Revelation 9:3-6 - Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.
Ah, yes. Revelation! The study continues. The Bible shows us in this book what physical signs will happen in our future. Very similar things happened early in the Old Testament also. Remember the plagues? Frogs, lice, boils, thunder, lightening, hail and fire, waters turning to blood so they become undrinkable, and other torments.
If those happened in the Old Testament, what we see in the New Testament will happen also. God does not lie. He has written the Bible so we may know, be warned...and know there is a Way we can have for hope, protection, eternal life. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. (Acts 2:19-20)
While the plagues of Exodus were mostly earthly, the occurrences in Revelation are more cosmic. Maybe even our growth in technology has something to do with it.
But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Then He said to them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:9-11,25-28)
These are exciting times for those who trust the Lord, who have responded to His call to allow Him to become Lord and Savior in their life. We see the signs, the wars, rumors of wars. We are to trust Him in all things. We are to realize He is in complete control over all we see happening, especially if we can't make any sense of what's happening. If Revelation teaches anything, it is that we keep looking up because our redemption draws near. But woe to those who scoff. Woe to those who like Pharaoh in the Old Testament rebelled right to the end, allowed his heart to be hardened, perhaps became frightened but would not show it, even after the death of his firstborn son.
In Revelation it says that there will be a group who do the same. They will refuse to repent of their sin, call on the Lord for salvation and shake their rebellious fists at Him. Any of us could do this if we are not prepared. Even believers. But if we call on Him now and truly trust in Him our chances are much better. We may go through trials, but if we remain steadfast we will be protected and saved by the Lord, Himself. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. (Isaiah 43:19) Who can comprehend what He can do? Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
Though there will be a Day of the Lord where His wrath will come to this earth for its sin and rebellion against Him, for those who know Him, it is the glorious hope talked about in Titus: ...looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ... (Titus 2:13)
There's always a positive side to all the Bible tells us. There may seem to be a lot of don't do this or that, but like a father wanting only good for his child, God has to be stern, because He is holy and we are so not. We fall so short of being good...He must separate Himself from us until we receive the free gift of salvation from His Son Jesus. He is the only way. All the accounts in the Bible point us in some way to Him. We must believe all the things in the Bible. If we don't search the scriptures how will we know? We cannot rely on man...only God.
Here's a sobering truth:
2Peter 3:2-6 - ...that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.
Showing posts with label Christ's Return. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ's Return. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2016
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Watch!!
Acts 2:19-20 - I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
This just seemed an appropriate post after all the parables about the Kingdom of God and who will enter into it and what we must do to be sure we do!
There have been many articles, blog posts, warnings and/or words about the imminent return of Christ. Some do not believe He will return, some believe it will still be some time from now if ever, while others believe it could be very soon. Even pastors in various pulpits, even some unbelievers, think something is up and that we are in the last days.
I do not presume to know when He will return and would use caution to anyone saying they knew for sure when, but I certainly believe, and write here occasionally, how it is of utmost importance that we know our heart's spiritual condition now and do something about it now because...“of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father...and...in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet...the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” (Mark 13:32, 1Corinthians 15:52, Luke 17:35-36)
Our salvation is based on one thing alone, our true heart's repentance followed by confession of our sin directly to Jesus. Because He is omniscient He will know our heart's attitude, whether we mean it or not. When Jesus returns will we be taken or will we be left wherever we are? This is the way it will be when He returns, that I will promise. Our old, earthly bodies, if we have received Christ, will be changed...from corruptible to incorruptible. There will be no pain, no sickness, no sorrow, no tears after He returns for those who have received Him. The same is not true for unbelievers. Like the previous parables, there is a separation of good from bad.
Again, we do not know when He will return and some say, Well, it's been a long time since He said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13) while others will say He hasn't shown up yet; I'm not gonna worry about it. It's all talk.
But I just want to throw this out there. We are told there will be signs, like mentioned above. Just a thought...if you haven't heard, there will be four lunar eclipses coming up in the next two years. An article describes them as four consecutive total lunar eclipses, known as a tetrads. They are called blood moons because of the color we see at the time of the eclipse.
I also tend to view articles on such things with caution knowing we have been burned before by prognosticators telling us Christ will return on a certain date and, again, I will not say that. But I find these articles interesting. I will put them on a shelf in my mind. This particular article tells us the blood moons coincide with Jewish feast days. These eclipses are looked at on the Jewish calendar, God's calendar, not ours. (I think about the scripture that says His ways are not like ours...) And these eclipses do, according to findings, fall on those feasts. These are Feasts of the Lord and I'm not an expert on them, have always been important to God and His people, Israel, and Israel is an important factor in the last days.
Rather than try to sort out the article, please read it yourself...here's the link. There are two videos as
well. I am not endorsing the any product they sell. All I'm saying is we cannot know when He will
return...but we are to watch for signs, which God has previously shown us will be.
These articles seem to think that there's a good chance (chance) the last days before the return of Christ will follow these signs. The article I've linked states NASA had a link on their site referencing these blood moons but took it down when some other article began describing the blood moons and the return of Christ. (On the same day as WND’s report, Feb. 12, NASA took down its site which for years provided detailed information and schedules about upcoming eclipses.)
Additional signs listed in the Bible are already here. They've been escalating since, I believe, the 50's or 60's. This world is in serious trouble and you can laugh or mock, but if you look closely, you can't say it hasn't...at least I hope you can see. If not, you may want to ask God to help you to see...if you want to. It's your choice. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (2Timothy 3:1-4)
I just say all this to point out, it isn't too late to be sure of your salvation. I would want to be sure today about my future tomorrow, or the next day, or even on my last day, if He does not return before my last day. I do not think of this as a doom and gloom message. For believers it is a hallelujah moment! To be of the generation to see His coming, despite the trials we will encounter before then, and we are already experiencing, is exciting. If you put all things in perspective you can see that while we are living each day as it comes along, all things fade in comparison to the idea that Jesus is returning for His pure and spotless bride. Will you join the ranks?
He is like the man below who has gone to a far country...and will return. Is He your Master? Are you asleep? Or are you watching for His return?
Mark 13:33-37 - Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!
This just seemed an appropriate post after all the parables about the Kingdom of God and who will enter into it and what we must do to be sure we do!
There have been many articles, blog posts, warnings and/or words about the imminent return of Christ. Some do not believe He will return, some believe it will still be some time from now if ever, while others believe it could be very soon. Even pastors in various pulpits, even some unbelievers, think something is up and that we are in the last days.
I do not presume to know when He will return and would use caution to anyone saying they knew for sure when, but I certainly believe, and write here occasionally, how it is of utmost importance that we know our heart's spiritual condition now and do something about it now because...“of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father...and...in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet...the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” (Mark 13:32, 1Corinthians 15:52, Luke 17:35-36)
Our salvation is based on one thing alone, our true heart's repentance followed by confession of our sin directly to Jesus. Because He is omniscient He will know our heart's attitude, whether we mean it or not. When Jesus returns will we be taken or will we be left wherever we are? This is the way it will be when He returns, that I will promise. Our old, earthly bodies, if we have received Christ, will be changed...from corruptible to incorruptible. There will be no pain, no sickness, no sorrow, no tears after He returns for those who have received Him. The same is not true for unbelievers. Like the previous parables, there is a separation of good from bad.
Again, we do not know when He will return and some say, Well, it's been a long time since He said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13) while others will say He hasn't shown up yet; I'm not gonna worry about it. It's all talk.
But I just want to throw this out there. We are told there will be signs, like mentioned above. Just a thought...if you haven't heard, there will be four lunar eclipses coming up in the next two years. An article describes them as four consecutive total lunar eclipses, known as a tetrads. They are called blood moons because of the color we see at the time of the eclipse.
I also tend to view articles on such things with caution knowing we have been burned before by prognosticators telling us Christ will return on a certain date and, again, I will not say that. But I find these articles interesting. I will put them on a shelf in my mind. This particular article tells us the blood moons coincide with Jewish feast days. These eclipses are looked at on the Jewish calendar, God's calendar, not ours. (I think about the scripture that says His ways are not like ours...) And these eclipses do, according to findings, fall on those feasts. These are Feasts of the Lord and I'm not an expert on them, have always been important to God and His people, Israel, and Israel is an important factor in the last days.
Rather than try to sort out the article, please read it yourself...here's the link. There are two videos as
well. I am not endorsing the any product they sell. All I'm saying is we cannot know when He will
return...but we are to watch for signs, which God has previously shown us will be.
These articles seem to think that there's a good chance (chance) the last days before the return of Christ will follow these signs. The article I've linked states NASA had a link on their site referencing these blood moons but took it down when some other article began describing the blood moons and the return of Christ. (On the same day as WND’s report, Feb. 12, NASA took down its site which for years provided detailed information and schedules about upcoming eclipses.)
Additional signs listed in the Bible are already here. They've been escalating since, I believe, the 50's or 60's. This world is in serious trouble and you can laugh or mock, but if you look closely, you can't say it hasn't...at least I hope you can see. If not, you may want to ask God to help you to see...if you want to. It's your choice. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (2Timothy 3:1-4)
I just say all this to point out, it isn't too late to be sure of your salvation. I would want to be sure today about my future tomorrow, or the next day, or even on my last day, if He does not return before my last day. I do not think of this as a doom and gloom message. For believers it is a hallelujah moment! To be of the generation to see His coming, despite the trials we will encounter before then, and we are already experiencing, is exciting. If you put all things in perspective you can see that while we are living each day as it comes along, all things fade in comparison to the idea that Jesus is returning for His pure and spotless bride. Will you join the ranks?
He is like the man below who has gone to a far country...and will return. Is He your Master? Are you asleep? Or are you watching for His return?
Mark 13:33-37 - Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Virgins, Lamps, Oil and Wicks
Matthew 25:1-5, 13 - Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Jesus told a parable about 10 virgins awaiting the bridegroom. In summary, as mentioned above five were wise, five foolish. The bridegroom here is Jesus, whom these virgins are awaiting. Today those virgins would be followers of Christ and among those who say they follow, half only think they are.
The parable continues stating that these virgins were to always be ready for the bridegroom to return. Their lamps were to be filled with oil and the wicks trimmed. This is my interpretation: without light we cannot see. In the darkness we aren't easily aware of the circumstances around us.
Among those people (men and women) who call themselves believers and ardent followers of Christ, some have grown weary of waiting for His return. Is He really going to? We read He is but it's been thousands of years and He has not yet done so. And they stop watching for Him and let the things of the world become greater than the watchfulness. Our wicks are to be ever trimmed and oil replenished as we wait on the Lord's return.
I think even the Church in general has grown weary of waiting and have fallen asleep like in the rest of the parable. I know this: the world in general has heard before that Jesus is to return only to not see it happen. So the world has settled into a euphoric life of self, self determination and belief that we can pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and bounce back yet again from the troubles we are seeing. And I'm not talking about those who proclaim that Jesus will return on a specific date. The Bible says we cannot know the day or hour, only that He WILL.
I have hinted at for a good amount of time the idea that our days are numbered. News shows the unrest, evil and sin in this world...at least on stations that do not try to hide from the real news. There is good going on but bad seems to be most prevalent. My mind is in a constant state of what I can only describe as watchfulness as the news daily unfolds.
I'm not depressed and don't believe fearful. I'm just waiting for that one thing that totally stands out over all others. That one hint that will grasp the attention of the world that maybe, just maybe, God is trying to get our attention. He's got mine. Has He got yours is the bigger question.
On the other hand, it may not be that ONE big thing. It will be an individual thing, specific to each person that will get their attention focused more on God. It will be crises in lives that will bring person by person to a point here they will ask the question Why is this happening and what is this that is going on on?? It will be sickness, death, loss (of job, house), disaster. Something like this helps to point some to God. Sometimes, sadly, it still doesn't.
That one big thing will be the return of Christ. In the twinkling of an eye. Those who truly believe what the Bible says are vigilant. We see the signs. We wait and we watch. And if God's desire is for you, He can bring trials to hopefully point you to Him...it's up to you to decide if you want to trust Him then and begin the process of waiting and watching for Him.
I am reminded of the scriptures that tells us this is what the world will be like when Christ returns.
2 Peter 3:3 - Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts...
2Timothy 3:2-5 - People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Hey, these are the Words of God telling us this, not mine. If one believes the Bible is the truth these words cannot be disputed. They can't be ignored or pushed aside as irrelevant. His Word is timeless. Not everyone in the world is like this...but a majority is according to God's Word.
We must also continue living as we do until He returns...being ever vigilant. We cannot just shut our lives down and wait. We must still be about our Father's business. Enjoy life, yes...but DO NOT forsake God. It doesn't mean we hole ourselves up. We have a right to righteously enjoy life, just not be totally oblivious to what is happening around us and certainly not being those people shown in 2Timothy 3.
There will always be scoffers and I wonder what it will take for them to finally see, if they will. I do know that there will be a time when all righteous people will be removed from earth if they are still alive. One day they will vanish, taken up by Jesus. I can't imagine the horror on that day..the disasters caused as a result of the disappearance of so many...in an instant.
I would want to know the truth about the last days. I would want I understand about the virgins, the lamps, oil and wicks. I would want the light of truth in my life. Jesus is the Light of the world. When you know Him you know the truth.
We have been given the knowledge of these things. It is written in the Bible. It is not kept hidden. It is there for all to see. Even the King James Version is written so a sixth grader can understand it. If you want to be prepared like the five wise virgins, seek God and His Word. Start with the Book of John! Get to knowing Jesus.
2Timothy 3:1 - But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
Jesus told a parable about 10 virgins awaiting the bridegroom. In summary, as mentioned above five were wise, five foolish. The bridegroom here is Jesus, whom these virgins are awaiting. Today those virgins would be followers of Christ and among those who say they follow, half only think they are.
The parable continues stating that these virgins were to always be ready for the bridegroom to return. Their lamps were to be filled with oil and the wicks trimmed. This is my interpretation: without light we cannot see. In the darkness we aren't easily aware of the circumstances around us.
Among those people (men and women) who call themselves believers and ardent followers of Christ, some have grown weary of waiting for His return. Is He really going to? We read He is but it's been thousands of years and He has not yet done so. And they stop watching for Him and let the things of the world become greater than the watchfulness. Our wicks are to be ever trimmed and oil replenished as we wait on the Lord's return.
I think even the Church in general has grown weary of waiting and have fallen asleep like in the rest of the parable. I know this: the world in general has heard before that Jesus is to return only to not see it happen. So the world has settled into a euphoric life of self, self determination and belief that we can pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and bounce back yet again from the troubles we are seeing. And I'm not talking about those who proclaim that Jesus will return on a specific date. The Bible says we cannot know the day or hour, only that He WILL.
I have hinted at for a good amount of time the idea that our days are numbered. News shows the unrest, evil and sin in this world...at least on stations that do not try to hide from the real news. There is good going on but bad seems to be most prevalent. My mind is in a constant state of what I can only describe as watchfulness as the news daily unfolds.
I'm not depressed and don't believe fearful. I'm just waiting for that one thing that totally stands out over all others. That one hint that will grasp the attention of the world that maybe, just maybe, God is trying to get our attention. He's got mine. Has He got yours is the bigger question.
On the other hand, it may not be that ONE big thing. It will be an individual thing, specific to each person that will get their attention focused more on God. It will be crises in lives that will bring person by person to a point here they will ask the question Why is this happening and what is this that is going on on?? It will be sickness, death, loss (of job, house), disaster. Something like this helps to point some to God. Sometimes, sadly, it still doesn't.
That one big thing will be the return of Christ. In the twinkling of an eye. Those who truly believe what the Bible says are vigilant. We see the signs. We wait and we watch. And if God's desire is for you, He can bring trials to hopefully point you to Him...it's up to you to decide if you want to trust Him then and begin the process of waiting and watching for Him.
I am reminded of the scriptures that tells us this is what the world will be like when Christ returns.
2 Peter 3:3 - Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts...
2Timothy 3:2-5 - People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Hey, these are the Words of God telling us this, not mine. If one believes the Bible is the truth these words cannot be disputed. They can't be ignored or pushed aside as irrelevant. His Word is timeless. Not everyone in the world is like this...but a majority is according to God's Word.
We must also continue living as we do until He returns...being ever vigilant. We cannot just shut our lives down and wait. We must still be about our Father's business. Enjoy life, yes...but DO NOT forsake God. It doesn't mean we hole ourselves up. We have a right to righteously enjoy life, just not be totally oblivious to what is happening around us and certainly not being those people shown in 2Timothy 3.
There will always be scoffers and I wonder what it will take for them to finally see, if they will. I do know that there will be a time when all righteous people will be removed from earth if they are still alive. One day they will vanish, taken up by Jesus. I can't imagine the horror on that day..the disasters caused as a result of the disappearance of so many...in an instant.
I would want to know the truth about the last days. I would want I understand about the virgins, the lamps, oil and wicks. I would want the light of truth in my life. Jesus is the Light of the world. When you know Him you know the truth.
We have been given the knowledge of these things. It is written in the Bible. It is not kept hidden. It is there for all to see. Even the King James Version is written so a sixth grader can understand it. If you want to be prepared like the five wise virgins, seek God and His Word. Start with the Book of John! Get to knowing Jesus.
2Timothy 3:1 - But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Why Did God Write His Book?
Psalm 119:89 - Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Many answers to one question. It's His love story to His children. It's the history of our Judeo-Christian roots. It shows God's love for His people, Israel. It also shows how His love for His people has been extended to all others. Most importantly, this book from Genesis to Revelation points us to our salvation...through Jesus Christ.
There are other answers, but the one that got me thinking most was how this book shows us in ancient, yet well thought out and well described circumstances and through other people's lives, how the end of time as we know it will be.
I am a believer in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I understand the function of each of these three in the Holy Trinity. I believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God, written through dedicated, obedient men to pass on from generation to generation the truth of this Word.
This great Book has chapter by chapter detailed the glory of God. Glory from His creation to glory when He returns. This is Jesus I'm talking about. He was in the beginning with His Father...creating. He makes the claim that I and the Father are one...a statement that sent Him to the cross. He is God incarnate, the image of the invisible God. When you've seen Me, You've seen the Father, He told His disciples.
He will return. Jesus will return to rule this earth for a thousand years. We can't even begin to comprehend what that will be like. The Bible, deep within the recesses of the books, chapters, verses and words, describe all these things. If a person likes espionage, excitement, war stories, stories about how the underdog wins, this is the book that will do that. There's romance, stories with surprise endings, some that might be hard to believe. A man swallowed by a great fish? Donkeys speaking?A man building a gallows for a hanging only to find he built them for himself and his sons!? Virgin birth? Resurrection?
Like I said, Jesus will return. We need to understand that and pay heed to that now. I won't go into scriptures that show us what the days will be like on earth before He returns but let’s just say we are seeing them play out before us. Now is the time take God the Father and His Son Jesus seriously.
We can't think that we have it made in today's world because we are successful in our work, in friendships and at home. We can't just sit back and decide we've got it good and rest our way into retirement. We should be focused on our spiritual condition. We should be questioning, if we aren't absolutely sure, the truths found in this Book. We should be delving into it. We should be looking for proof of this relationship that each must have to survive spiritually and be secure if the last days occur in our lifetime...or at least to be sure the future of our children and/or grandchildren.
Nothing on this earth lasts forever. Seasons come and go, as do lives. Look at how many years have passed and yet the Bible holds strong. It's been on the best seller list for many years. The reason it has is because it is from God. It displays His glory and it will never just fade away. It is there for a lifetime. If for some reason it becomes illegal to own the Word, it will be imprinted in the hearts and minds of many. Jesus, the Word, has told us that He will never leave us or forsake us. His word endures forever. It will continue somehow, if we teach others today what it is all about, and about who Jesus is.
His love for us endures forever also. His desire that we secure for ourselves that eternal life is outlined in this Book. Seek Him, seek truth. Call out to Jesus for revelation knowledge of who He is. It is for all people...Revelation 14:6 - Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people.
1Peter1:24-25 - All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever. Now this is the word which by the Gospel was preached to you.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Prepare Ye The Way
Mark 1:2-3 - "Behold, I [God] send My messenger before Your [Jesus] face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight."'
We are preparing for Christmas. We are looking forward to celebrating the birth of Christ. It was prophesied and promised that He would come. There would be a voice in the wilderness asking for us to prepare His way. I'll say it again: I love the promises we have. He came 2000 years ago and He has promised to return again. That may be sooner than we think, even though it's been a long time waiting.
So, Christmas is about the birth of Christ. He came that He would proclaim who He was, that through His words, His miracles and even His death we might all be saved. He came from a sinless heaven to live among us in this sinful world. Oh, how He had to have loved us to do that. How He knew what was in store for Him but He did it anyway. How we are asked to put our trust and faith in Him, based on this, and love Him back. That act of obedience means so much to Him.
He will return again for His people. The last promise in Revelation 3:11 and 22:7,12,20 is Behold, I am coming quickly! I can look at that in more than one way. He will come again in the last days. But here's even better news: He can come quickly, today, into the hearts of all who want to receive Him. Quickly...in today's terms that means as fast as a text message. As far as returning the second time, God's timing is not like ours. He does not wish that any should perish, so He waits to return. He won't wait forever, though. And you can receive Him now, as quickly as a text message. No need to wait. Just open your heart to receive Him.
He also tells us in Revelation 3:11 to Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. For those who have already have Christ, this means we should not allow what seems like a forever waiting time for His second coming get the better of us. Don't lose faith. He has promised to return and He will. We are to run the race to receive the prize. We are not to give up. We should not let our impatience steal our crown.
John the Baptist came as the voice crying in the wilderness. His plea was to prepare the way for the Lord. In each individual's life we start out with a wilderness. That wilderness is a life without Christ. We continue to live in that wilderness until we receive Him. If a person seriously searches his soul, like I did, he will realize "something is missing." Chances are he will not be able to put his finger on what it is. I have a great family, a good job, a beautiful house, a car of my dreams, the finances to purchase anything at any time, the ability to travel and enjoy fine dining. What more could I want? That's the question. What more? And the question lingers.
I thought I was going through a midlife crisis. The thought that ran through my head was, there has to be more. I thought deeply about what the "more" was. But I never came up with answers. I came to dead ends. My thoughts were without a final word, no period to finish it. It was like a sentence ending with "..." I struggled on and off for years not realizing at the time bits and pieces of information were coming at me...the voice(s) God was orchestrating to cry out in my wilderness. One day I realized what my wilderness was...it was a world without Jesus. When my blind eyes were opened and my deaf ears could hear and I allowed this Man, this Savior, into my life, my wilderness vanished. The way to my heart had been prepared little by little to receive the Lord. How I thank those voices! May I be a voice in someone else's wilderness.
Now I realize and understand that Jesus will come quickly. I am prepared. I've made a decision on my own to join the ranks of those who wait for the second coming of Christ. I celebrate Christ's birth in my heart in a different manner. There's more meaning. I also see how this world and our nation have come to a place where more people might be beginning to notice a wilderness and not quite sure where their hope lies. I pray they will begin to hear the voice(s) crying in this wilderness and call out for His salvation.
Jesus comes soon. It's a promise. It is important to be prepared. We need to remove the wilderness in our lives. The wilderness of the world won't be so difficult to handle. We will realize it's not about the things we have and want, but the One we need, the One who supplies all our needs. When we allow Christ into our lives and remove our personal wilderness, we have received the greatest Promise of all.
As Christmas approaches, if you want to experience the real meaning of it, open your hearts to receive Him as the Christmas Gift, the Gift of life, the Gift of forgiveness, the Gift that lasts, the Gift you don't have to earn, the only Gift you should want, the only Gift you truly need. Heed the voice in your wilderness and prepare your way, your heart, to receive.
John 7:37-38 - Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
Seems to me if we have rivers of living water flowing from our hearts, we no longer have a desert or wilderness. We are refreshed; we have what we need.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
We Must Be Ready
Luke 12:37 - Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.
We are servants of God. God is our Master. Jesus showed us we are all to be servants to each other. Do we watch anxiously for His arrival? Do we look at the signs of the times from a biblical perspective or do we ignore the signs believing life just goes on?
We are told we do not know the hour in which He will come but we are to be ready just the same. How and for what? What are the signs?
How? By first knowing you have eternal security. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Do you know Him? Are you absolutely sure? Salvation is for everyone. Jesus died for all. Doesn't matter what church you go to; it's the relationship with Christ that is important.
We must be ready. We must know the signs. Today we have people telling us that in 2012 the world will end. We have doomsayers who will predict specific dates for Christ's return. Do not put your trust in them. We DO NOT know the day or hour. But we do know Jesus is coming back and He's coming back for a spotless bride, a "radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:27). Are we there yet as individuals or even a Church? No. There will be more than we are willing to believe who will not be ready. It's that narrow a road.
But there is good news. It's not too late to get on that road if you are reading this! Jesus says later in Luke 12 that He did not come to give peace but to divide. Huh? But He's called our Prince of Peace. Yet right now His admonitions, His words are hard to hear. That brings division...among churches and people...friends and family. Jesus also tells us at the end of this chapter that we are able to observe nature and know what the weather will be like...but some do not know the signs of the time for His return. That tells me our focus is not on Him. We must know; the time is now. We must be ready.
Luke 21:36 - [Jesus said] "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
We are servants of God. God is our Master. Jesus showed us we are all to be servants to each other. Do we watch anxiously for His arrival? Do we look at the signs of the times from a biblical perspective or do we ignore the signs believing life just goes on?
We are told we do not know the hour in which He will come but we are to be ready just the same. How and for what? What are the signs?
How? By first knowing you have eternal security. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Do you know Him? Are you absolutely sure? Salvation is for everyone. Jesus died for all. Doesn't matter what church you go to; it's the relationship with Christ that is important.
When you are married you have a relationship with your spouse. Jesus is called our Bridegroom. For He who has become your Husband is your Maker; His name is the Lord of hosts; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. - Isaiah 54:5 So we are His bride. There must be a relationship.
You think about your spouse and talk to them daily. Honestly ask yourself this question: Do you do that with God? If you can't say you do there's no relationship. Talk to God, pray to Him. Not just repetitious prayers, but talk to Him like you would to a person. Communicate. He hears and listens to those whose hearts are open and true. He also responds.
Be ready for what? For Christ's return. We know He's coming. We don't know the day or hour but we MUST be ready to be counted among those who are blessed. Being ready starts with the "how" above.
What are the signs? The Bible tells us, so I will not reiterate. You can read for yourself: Luke 21 is a good source. Other biblical examples are the self-centeredness of our world, pride, all the things that are bad (although not all people think drugs, alcohol, corruption are bad), homosexuality, expunging of anything relating to our God.
You think about your spouse and talk to them daily. Honestly ask yourself this question: Do you do that with God? If you can't say you do there's no relationship. Talk to God, pray to Him. Not just repetitious prayers, but talk to Him like you would to a person. Communicate. He hears and listens to those whose hearts are open and true. He also responds.
Be ready for what? For Christ's return. We know He's coming. We don't know the day or hour but we MUST be ready to be counted among those who are blessed. Being ready starts with the "how" above.
What are the signs? The Bible tells us, so I will not reiterate. You can read for yourself: Luke 21 is a good source. Other biblical examples are the self-centeredness of our world, pride, all the things that are bad (although not all people think drugs, alcohol, corruption are bad), homosexuality, expunging of anything relating to our God.
But there is good news. It's not too late to get on that road if you are reading this! Jesus says later in Luke 12 that He did not come to give peace but to divide. Huh? But He's called our Prince of Peace. Yet right now His admonitions, His words are hard to hear. That brings division...among churches and people...friends and family. Jesus also tells us at the end of this chapter that we are able to observe nature and know what the weather will be like...but some do not know the signs of the time for His return. That tells me our focus is not on Him. We must know; the time is now. We must be ready.
Luke 21:36 - [Jesus said] "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Other Shoe
2Peter 3:3-5 - Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago...
The other shoe...when will it drop? What could I possibly mean by that? We are told that in the last days before Christ returns the majority of the world will be so caught up in their own priorities that they will not be ready for the attack of the enemy and the imminent return of Christ. I know who I am in Christ. I know I have given my life to Him. Yet, I know there's so much more to offer to Him, so much more to give up, to share. I feel a stirring within me. I often wonder if I'm doing enough. Am I totally consumed with Jesus? Not a day goes by I don't think of Him. Not just through nature but in words I hear or thoughts I have. But is that enough?
Are there things I'm still holding back? Or has my day not yet arrived for all the plans He has for me? I pray for His will to be done but am I missing it when it is right before me? Questions, questions. If I have these questions how about the next? How about those who do not even know the Lord?
The other shoe...that event that happens that brings this world to it's knees. Will it be a time when God is so much more reviled and rejected? Will there ever be a time when the world hears and listens to the truth that needs to be revealed? Is the thruth slipping through the cracks of understanding that only through Jesus Christ can we be saved from all that happens around us...if we choose to hear and accept His words?
I don't think I can say it enough. This is not a church or denomination thing. No one religion can hold claim to salvation. It's strictly a personal choice we make when we hear the truth of God's Word, let it take root in the proper soil of our open hearts and let God water and fertilize it in only the way He can. Salvation is for all mankind. It's for Jews, Lutherans, Mormons, Catholics, Baptists...all denominations. Some just speak more openly about relationship over religion.
The other shoe...terrorism, unemployment, health care, rising national debt and other things are causing us concern. How will it ever be resolved? Or will it? See what is mentioned as last-day scenarios in 2Timothy 3. Click on this link and read for yourself. I couldn't possibly be making this up! Our enemy wants to see things fail because then he believes he has won. But what's this I hear? He won't win? Why? Because Jesus Christ has him under His feet...always has, always will. That's great news...for those who believe it.
The enemy would be the devil, striking through the hearts of evil men. The enemy knows how to attack in so many ways...through his lies, illness, addiction, unbelief, confusion, fear...anything that goes against the nature and plans of God. We don't always recognize this nor do we always take it seriously. We think we are safe in our own little worlds. We might go about our lives without concern or thought about what lies ahead. Some scoff at the notion that there is a real spiritual enemy. It might come as a surprise one day.
I for one believe I am prepared, but to what extent? I'm thankful that God gives us the strength we need at the exact moment we need it. Isaiah 40:29-31 shows us that: He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Lay claim to that precious gift today. Stop dragging your feet or letting pride keep you from taking this step. I'm thankful I know the Way, the Truth and the Life. Do you have that same confidence? Do you know deep in your heart that you have committed yourself to Jesus or is He just a man who lived 2,000 years ago who has no bearing over your life today? Let Him reign sovereign today. Ask Him to show Himself to you. Let your heart be ready to learn His truth.
2Peter 3:9-10 - The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
The other shoe...when will it drop? What could I possibly mean by that? We are told that in the last days before Christ returns the majority of the world will be so caught up in their own priorities that they will not be ready for the attack of the enemy and the imminent return of Christ. I know who I am in Christ. I know I have given my life to Him. Yet, I know there's so much more to offer to Him, so much more to give up, to share. I feel a stirring within me. I often wonder if I'm doing enough. Am I totally consumed with Jesus? Not a day goes by I don't think of Him. Not just through nature but in words I hear or thoughts I have. But is that enough?
Are there things I'm still holding back? Or has my day not yet arrived for all the plans He has for me? I pray for His will to be done but am I missing it when it is right before me? Questions, questions. If I have these questions how about the next? How about those who do not even know the Lord?
The other shoe...that event that happens that brings this world to it's knees. Will it be a time when God is so much more reviled and rejected? Will there ever be a time when the world hears and listens to the truth that needs to be revealed? Is the thruth slipping through the cracks of understanding that only through Jesus Christ can we be saved from all that happens around us...if we choose to hear and accept His words?
I don't think I can say it enough. This is not a church or denomination thing. No one religion can hold claim to salvation. It's strictly a personal choice we make when we hear the truth of God's Word, let it take root in the proper soil of our open hearts and let God water and fertilize it in only the way He can. Salvation is for all mankind. It's for Jews, Lutherans, Mormons, Catholics, Baptists...all denominations. Some just speak more openly about relationship over religion.
The other shoe...terrorism, unemployment, health care, rising national debt and other things are causing us concern. How will it ever be resolved? Or will it? See what is mentioned as last-day scenarios in 2Timothy 3. Click on this link and read for yourself. I couldn't possibly be making this up! Our enemy wants to see things fail because then he believes he has won. But what's this I hear? He won't win? Why? Because Jesus Christ has him under His feet...always has, always will. That's great news...for those who believe it.
The enemy would be the devil, striking through the hearts of evil men. The enemy knows how to attack in so many ways...through his lies, illness, addiction, unbelief, confusion, fear...anything that goes against the nature and plans of God. We don't always recognize this nor do we always take it seriously. We think we are safe in our own little worlds. We might go about our lives without concern or thought about what lies ahead. Some scoff at the notion that there is a real spiritual enemy. It might come as a surprise one day.
I was driving several really bumpy roads this morning. I know it's the time of year when the ground and pavement shrinks in the cold, but the thought ran through my head...this is what the world will be like sooner than we might want to think. Not just a bump here and there but a continuous jarring of our senses. Are we ready for that? What will be the one thing that brings us to a smooth road again? Spiritually, I believe Jesus. He is our straight Path, the Way. Without following His path our road will always be filled with bumps.
I for one believe I am prepared, but to what extent? I'm thankful that God gives us the strength we need at the exact moment we need it. Isaiah 40:29-31 shows us that: He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
However, there is always a condition God requires of us to receive His peace, His presence, His protection. That condition is that with our whole heart we receive Him in faith as our Lord and Savior and to forgive us of our sins. He will reciprocate.
The other shoe...could drop today or tomorrow. A sudden accident could take your life in a heartbeat or some unforeseen thing could suddenly be confronting you. Do you know for a fact where your strength will come from if needed? Can you say for absolute certain you will be allowed to enter into heaven when you die? How do you know? I know because the Bible has shown that no good works will get us in (Ephesians 2:8-9), being a pretty good person by the world's standards won't do it (Romans 3:10). Jesus is the only Way.
Lay claim to that precious gift today. Stop dragging your feet or letting pride keep you from taking this step. I'm thankful I know the Way, the Truth and the Life. Do you have that same confidence? Do you know deep in your heart that you have committed yourself to Jesus or is He just a man who lived 2,000 years ago who has no bearing over your life today? Let Him reign sovereign today. Ask Him to show Himself to you. Let your heart be ready to learn His truth.
He will return. We don't know for certain when, and no man or group who tries to pinpoint a date is to be believed. But He will return when the Father tells Him, "Now." The Bible is clear about those last days. So much we see in the world today is an attempt by the enemy to draw more men away from God and into a form of disbelief. Lord, help us.
2Peter 3:9-10 - The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
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