Thought for the Month - March 2021
"Tempus fugit " by Barry Adair
I recently thought about a conversation I had many years ago, perhaps 50 years ago. I was looking at the words on a large clock that my Grandad had hanging up in his small hallway in Coleraine (Co. Londonderry). I was able to read at this age (around 7) but I had no clue what these words were. My Grandad then told me that it was an old language called Latin and these strange words (tempus fugit) meant "time flies". I also clearly remember him telling me that time does indeed fly by very quickly and that it goes even faster as you get older. And, do you know something, after these 50 intervening years, I can verify that my Grandad and that clock were both correct, time does indeed fly!
I also noticed that I have been writing these 'Thought for the Month' articles for 20 years now. The first one I wrote was in March 2001, 20 years ago this month. And I have no clue where that time has gone! My "kids" have both left home and my hair is now leaving too!
The Bible has a few things to say about 'time' and also how it flies. Our timelines on this earth are described as being "transient" and our existences on this planet as being like "breath" or "vapour"…
"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapour that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away". (James 4:14)
"Lord, let me know my end, and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am. Behold, You have made my days like hand widths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; certainly all mankind standing is a mere breath…" (Psalm 34: 4-5, King David speaking)
The Bible also is full of wisdom about managing our time correctly and making the most of the allotted time that we have (see Ephesians 5:15-17 and Psalm 90:10,12).
And I really liked these quotations too…
"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back." Harvey MacKay
"Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late." Ben Franklin
And yet, let me remind you that one day 'time', as we know it, will cease to exist. Yes, we all know that death will catch up with all of us someday. So, what about those of us who are looking forward to life after death and a future heavenly home? Heaven, I believe, will not have the concept that we all know as 'time'. If you are a Christian, then like me, I'm sure you have pondered about "eternal life" (below from John 3:36…
The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
It is a promise of heaven but at times the thought may seem a little daunting. I mean, 'eternal' is forever! But if there is no such thing as 'time' in heaven, then there will be no reason to fret about an 'eternal life'. It will all be glorious and we will never want it to end. After all, it will be heaven - and we have God's Word on it!
And to those who may be reading this and either don't believe in an afterlife or don't know anything about the two ultimate destinations (heaven or hell), please click on the link at the bottom of this Thought - "Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!". This link has been included at the bottom of every 'Thought for the Month' article we have written, 20 years' worth of these. Our prayer 20 years ago is still the same today, that some would believe in God, acknowledge and repent of their sin and humbly ask God to forgive them. Jesus died that we might live. And heaven is the promised ultimate home for all those who believe in God.
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Time flies (tempus fugit) - so, if you don't know God as your Saviour, please read our article below today, as someday there just won't be the time…
How to be sure of Heaven
In a world of deceit and disillusionment, there is one thing of which you can be absolutely certain - a confirmed reservation in Heaven. Here's how to be sure:
Admit your sin to God and with repentance, recognize your inability to save yourself.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"
Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us"
Believe that God loves you and that Jesus Christ died in your place.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God"
Call on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, and receive Him as your personal Saviour.
Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved"
John 1:12 "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name"
If you sincerely acknowledged your need of salvation and put your trust in Jesus Christ, you can be sure of Heaven. With your future in Heaven secure, you can now make the most of your time on earth. Declare your faith to others and nurture your new life through prayer and reading the Bible. As you do so, you will experience the joy of living for your Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
'Twas grace has brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun
(John Newton)
Until next month (DV)…
(All Bible quotations are from the NASB, unless stated)
Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!