by David Brenneman
Although waiting can be one of the more difficult things in the Christian life, it’s not wasted time. God gives us instructions through periods of actively waiting, keeps us in step with His will, prepares us for His answers, and uses the time to sift our motives and strengthen our faith. When we choose to wait on Him, God will use the long pauses in our lives for our blessing—both large and unexpected—if we let Him. - Life Principle #14 Devotional, Dr. Charles Stanley.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" Isaiah 53:1.
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:36-42.
"Perhaps in the providence of God, we need to be reminded that we're living in the days of Noah. Both Jesus and Peter compare the days before the flood to those preceding the return of Christ. Jesus says, "They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all" Luke 17:27. Peter says, "The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water." In the same way, he said, the current earth is facing imminent judgment by fire 2 Peter 3:6.
We are Noahs--preachers of righteousness in an evil age, warning others of the judgment to come. Noah persevered in his day, and we must do the same. Let's flood the world with gospel truth! Today is a good day to share the Good news." - Dr. David Jeremiah June 19th devotional Walking with God.
We aren't to just silently live out a life of self-indulgent living until we die. We aren't to hoard God's blessings to ourselves when we know His Word says to pass it along to others. He who blessed you can do so again. We aren't to be silent while this boat of life taked on water and the ship threatens to sink.
Noah preached over a hundred years about the pending judgment. Noah, even after that time, was still the only worthy person to survive the judgment but was given his wife and his sons and their wives. Great mercy and grace was given to his wife and his children. They were just like the rest of the world, unworthy.
We live our daily lives striving to live an acceptable life in Christ. That's our purpose, that's our mission. Not to create our own Heaven here on Earth. Not to give sparingly to those in need but to give as the Spirit of us in Christ Jesus. The parable of the Good Samaritan. The man was given whatever he had needed in order to be saved from his current state.
The early Church gave in unrestricted abundance in order to help whomever had need.
We have the gospel to tell and show others, but are we being the Noah that we are to those in our world?
We wait during the difficult times of our lives at times in order to put us in the path of someone who needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We wait sometimes because we need to heal before WE can help others.
We have a purpose under Heaven that's ours to fulfill.
"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:10-16.
"So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12.
Are you being a light in this present time or are you trying to be the one who dies with the most toys?
Do those around you know of the salvation that you found in Christ Jesus?
There will be those who reject it. So it was in the days of Noah.
Jesus is returning soon. Will He find you at work in His fields or sleeping on the job?
You have a calling in Christ Jesus. The Word of God says that the gifts and callings of the Spirit of God are irrevocable. You WILL give an account of what YOU were given.
We're to be doers of the word and not just hearers only who have deceived themselves.
"For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:14-17.
There's quickly coming a time and date when Jesus will give a shout that will call all Believers to leave this world to forever be with Him. In that moment Judgment comes upon the world. The second great flood that is by fire.
"But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5
All New American Standard Bible Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. A corporation not for profit.
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