Its Time!

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To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

John 8:31 (NIV)

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I don't know about you, but this last week as we have been in various stages of "suppressing the curve" of COVID-19, I have been busier than ever. Time, whilst passing quickly has seemed to slow right down, allowing us to get everything necessary done. Often though, in our life, we find that we are very busy with little time to spare. We often push things into the following day, week, or even month. Sometimes, our faith and discipleship can be hurt. We don't devote the right amount of time to growing deeper into God's word, we maybe rush personal devotions or just skip that day's reading because 'I'm so tired, I'll do it tomorrow'. If we are not careful, we can end up pushing God into a time slot, into a box, or maybe segregate Him to the weekend. This was before COVID-19. This is not how Jesus intended His disciples to be. He intends us to be active - a living, breathing piece of God-art. Now, many of us have all the time in the world, well at least three months.

In his talk on BBC radio, later published in 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis explores God and time. He explores the concept that God is outside of the construct of time. In a similar way, we now find ourselves in a situation where we too are seemingly outside of time. But you see, now is the time. Now we have the time to commit ourselves to meaningful personal devotions, to reconnect with what it means to be a disciple of the Saviour, to further explore what His calling on your life is, to pray and most importantly stay connected.

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All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:42 (NLT)

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In Acts, we see what it means to be a disciple. Dig deep in teaching. Be present in fellowship. Share His love. Pray. Whilst we can't go and share in meals with one another, we can still show His love. The love He showed round the table at the last supper. Whilst we can't meet each other in person, we can ring people, text people and stay in touch. But, perhaps most importantly, we can now dig deeper into His word and we can be more intentional about our prayer.

In the coming weeks and months, I want to challenge you to go further, dig deeper, and connect in ways you never thought possible. Today, I want to challenge you to renew your commitment to your discipleship journey. In it all, keep it simple because it's time!

Lord,

In these times of uncertainty, give us peace.

In these times of unknowing, give us faith.

In these times of hardship, give us strength.

In these times of intolerance, give us patience.

Most of all, in these times of hate, give us unending love.

In Jesus' mighty name,

Amen

God take us back, the place we began The simple pursuit of nothing but You The innocence of a heart in Your hands God take us back, oh God, take us back