“It is time to seek the Lord” (Hosea 10:12)

The word April is derived from the Latin “aperire”, which means “to open”. All around us, nature opens another year of reproduction and growth. Reader, if you are not “born again”, I pray your heart will be opened with the universal awakening of nature. Every new flower warns you it’s time to seek the Lord; don’t ignore the lesson of nature. Let your heart bloom with holy desires. 

 Is your excuse you need to first sow wild oats? then, I entreat you, use your youth instead for the Lord. It was my unspeakable happiness to be called by God when I was a youth, and I praise the Lord every day for it. Salvation is priceless, whenever it comes, but oh! an early salvation has double the value. Young men and women, you may perish before you reach your prime, now's the time to seek the Lord! You who are older, who feel tired already, quicken your pace: that hollow cough is a warning which you mustn’t ignore; seek the Lord! Do you have a few gray hairs? The years are passing, and death is drawing nearer, let the return of spring inspire you to set your house in order. 

 Dear reader, if you’re advanced in age, I beg you to not put off the most important decision of your life. There’s a day of grace for you now – if you’re grateful to be alive, use this precious time to prepare for eternity. Here, alone with God, on this first night of April, I appeal to you. As God's servant, it’s time to seek the Lord! 

 Two thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul spoke to his jailer as I’ve spoken to you. “He reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24:25). That “convenient time” never came. This may be your last call from destruction, the final syllable of grace.