Feeling pressed for time seems to be a part of the American lifestyle.  We never seem to have enough time to do what we need to do and want to do. Often, we feel like we do not have time to pray or read God’s word. It is a fact that people make time for what is important to them. Martin Luther said, “Show me where a man spends his time and money and I will show you his god.”

Many are driven in business and are very successful because they work hard all of their life. What does it really profit us if we gain earthly things and lose our souls? Fame, Money, Recognition and Adoration of the masses all mean nothing without God. We need to be like Joshua and Elijah.  It is time we choose God. The battle lines are being drawn. Make sure you are on the right side when the dust settles.

Even Moses asked Who is on the Lord’s side? This was after Israel had committed idolatry by making a golden calf. While Moses was on the mountain getting the ten commandments, they were breaking each of them in the camp below the mountain. Only a few stood back and didn’t participate in idol worship.

Joshua 24:15-17   14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.  15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;

Later in the Bible, in the book of I Kings, the people were asked to choose again. Ahab met with Elijah and they talked about how Ahab thought Elijah was troubling Israel. Elijah answered back that  Ahab’s father’s house had forsaken the Lord to follow Baal, a false god. Elijah suggested that they gather all of Israel and the prophets of Baal to the top of Mt. Carmel. 

20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.  22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.  23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: 24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

The prophets of Baal went first; they cried and cried from morning until night. They cut themselves with knives and bled for their god. Nothing happened. Elijah got his turn and he said a simple prayer, then suddenly, an explosion of fire fell from the heavens.  It not only consumed the offering but the wood and the water in the trench.

Notice verse 21. Elijah asked them how long they were going to try to serve the Lord and serve Baal. The church of today is lukewarm and trying to “straddle the fence.” The lines are being drawn today. People’s fate hangs in the balance.  I encourage you to choose the ONE TRUE GOD, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.  There are many things and gods of this world to distract us.  But make no mistake, when God is ready to call his children home, there will be “no time” to get ready.  Everyone’s fate will be sealed. Don’t be left behind because of a lesser god.  The one true God is waiting to hear your choice and accept your answer.

It is time for the warriors of God, to make sure you are battling on the right side. We can defeat the enemy, by investing the time to pray and speak faith.  We will find time for what is important.  I encourage you to make GOD a priority, and see how life will change.

• BLOG