urgency Archives

February 28, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Righteous Judge

Opening Verse

“If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.”
— Psalms 7:12 (KJV)

Introduction

God is not indifferent to sin. He is patient, but His patience is not weakness. He gives men time to repent, but if they refuse, judgment is certain. The psalmist warns that God’s sword is being sharpened, His bow is drawn. The delay of judgment is not its absence.

Devotional Story

A man was warned repeatedly about the dangers of ignoring God’s voice. He was blessed with a loving family, a stable job, and good health. Yet, he lived carelessly, indulging in sin, believing that since judgment had not come yet, it never would.

One evening, he had a dream. In it, he saw a mighty warrior sharpening a sword, its edge gleaming. The warrior turned to him and said, “This is for those who refuse to turn back.” He then saw a great bow, already drawn, an arrow ready to fly. He tried to run, but the warrior’s gaze followed him.

He woke up in a cold sweat. The fear of the Lord gripped him. That night, he repented of his sins, knowing that God had been patient with him, but that patience was not forever.

What This Means

God does not take pleasure in the destruction of the wicked, but He is just. If a person refuses to repent, they will face the consequences of their actions. The imagery of the sharpened sword and bent bow shows the urgency of repentance. The time to turn to God is now.

Think About This

Have you mistaken God’s patience for permission to continue in sin?
If the sword is sharpened and the bow is bent, what does that mean for those who delay repentance?
How can you warn others about the urgency of turning back to God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are patient, but also just. Forgive me for the times I have ignored Your warnings. Help me to live in obedience, knowing that judgment is real, but so is Your mercy. Strengthen me to warn others, that they too may turn back before it is too late. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
— Ezekiel 33:11 (KJV)

February 21, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Call to Wake Up

Opening Verse

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”
Ephesians 5:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Many people live their lives as though they are asleep—going through the motions, unaware of the urgency of the times. But God is calling His people to wake up, to see clearly, and to walk in His light. Are you awake, or are you still spiritually asleep?

Devotional Story

A man once lived near the shore, where storms would often rise without warning. Though he had a weather alarm, he ignored it, believing the storms would never truly harm him. One night, the alarm blared louder than ever. He stirred in his sleep but chose to stay in bed, dismissing the warning as unnecessary.

By morning, the town was flooded. His home, once secure, was now filled with water. He barely escaped with his life. If only he had woken up when the alarm sounded!

Many are living like this man—ignoring the warnings of God’s Word, sleeping through the call to repentance. But the time is now. The alarm is sounding. Will you wake up before it’s too late?

What This Means

Spiritual sleep is dangerous. It blinds us to the reality of sin and the urgency of salvation. But Christ calls us to wake up! To shake off complacency, to rise from the deadness of sin, and to walk in His light. The time is short, and the call is clear: Wake up! Seek the Lord while He may be found!

Think About This

Are you ignoring God’s warnings in your life?
Do you feel spiritually awake, or have you become indifferent to sin?
If Jesus were to return today, would you be ready?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I hear Your call to wake up. Forgive me for being spiritually lazy, for ignoring the signs You have placed before me. Open my eyes, Lord, and give me the strength to rise and follow You. Fill me with Your light and lead me in the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
Matthew 25:13 (KJV)

February 16, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The World Will Move With or Without You

Opening Verse

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV)

Introduction

Life does not pause for anyone. The world continues to turn, time keeps moving, and opportunities slip away. Many people live as if they have unlimited time, but the Bible warns us to redeem the time because the days are evil. We are not promised tomorrow, yet so many delay obedience to God. Are you wasting time, or are you walking in wisdom?

Devotional Story

A man once had a dream of standing at a busy train station. People were boarding, finding their seats, and moving with purpose. The sound of the conductor echoed through the platform: “All aboard!”

But the man hesitated. He looked at the crowd, unsure if he was ready. Maybe another train would come. Maybe later would be better. Just as he took a step forward, the doors shut. The train pulled away, leaving him behind.

As he stood there, watching the train disappear into the horizon, he saw another crowd forming. But this time, it wasn’t a train—it was a judgment seat. He had waited too long, missed his chance, and now there was no more time.

The dream startled him awake. In that moment, he knew the truth—life was passing him by. Every day he delayed surrendering to God, the world kept moving forward. But one day, his time would run out.

What This Means

Many live as if they will always have another chance. But every moment wasted is a moment lost forever. The Bible tells us to be wise, to walk carefully, and to make the most of the time we have. The world will not wait for you, and neither will God’s calling.

Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). He never said, “Follow me later.” The call is now. The time is now. Your soul is on the line.

Think About This

Have you been delaying obedience to God?
What excuses have you been making?
If you knew today was your last, what would you do differently?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to see the urgency of this moment. Help me to walk wisely and not waste the time You have given me. Forgive me for delaying obedience and thinking I had more time than I do. Give me strength to act now, to follow You without hesitation, and to redeem the time before it is too late. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
— Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)

December 18, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Gather Yourselves Together

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Opening Verse:

“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;”
– Zephaniah 2:1 (KJV)

Introduction:

The call in Zephaniah 2:1 is both urgent and touching. It is an appeal for repentance and unity, directed at a people who have strayed far from God. As judgment looms, the prophet implores the nation to turn back to God together, as one body, before it is too late.

Devotional Story:

In a small village, a severe storm was forecasted, and the villagers were instructed to gather in a safe haven. Some ignored the warnings, convinced that their homes could withstand the storm. Others thought their individual preparations were enough. Only a handful heeded the call, gathering in the designated shelter.

When the storm came, its fury was worse than anyone anticipated. Homes were destroyed, but those who had gathered together in the safe place were spared. The storm became a vivid metaphor for their spiritual state. They realized that unity and obedience were critical for survival, both physically and spiritually.

Likewise, Zephaniah’s plea reminds us that repentance is not just an individual call—it is a collective one. God desires His people to come together in humility and seek His mercy.

What This Means:

The time for repentance is now. Just as the people of Judah were called to unite in seeking God, we too are urged to turn away from sin as a community. Unity in repentance strengthens our resolve and amplifies our prayers before God.

Think About This:

How can you encourage repentance and unity in your family, church, or community?
Are you procrastinating on making things right with God?
Consider Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Prayer:

Lord, we hear Your call to gather together in repentance and humility. Forgive us for the times we have ignored Your warnings. Help us to unite as Your people, seeking Your face and walking in obedience to Your Word. Let us encourage one another to stand firm in faith. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
– 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

June 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Intention and Tone of Our Faith

Opening Verse

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Understanding the intention and tone of our faith is crucial. It shapes how we live, how we interact with others, and how we represent Jesus Christ in our daily lives. Our words and actions should reflect the love, clarity, and urgency of the Gospel.

Devotional Story

Consider a small church nestled in a busy neighborhood. Every Sunday, the pastor delivers sermons that are simple yet profound. He speaks with urgency, knowing that the message of Christ is too important to be misunderstood or ignored. His tone is always clear, filled with grace, and seasoned with the love of Christ.

One Sunday, a visitor entered the church. He had been searching for meaning and truth in his life. The pastor spoke about the intention of our faith—to love God and love others—and the tone we should use—one of compassion and clarity. The visitor was moved by the simplicity and urgency of the message. He realized that faith wasn’t about complex rituals or lofty words, but about a genuine relationship with Jesus.

What This Means

The intention of our faith is to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Our tone should be clear, urgent, and filled with grace. We should strive to communicate in a way that everyone can understand, ensuring that our words and actions reflect the heart of the Gospel.

Think About This

How do your words and actions reflect the intention and tone of your faith?
Are you communicating the love and truth of Jesus with clarity and urgency?
How can you ensure that your speech is always seasoned with grace?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to understand the true intention of our faith and to communicate it with a tone that reflects Your love and truth. May our words be clear, urgent, and filled with grace, so that others may come to know You through us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

March 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Urgency of Obedience

Opening Verse

“And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.” – Genesis 7:7 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world that often overlooks the importance of prompt action and obedience, the story of Noah stands as a timeless reminder. It’s a call to recognize the urgency and significance of following divine instructions, especially in the face of impending challenges.

Devotional Story

Imagine the world in Noah’s time: widespread disobedience and chaos. Then came God’s command to Noah, a directive that seemed as daunting as it was necessary. Noah’s decision to enter the ark wasn’t just a physical act of moving into a large boat; it was a profound statement of faith and obedience.

Building the ark was a monumental task, taking many years, yet Noah persevered, driven by his unwavering trust in God. His obedience was not without ridicule from those around him. Despite this, Noah chose to listen to God, acting on His command without delay.

When the floodwaters began to rise, it wasn’t just water that set Noah apart; it was his decision to enter the ark, fully trusting in God’s promise of salvation. This act of obedience saved him and his family, preserving humanity and animal life on earth.

What This Means

Noah’s story is not just a historical account; it’s a vivid illustration of the importance of listening to and obeying God, especially when it seems illogical or difficult. His obedience was a key to survival, a beacon of hope amidst destruction. It teaches us that divine instructions carry an urgency that demands immediate action, not procrastination.

Think About This

Consider your own life: Are there areas where God is calling you to act with urgency? Reflect on the importance of obedience, even when the path ahead seems unclear or the instructions difficult to follow. Noah’s story reminds us that God’s plans are always for our good, even when they require us to step out in faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant me the courage to obey Your commands with the urgency and faith of Noah. Help me to trust in Your promises, even when the path is not clear, and give me the strength to act promptly on Your instructions. May my life reflect a deep trust in You, just as Noah did. Amen.

Closing Verse

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” – Hebrews 11:7 (KJV)