The Stage is Set

Luke 21:9  “But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.”

I chose this verse because of the words “be ye not terrified” which indicates that when these things transpire, the natural tendancy will be to be frightened over the things coming to pass upon the earth.  For all who know Jesus; born of the Spirit and watching, we’re to not be fearful, only trusting completely in Jesus and his word. 

Luke 21:18-19  “But there shall not an hair of your head perish.  In your patience possess ye your souls.”

The reading is long and entails talk of political theater, but nonetheless, I want to share it here as it points to the lateness of the hour and why the situation in Annapolis has me alerted to certain things.  Here’s the link:

www.stevequayle.com/News.alert/07_Prophetic/071128.stage.set.html. 

To be transparent, I just found this a short while ago.  I made copies to take in to work and linked here, however, I’ve not read this in detail yet.  Nonetheless, these are strange times and the meeting yesterday in Annapolis had a “strangeness” to it.  A couple of years ago, I remember reading a prophecy concerning judgment in our land.  In that time we would witness our leaders making some incredibly ridiculous decisions.  (Such as disabled veterens who served in Iraq having to return enlistment bonuses for being unable to fulfill their obligations.  Astonishing beyond belief.)  At the time, when I read the prophecy, I made a mental note of this and determined to watch.  It’s similar to when Rehoboam forsook the wise council of the aged men and adhered to the really bad advice of the young guys.  A bad choice, but it was of the Lord, to divide the kingdom.

I Kings 12:15  “Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.” 

The events transpiring in the geo-political arena today are of prophetic significance and as such, we shouldn’t be overcharged by appearences in the natural.  We’ve been warned ahead of time that such would be the case as the return of Jesus draws ever closer.  I’ll close for now.  Just like the post yesterday on the other blog, this wasn’t planned.  But this link seemed needful and so I’m sharing it here.  Another post that’s needful is one that Phil has currently on his blog:

www.esv1.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/put-simply-there-is-no-other/

A reading of this will reveal why it fits in with the times that we find ourselves in.  A time when everything is being shaken.  Well, I’ll close out for now.  I wish to all a blessed day in Jesus.

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1805  Greetings again.  I managed to read the report from Steves site before break.  One notable thing was the mentioning of European Foreign Policy chief Javier Solana.  There’s a blog with extensive information on this guy, who some think could be a major player in the days to come.  Here’s a link: www.cumbey.blogspot.com   Possibly more comment later.  Have a blessed evening in Jesus.

The Return of Jesus (Episode I)

Colossians 3:1-3  “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Colossians 3:4  “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” 

These verses, located in the third chapter of Colossians, reveal that we are to engage in that which has eternal value.  Verse four is singled out as because it tells about the return of Jesus and how we shall be like him at that time.  This is an event that we should be mindful of at all times.  Even if we are convinced of a post-tribulation rapture, we should always be watching as Jesus instructed all of us to do.  Always being sober-minded and pursuing those things that have everlasting value.  As our pastor has stated on various occasions, “If it wont have any significance in fifty years, it’s not all that important now.”  The car that we’re driving today will most likely not be around in fifty years, but a soul that comes to Jesus will be alive forever. 

This series of posts is going to focus primarily on Matthew chapters 24 and 25 along with it’s parallel chapters of Mark chapter 13 and Luke chapter 21.  As in other series, passages will be pulled from other places as well, but the verse-by-verse will be based on matthew chapters 24 and 25.  Whenever such an endeavor is embarked upon, I’ve noticed that topics often emerge that weren’t initially pondered.  There are verses which will be discussed that are not 100% clear as to their meaning.  This makes if all the more interesting and makes it all the more clear that we must remain in close to Jesus at “all times.”  In this age when a global governing entity is emerging along with plans to place a chip in every person in the world, there’s precious little time to be preparing our hearts and compelling all to come into the ark. 

One note before starting.  At the end of Mark chapter 12 and at the begining of Luke chapter 21, we find the testimony of the widow lady who cast in two mites.  Jesus points this out to his disciples “Look at this.  She gave all that she had.”  Nobody in that place noticed her actions.  Nobody except God that is.  Also notable is that in Matthew chapter 23, Jesus points out the hypocrisy of the religious folks who put on an elaborate show but know not the Lord.  Neither of these incidents are by accident and both point to needful insights.  Having our heart right with the Lord is imperative as scripture comes to pass before our eyes. 

Matthew 24:1  “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple.”

This chapter begins with a most ordinary event.  Sightseeing.  The disciples making note of the temple and the incredible craftsmanship associated therewith.  I imagine that they were all engaged in this conversation, much like when taking a drive through a scenic area.  People like to talk about things.  Nice houses, nice cars and what have you.  I still remember brother Willie who was on our ship when we were in Philadelphia.  Passing a guy with a really nice car he said to the guy “Hey, that’s a nice car.”  The guy replied “why thank you.”  Willie then went on with “Too bad it’s going to burn!”  This was a piece of truth that the guy wasn’t expecting.  Likewise the disciples weren’t expecting Jesus response to their conversation.

Matthew 24:2  “And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things?  verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Wow!  I know that this came up in a recent post, but WOW!  Instead of Jesus saying “Yes this is incredible craftsmanship” he told them “There shall not be left one stone upon another.”  Of course this changed the course of the conversation from the present physical reality to that which is going to come to pass.  Events that will point to the moment when Jesus is to return.  Once again, a focusing on the events which have eternal ramifications.  In this case here, I’m convinced that the telling of these things was for the benefit of the generation that would be on planet earth when they come to pass. 

Matthew 24:3  “And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privily, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”

Suddenly the disciples weren’t talking about architecture.  They were focused on the end of the world and the events that would proceed it.  Once again, a pondering of the age old question “When shall these things be?”  It’s interesting that they are sitting on the Mount of Olives as this conversation transpires.  In the next installment of this series, this question will be looked at as the journey through Matthew chapters 24 and 25 continues.  As for now, I’ll conclude with a passage from the old testament in which this same question is brought forth.

Daniel 12:6-7  “And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?  And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” 

As in most series, these posts will not necessarily be back to back.  Some may, but most probably won’t be.  This leaves breathing room for other things which are needful.  I wish to all a most blessed day in Jesus.

A City Not Made With Hands

A lot of the discussion on this blog, many may find to be disturbing.  We often talk about the end times, but perhaps need to focus rather on the “end of time.”  When time itself is no longer and we are forever with the Lord Jesus in the realm of the everlasting.  An eternal city, where nothing sinister can ever intrude.  The drama of this present world will be as a distant memory; the heartache, infirmities, and tears, forever removed.  It’s imperative to not be overcharged with the things of this world nor be rattled by the things which must shortly come to pass. 

Such is the purpose of this second blog.  Not to cause fear or contention, but rather a watching on the part of the saints.  That we would love Jesus wholeheartedly and long for his appearing.  When we focus on the eternal, the lures of this present world grow strangely dim.   May we all run with patience the race that is set before us and hold fast the profession of our faith steadfast unto the end. 

Revelation 22:20-21  “He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly.  Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.”

I wish to all a most blessed day in Jesus.

A Number and A Man

I John 2:18  “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know it is the last time.”

The last time.  The final dispensation prior to the return of Jesus Christ.  An age which Jesus warned us would end in such a horrific state that except those days be shortened, there would be nobody left on the earth.  Some will  make the contention “well they were talking about the first century being the last days also, yet here we are, still progressing along on planet earth.”  (II Peter 3:3-4)  In such instances, one can pray, put forth the scriptures, and even run down the list of current conditions on planet earth which point to the inescapable truth that we’re in a time like no other.  And yet while we find ourselves in uncharted waters from a technological standpoint, the sinful nature of man remains as a majority strive to put God out of their mind. 

It’s interesting to note that in the above passage, John writes “last time” not last days.  In other words, the final dispensation prior to the return the return of Jesus Christ.  It’s the age when we’re commanded to go into all the world and deliver the gospel to all.  It’s an age which, prior to its conclusion, will see the gospel published in every nation.  It’s an age which will, in its final moments, see a distinct fortification of each side.  The true saints drawing closer to Jesus while the wicked wax worse and worse.  The final element of this dividing will be a “mark.”  An identification system that will allow a person to engage in commerce and, for a very short season, save their lives in this world.  A mark that, should a person opt to receive it, will seal their fate as they will be forever cut off from the presence of the Lord.  It’s quite literally a “point of no return.”

If there’s one single element of prophecy that’s known of by nearly all in the western world, it’s the significance of the number six hundred, threescore, and six.  They may not understand the mechanics of prophetic fulfilment, but they know that this number is a “bad thing.”  Some will make jokes and whatnot, but most people that I know will acknowlege its sinister nature and may even try to avoid it in their day to day exchanges.  An example of this would be our first house on Klett Rd.  The number there was 66450.  Had we lived a half mile down the road, our house number would have begun with three sixes.  When I pointed that out to my wife she stated, “We wouldn’t have been living there then!”  To be honest, was very glad that we were a half mile north as well. 

When one considers how widespread the knowledge of this mark appears to be, it’s amazing that the whole world is going to wonder after the beast.  This reveals just how subtle and how complete the deceptions will be when the final installment of end times prophecy are at hand.  (When the time pf prepatarion ends and the implementation begins)  It also reveals just how much people love their own lives and moreover, the sin in their lives.  Loving not our lives in this world is imperative and yet so many in ministry preach a gospel that’s focused on material abundance.  I’m drifting off topic a little here, however, a sure-fire way to draw a crowd is to tell others how to get stuff.   This next passage is both familiar and astonishing. 

Revelation 9:20-21  “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which can neither see nor hear, nor walk:  Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” 

To picture the scene is mind-blowing.  The worlds population reduced by over one third.  One in three people are gone and these remaining ones have been tormented so much that many sought death only to be unable to find it.  AND YET THEY REFUSE TO REPENT.  It reminds one of the men of Sodom who, after being blinded by the angels continued to look for the door to Lots house.  We tend to underestimate just how dangerous it is to condone sinful habits and allow idols to maintain a branch office in our hearts. 

These folks, who love their idols (an idol is anything that we place in higher esteem than God)  and cannot cease from sin will be ripe for the picking when a man comes along with supernatural signs, smooth words, and a program that’s so logical and grounded in common sense that only a crazy person would dare speak out against it.  I can almost hear the reasoning.  “Either you’re with us, or you like suffering and hunger.”  It’s going to be the mother of all delusions, complete with spiritual packaging and the whole world will wonder after this brave new system. 

I cannot stress enough how appealing this system is going to be.  So logical; so “warm-and-fuzzy that if it were possible, even the elect would buy into it.  In closing, I want to visit one of my favorite passages in Daniel; a verse that I’ve mentioned more often than probably any other single verse.  Kind of like a football game where someone in the bleachers behind the goal post is holding up a sign that says ”John 3:16.”  If I were holding up a sign at a football game, it would read ”Daniel 11:32.”  (I imagine that it would cause some searching of the scriptures.)

Daniel 11:32  “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.

In a single verse, we find out who will stand and who will fall.  Those who do wickedly; those who love their sin and have not made Jesus the true Lord of their life will be taken by the flattering words of the deceiver.  Those that are born again and watching will see it coming and will be strong in the Lord; even loving not their own lives unto the death.  A glance at verse 34 reveals that many will cleave to them with flatteries.  I’m thinking that this may be referring to the many who we may have befriended and witnessed to, but, at the time,  they were “too busy for the things of God.”  When it all goes down, these folks may well be seeking someone who knows what’s going on.   

Well I’ll close for now.  This could go on, but the word count is already approaching 1200.  This post is not designed to cause discouragement; only to admonish those in Christ that eternity lies just ahead and regardless of what takes place in our season under the sun, it’s only that: a season.  (A good definition for the word “season” would be: “A condition which has a specific beginning and a specific ending.)  Eternity has no ending.  God has no beginning and no ending.  May we always put our complete trust in him.  “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and for ever.” 

If time permits, please stop over and visit peters blog as he has a most interesting post.  Here,s the link:

www.theagetocome.wordpress.com/2007/11/16/the-prophetic-savant/ 

This should encourage every saint to forsake the temporal gnat-straining that we’re all prone to engage in to one degree or another, and begin looking at things from an eternal perspective.  Well, I’ll close for now.  I wish to all a most blessed weekend in Jesus.

Anthem of the Overcomers

Revelation 21:11  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

The fellowship of the overcomers.  When I think about the everlasting world to come; about being with Jesus and being with the gathering of saints, I get excited.  If asked “What am I looking forward to?” This is it.  To be with Jesus.  We read in scripture of how incredible the world to come will be; a sea of glass, mansions lining streets of gold and a city unlike anything that we’ve ever seen.  Yet the thought of being forever with the Lord who purchased me with his own blood and called me when I was so contrary, tops it all.  Forever in his presence; this mortality having put on mortality simply blows the mind.  I look forward to being with the saints.  With an eternity before us, I believe that, at some point, everyone there will meet everyone else.  “So if I don’t see you here, I’ll see you there!”

This is that great cloud of witnesses; the saints who have gone on before.  For example, I read of the saints in Smyrna, Antioch, and those of subsequent ages who kept their testimony unto the end, and I think of one day talking with them.  I almost imagine being in a marathon and seeing them lining the route cheering us on; encouraging us to hold fast the profession of our faith.  To not become sidetracked by the gnats that keep flying around our heads and look to Jesus who has conquered hell and death.  Who washed us from our sins with his own precious blood, that we could be with him forever.  The day is coming when we shall be absent from this world and present with the Lord.  Because of this blessed hope, and because the world is filled with pitfalls, I want to address the subject of overcoming. 

There are three elements that are imperative to this and the passage at the top covers them all.

( 1 )  The blood of Jesus.  We stand by grace through faith.  There’s nothing that we could ever do to warrent eternal life.  If he had called twelve legions of angels, we would all be lost and without hope.  I remember this particular class in school, in which we had to learn about greek mythology.  (I still don’t know why)  They believed that, upon death, a person had to cross five rivers, the last one being the river “Styx” and then enter Hades which was, according to their beliefs, dark and depressing.  (understatement of the ages)  As an unsaved kid, I remember thinking “Bummer!  Live life; knowing that you’re just going to wind up in a place of neverending depression.”  In their thinking, this was just the way it was.  The point is “If Jesus hadn’t gone to the cross, this would be our perdicament exactly.”  Lost and without hope.  I know that this is “christianity 101,” but it’s something that we must never lose sight of.  (I apolagize for using so many quotation marks and parentheses)

( 2 )  Our testimony.  There are so many passages that could be added to all of these points, but most of us are familiar with them.  Each time we testify of Jesus, we’re overcoming the spirit of this age.  Each time we tell another, or talk with each other, we’re in victory.  I think that this is something that doesn’t receive enough attention.  Talking about Jesus is good.  The more we talk, the better.  We should each strive to be a literal “chatterbox for Jesus” taking advantage of every opportunity to share our faith. 

 In “Secret Believers” Brother Andrew makes a statement to the muslim background believers from a country where two leaders had just been killed and the fellowships thrown in disarray.  He mentioned “Jesus told us to go into all the world.  He didn’t say that we would necessarily come back.”  To hold fast the profession of our faith, no matter what.  Jesus words to the church of Smyrna explain it in detail.

Revelation 2:9-10  “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and i know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Our testimony is imperative.  May we all be strong in the Lord Jesus, should the time come when it will cost us everything in this world.  This brings us to the third element.

( 3 )  Love not this present world or our lives in it.  It often appears that a majority of professing christians are overcharged by the cares of this world.  They heap to themselves temporal trappings, they go into debt to obtain more trappings, they obsess over sports, politics, their hobbies, their careers, and what have you.  They spend hours engaged in watching television, wandering around the world wide web, (ouch!  This is a problem area for me) or engaging in a favorite pastime.  (A pastime is something that a person does so that they don’t notice time slipping away.)  All of us, including myself, are too overcharged with this present world to one degree or another.  This is the biggest pitfall of all because it can cause us to drift away from our first love.  If we fail in area number three of this list, we’ll be less mindful of number one and eventually compromise number two. 

Hebrews 10:24-25  “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Our fellowship with each other is so needful; be it a local assembly, a circle of bloggers, or a saint in another department at work that you seek out whenever an opportunity arises.  To be refreshed and encouraged as we are in the fight of our lives.  I’m really greatful that Phil is blogging again.  All of his posts focus on Jesus steadfastly.  This is so needful and it’s a real blessing to continuously be reminded of our need to do this.  (I need to hear it often)  Well, the goats are hungry, the laundry is piled up, and a host of mundane events must be tended to.  Please keep this household in prayer as things are in motion and I don’t want to mess anything up.  (I’m good at messing things up)  Until the next time, I wish to all a blessed day in Jesus.

Revelation 15:2-3  “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.  And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”

Divinely Sustained

Deuteronomy 8:4  “Thy rainment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.” 

Psalm 91:9-10  Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most high, thy habitation;  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Before entering the main part of this post, I want to bring up a familiar passage from Revelation as the last part of the verse makes reference to the Lords protection of those that are his.

Revelation 9:4  “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God on their foreheads.  (Those who belong to Jesus will not be affected by this) 

It seems that almost daily, we hear of another source of contamination or potential contamination of the food supply.  Not to mention the amount of processing that goes into the food supply, the rampant distribution of genetically modified products, growth hormone being given to livestock as to bolster the bottom line,  and what have you.  Daily, we consume stuff that’s really not good for us and then take medications which really aren’t good for us either to remedy complications caused by a less than ideal diet.  (I’m leary of any medication that, in the process of treating a particular condition, produces such symptoms as headaches, nausia, aching joints, blurred vision, sexual side effects, short-term memory loss, and uh…uh…uh…oh!…abdominal irregularities) 

In his November newsletter, David Meyer reported about a factory which processed microwave popcorn.  The workers were all coming down with a chronic cough which was linked to chemicals in the manufacturing process.  He also mentioned how pork cells are being cultivated in a laboratory with the idea of someday being able to market meat that didn’t come from an animal.  Davids site is www.lasttrumpetministries.org   Not to mention several products that are imported from China being contaminated with lead in the paint and very little in the way of inspections.  Some news outlets have what they term “The Recall of the Week” because these reports just keep coming. 

David also made mention of a report that came from www.livescience.com on July 2 by Bill Christensen.  Scientists have developed a drug called “UO126″ which is capable of deleting a persons memory.  The official reasoning behind such a drug is to aid those who have suffered traumatic events such as a horrific accident or rape.  One can only imagine what such a drug could be used for if (when) it got into the wrong hands.  Steve Quayle published a book a while back entitled “Genetic Armageddon” in which he discusses the various things that are taking place in this realm. 

Recently, we received a notice that Staph infection has been detected in schools across Michigan, including Constantine.  It seems that our environment is becomming increasingly hostile; the food that we eat, the air that we breathe, and even the medicines which we’re told we “must have” to remedy the various infirmities resulting from such.  One statistic that’s close to my heart is that of autism, as our older son is affected.  Autism currently affects one in 166 children.  To put this in perspective, Polio, at it’s height, had a rate of less than one in three thousand.  I cannot help but think of the forth horseman in Revelation chapter 6 when comparing the various reports of alterations to the food supply and the medications that so many of us take.  (I take Excedrin for headaches.)

The conclusion is this; no matter how careful we may be, we live in a toxic environment; a condition that may well be by design.  For this reason I bring forth both the initial passages, along with the next one.

 Mark 16:17-18  “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

Because of the topic of this post, I want to focus on “If they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.”  In these times, we must, of course, practice common sense, however, we also must trust the Lord to protect us from all of the environmental hazards too numerous to mention.  In these times, such problems will only worsen and we’ll have to walk in divine health if we’re to be strong and do exploits.   If we were to simply avoid everything that’s potentially hazardous, we would all be out in the woods eating tree bark which, most likely, has been contaminated by chemtrails. 

When thinking of the Lords ability to provide a table in the wilderness, two acounts instantly come to mind.  One is the children of Israel in the wildreness for forty years.  Manna from heaven; a supernatural sustenance in a land that simply could not yield adequate resources for such a multitude.  Likewise their clothes lasted the entire time.  The other acount is that of Elijah, whom the LORD sustained by the brook Cherith with ravens bringing him food.  Later the Lord sustained him and a widow lady.  All of this was by supernatural means.  The next passage is very familiar and is treading upon a future post on Grace County, however, it’s important for the discussion here.

Matthew 6:31-31-33  “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.  But seek ye the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 

As I was typing this out, the part of “all these things do the gentiles seek” hit me.  Folks all around us spend their lives engaged in self-preservation.  “Where will I work?  Where will I live? What will I do if my job goes to Mexico?  What if the bird flu gets here?  What if there’s lead in the letters painted on my keyboard?  What if I’m unable to get my prescribed medication?  What if the economy takes a dive?”  A person who’se outside the household of faith will naturally be concerned about such things.  In time they may need therapy, or perhaps a measured dose of UOP126 in order to get by.  But if we’re in Christ, we’re to simply trust that he’ll sustain us in this present world until our testimony is complete. 

The world is slowly going nutty.  We’re on the brink of unimaginable chaos, however the peace of God is greater than anything that the world can throw at us.  The peace of God really does pass all understanding.  In the days of turmoil, folks will see our steadfastness while everything is being shaken to the core and wonder what we have.  Daniel 11:34 is a most interesting scripture as it mentions many “clinging to us with flatteries.”  What a great opportunity to share with them Christ in us, the hope of glory. 

Well, I’ll close out for now.  This post; in fact this entire blog, is designed to bring encouragement and sobriety to the saints; myself included.  Jesus is coming and he that endureth until the end shall be saved.  My sincere prayer is that we all would endure.  Jesus has promised to be with always; even until the end of the world.   I’ll conclude with a verse that’s been on my heart all weekend.

Nahum 1:7  The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” 

This is Scary Stuff! Why Talk About It?

Mark 13:37  “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” 

When talk of end-times prophecy comes up, there are various ways in which people respond to it.  This is because anyone with even a little understanding of scripture will know that the time prior to Jesus return will be one of unimaginable chaos.  A time so horrific that “except those days be shortened, there should no flesh be saved”  When one considers that currently over 6.5 billion people live on the earth, this is to be an unpresidented time in the earths history.  Some of the ways that people react to such things are as follows:

( 1 )  Uneasiness.  The concept of this age coming to a conclusion is a sobering thought and as such, many would prefer to close their eyes and go about the daily routine.  I know a lot of folks who hold this type of outlook, even professing christians and my concern is that they’ll be caught completely off guard.  When we know that something is coming, we can prepare ourselves; hopefully by drawing close to Jesus and being in obediance.  But when we’re blindsided, confusion followed by bad decision making, is often the result. 

I’m noticing a trend at work as of late.  While most go about their routine, a few seem to be aware that things are in transition.  It’s my prayer that this will cause them to think on eternal matters and realize their need for a Savior. 

James 4:8  “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

( 2 )  We’re not going to be here.  This is how I handled it in my younger days.  The thought of going through tribulation was frightening and as such I clung to the thought of being taken out of here before anything bad took place.  I’ll not go into rapture timing with this post, but it should be known that we’re not promised a lifetime of smooth sailing; even in a pre-tribulation doctrine.  While most of us in the west enjoy padded pews and air-conditioned sanctuarys, the saints in China, the middle east, and elsewhere know firsthand what it means to endure tribulation.  To be rejected, falsely accused, their property confiscated or destroyed, and tortured in ways that we cannot fathom.   

( 3 )  Dwell on prophetic events.  I like to ponder prophetic events.  The age old question “when shall these things be” is one that I think on much.  Yet this too has a danger in that one can become unbalanced; focusing too much on coming attractions while neglecting the need to reach a dying world with the good news of new life in Jesus Christ.  If we’re not careful, the study of prophecy can turn into an academic endeavor instead of a motivation to set our affections on things above and occupy until Jesus comes. 

Another problem with over-dwelling on such is that one can develop a “romantic” idealism; proclaiming to be ready to endure unto the end, but not truly grasping what this may entail.  It’s easy to say “Lord I’m ready to endure any trial” when all is peaceful and the status quo is intact.  It’s a whole different ball game when our household is in want and the only way to obtain that which is needful is to take a mark.  I know that such talk is sobering to put it mildly.  I bring it up so that we can examine ourselves, get in close to the Lord Jesus and “know” that he’ll sustain us. 

I was thinking tonight while pulling out of the American Axle parking lot.  We need to be absolutely 100% “in love” with Jesus.   If we do this and have an eternal perspective on things, we’ll be ready when a stand must be taken; regardless of the cost.  If were truly abiding in Christ, his grace will be suficient for any situation.  As I write this, I’m pondering if I’m as ready as I would think.  I mean, when Peter declared that he was ready to lay down his life for Jesus, he was being serious.  All the more reason to seek the Lord and allow him to finish the good work that he’s started in us. 

I Corinthians 10:13  “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Regardless of what kind of a perdicament we find ourselves in, God is faithful.  There’s so much more that could be stated here, but it’s getting late.  The reasons for starting this second blog are many.  For one, it’s a topic of interest.  But far more than this, it’s a wake up call as to the lateness of the hour.  I pray that this post, along with ensuing additions to this site, will cause us to do the following:

( 1 )  Set our affections on things above; placing our complete trust in Jesus and looking for his appearing.

( 2 )  Do absolutely everything that we can do to reach the lost; realizing the lateness of the hour and that we never know what a day may bring.

( 3 )  Look at things from an eternal perspective.  We more clearly realize the temporal nature of the things that we see, hear and touch.  Physical realities which seem unmovable are merely a speck of dust in the context of the everlasting. 

Well, I’ll be going for now.  I pray that this post would stir any who read it to a closer relationship with Jesus.  This is the intent; that we all would have our lamps filled with oil and trimmed.  I know that this blog is quite empty.  I plan to add links (although not like the link-explosion that has taken place on Grace County) and some pages concerning various related items.  Until next time, I wish to all a blessed day in Jesus.