I think about this every so often. I think about our country and all the sin that has taken over. Some people would call those of us who believe this nation is sinning greatly prudish. Let them say that. It sure seems like lawlessness abounds in one way or another here just the same.
I can't remember if I mentioned this before or not but our Pastor told us in a sermon a couple weeks ago that just because the majority of people do something doesn't make it right. We've heard that before in one context or another. And it is just as appropriate biblically.
People can think whatever they want about the future of our country, and the world for that matter, but I believe our days are numbered on this earth. The Bible says we cannot know the date or time--we can't know precisely when the Lord will return--but we can know the signs. They're all around us: many things that are the direct opposite of what the Bible says should be adhered to. War seems to be something that everyone can agree on; we see lots of that. The world tolerates aberrant lifestyles. "It's just a sign of the changing times." Yes, I agree! "The times they are a-changing." Good has been deemed evil and evil good. Again, we might appear to be prudish in our biblical convictions.
Good once meant: abstinence before marriage, honoring mother and father, respect across the board, marriage between one man and one woman, pro-life, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, good moral values and good work ethic (trusting handshake), Ten Commandments as a guide for life. Can anyone tell me that these are still adhered to by the majority? Add to that technology that has very quickly brought about pornography, blatant and sometimes subtle sexual situations on prime time television, use of profanity and using God's name in vain, even channels on cable or satellite where there are no restrictions. It is a sign of the times.
Trust has been lost. We don't trust government or political figures (or we trust the wrong persons), businesses, banks. We are bombarded with telemarketers just hoping to catch some unsuspecting person in a "deal of a lifetime" just to take their money. We can't trust television commercials. Television and internet scams abound. There is no such thing as a "free trial offer." It's all about taking from someone to satisfy selfish desires. Honesty and transparency among people for the most part is gone.
When did evil become the major past time? When did cheating, lying, stealing and everything-is-about-me become so commonplace? I truly believe it happened in my lifetime. I remember the innocent 50's--sort of! And yet it was shortly after that, in the 60's and 70's, that I see now life as we knew it began to change.
Now just about anything is acceptable. We must be politically correct, open minded about everything, tolerant, don't offend anyone (except Christians!). The Bible's influence on society is in the minority. I admit that even I was accepting and part of the world's majority before I received Jesus: I did things because "everyone did it." I used God's name in vain for the same reason and I'd heard it at home. I laughed at dirty jokes and complained about work and authority. I thought winning the lottery would be the end to all my worries. I'm glad to say that I have changed. I'm thankful that I am now offended more than accepting. I'm not perfect by any means. There are things I would love for God to just remove from me! But His work a lifelong process.
I thank the Lord that I came from being blind to everything around me to having my spiritual eyes opened that I might see what is right and true and just. The Word says: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) It will continue to be this way until the Lord returns. By what we seen happening in this world, we are living as in the days of Noah prior to the flood that destroyed all, saving only a handful of God-honoring people. There were a lot of unsuspecting people then, there are a lot of unsuspecting people today.
We can look at all that's happening in our world as disturbing and distressful or we can look at it as a sign of the times: The Lord is getting closer to returning. To those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, this is not a time to worry, but a time to look at the signs, know the signs, be ready during these signs, and help others to understand the signs of the time to come. Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16 - He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." - Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."
When did evil become the major past time? When did cheating, lying, stealing and everything-is-about-me become so commonplace? I truly believe it happened in my lifetime. I remember the innocent 50's--sort of! And yet it was shortly after that, in the 60's and 70's, that I see now life as we knew it began to change.
Now just about anything is acceptable. We must be politically correct, open minded about everything, tolerant, don't offend anyone (except Christians!). The Bible's influence on society is in the minority. I admit that even I was accepting and part of the world's majority before I received Jesus: I did things because "everyone did it." I used God's name in vain for the same reason and I'd heard it at home. I laughed at dirty jokes and complained about work and authority. I thought winning the lottery would be the end to all my worries. I'm glad to say that I have changed. I'm thankful that I am now offended more than accepting. I'm not perfect by any means. There are things I would love for God to just remove from me! But His work a lifelong process.
I thank the Lord that I came from being blind to everything around me to having my spiritual eyes opened that I might see what is right and true and just. The Word says: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) It will continue to be this way until the Lord returns. By what we seen happening in this world, we are living as in the days of Noah prior to the flood that destroyed all, saving only a handful of God-honoring people. There were a lot of unsuspecting people then, there are a lot of unsuspecting people today.
We can look at all that's happening in our world as disturbing and distressful or we can look at it as a sign of the times: The Lord is getting closer to returning. To those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, this is not a time to worry, but a time to look at the signs, know the signs, be ready during these signs, and help others to understand the signs of the time to come. Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16 - He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." - Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."
Lord God, I thank You that You are ever present in times of trouble. You see what this world is coming to and You will do what needs to be done. I believe You are ordering our steps even today. You have drawn me into a new place, brought me to a new level and although I don't see where I'm going right now, I trust that I will follow Your lead. Hold me fast, Lord. I thank You we can trust in You--those who have accepted You as Lord and Savior. Open the eyes of the hearts of those who do not know You. Get them to a place where they are ready to receive You, that they are willing to listen to us speak of You without being offended. You know already who has been chosen to be received and You know just how much longer it will be. I thank You we have You by our side for our strength. I praise You, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray...AMEN.
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