In Who Is ‘That Prophet’?, Pastor General Gerald Flurry wrote: “These are dangerous and urgent times. Do we realize what a target of Satan’s rage we really are? I believe God’s people lack understanding in this area. And what we see now is only the beginning; the attacks will intensify. We are, after all, exposing Satan to the world for what he is. He hates that, because he doesn’t agree with God’s evaluation of him. But we have to tell the world about him while there is still time. We must be aware of time—the way Satan is.”

World events will very soon reach a grand-smash climax, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ. We have less than an hour to do God’s Work and build the character so vital to being a part of God’s Family.

Satan knows this, just as we do! From his perspective, he has a limited amount of time to thwart our progress (Revelation 12:12).

Brethren, one thing you and I must be aware of is that Satan desires to waste our time! That works to his advantage (2 Corinthians 2:11).

We have heard several messages recently on simplifying our lives. A crowded, cluttered lifestyle can be of great advantage to Satan. He desires us to crowd out God! He wants us to become preoccupied with various projects, errands and responsibilities so we crowd God out of our thoughts and time.

How much time do we really devote to spiritual pursuits? Bible study and prayer can be easily overshadowed by activities and distractions. It is amazing how quickly time can slip away.

Obviously, many of our daily activities are important. But the lesson of Martha and Mary teaches us that Matthew 6:33 is the number one priority.

Consider that lesson. Martha’s dilemma was that she had been given the privilege of having Jesus Christ and a few of His disciples dine in her home. Naturally she desired everything to be just right; that takes time and energy. This became the most important thing on her mind.

Her sister, Mary, was more concerned about learning from Christ’s words. When Martha protested, Jesus was careful to put the priorities in perspective (Luke 10:41-42). Martha failed to recognize the most important use of her (and Mary’s) time.

Time is running out. Christ warns us in Revelation 22:12, “Behold, I come quickly.”

We must be redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).

Here are some points to help you “redeem the time.”

1. Recognize your personal tendencies to lose (waste) time and allow priorities to slip.

2. Make a commitment to pray and study every day without exception. Ensure you choose the right time, especially a time when you are mentally alert.

3. Keep Bible study organized, have a purpose or goal in mind, and glean as much as you can in the time you have. Prayer time should be well spent. Do you have a prayer list?

4. Review your progress regularly (perhaps weekly). If priorities become jumbled, examine why, then deal with the cause.

5. Continually seek strength and encouragement from God. He knows we cannot do it all ourselves, and He is eager to help us.

6. Always put first things first. Do not allow Satan to waste your precious time. Remember Romans 13:11: “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than we believed.”

Time is running out! Think on these things.