OPEN17: AWAKEN TO OPPORTUNITIES
Terry R. Baughman
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11–12).
For a brief window at the end of one year and the beginning of the new there is an acute awareness of time. As we turn the calendar page, toss out the outdated documents, and adjust to writing a new number for the year in our correspondence we are forced to consider the passage of time.
Through much of the year time passes without much notice. Schedules and deadlines, appointments and events, workplace drama and vacation planning occupy our thinking with little regard to the passage of days, weeks and months. If anything we rush the calendar and push the clock to get to the more enjoyable events in our planning calendar.
At the close of the year we are given an opportunity to consider the moment, reflect on our progress, and evaluate our future ambitions. It’s a perfect time to establish some new spiritual goals as we consider our past progression. We have a new opportunity for a fresh start. Wipe the slate clean and determine our destiny toward the future.
Paul wrote that it is time to wake up from sleep. Recognizing the time is more than observing the markings on a clock’s face. We must be aware of where we are prophetically and through the lens of God’s calendar focus on where we are on the timeline of eternal events. It is time to arise to the challenge of God’s purpose, “The 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” (Romans 13:12 NIV). Awaken to the opportunities before us. Recognize that God is with us and He has a plan for our generation in this New Year!
There is a certain excitement and perhaps a bit of trepidation over the uncertainties of the future. There will be challenges. We have never faced such a secular society with so little tolerance for traditional values on a biblical foundation. On the other hand, there is the confident assurance that God is in charge. He will perform His good pleasure. God has a plan to save the lost and has destined victory for the Church that keeps His Word and will not deny His name. (See Revelation 3:8.) There is an OPEN door for the church in this new year. It is an OPEN door by Deity, one of decision, duty, and destiny.
Awaken! Don't be afraid to step through the door that God has opened. He is with us and nothing shall be impossible!
Scripture:
“Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).
Terry R. Baughman
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11–12).
For a brief window at the end of one year and the beginning of the new there is an acute awareness of time. As we turn the calendar page, toss out the outdated documents, and adjust to writing a new number for the year in our correspondence we are forced to consider the passage of time.
Through much of the year time passes without much notice. Schedules and deadlines, appointments and events, workplace drama and vacation planning occupy our thinking with little regard to the passage of days, weeks and months. If anything we rush the calendar and push the clock to get to the more enjoyable events in our planning calendar.
At the close of the year we are given an opportunity to consider the moment, reflect on our progress, and evaluate our future ambitions. It’s a perfect time to establish some new spiritual goals as we consider our past progression. We have a new opportunity for a fresh start. Wipe the slate clean and determine our destiny toward the future.
Paul wrote that it is time to wake up from sleep. Recognizing the time is more than observing the markings on a clock’s face. We must be aware of where we are prophetically and through the lens of God’s calendar focus on where we are on the timeline of eternal events. It is time to arise to the challenge of God’s purpose, “The 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” (Romans 13:12 NIV). Awaken to the opportunities before us. Recognize that God is with us and He has a plan for our generation in this New Year!
There is a certain excitement and perhaps a bit of trepidation over the uncertainties of the future. There will be challenges. We have never faced such a secular society with so little tolerance for traditional values on a biblical foundation. On the other hand, there is the confident assurance that God is in charge. He will perform His good pleasure. God has a plan to save the lost and has destined victory for the Church that keeps His Word and will not deny His name. (See Revelation 3:8.) There is an OPEN door for the church in this new year. It is an OPEN door by Deity, one of decision, duty, and destiny.
Awaken! Don't be afraid to step through the door that God has opened. He is with us and nothing shall be impossible!
Scripture:
“Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).
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