“If these were the closing moments of time, how would you live your life? More than likely, you would do what it takes to make all of your relationships right. You would probably get in touch with those that you love and express how much they mean to you. Then you would deal with those who have offended you, forgiving everyone, and asking for forgiveness from those you have offended. I’m sure that Our relationship would also change. I would find you drawing closer to Me, making sure that everything in your life was in line with My Word and My desires for your life. You would take care of any hidden sin, any hint of discretion. Finally, you would prepare for Our meeting face to Face by devoting yourself completely to Me, surrendering your heart to be examined by My Word for the slightest trace of rebellion.
"Once all of that is complete, you would probably begin to enjoy all the relationships that I have placed in your life to the fullest. You would love more, forgive more quickly, and serve everyone better, telling those who do not know Jesus of the wonder of His love. Each day would be an opportunity to smell the fragrance of the air, bask in the warmth of the sun, and walk in the wonder of My creation. Family would be more important than work. You would take the time to embrace the heart of your children, and fully appreciate the love of your life; ignoring the small stuff and reveling in the beautiful traits that won your heart in the first place. You would remember all the good times and forget all of the challenges.
"Life, love, and laughter would become important once again. My child, these are the closing moments of time as I see them. Even if there were many years of My calendar left, how many more heartbeats do you have? I would suggest that you get on with it! I love you.”
Ephesians 1:3-8 NIV
3) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
4) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
5) he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will
6) to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
8) that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
“Life” usually gets in the way of the really important stuff. Most of our days are spent doing what is necessary, fulfilling what is planned, and handling everything urgent so the pattern can be repeated tomorrow. We head for rest times exhausted, and emerge from them with little refreshment, falling back into the well-worn path of daily living with sighs of submission.
I have had the privilege of talking with people in their golden years, often hearing words of regret expressed when reflecting on their lives. Most wish that they had enjoyed and embraced each day with the wonder that it really is, rather than letting it pass, waiting for a better one to come.
Today is very special, no matter what it presents to you. You have the incredible privilege of walking through it with your Lord, and those whom He has placed in it with you. Honor Him, and love them with His love. Let no fear, bitterness, anger, or hate spoil another moment of the time that the Lord has given you. In the light of eternity, the times wasted on anything other than love and serving Him mean nothing. You and I have the very breath of the Lord in us. Let’s use every one of them to glorify His Name.
Needing to take time to be thankful for and enjoy what is important,
Jim Corbett
