and accomplishments always focused toward the eternal outcome?
3) Where do I need to plow, in my relationship with Jesus Christ? What do I need to change? Is there something I need to do, or not do, in order to become more Christlike?
4) How am I seeking to know Christ better and accomplish His purposes for my life? Do I anticipate my Bible study and prayer time each day? Do I long to attend church and be accountable to other believers?
5) What great things am I expecting God to do in my life? Am I believing God to fulfill His promises for me personally, as well as for my family, church and nation? [Philippians 1:6].
Just like a farmer, a believer must wisely use his, “here on earth time.” Remember to ask yourself these 5 questions for the rest of your life. Wisely use your earth time!
Years ago, the great evangelist, Dwight L Moody was speaking at Tremont Temple. He was approached by a man who told him that it was because of Moody’s ministry that he had become a Christian believer. Moody didn’t thank the man for telling him this, but immediately asked him, “What have you been doing since?” The point was that if this man had a true encounter and an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, then how had it changed him, and what was he doing with his life for Jesus? Had he been wisely using his, “here on earth time?”
Remember to ask yourself these 5 questions for the rest of your life. Wisely use your, “here on earth time!”
SOMETHING TO DO
Get a pen and paper and find a quiet place to prayerfully ask yourself the 5 questions. Be sure to write some things down so that you can clearly discern what you are really doing with your life. “Pale ink makes you continually think.” Perhaps this may take more time than just one sitting. You may want to go about your daily activities prayerfully considering these questions. The point is to ask yourself these questions this week, and then the week after, and then the month after, for the rest of your life.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father thank You for creating me for a purpose. I want to wisely use my, “here on earth time.” Lead and guide me as I ask these 5 questions. I want to be honest with myself about the answers I get. My desire is to live a life that will fulfill Your goals for me. AMEN!