Why responding to God quickly is so important

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Isaiah 54:1–57:14 
Ephesians 6:1-24 
Psalm 70:1-5 
Proverbs 24:8

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV) "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The second part of our Verses for Today is wonderful, isn't it? We are told that we can turn away from sin and back to the Lord and He will completely forgive us. Further, we are told that the Lord will do so because He is compassionate - He really cares for us!

But, the first part of our Verses for Today should cause us to sit up and pay attention.

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;" (Isaiah 55:6)

Friend, this verse clearly tells us that there is a limited time in which we can return to the Lord. There is only a certain amount of time in which "he may be found" "while he is near."

Clearly, from this verse (and others that say the same thing), we realize that there may be times when we cannot return to the Lord.

Sometimes, folks say "no" to the Lord so many times that their heart becomes calloused to Him. They have completely shut down the Spirit's work in their life (1 Thessalonians 5:19). So, they will no longer feel a desire to return to the Lord.

Sometimes, folks grow into old age and dementia sets in. They can no longer return to the Lord because their mind is no longer cooperating.

Sometimes, folks can get so locked into a sin that to get out would be so painful and the consequences so dire that they are essentially entrenched in that lifestyle.

Friend, if you are in sin and God is calling you back into a love relationship with Him, then repent and return today. Right now! Because there may come a time when repentance is no longer an option.

To be sure, your salvation is not on the line. If you are one of God's children because you have put your faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, then you are Heaven-bound. But, your life will have little to show for it and there will be far few rewards to receive on the day of judgment if you live apart from Him. But, even greater still, you will have foregone the ability to enjoy your God while you are on this earth.

So, repent and return, friend, while God is calling. Don't wait. Do it now.