Hosanna Restoration Church

Waking up is sometimes hard. It can be a slow process. Sometimes we would like just a few more minutes. We pull the covers over our heads and plan for just a few minutes, but sometimes the few minutes go way past what we planned! This can cause some real problems if we miss school, or a plane, or an important meeting. It is good to learn to be on time.

The complications of a little extra sleep are nothing compared to the complications of ignoring the conviction of Holy Spirit. Felix was convicted by what Paul was saying. Instead of responding, he put it off. Whenever we put the Lord off, build resistance and the enemy sends us encouragers to help us keep from yielding.

Our society right now is presenting so much nonsense that most people know better, but instead of taking a stand they let it go. Speak now! Don’t condemn yourselves by the things you approve of. If you do not say anything, it is the same as approving!

So, let’s consider this thing of conviction. Before we come to Christ, most of us have put off conviction more than a few times. Think about it. As I thought about this, I was reminded of the day that I read a couple pages in a book by a man who later became my friend and mentor. The title of the book was, HOW TO KNOW YOU’VE BEEN BORN AGAIN. I told my wife, “If this is true, we are in trouble!” We were in trouble, but simply left it at that! Fortunately, God kept us in mind.

I have been having dreams lately about being lost in strange places and being surrounded by people who are very lost. They are people I do not know in situations that are just strange. Each time I wake up trying to figure out where in the world that came from. At the same time, I feel such concern about the people who do not know Jesus.

Then this passage of scripture seemed to highlight a serious problem. The problem is people put off what they need the most. Sometimes they feel a tug from the Lord but decide that it was taken care of as a baby when they were baptized. They recognize that something is missing, but it will be fine.

Recently when my bride and I went out on a boat, the engine was running great, but the water was not being pumped to keep the engine cool. Everything was great, until it wasn’t! We were stranded on the water with an engine that needed repair. Many people are on the verge of being stranded while it seems like all is well. I saw the engine smoking but did not get it shut off in time. The same is true when we ignore the call of the Lord. We may be enjoying things, but we are smoking!

Before we are saved, God is calling. After we know Him, He is reminding! He checks, directs, corrects, and restores. Don’t put Him off. Don’t put off helping others. Thank Him for helping you and for helping you help others. Woke is a nightmare. Wake up to His truth.