Last week, we considered how we can choose activities and best use our time, so that we please the Lord. Today's thoughts are motivational. We may know what to do and how to do something, but we need know why we should do it. Then, hopefully, we will get the sense of urgency and actually do those things that we know we should do and not do what we shouldn't do. So, what's the hurry?

Your life is short
Our life is described as a vapor - a mist or a fog that disappears in a short amount of time (James 4:14). We are soon cut off and fly away (Psalm 90:10). Life is described as "vanity" [i.e. bubbles] and "vexation of Spirit"/ "grasping at the wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 14). See also Psalm 39:4-5.

The world's time is short
The world, as we know it, is not going to last (I Corinthians 7:31; I John 2:15-17). That's why it is called "…This present evil world…" (Galatians 1:4). We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth (II Peter 3:10-13).

Satan's time is short
The Devil has no real hope of conquering God, as he once had hoped (Isaiah 14:12-15 cp. I John 3:8). His doom is certain. Therefore, he is full bitter wrath. War is in his heart. He is making this present evil world even more evil, dark, and deadly (Revelation 12:12; John 8:43-44; Luke 22:31-32; II Corinthians 2:11; 4:3-4; 11:14-15; I Thessalonians 2:18; I Peter 5:8-9; Romans 16:20).

What shall we do with our time?

Things are intense. God's plan is certain. The world's passing is certain. Satan's doom is certain. The only thing that is uncertain is how much time we have to do something about what's going on. What can we do to "redeem the time" (Ephesians 5:16)? Read last week's notes, or read what is listed below. May God's grace be with you!

• I Thessalonians 5:1-28
• Romans 13:8-14
• I Peter 4:7-19
• Ephesians 5:14-21
• Ephesians 6:10-20
• Mark 13:1-37