It's Time to Wake Up!

Romans 13:11

Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up; our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Whenever we travel by airplane, my wife has a ritual. She carries her blanket and pillow and immediately goes to sleep before we get airborne. She says, “Me and God have a deal, he lets me sleep so I cannot think about flying.” She doesn’t like to wake up until we get to where we are going. Because I know how fast we have to scramble to make our connection, it is my responsibility as the alert one to wake her up once we near our arrival.

Many of us try to sleep through what we are most afraid of. We would rather go to sleep than to face our fears. It's time for us to wake up because our salvation is nearer than we first believed.

Sometimes we think if we just go to sleep then the wars and rumors of wars will go away, or that the recession will magically disappear. Now I am not saying that staying up, worrying about things, will make them any better but neither will ignoring them. As we get near God’s fulfillment of all things, it’s time to wake up and get our house in order.

It’s time for right living.

1. Wake up. WE have to be sober and alert to see the signs of Jesus' eminent return. All around us there are wars and rumors of wars. Young people are in danger of peril, Marriages are under attack, and this is no time for Christians to put their heads in the sands. We don’t want Jesus to come back and catch us with our work undone. It’s time to wake up and go into the marketplaces and streets and tell those who are lost that the banquet table is open and ready for them.

2. Get Rid of your evil deeds. There are some habits and hang ups that are holding us back from our destiny. It’s time to get rid of whatever is holding us back. The only way we can is to realize that we are new creations in Christ. We simply have to walk in what God has already made us. We can’t make the changes on our own but with the help of Jesus, he makes all things new.

3. Shed them like dirty clothes. We don’t throw away dirty clothes but we do wash them. Jesus’ blood is the only thing that can wash away our sins and make you whole. There is still power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb!

4. Clothe yourself with Right living as those who live in the light. We have to make sure we are covered. We need to put on the full armor of God. We need to live in such a way that it brings Glory to God and credibility to our faith.

5. We should be decent and true in everything we do. Everything we do as Christ follwers should be done in decency and in order. We should carry ourselves in a respectable way so no one can cast dispersion on our faith.

6. Don’t participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. We are a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. We are the King’s kids, we can’t do what everybody else does.

7. But let the lord Jesus Christ take control of you. There can only be one captain of the ship and his name is Jesus. Let him have full control.

This is your “Captain Speaking” We are approaching our descent into your destination. Return your seats to their “upright” positions, cut off all devices claiming your attention, push your tray tables up for fasting and praying, store away any loose items. If you are not sure about your final destination, please consult your nearest servant and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Dear God, thank you for waking me up and reminding me that we are near the time of salvation. This world is groaning in anticipation of the end. Help us to be sober and awake so this does not catch us by surprise. I want to be ready when you arrive.

In Jesus Name.

Amen.