From Gary.... Crossing the divide

Simple picture and message; there is a difference between the waters- One is muddy, the other no.  As far as human understand goes, we like to see everyone the same (sort of like that small mixture of the two rivers). God doesn't see people that way.  His judgement as far as heaven goes is... either you are in or not!!!  Jesus uses a parable to explain this and it is well worth your time to both read and understand its message...

Luke, Chapter 16

 19  “Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.   20  A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores,   21  and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.   22  The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried.   23  In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.   24  He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’ 

  25  “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish.   26 Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.’ 

  27  “He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house;   28  for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’ 

  29  “But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ 

  30  “He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 

  31  “He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’” 

Life can be easy or it can be hard.  The rich man had it easy in this life, but didn't listen to Moses and the Prophets.  He paid the price (verses 25, 26).  I am sorry for him, but he made his choices.  Awaiting the end, he pleads for his family, but God tells him that they should listen to Moses and Prophets.  Even sending someone back from the dead would avail nothing.  Spiritual life is about listening- listening to what God has to tell you and then doing it to the best of your ability.  Those who wish to cross over the divide between the muddy waters of human reason to the clear flowing blessings of God, need only to hear what God has to say to you (through his word) and do it.  Jesus puts it this way...

John, Chapter 12

 44  Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me.  45  He who sees me sees him who sent me.   46  I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.   47  If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.   48  He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day.   49  For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.   50  I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.” 

Gary- Are you listening  yet?

From Jim McGuiggan... Matthew 17:24-27: Fishing for Taxes

Matthew 17:24-27: Fishing for Taxes

Nehemiah 10:32-33 introduced contributions for the upkeep of the temple and the services provided there and temple tax collectors wanted to know if Christ submitted to it. "Of course!" Peter shot back and later met Jesus at the house. We’re not told much about how the conversation started but Matthew tells us that Jesus was the first to speak (Matthew 17:25). Had Peter spoken too quickly? Perhaps not, but it seems that Jesus wanted to make a point that Peter needed to hear. He wanted to know from Peter if kings taxed their children or "others" (non-family subjects and foreigners too, I would presume). Peter said they got them from others and Christ making his point from custom claimed that the sons were free (17:26).

It’s a difficult text in numerous ways but it does appear that Jesus is making a claim for himself, as one having a special relationship to the King of the temple. He was exempt from temple-tax because his Father was the Lord of the temple.

It’s an astonishing claim but it was no less than the truth. Still, anyone can make a claim like that. You’ll recall that he claimed to have the authority to forgive sins (see Matthew 9:1-8) and made good his claim to forgive sins by doing what to watchers was the more difficult thing—instantly healing a paralytic. To him the healing was as easy as the claim. Claiming rightful exemption from temple tax was easy enough—any lunatic or megalomaniac could make it— but making good the claim was something else.

Still, Jesus had no wish to offend needlessly and insisted on paying the tax. "Yes, we thought so, he makes the claim but he sees to it that he knuckles under like the rest of us." That’s not what happened. Without fanfare and maybe only between him and Peter he sent Peter to get their tax from a fish that was holding it in store for them (17:27). It isn’t the usual kind of miracle and it doesn’t always sit right even with believers. If you were in a bad mood the miracle might look like a bit of grandstanding. But there’s something creative about this control of the sea and the fish in it (compare Genesis 1:22); it’s the kind of authority we noted in other miracles.

There’s much to learn here. He who is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6) still recognises its place and purpose and supports it. He who is exempt from the tax is willing to pay it because he refuses to undermine the temple and the authority it represents (17:27). He who more than anyone else is aware of the temple’s limitations will not make a career out of flaunting his criticisms of it or parading his freedom from it.

You can’t read Matthew without seeing that as far as Jesus was concerned, authority was designed to lift up, to serve and heal and free (compare 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10 from Paul who insisted on imitating his Master—1 Corinthians 9:15-23 and 10:33). Jesus summarised his whole life in Matthew 20:28 as the saviour without whom no one is ransomed. Now that’s power and authority but we need to note how that power and authority is expressed. "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve."

There are only two types of power—pagan and Christlike. Matthew 20:20-28.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... The Sin Of Hindering Others (Galatians 5:7-12)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                  The Sin Of Hindering Others (5:7-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. It is not unusual in foot races for runners to jostle one another...
   a. Bumping elbows, tripping over one another's feet
   b. Often resulting in breaking one's stride, hindering one's ability
      to keep up

2. Paul expressed his concern about Christians being 'hindered' in their
   spiritual race.. - Ga 5:7-12
   a. The word used here (anakopto) means properly to beat or drive back
      - Barnes
   b. Hence, it means to hinder, check, or retard. Dr. Doddridge remarks
      that this is "an Olympic expression, and properly signifies
      "coming across the course" while a person is running in it, in
      such a manner as to jostle, and throw him out of the way." - ibid.

[We are in a race in which we must all run well (cf. 1Co 9:24; He 12:1).  As we run, do we help or hinder others who run along with us?
Here are some thoughts on "The Sin Of Hindering Others"...]

I. HOW WE CAN HINDER OTHER CHRISTIANS

   A. THROUGH FALSE TEACHING...
      1. The problem in our text (those teaching the necessity of
         circumcision) - cf. Ga 5:1-6
      2. A concern later voiced by Peter - cf. 2Pe 3:17
      3. Preventing one from obeying the truth - Ga 5:7
      -- Certainly a warning to those who would teach and preach

   B. THROUGH SINFUL CONDUCT...
      1. Such as immorality, being a bad influence on others - cf. 1Co 15:33
      2. Such as slothfulness, which is as detrimental as those who
         would destroy - cf. Pr 18:9
      3. The example we set can have an adverse effect on others
      -- This should be a warning to all Christians, whether teachers or
         not

[In different ways, then, we can easily become a hindrance to those who
are running.  To appreciate how serious a matter this is, consider...]

II. HOW GOD FEELS ABOUT THOSE WHO HINDER

   A. FROM THE WORDS OF PAUL...
      1. They are like leaven that leavens the whole lump - Ga 5:9; cf.
         1Co 5:6-8
         a. Their negative influence spreads, infecting others
         b. Similar to how one runner may jostle another, who then bumps
            into another, etc.
      2. They will bear their judgment (be held accountable) - Ga 5:10
         a. The Lord takes notice of those who are a hindrance
         b. It matters not who they are (or think they are)
      3. He could wish that they cut off themselves - Ga 5:12
         a. Some believe Paul had in mind that they may emasculate
            themselves
         b. Others believe Paul desired they cut themselves off from the
            community of the church
      -- Strong words from the inspired pen of the apostle!

   B. FROM THE WORDS OF JESUS...
      1. Woe to those who cause offenses (occasions of stumbling) - Lk 17:1
      2. It is better to place a millstone around one's neck, and be
         cast into the sea - Lk 17:2
      3. Jesus takes mistreating His disciples personally - cf. Mt 25:
         41-45; Ac 9:1-5
      -- Equally strong words from the voice of the Son of God!

[In view of such strong words, we do well to be concerned about not
hindering our brethren...]

III. HOW WE CAN AVOID BECOMING A HINDRANCE

   A. GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO OUR EXAMPLE...
      1. So Paul encouraged young Timothy - cf. 1Ti 4:12
      2. Give attention to our attendance
         a. The example we set influences others to be either faithful
            or slothful
         b. Is our example in attending services of the church hindering
            others in this regard?
      3. Give attention to our attitude
         a. We can inspire others by our love, spirit, speech and faith
         b. Are we a source of spiritual encouragement to those around
            us?
      -- What kind of example are we providing to our fellow
         'runners'...?

   B. GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE WORD...
      1. So Paul admonished young Timothy - 1Ti 4:16
      2. Give attention to the study of God's Word
         a. Only through careful study can we discern between truth and
            error
         b. Is our example of attending Bible study encouraging others
            to do the same?
      3. Give attention to the proclamation of the Word
         a. To what we say or teach about God's Word, whether in private
            or in public
         b. Is what we tell others helping them to draw closer to God?

CONCLUSION

1. We either hinder or help our brethren in Christ...
   a. Who are running a great race, the race of faith
   b. Who can easily be made to stumble by the other runners around them

2. Christians should be a source of great encouragement to one
   another...
   a. If we are, how wonderful it will be when we are together in
      eternity!
   b. If we hinder others, woe to us, for we will be judged harshly!

Paul had confidence in his brethren (Ga 5:10); do we give each other
reason for similar confidence?  We will, if we run "looking unto Jesus"
and with "straight paths for your feet" (He 12:1-2,12-16)...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... Something more than "flower power"

I would classify this as a truly magnificent photo!!!  I know, its JUST A FLOWER!!!  But look at the beauty of the thing!!!  The black background makes it "POP" and the colors contrast in such a way as to etch it in your memory (at least it does mine, anyway).  I love it!!! And 

I guess that classifies me as a lover of flowers.  With a last name like "Rose", its hard NOT to think about flowers from time to time. But, as usual, I am rambling, but there is a point to this: YOU ARE WHAT YOU LOVE!!!  The apostle John puts it this way...

1 John, Chapter 2

15  Don’t love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him.  16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.  17 The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever. 

You are what you love!!!  A statement worth remembering!!!!  Those who love the world and the things in it will pass away, those whose life is spent in obedience to God (through love) will remain forever!!! Quite a contrast there; which is why the picture and John's quotation means so much to me.  I pray that they will mean something to you as well!!!  Now, that's flower power...

From Jim McGuiggan... Matthew 16.28 and AD 70

Matthew 16.28 and AD 70

In numerous ways the cross of Jesus is the judgement of the world. It was the judgement of the world prior to the incarnation (compare Revelation 13.8), it is the judgement of the world during the personal ministry of Jesus (see John 12:31) and it stands today as the judgement of the world. Those who used the cross as a judgement against Jesus sided with the satanic agenda which is at the heart of "the world" but they did it without knowing that it was a judgement against themselves. Hester Cholmondeley got it right:

"Man as of old by himself is priced. 

For thirty pieces Judas sold himself, not Christ."

The cross was the instrument that the Romans reserved especially for rebels, for people who would not accept their authority and Jesus came to inaugurate the (Messianic) kingdom of God. Since that was true he came as one who was born to be king and that meant there had to be a clash of empires.

He would make no Herodian compromise with Rome, there'd be no asking Rome for a piece of the action or permission to exist—it was all out war; it was him or them.

Of course Jesus was opposed to Rome but he was opposed to something vaster, something of which Rome was the current expression—the world spirit; the anti-God, anti-holiness and anti-life driving force that constitutes "the world".

The humiliating and death-bringing cross was the expression of Rome's heart but it was also the final weapon of Rome—they had nothing else. If their coercive power, which was fully and definitively expressed in the cross couldn't gain for them what they sought they were beaten. Christ absorbed it, embraced death on a cross and conquered it by rising to glory and immortality. This was the method by which he defeated Rome and "the world" that corrupt and ruthless Rome made visible.

In Matthew 16:21-23 Jesus spoke of his death and Peter refused to accept "defeatist talk" even from Jesus but the Master rebuked him with unbridled severity because Peter would have used the instruments of Rome (and "the world") to bring about the Messianic kingdom, which in that case would not have been the kingdom of God (see John 18:36).

Christ's view of the cross was not Peter's even though the views intersected. Jesus knew what the cross stood for but he also knew that the only way to defeat what the cross stood for was to embrace it and defeat it. Peter saw the cross as defeat by Roman hands and thought the way to defeat it was to avoid it and the way to avoid it was to bring death to the enemies. He didn't know—despite his devotion to Jesus—what Paul later knew, that in the cross the wilder powers and authorities were disarmed (Colossians 2:15).

But not all Jews were devoted to the Messiah so when they perceived him to be a threat to their lives and status (be sure to see John 11:47-53), to save themselves they made an alliance with Rome and rejected Jesus as King (be sure to see John 19:12-15 along with Matthew 16:25). Thus Israel joined Rome in rejecting the kingdom of God in the person of Jesus Christ which is why Peter in Acts 2:23 says they (the Jews) had by "lawless" hands crucified and slain the Messiah. The disciples make the same point in Acts 4:24-27. Israel and the Romans both used the cross against Jesus for the same reason: self-preservation! In both cases the cross expressed the heart of people who would not have this man to be king over them and in both cases they became the vehicle of the world-spirit. In seeking to destroy him they destroyed themselves.

The judgement of God on Rome is developed in the book of Revelation and the judgement on Israel is alluded to in many texts and there's one right here in Matthew 16 where Peter had confessed Jesus as Messiah but rejected Jesus' agenda and method. Israel to save its life would lose it. Israel to save its life joined Rome in killing Jesus but he warned that this would bring judgement on a nation that rejected the kingdom of God in the hands of Jesus.

That judgement would be publicly exhibited before that generation passed away. Jesus said that some of the people he was speaking to would still be alive to see the visible demonstration of his kingly power (Matthew 16:24-28 and Luke 9:23-27). We have the same story in Mark 8:31—9:1 where we're told that he said these things in the presence of the multitude (8:34). To refuse to align themselves with him as the Messiah in order to save themselves (8:35-37) would result in judgement and the irony of it is that Jesus would come in judgement on them through the very people they made their unholy alliance with (Rome).

The coming of Jesus in these Matthew, Mark and Luke texts is not the final coming of Jesus. It is one of his comings (see Revelation 2—3 for numerous "comings," some that would or would not take place depending on the response of the people), and he said it would occur soon and that some of the people listening to him would be alive to see it happening. [Note again that the book of Revelation develops the judgement rendered on the Roman Empire as Matthew 16:27-28; 24:1-34, Mark 8:38—9:1 and Luke 9:23-27 speak of the judgement on Israel.]

The cross was the Lord's victory over all the powers (see again Colossians 2:15) and his resurrection and exaltation made him Lord of All, but who saw the resurrected Jesus? Who saw him ascend in glory to immortality and to his place as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Only a handful of people biased in his favour so who's going to believe them?

Judgement and blessing were to follow the exaltation of Jesus (compare Matthew 3:11-12). In Acts 2: 1-36, especially 33-36, we have the blessings poured out via the coming of the Holy Spirit as the prophets and the Baptist said would happen. Peter uses Joel and David to conclude this: "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made him whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." There is nothing future about this! The miracles these people were seeing and hearing were the objective proof that Jesus had already been exalted to God's throne.

Here was blessing poured out on the new Israel (that is, on believing Jews who placed their faith in Jesus; unbelieving Jews would be cut off from among the people—Acts 3:21-26). When judgement comes on unbelieving Israel it would be the proof that Jesus had been made Lord despite what Israel and the Gentiles conspired to do. The One who would render judgement on a nation that sought to save its own life would be the One that Peter in Acts 2 and Paul in Acts 17:5-8 proclaimed as King. The judgement in AD 70, which in my view is what Matthew 16 speaks about, is the public manifestation of Jesus' royal power—not the beginning of it. [Note that in the judgement on Rome, dealt with in the book of Revelation, Jesus is already ruler of the kings of the earth and King of Kings and Lord of Lords before the "battle of Armageddon" (see 1:5; 17:14 and 19:16).

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... That Which Has Power In Christ (Galatians 5:6)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                  That Which Has Power In Christ (5:6)

INTRODUCTION

1. The rite of circumcision was a major issue in the early church...
   a. Judaizing teachers taught it was necessary to be saved - Ac 15:1,5
   b. Paul argued that it had become irrelevant - Ga 5:6

2. Note that Paul wrote "neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails
   anything..."
   a. The Greek word translated 'avails' is transliterated ischuo
   b. As defined by Thayer, the word ischuo means:
      1) to be strong, such as to be strong in body, to be robust, to be
         in sound health
      2) to have power
         a) to have power as shown by extraordinary deeds; to exert,
            wield power, to have strength to overcome
         b) to be a force, avail

[If neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has power in Christ, what
does?  Paul reveals that there are three things working in conjunction
that have power.  The first is...]

I. FAITH

   A. THE DEFINITION OF FAITH...
      1. A Scriptural definition of faith is found in He 11:1
      2. The NIV is helpful:  "Now faith is being sure of what we hope
         for and certain of what we do not see."
      3. Vine describes faith as "a firm conviction"
      4. I like to think of faith as "a confident trust"

   B. THE IMPORTANCE OF "FAITH"...
      1. Faith in God is essential to pleasing Him - He 11:6
      2. Faith in Jesus is essential to finding forgiveness and eternal
         life - Jn 8:24; 20:30-31
      3. Without faith, the only alternative is doubt accompanied with
         fear - cf. Mt 14:30-31

   C. THE POWER OF FAITH...
      1. Faith in Christ has the power to produce:
         a. Hope - Ro 5:2
         b. Joy - 1Pe 1:8
         c. Peace - Ro 15:13
      2. Those with faith in Christ receive the power to:
         a. Live - Ga 2:20
         b. Overcome the world - 1Jn 5:4-5
         c. Overcome the devil - Ep 6:16

   D. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH...
      1. Faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17; Jn 20:30-31
      2. Faith involves a growth process - 2Th 1:3

[A thriving, growing faith in Christ has great power, to enable us to
live strong, vibrant spiritual lives.  Such a faith will naturally
involve the element of...]

II. WORKS

   A. THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORKS...
      1. Works of merit
         a. These are works done to 'earn' something
         b. Those who have done such works believe they 'deserve'
         c. No one can be saved by such works - cf. Tit 3:4-5; Ep 2:8-9
      2. Works of faith
         a. These are things done to 'receive' something
         b. Those who have done such works believe they deserve nothing!
            - cf. Lk 17:10
      3. Works of faith can also be called works of God
         a. Of which faith itself is called by Jesus - Jn 6:28-29
         b. Other works of faith commanded by God include repentance,
            confession, and baptism - cf. Ac 17:30; Ro 10:9-10; Col 2:12-13
         c. Such works are those prepared beforehand by God - Ep 2:10

   B. THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF FAITH...
      1. There is dead faith - Jm 2:14-17,20,26
         a. Faith without works
         b. Substituting words for deeds
      2. There is demonic faith - Jm 2:18,19
         a. Faith with the wrong kind of works
         b. Such as trembling instead of acting
      3. There is dynamic faith - Jm 2:20-26
         a. Faith that works the will of God
         b. An obedient faith, as required by the gospel - Ro 1:5; 6:17;
            16:25-26

   C. WITH THE RIGHT KIND OF FAITH AND WORKS...
      1. Salvation is possible - Ac 10:35
      2. We can bring glory to God - Mt 5:16; 1Pe 2:12
      3. We can receive glory, honor, and peace - Ro 2:10
      4. Our efforts to serve are strengthened by God! - cf. Php 2:12-13;
         4:13; Ep 3:16,20

[Faith without works is dead; faith with works has great power in
Christ!  Especially so, when faith and works are done in...]

III. LOVE

   A. LOVE TOWARD GOD...
      1. Love is what God desires from us more than anything - Mt 22:37
      2. Love is what inspires the noblest form of obedience - Jn 14:15,
         23a
         a. Some obey out of fear (of being punished)
         b. Others obey out of selfishness (for what they get out it)
         c. The highest form of obedience is out of love (glad to be of
            service)

   B. LOVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER...
      1. The kind of love Jesus showed toward us - Jn 13:34-35
      2. Our liberty in Christ is for the very purpose of serving one
         another in love - Ga 5:13

CONCLUSION

1. When faith, works, and love are joined together, there is great
   synergy...
   a. There is salvation from sin
   b. There is power over the devil
   c. There is hope, joy, and peace for the children of God!

2. When faith, works, and love are not joined together, nothing works
   right...
   b. Faith without works is dead
   a. Works without faith cannot save
   c. Works without love produce a cold, heartless religion

Is our faith working through love?  May Paul's prayer for the
Thessalonians be our prayer for one another:

   Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count
   you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure
   of His goodness and THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER, that the name
   of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in
   Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus
   Christ. - 2Th 1:11-12

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary.... Time: something we all should reflect upon

This cute picture reminded me of the old "Chicago" song....

Does anybody really know what time it is?

Click on the above link to view the video

We all have the same amount of time each day. However, we do different things with it; some good and perhaps others... well, not so much.  The thing is- we don't really understand time, as we all live in the eternal "now".  Even that ends with our death and transforms into eternity (remember the Bible phrase - unto the age) which some translations use instead of eternity.  I wonder what time it is for us- really??? !!! To me, this passage answers that question...

Ephesians, Chapter 5

 1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.  2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.  3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;  4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. 

  5  Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. 

  6  Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.  7 Therefore don’t be partakers with them.  8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,  9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,  10 proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.  11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.  12 For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.  13 But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.  14 Therefore he says, “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

  15  Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;  16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  17 Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

Answer, it is time to think about what we are doing with our life.  Are we, by our own actions, sowing the seeds of our eternal punishment, or are we "laying up treasures in heaven"???  If your answer was anything but a positive answer to verse 17 above, then its time to look at your watch and change your ways. Even a seahorse knows enough to do that!!!!  I wonder if he can read a divers watch....??????