Objective: Live in active expectancy because the King is coming! Be alert and ready for his arrival. Make the most of every opportunity because we do not know when Christ will come.
Diamond Quotes:
“I
don’t want to be alone at 80 years old, dripping in diamonds—never having
helped anyone. That’s not my path. That’s not what I care about. That’s not
what excites me.” – Kat Graham
“Life keeps throwing me stones. And I keep finding diamonds.” – Ana Claudia Antunes
Pecos Diamonds Factoid: Only a small percentage of crystals are large enough to be of interest to collectors. Present day uses are confined to lapidary and jewelry.
Waiting is a very hard thing to do. We wait for something from the day we are born. As babies we wait for feedings and diaper changes. As children we wait for cookies to bake, school to start—school to end, we wait for “our turn.” As adults, we wait for birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, retirement, etc. We also wait in lines at grocery stores, doctors’ offices, and special events. Short term waiting isn’t too difficult; it gives us time to think, do a crossword puzzle, read a magazine. Long term waiting is a challenge.
Of course for the Christian, the next most significant event for which we are waiting is the return of our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that no one knows the time of his return. However, we are given the reason for the delay; it is so that others might have opportunity to hear the gospel and respond.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:13-14 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
The second advent will be a wonderful event for the saved. In the meantime, what should we be doing while we wait? Paul gives suggestions for how we should remain active until the return of Christ and these suggestions are included in many of his letters. Next time you find yourself with a few minutes to spare while you “wait,” check out some of Paul’s writings.
Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Colossians 3:17, 23-24 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. …Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men … It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-17 (NLT) Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Titus 3:8 And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
One more thought, this one comes from A.Z. Tozer:
“If God gives you a few more years, remember, it is not yours. Your time must honor God, your home must honor God, your activity must honor God, and everything you do must honor God.”
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Teach us how to honor you in everything we do as we wait for the Blessed Hope, the soon-coming return of Jesus Christ.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional How Much Longer? appeared first for a Pecos Diamonds Devotional series, written and compiled by Dotty Willmon, August-September 2018;
updated and posted September 2024 on Write From My Heart at
https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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