In what ways can we live faithfully, knowing only God knows the time? Remember Who Holds the Clock Matthew 24:36: “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” • Acknowledge that God alone controls history; this frees us from speculation. • Trust His character—Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hands.” Stay Spiritually Awake Matthew 24:42: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.” • Begin each day expecting Christ could return. • Evaluate priorities: does your schedule reflect watchfulness or drift? • Luke 12:35: “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” Pursue Everyday Holiness 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls us to be holy in all we do. • Guard thoughts, words, and habits. • Confess quickly when you stumble—1 John 1:9. • Let small acts of obedience add up to a lifestyle that pleases Him. Invest What He Entrusts Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents) follows the “unknown hour” teaching. • Identify gifts, opportunities, relationships God has placed in your care. • Use them for His kingdom, not self-promotion. • Faithful stewardship now leads to future commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Gather and Encourage One Another Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to meet “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” • Corporate worship keeps hearts alert. • Mutual encouragement fights discouragement and error. • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness to reinforce hope. Share the Gospel Urgently 2 Peter 3:9: God is “patient…not wanting anyone to perish.” • View every conversation as potentially eternal. • Support missions, pray for open doors—Colossians 4:3. • Live in a way that makes the message credible—Philippians 2:15. Persevere Through Trials James 1:12 promises a crown to those who endure. • Hard seasons refine faith, reminding us this world is temporary. • Revelation 2:10: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Guard Against Distractions Luke 21:34-36 warns of hearts weighed down by “carousing, drunkenness, and anxieties of life.” • Set boundaries on media, possessions, and pursuits that dull spiritual alertness. • Regularly fast from secondary things to keep first things first. Live with Hopeful Joy Titus 2:13 speaks of “the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” • Hope fuels joy, not fear. • Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” Pray Without Ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ties constant prayer to readiness. • Short, frequent prayers keep fellowship vibrant. • Pray the news, your plans, and interruptions, submitting everything to His timetable. Daily faithfulness in these areas prepares us for the unknown hour and makes the waiting itself a vibrant testimony to the One who holds the future. |
    |