“Provoking Christian Insights” series

Part 3

“Getting our houses in order”

In the end it will be like in the days of Noah … this phrase echoes through time warning of the last days before the Second Coming of Christ. As I sit and think about the church and my own little part in it, I can’t help but think about Noah and what we can do to be like him.

“By faith Noah, being warned ofg God of thing not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith,” Hebrews 11:17

There’s that word again “righteousness” which is by faith.

I can’t be righteous by myself. I have to be able to look toward God, not only knowing that He can, but that He will.

Stephen Hill writes: “We are living in days of chaos and disorder. Order, as referred to here, suggests a harmonious arrangement in proper condition. Paul described the days in which we now live in his second letter to Timothy.

“Men are lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, unthankful, unholy. Many are without natural affection, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a for of godliness, but denying the power thereof ” (see 2 Timothy 3:1-5). As in the days of Noah our houses (lives) are not in order.

There is an event on the horizon that will change the order of every man, woman and child. God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them and behold, I will destroy them with the earth” (Genesis 6:13). Why? Because “God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” (verses 3-6)

Again, God is clearly warning us, “Get your house in order!” Once again mankind is at the place where he has become and abomination in God’s eyes. In His great mercy, God gives us fair warning …time to repent. It is time for godly men and women to rise up like Noah, who was moved with fear at the warning from God of things to come. Noah had his house in order, he obeyed the Lord and escaped the judgment that came.

Would you want to be like Noah?

Over the past few weeks I have written about a particular group of young married couples, and some singles, in the church, that have been praying over pews, praising God and worshipping in an extra special way. This began with the “Facing the Giants” movie preparation, to which the results were heavenly. But more, I’ve been watching the church grow. This new activity, not because the preacher planned it, not because of revival in particular, but because people in the church were doing what God wants all of us to do. They worship and they pray and they are seeking God’s righteousness.

What have these people done?

I think the first thing that I see is that they are giving up the things that hinder. Lately I’ve been pressed, even though retired, to stop and thing about what’s important and to give up the things that hinder my progress.

A reporter for a newspaper asked me “What is your focus,” when I wrote a piece that evidently didn’t seem to be earth shattering. It caused me to think. What is my focus? … What prize am I chasing? It is then that I remember the Bible telling me that; “only what is done for God will last.”

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

As we run life’s race we must stay focused on the prize, which is eternity with Jesus.

The thing I see in these young people is diligence. They are diligently living as when Christ appears He will find them in peace…not struggling to get their way, but without spot or blemish…blameless.

Get your heart ready, be engrossed with Jesus, make Him your main concern in all you do. Give up everything that hinders.

The person who is diligent in worldly things gives up anything that would keep him from gaining his goals. The man who is intent on taking a journey rises out of bed early in the morning. The man who is running for his life throws off any cumbersome weight.

“Likewise, if you are diligent in seeking Christ,” Robert Murray, McCheyne writes, “and your personal goals prevent or hinder you, know that they will be your ruin. Give them up. If any relationships are detrimental to you, by destroying your seriousness, or hampering your prayer, and wasting precious time, then break them off. Remove any idol that forms an obstruction between you and Christ.”

The seriousness of what is going on in the world today cannot be overstated. Like the rich young ruler, you too will come face to face with God. And one day “your soul will be required of thee” (Luke 12:16).

Pastor Ray La Salle asked; Do you pay your home payment with your tithe? …your car? … your boat? …your fun? Quoting Scripture; “Where your treasure is so is your heart,” (Luke 12:34). Are you following your wants and desires and not following Jesus?

What goal pushes you onward? Is it Jesus? Is it to do His will, to be found faithful, to see Him face-to-face?

Let us never lose sight of the finish line. Don’t let anything slow you down. Be diligent in seeking Christ.

Draw near to Him and he will draw near to you.

INSPIRATION: “Come, take up your cross and follow Me,” Mark 10:21  

Write: croneis@earthlink.net