Oh, Them Days

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.
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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.

Yes!

Zechariah‬ ‭14‬:‭1-9 - Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. 
And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south. Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, for the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. 

Thus the LORD my God will come, and all the saints with You. It shall come to pass in that day that there will be no light; the lights will diminish. It shall be one day which is known to the LORD — neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen that it will be light. And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be—"The LORD is one,” and His name one.

Yes, there will come a day called the great day of the Lord. Yes, nations are forming against Israel. There will be a remnant whom the Lord will fight for. Jesus will return bringing all His saints, His followers, with Him...those who have called on the name of the Lord and have been saved. Yes, He will return! 

• Those who have known the day when they called on the name of the Lord and were saved look forward to the day of His return. 
• They look up during all that happens here on earth. 
• They know He died and was raised again. 
• They know their Redeemer is alive today. 
• They look up knowing He will return to rule and reign on earth. 
• They believe what the Bible says. 
• They know that the things on this earth are nothing in comparison to what Jesus has offered through knowing Him and being in relationship with Him...not trusting man and the things of this earth. 
• They know they have given their lives to Jesus Christ. 

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2-4‬)

Yes, He will return. It will happen just as stated above. He will stand on the Mount of Olives and it will split. The Bible speaks the truth. In the scripture above Zechariah prophesied about Israel. How God would return them to their nation (which has been happening) and one day those whom He had once hoped to redeem and who have rejected Jesus all these years, will see and believe. But it also refers to those in those last days who have called on His name for their salvation. This is not some namby pamby understanding of who God is but the real deal. These are the remnant. 

Yes, I watch for the signs of His return. I see the closeness in the news. While I'm not happy to see what is going on I know that it must be. We will be having a presidential election coming up. Yes, I will vote and I will vote for the candidate whose views are the closest to what God would desire. I'd love to see a godly man in the White House, one who is not afraid to state His trust in God. But we still cannot put all our trust in a man. We must continue ourselves to put our trust in God. It's a personal relationship first, then a 

His return will be in His timing. Would I like to see things change for the better in this world...this country...yes. It can only happen when one by one a person looks to God and trusts in Him. Living life for our own pleasures alone or not truly believing in God is like turning our backs on our Lord, like Israel did. How often is He given credit for the things we have? How often do we recognize Him in our daily lives? What will it take to recognize Him? It might be too late when He returns. The time to look to Him is now. Say yes to Jesus yourself. 

Philippians 3:18-21 - For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. 

The Day of the Lord

Zephaniah 2:3 - Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger.

I chose to read the Book of Joel. I knew it would be a prophetic word for the people of Israel. I also knew it would be a word for the people of today. Prophetic words tend to be hard words laced with if-then or if-when statements meaning if you do this, God will do something. If we turn to God, He will save us. If we choose God, He is our protector, provision, guide. If we reject Him, we are forever lost.

As I read the thought occurred to me to look up the phrase used frequently...the day of the Lord. While that phrase is used to describe the time just prior to Jesus' return, and while prophetic words are hard, God always has an upside to things. Stick with me till the end... You see, I started with a scripture that shows us what we should do to avoid the calamitous day of the Lord before presenting the harder stuff.

If the Bible says there will be a day of the Lord in the future, there will be. For some it will be a glorious day. For others, dreadful. The problem is...not many realize it. Many may not even have heard of such a day. It not only is a day of God's wrath upon all those who reject Him but a day of joy for those who know Him and will be received into His kingdom. Like the Word says, Do you suppose that I [Jesus] came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. (Luke 12:51) That's quite the statement considering He is called the Prince of Peace. The peace He gives comes out of a relationship with Jesus.

There will always be division among man (and we see it today). Some do not believe in God at all, some hate Him, some are just offended by any mention of Him. And to some those who have made a choice to believe are looked upon as peculiar. We have a choice in our beliefs. Following Him is not something one can say they do because they are church goers or call themselves Christians. A follower is serious about God. It's not just head knowledge but heart. And only God knows anyone's heart. And only He will know at the time of the day of the Lord where anyone truly is.

The day of the Lord. There were several scriptures about it. The day itself will be one of destruction (Joel 1:15), darkness and gloominess, clouds (Joel 2:1-2). The earth quakes before them, the heavens tremble; the sun and moon grow dark, and the stars diminish their brightness. The Lord gives voice before His army, for His camp is very great; for strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it? (Joel 2:10-11) "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars 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. (Joel 2:30-31)

Who can endure it? Read on.

Not just Joel spoke of the day of the Lord. The prophet Obadiah, and others, mentioned the day of darkness to come for those who oppose God and His people (again, Israel then, Christ followers today). “For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head." (Obadiah 1:15)

This is why we must be ever vigilant in these days. We do not know the day or hour He will return. The signs are before us, we are living in the midst of them. They are both unsettling and exciting to believers. Others believe it is just another period of time that we will get through. But as I've posted before about the characteristics of the people and lifestyles today, it's looking pretty much like what God has told us it would be like. ...lovers of selves and 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 3:2-4).

These are the signs we cannot dismiss. These things will only get worse and then the Lord will come quickly, unannounced, like a thief in the night. If we choose not to pay heed, see what happens. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1Thessalonians 5:3)

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2Peter 3:11-13)

The prophets warned. While the warnings were and still are stern, there is the upside. Most of the words describing the day of the Lord are difficult. But there is always an upside. Jesus says, I am the way, the truth and the life. Know Jesus and you will know truth (both good and bad), gain understanding, have wisdom, know peace, know life.

And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the remnant whom the Lord calls. “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” Then you shall know that...I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame." (Joel 2:32,12,27)

The Terror of the Lord

Isaiah 2:19,21 - They shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth mightily. To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the crags of the rugged rocks, from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth mightily.

Isaiah was a prophet. He told of the judgment to come upon His people. God was frustrated and angry with Israel. They had seen His miracles, known His protection and provision over the years, but now they forgot Him. They were intent on making names for themselves, relishing in the works of their own hands, patting themselves on the back and living for self. Their stuff became their idols. They no longer looked to God as Provider.

As I read the first chapter I saw a similarity between these people and our nation, one that once was aware of the need for God, which people did not consider Him passé. God still pleads with us: "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:19,20)

Amidst the majority of the people (then and now) there is a remnant of believers, however. Unless the Lord of hosts Had left to us a very small remnant, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been made like Gomorrah. (Isaiah 1:9) Everyone knows the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Two cities filled with sin. God told Abraham he would not destroy them if there would be even 10 righteous people...and there weren't.

I know sometimes when I write I sound critical. And people don't like to hear criticism. But sometimes it's through that criticism that something eventually hits home. Jesus spoke some harsh words Himself calling some hypocrites, blind fools, snakes and vipers. Not pleasant words at all, but the truth. When I write what God warns it may sound critical. How can anyone say that God who never changes, is always truthful, has warned us in the past and continues today is being critical. He's warning...........I pass on those warnings.

Our country has a small remnant of righteous people. Although we are headed for disastrous times, I do not believe we will be destroyed for the righteous...who still will have difficult days to go through because of the unrighteous.

As Isaiah goes on, God has him prophesy first the warning that if they put away their evil ways He will do right by them. If they do not His hand will come against those who come against Him. Isaiah 1:25,28: I will turn My hand against you, and thoroughly purge away your dross, and take away all your alloy. The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together, and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed. God will still do this today because his Word has not changed...warning first...with His goodness to them if they heed and the results of their determination not to hear His words. Just not many take the time today to know what His Word has to say.

Oh, people. Does anyone see this? We are so imitating those days. As individuals, a nation and the world. Many do not hear the words of the prophets warning of the days to come. Many might say, they were ancient people and what does that have to do with today? Many believe that life just goes on as we have known it for our short time on earth. I look at it this way...Jesus will return; why not today or tomorrow? It has to happen sometime. Shouldn't we be ready? What do you think will happen if He does? Are you ready? Do you care? You should.

The signs of the times show the great and glorious day of the Lord is coming. Scoffers are in abundance. Evil abounds compared to 60 years ago, right? Wickedness in the form of complacency and self-seeking, self-pleasure is everywhere. And there are a lot of blind people...blind because if
they could see they would recognize their sin and who wants that?

There will be a day when the terror of the Lord will come. If I must be afraid of it, so should everyone. There WILL be a day when God will show the world His glory and righteousness. It will be a terror to those not with Him, to those who have ignored Him, who have said they believed in Him yet lived as they desired thinking they had nothing to fear. When this day comes, all those things one worked so hard for, so enjoyed, so proud about, will come to nothing...left behind when the fear of God so overcomes and sends people running and hiding because God's glory is too much to bear.

I share Isaiah's warning. It is not mine. As God spelled it out then, He spells it out in no uncertain terms today. He never changes, His Word is still true. He has shown us as an example....so don't get mad at the messenger(s)! Ignorance is no excuse. Turning a blind eye or deaf ear is no excuse. God has shown us. Will you heed His warnings? Or will you laugh at what seems impossible? Isn't it He who created the heavens, earth and mankind, brought the Great Flood, was provider and protector to those who followed Him, rained judgment on those who did not, who sent His Son to die for all so we would not need to fear? Jesus is still the answer in this world. Just acknowledging Him is not enough. Knowing Him personally is. Trusting in Someone who is unseen, having faith in Him before the things we can see or feel.

Heed His warning or don't. Laugh or not. I voice not just my own opinion but that of others, which ultimately comes from God. It's up to you to make up your own mind.

For with God nothing will be impossible. Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. (Luke 1:37, Jeremiah 32:17)

And So It Continues

Acts 19:21 - And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.

And today there still arises a great commotion about the Way. In those days the commotion was in Rome. They had heard of Jesus but the commotion arose because of their worship of the goddess Diana and the shrines of great worth, made of silver, built in her honor. If those shrines would cease to be built because of allegiance going to Christ their prosperity would be in jeopardy. That caused great concern. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship." (Acts 19:27)

Prosperity over eternal life. Worship of an image made by human hands over worship of God. Self life, which will not last, over life in Christ which will. How skewed their thinking was.

And still is. A friend of mine and I had another deep discussion about what we see happening in this world. We sense it and wonder when something will erupt. Although we don't want it, we know it is inevitable and we look forward to it at the same time, knowing that the Day of the Lord is at hand. The unrest, the insecurity of the future. You can't say it isn't noticeable. You also can't say it surprises God. He knows exactly what's happening and we, my friend and I and many others, know also. We do not know the day or the hour, but we can know the season and this is the season.

People can think I'm crazy for thinking, believing and writing about this, but I'm certain there's a day coming soon when my words, as vague as they are right now, will take on a different meaning. What we sense in our spirits will become reality. We don't know to what to expect. It won't be pretty. The other shoe is about to drop. But if we are trusting in the Lord we will be given what we need when we need it...including peace.

All I can pray is that whatever it is it is powerful enough to open the eyes of the blind, take the heads of many out of the proverbial sand and cause many to look to the God of the heavens over the gods of this earth, those idols, whatever they might be, that one is afraid to let go of or lose because they are one's identity or life. Our lives are best when we have life in Christ, the Way...which idea causes commotion.

Perhaps when disaster strikes it will cause what is perceived as life on earth to be turned to where life truly is, where it comes from. People may find the Way. The days ahead will either cause some to understand this or they will turn others into more anger or despair. I pray it turns many to God. Our life on earth is here for a purpose greater than ourselves. God has tried for thousands of years to show us this. Some have taken it seriously, some have not.

We can find many things in this world to idolize: self, money, work, sports, things. All which can be taken away (including self) in a heartbeat. It's a lie to think that we might as well enjoy it while we can because some day we will die. If we aren't focused on God and truly aware of what He has to offer and not so dedicated to the things of the world because they give us temporary pleasure, we do not have what is most important. That also means that we cannot say we know God, say we dedicate our lives to Him and then live our lives as we have always done. It's turning from the world views of prosperity, idol worship and looking only to the Lord in heaven.

I pray that the eyes of worldly understanding would see, before it's too late, the state of the current times and understand why we are going through what we are...and most importantly to what end (which Way) one needs to truly be seeking and hoping for. It's not what you have in your pocket, in your house, in your garage, even in your own mind...it's what God has...nothing else.

1John 5:20 - And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Spirit of Prophecy

Revelation 19:5-7,10 - Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he [the Angel of the Lord] said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

The spirit of prophecy. Those words popped out. It fits right in with what's been on my heart all week. The Word of God. Jesus, the Word, who speaks to us through His Word, through His Spirit, to testify of Himself and reveal Himself to us from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. It's all about Him. He is what we who know Him testify of. And His Word testifies of Him and it IS the spirit of prophecy...of things to come, of He who is to come.

The rejoicing above was in response to the fall of Babylon. Today's reference to Babylon is considered the world view, an anti-God view. Those who do not seek God and His ways are part of that world. It's those who accept the ways of a "changing" society and align with it because it seems right and because the majority of people have. ...“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! (Revelation 18:2) The world has fallen... The rejoicing was for the defeat of evil and the beginning of what peace was meant to be.

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities (Revelation 18:4-5).

We are called to come out from among the world. If we are true worshippers of Jesus Christ, we will want to come out. We will see what we are and have been, what we are called to be and who we are in Christ. We have no longer submitted ourselves to the lies like the world but to the truth. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25) It's spelled out right before our eyes. It is prophesied. We are shown. We are victorious if we have come out of the world...and we will overcome the Day of the Lord which is yet to come.

I rejoice as those share these beliefs. That Day of the Lord will be a glorious day, to be sure. Glorious in that God's power and glory will be revealed. It will not be a pretty sight, however, when ...the day of the Lord of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up—and it shall be brought low—(Isaiah 2:12). But those who know the Lord can be glad because they will not be a part of this lowering. It will be time, at last, when God will raise up His people.

All of creation, all of life, all we are here for can simply be brought very narrowly down to one truth, Jesus. Whether you rejoice at His name or cringe, it's all about Him. Life is in His hands. Death comes from one much lesser than Him. You either choose life or death. If one chooses to not believe and understand the things Jesus teaches, death occurs...no matter what one's church has to say about the afterlife.

Not all are headed for heaven, sadly. Not even those who think they are basically good people. It's not about us or our good deeds but about Christ alone. We are only accepted and victors when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. And that is the glorious thing. We cannot understand all the intricacies of God's wisdom, His ways, how He sets about to bring people to Him...but if you even suspect He is calling, respond. It is so worth it. It is life rather than death. And you will be among those who will rejoice with the great multitude.

All of creation, all of life, all we are here for is simply to become the testimony of Jesus. All the Word has to say about Him...the most important Book, the most important words...are the spirit of prophecy. The Book was written that we may know Him, not just of Him, but literally know Him. We can hear Him speak in those words. We can know His desires for us. We can know His promises. It's all about Jesus. When we choose to know Christ we will be filled with the Holy Spirit who will guide us in all truth.

One day there will be a great throng of people rejoicing. I doubt, however, that the great throng will be as great as the throng who will be mourning after they realize their choice was wrong. I am glad I will be among the throng rejoicing. As children of God we become a holy people, a royal priesthood, whom God raises up. Won't you join me?

1Corinthians 6:14 - And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.