Never Forgotten

“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16 ESV 

Part of the wonder concentrated in the word “behold” in today’s verse is generated by the unbelieving mourning of the sentence before it. Zion had said, “The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14 ESV). The divine mind seems to be amazed at this wicked unbelief! What could be more astounding than the unnecessary doubts and fears of God’s favored people? The Lord’s loving rebuke should make us blush—He cries, “How could I forget you, when I have engraved you on the palms of my hands? How dare you doubt that I always have you in mind, when the reminder is set on my very flesh?” Oh, unbelief, what a strange marvel you are. We don’t know which should have our greatest wonder—the faithfulness of God or the unbelief of His people. He keeps His promise a thousand times, yet the next trial makes us doubt Him. He never fails; He is never a dry well; He is never like a setting sun, a passing meteor, or a dissipating fog—and yet we are as continually bothered by anxieties, suspicions, and fears as if our God were a mirage in the desert. “Behold” is a word intended to excite admiration. Indeed, we have here a theme for marveling: heaven and earth are rightly astonished that rebels would obtain such a great nearness to the heart of infinite love as to be written on the palms of His hands. “I have engraved you”—it does not say, “I have engraved your name.” The name is certainly there, but that is not all: “I have engraved you.” See how full this is! I have engraved your person, your image, your condition, your circumstances, your sins, your temptations, your weaknesses, your wants, your works—I have engraved you, everything about you, all that concerns you. I have put every bit of you there, in my hands.” Will you ever again say that your God has forsaken you, when He has engraved you on His own palms? - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening 

Oh these days in which we live.  I was reading this morning again in Jeremiah and also in Hebrews.  Both have much to say on how God directs lives to be changed and how important it is to obey the Word of God. 

Some exiles who had come to Jeremiah for a word from God on which way to go, evidently didn't really consider what they were asking nor how the reply would be crafted.  They got a straight to the point answer.  If you go to Egypt you will die. Stay and you will live.  The intent of their heart was to get confirmation to go to Egypt.  They wanted to get away.  They were caught in how God replied. 

We live in a time where it sure feels like God's not listening.  But that couldn't be farther from the truth.  There is always work behind the scenes when it comes to Christ and the Holy Spirit.  

I admit that there is an ever present feeling of anxiety.  Evil people have exposed themselves as such in the politics of our country, and unlike in decades past, the media is helping them hide the truth.  I see posts of people praying concerning the President.  Maybe that's part of the point. To, as I have heard more than one Pastor say, get off their blessed assurance and do something.  Yes, I am of the opinion that for the first time in the history of our country, an election is being stolen.  

The ramifications will go well on after it.

Yet, for me, it comes back to prayer.  God has not forgotten nor forsaken His people in the United States.  He's calling on them to pray.  People have been trying to organize revivals for years.  Hate to break it to everyone, to all denominations, nobody on Earth can trigger a revival.  Only the Holy Spirit can do that. We can spend time, energy and effort trying to organize revivals but if the Spirit isn't there to cause it to happen it's not going to be successful. 

We who are in Christ are not forgotten, we are not forsaken.  It's indeed scary times. But if you have been reading your Bible, you would know that we were told these times were going to happen.  Jesus told us it would be this way. 

Bible Prophecy says a lot, it leaves out a lot too.  Such as a country like the United States.  Israel must stand alone at the beginning of the Tribulation period. We will be among the nations who will, at that time, not be standing with them.  Either God does something to our country to take us out of world affairs or we take ourselves out.  That covers everything from the political landscape to physical disasters.  At some point there has to be a rebirth of the old Roman Empire.  That's in Bible Prophecy. At some point there WILL be an elected, World Leader.  The nations of this world WILL give him all the authority to rules this planet.  Sounds crazy huh?  Well, my friend, look back even a dozen years.  The here and now look crazy compared to then. What's happening now everyone thought impossible. 

It's not easy keeping anxiety at bay.  For me, I tend to pray more.  God's door is always open to receive my prayers.  These words from these posts aren't necessarily from me.  God directs whatever is typed. 

Pray for our country. 

Pray for our President. 

Pray that the lies would be exposed. 

Pray that the truth would prevail. 

After all that...pray.

Look to the Light, not the Darkness before you

“I will pour water upon him that is thirsty.” Isaiah 44:3 NKJV 

When believers fall into low, sad spirits, they often try to lift themselves up by chastening themselves with dark and cheerless fears. That is not the way to rise from the dust, but to continue in it! You might as well chain an eagle’s wing and tell it to fly—it is the same thing as calling on doubt to increase our grace. It is not the law but the gospel that saves the seeking soul at first; and afterward, it is not a legal bondage but gospel liberty that can restore fainting believers. Oppressive fear does not bring backsliders to God, but the sweet wooing of love will draw us to Jesus’s embrace. This morning, are you thirsting for the living God, unhappy because you can’t find Him to delight your heart? Have you lost the joy of your religion? Is this your prayer: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12)? Are you conscious that you are barren, like dry ground, not producing the fruit for God that He has a right to expect of you? Do you sense that you are not as useful in the church or in the world as your heart desires to be? Then here is exactly the promise you need: “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty.” You will receive the grace you require, and you will have it to the farthest reaches of your need. Water refreshes the thirsty; you will be refreshed and your desires gratified. Water is needed for life; your life will be enlivened by fresh grace. Water swells the buds and makes the fruit ripen; you will have grace to produce fruit, and made fruitful in the ways of God. Whatever good quality is in divine grace, you will enjoy it to the full. You will receive the riches of divine grace in plenty—you will be drenched with it. Like the meadows are sometimes flooded by overflowing rivers, and the fields are turned into pools, you will be also—the thirsty land will be springs of water.

- C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening 

I can certainly relate to Spurgeon's opening statement.  For many many years I was in that state of mind. 

Right now, I suppose a great many people are wondering where that light of Christ is at.  The landscape seems so dark and dreary.  

I am reminded of the servant of Elijah.  When Elijah prayed that his servant would see what he saw himself.  

The true Church is not a defeated people.  Regardless of the attempts made by Satan over the last 2,000 years, he cannot defeat the Spirit of God. He is a fallen angel, one who once stood in the courts of God yet fell because he wanted to be God.

He is stirring up the masses because he can.  However, again, Scripture cannot be changed.  He that is in us was who are Christians is greater than he who is in the world.  

Worry doesn't become a believer in Jesus Christ.  When that knocks at the door of your mind, tell it to go away, Jesus is still on the Throne. 

We are just like Peter after he stepped out of the boat.  He started out strong at keeping his eyes on Jesus but soon was overcome by the situation rather than the one who controlled the situation. 

Jesus is stronger than anyone attempting to usurp His authority.  Nobody is able to stay His hand or command Him to explain Himself. 

Jesus is the light of the world.  He is who we need to look to and at in order not to sink in the waters of life. 

Look at the people in Jeremiah that were saved all because of one thing.  They believed the word of the Lord.  

Today, my dear reader, is your day, since you are indeed alive and breathing, to believe the word of the Lord. 

Today is your chance to pray for yourself and others. 

Today is your chance to focus on the true light of this world. 

Today is your chance to stand on His promises, not the desires of this world that is still in darkness. 

Today, pray for the peace that passes all understanding.  For you and those you know.  Nations will come and go but as Scripture says the Word of the Lord stands forever. 

Today, pray for the lies to be exposed and that justice would prevail.  If you can read, you can pray.  If you can worry, you can pray.  If you can be consumed by circular thoughts, you can pray.

Now is the time for the power of prayer to overcome whatever is bothering you. 

For me, I have work to be done, and I make it a point to pray before doing it. My next step is to do it as unto the Lord.  No shortcuts. Do it right the first time.  Not being distracted by off ramps on this highway of life that promise great things that are only there to derail my walk with God. 

We can all easily sit and be enraged, doing nothing, or be engaged in prayer, doing something. 

A Hope and a Future

No weapon turned against you will succeed. Isaiah 54:17 NLT 

This day is notable in English history for two great deliverances by God. First, on this day in 1605, the Catholic “Gunpowder Plot” to destroy the Houses of Parliament was discovered: While for our princes they prepare In caverns deep a burning snare, He shot from heaven a piercing ray, And the dark treachery brought to day. “A Song for the Fifth of November,” Philip Doddridge (18th century) Secondly, today is the anniversary of the landing of King William III at Torbay in 1688, by which religious liberty was secured. This day ought to be celebrated, not by the excesses of youth but by the songs of saints. Our Puritan forefathers devoted a special time to thanksgiving. There are records of the annual sermons preached by the Bible commentator Matthew Henry on this day. Our Protestant feeling and our love of liberty should make us regard November 5 with holy gratitude. Let our hearts and lips exclaim, “O God, we have heard it with our own ears—our ancestors have told us of all you did in their day, in days long ago” (Psalm 44:1 NLT). You have made England the home of the gospel; and when enemies have risen against her, you have shielded her. Help us to offer repeated songs for repeated deliverances. Grant us more and more a hatred of the spirit of Antichrist, and speed the day of its extinction. Until then and forever, we believe the promise, No weapon turned against you will succeed. Shouldn’t it be laid on the heart of every lover of Jesus’s gospel to plead for the overturning of false doctrines and the extension of divine truth? Wouldn’t it be good to search our own hearts, and evict any hidden beliefs and attitudes that go against God’s Word?

- C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening 

But wisdom is justified by all her children.

Luke 7:35

The world is full of “experts.” There are people everywhere who want to convince you of the wisdom of their opinion. Yet God says that it is not the one who declares his viewpoint the most loudly or vociferously who is the wisest, but the one who is vindicated over time.

Wisdom is not proven by argument or debate. Wisdom is proven over time. Some people adamantly proclaim that their opinion is best. Regardless of how convincingly these people defend their viewpoint, time is the best judge of their wisdom. The result of a practice proves its validity, not how loudly it is promoted. When you seek to obey what God has told you, you will sometimes meet resistance and criticism from others who disagree with the wisdom of your actions. Your immediate response may be the urge to vindicate yourself. However, if you wait patiently, time will reveal the wisdom of your actions far better than you could through argument.

Through the ages, the wisdom found in God's Word has been tested and proven true. It is critical that you measure everything you hear against the Scriptures. Trends in psychology and philosophy come and go, but God's Word is timeless. Whenever you share an opinion in counseling someone else, make sure that it comes from the Scripture and not merely from your best thinking. As long as you base your life choices on the Word of God, time will be your defender and will validate the wisdom of your choices. If, over time, you clearly see you are wrong, ask God's forgiveness and seek a fresh word from God through the Scripture. Then obey that word and watch to see God confirm His wisdom in your life. - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day 

A probably strange title considering what you just read from Blackaby and Spurgeon.   

But put them together and you will see what I think God is leading us to.

We live in certainly uncertain times.  The world of public opinion is overrun by controlling interest groups.  Long gone are the days of impartial journalism.  All forms of media are being influenced by political institutions.  It goes farther than you think, to where it's political manipulation to try to silence the Church.  

Every nation that has existed since Adam and Eve has had a set time in history ordained by God.  There has been no nation formed that hasn't existed by His permission.  The wages of the sins of nations is inevitably going to catch up with that nation.  King Nebuchadnezzar was chosen of God to be the defacto world Leader.  He brought all nations into subjection under his authority. Yet by no means was Babylon left guiltless.  The Chaldeans were a chosen people by God to bring judgment against Jerusalem. In the Scriptures it is clear that in spite of that, they were judged as well. 

Words are the weapons of today's world. Words are used against people daily.  If you choose to defend yourself you can be shredded by your own words.  

It's imperative that we choose our words. 

It's imperative that we live as God intended for us regardless of what the world says. 

God will always fight the battles of those who are walking with Him as the Bible directs. 

It's not our opinion that needs to win the day.  It's our obedience to God that needs to win the day. 

We also must be careful of speculation concerning God's actions and motives.  Thousands of books have been written claiming to understand what God wants to do in your life and in the events of our day. 

Let this be clear as crystal: no modern day writers, none in the last 2,000 years, have been called upon to add to the Scriptures. 

Their wisdom is pale in comparison to God's Word.  Their views on things pertaining to end times or politics pales in comparison to the wisdom found in the Word of God. 

Ephesians tells us what the whole armor of God looks like.  No where in it is a library of books to carry in addition to the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  People are going to try to tell what they think about the fates of people and nations.  They will tell you what they believe about the United States in Bible prophecy. Worldly people will tell you that the best is yet to come for the United States.  The truth of Scripture is we are not mentioned in the Bible.  Either we take ourselves out of the world picture or something takes us out.  It's clear in Revelation and other places Israel stands alone.  They work out a percieved treaty with a Global Leader. They. Not them and an unnamed Country. 

We likely are in the death throes of the history of the world.  Historically speaking when morality is thrown aside the fall isn't much later.  

A peace and a hope is only to be found in Christ.  Not in the promises or premise of world opinion.  It isn't found in governments.  If indeed you want to be situated so that no weapons formed against you will prosper, live as Jesus says for you in your life.  Stop looking at myths and speculation on world events and look to God's Word for true wisdom. 

As I write this...it does concern me that we could be looking at the fall of America. But my faith isn't in political parties. My faith is in Jesus Christ and His promises. No man on earth can void a promise from God. All things that reach me in this world have to go through the fingers of Jesus Christ. I am safely in His hands. That's His promise. 

Prayer has been the heavy message in these posts. So has being in your Bible. Think that maybe God is trying to tell you where to be?

All Believers have a Call to Duty

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers 

in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Timothy was a sincere young man who earnestly desired to serve the Lord. Yet certain weaknesses in Timothy's life hindered him from serving God confidently. Timothy was very young to be a religious leader, and apparently some doubted his abilities. Timothy had a tender nature and was sickly (1 Tim. 5:23). His was an inauspicious beginning for a young minister of the gospel in an age of persecution!

Paul urged Timothy not to allow his youthful insecurity to blunt his zeal and faithfulness in doing what God had told him. Rather than arguing with those who criticized Timothy, Paul urged him to live as an example of godliness. Paul advised Timothy to live a life that was so spotless in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity that his life could serve as a model for others in the church to follow. Timothy's life was to be the evidence that God had called him. God looked beyond Timothy's youth, timidity, and physical weakness and saw his sincere heart.

As you seek to follow God's will, you may identify with Timothy. Perhaps some things about you seem to disqualify you from serving the Lord effectively. You may be sensitive because you are a new Christian or because you come from a sinful past. Perhaps you have little education or money or social status. You may have previously experienced failure in your service for God. Don’t allow this to intimidate you from following God's will. Your area of weakness may be God's means of demonstrating His strength (2 Cor. 12:9). Allow God to demonstrate His call upon you by transforming your life into a model of godliness.- Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day 

In Corinthians Paul describes the body of Christ and compares it to a physical body. 

There are always going to be people who base their successes and their failures by what their life looks like with other people. 

I am no Paul. I am not an Andrew or a John.  I am not you, nor is there anyone out there who is me.  My writing isn't my own.  It is compelled by the Spirit.  I go back later to read what I posted and it blows my mind.  Where did it come from?

Prayer began long ago, farther back than you may think, concerning me. It was prayer that guided my parents.  Prayer that saw me through some beyond rough patches in life.  Prayer changes people. 

Prayer helps answer the question of what God's Will is for the life of the believer.  The most obvious is to read and obey the Scriptures. To get specific about careers and use of talents learned takes time to understand.  We are a microwave society. We ask Amazon for something and expect it within a certain timeframe.  We type something in Google and expect results in seconds to our queries. 

God isn't a genie.  He isn't the ultimate incarnation of Amazon mixed with Google.  He isn't there only as our provider.  He is our protector. He is our Creator. He is our Savior. He is the Potter while we are the clay.  He directs the nations. He moves this person to interact with that person.  He removes sin and washes wounds.  He is outside of time, we are in it. 

Many misconceptions have been taught concerning God.  Satan loves to twist and manipulate Scripture to his own ends.  He has tried to hijack the promise of God in the rainbow.  He has tried to hijack the depiction of Noah's Ark.  It isn't a lovely children's story.  The Lord directs 2 of every kind of animal and insect on the planet to the Ark and floods the world after He shuts Noah and his family in that Ark.  Billions die of drowning and the ensuing global disaster. 

We each, who are believers, have a role and responsibility in the body of Christ. Protecting the Scriptures is the job of the Holy Spirit, through us. Teaching the whole counsel of God is the role of men called by God for that purpose.  Not women. 

There's plenty of turmoil in this world.  But, as Blackaby points out, prayer is a constant communication tool between us and God.  Prayer - should - bring out the truth in the hearts of believers before God.

Prayer shouldn't be lists only. But heartfelt thanks and petitions.  Prayer shouldn't end because we stood up to go do something. 

Prayer is your personal God given right to always be able to enter the Throne room of your Savior.  

There is only one way to Heaven.  It isn't through any other means but through Christ. Prayer is always at your right hand. 

Do you pray?  There's nothing formal about it.  It's your heart speaking to the heart of God.  It's going to reveal things in your life that need to change.  It's going to show you where you have grown. It's going to show you things you never would have seen without Jesus. 

Those who are believers have a purpose in the body of Christ.  In the parable of the worker's in the fields.  None were specifically told what to go do in the field. But to go. They would be shown after they obeyed the call to go. None came running out of the fields due to what was asked of them. 

So instead of a life lived for ourselves, ask God what He wants of you to do.  

Oh to hear your Prayer

Oh, to hear your prayer...

“Behold, he is praying.” Acts 9:11 ESV 

In heaven, prayers are instantly noticed. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor, brokenhearted person bends the knee but can only utter a prayer in the language of sighs and tears. Yet that groan makes all the harps of heaven thrill with music; your weeping has been captured by God and treasured in the depository of heaven. “You have collected all my tears in your bottle” (Psalm 56:8 NLT) implies that they are caught as they flow. Even if fear prevents our praying in words, we will be well understood by the Most High. We may only look up with misty eyes, but prayer is “the falling of a tear,” as James Montgomery wrote. Tears are the diamonds of heaven, and sighs are part of the music of Jehovah’s court, numbered with “the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high.” Never think that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will go unheard. Jacob’s ladder is high, but our prayers will hang on the angel of the covenant, climbing with him on his starry rounds. Our God not only hears prayer, He loves to hear prayer: “He does not forget the cry of the afflicted” (Psalm 9:12 ESV). True, He does not pay attention to high looks and lofty words; He doesn’t care for the pomp and pageantry of kings; He disregards the swell of martial music; He does not respect the triumph and pride of humanity. But wherever there is a heart full of sorrow, a lip quivering with agony, a deep groan, or a repentant sigh, the heart of Jehovah is open. He marks us down in His registry of memory. He puts our prayers, like rose leaves, between the pages of His book of remembrance; when that volume is finally opened, a precious fragrance will spring up from it. Faith asks no signal from the skies, To show that prayers accepted rise; Our Priest is in His holy place, And answers from the throne of grace. “O God, Who Didst Thy Will Unfold,” Josiah Conder (1836) - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening 

My friend, please do not be disappointed nor discouraged by your efforts at praying to the Most High God of the Scriptures. 

We have several in our lives that take to discouraging us in our lives.  Our sin nature, obviously Satan's minions, and those in the world.  

Yet every spoken or unspoken prayer instantly finds itself heard in Heaven at the Throne of God. 

But why hasn't He answered? You may ask.  I ask you to turn your attention to the book of Daniel.  Read what is said of the battles that rage concerning answering prayer.  Battles rage, even though Satan is a defeated foe.  He has lost, yet is also a sore loser, who will try to use discouragement to disable believers. 

Oh how this is a truth in my life.  I have heard many a man and woman pray in their own way towards the God of Heaven. 

I have prayed on and off again about the same things and the big picture is God's working on it. The small picture that I often see is nothing is moving.  I continue to pray because that's what I have to do. Daniel didn't stop praying because he didn't get an answer.  

What is grandly difficult for believers to comprehend is that our understanding of an answer to prayer isn't always going to be what God does in response to prayer. 

I have heard many Godly men speak on the ways that God answers prayer. 

To put it all together, He answers in one of a few ways. 

No.

Yes.

Not right now. 

Wait, I have something better in mind. 

Prayer isn't a one-way list of needs and wants handed off to Jesus. 

Prayer is a change. A what? Yes, a change. 

When Jacob prayed an honest prayer about his brother Esau, God changed the attitude of his brother, but He also changed Jacob.

Saul, in all his misdirected zeal against Christianity in its infancy, was indeed praying to God throughout his life. On the road to Damascus, God changed Saul forever.  

Even Samson was changed by his last prayer.  He finally let go of himself and prayed the way he should have and God used his death to glorify God.

There is no small or great way to pray.

The honest and pure of heart is the one who prays the best.  Be it a child or an adult. Matters not.  

I still have things that stress me in life.  I have learned to pray conversationally more than any other way.  Look at Moses and David.  Moses was known as a friend of God. David was knownas as a man after God's own heart.  How did they get to be that way?  By being honest with themselves and with God.  Realizing there is nothing hidden in their hearts that Jesus doesn't see.

I have read of people describing our letting Christ into our hearts and lives as opening the door of our hearts and He comes in.  

Some believe He sits in that entryway and only goes into the rooms of our hearts as we let Him.  

My friend, Jesus isn't your Butler. He isn't your servant to only do as your heart desires. He is in your heart for to change it.  He will and has gone into every single room of your heart. Knows every secret. Knows every careless thought. Knows every intention behind your every action or thought.  He is God and we are not. 

Prayer is your heart speaking to His. Prayer is going to bring change because that's what prayer does. 

Prayer can be a thought, a word or a tear.

Prayer connects us to Jesus when all around us says it's impossible. 

I am still a work in progress.  My conversations with Jesus aren't with big words or grand thoughts.  They are probably the most disconnected things that have come out of me, but He understands.  

Are you a doer or a procrastinator?

Therefore, to him who knows to do good 

and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 4:17

It is never a minor thing to know God's will and not do it. God calls this sin. We can make excuses for our lack of obedience: “I’m just not ready yet” or “I’ll do it later!” or “I don’t think it will make a difference” or “I can’t afford to!” We rationalize, we procrastinate; yet, in God's eyes, rationalization and procrastination are nothing more than disobedience. At times we deceive ourselves into thinking that good intentions equal obedient actions. They do not. A good intention without corresponding activity is disobedience. When we encounter God and He gives us a direction, it is not enough to write down the date in our spiritual journal, or even to tell our friends and church of our “decision.” God's call is not to “make a decision” but to obey! Deciding to obey is not equal to obeying (Matt. 21:28–31)! Loudly affirming the necessity of obedience is not the same as obeying (Luke 6:46). Making commitments, even publicly, is not the same as obeying our Lord. Substituting our own good works is not the same as obeying.

God told King Saul to wait until the prophet Samuel arrived. Instead of waiting, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered a sacrifice. Saul discovered, to his deep dismay, that other acts of supposed piety do not take the place of obeying a clear command from God (1 Sam. 15:22). As with Saul, God expects you to obey everything exactly as He tells you. Only obedience satisfies God's desire for obedience! - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day 

It isn't enough to just come to Christ and be saved.  

It isn't enough to have good intentions when it comes to living for Jesus. 

It isn't enough to maybe attend Church and then live like the world the other 6 days. Or even 6 and a half days. 

It isn't enough to read your Bible then do nothing with what you read. 

It isn't enough to put a sticker on your car about following Jesus. 

It isn't enough.

Read the letters to the Churches in Revelation.  Those are also time periods of the Church age.  Have you lived like you have forgotten your first love, which is Jesus Christ? 

Are you more fired up over sports and politics than you are for what you found in Scripture?

Do you honestly flirt with idolatry by what you wear versus what comes out of your actions? 

The questions asked aren't just for you, my friend,  but for all who claim that Jesus is their Savior. 

Idolatry is the crux of the fall of every nation.  Sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, has destroyed many nations because God will not tolerate it.

The killing of the innocent does not fall on deaf ears with God.  He promised justice for such acts and justice will be served. 

What has Jesus asked of you?  Are you doing it?  That is the most important question you have today.  Not what you are going to wear or eat.  Are you obeying your Savior or are you living for yourself?

We all have choices to make.  What you choose you, my friend, will give an of before Jesus.  Do you have zeal for a sports team but none for Jesus?  Do you think more highly of that then your walk with God?  These are for you to look in the mirror and decide.  Will you willingly spend hours watching and whooping it up over a sports team yet won't give Jesus 15 minutes or more?  Who died for you? Who took your place on the cross? Who is the one you hope to spend eternity with?  Will you really spend hours reveling in idolatry?

Because any glory due to God that is given to another is called idolatry. 

What are you doing to cultivate your walk with Jesus? Anything?  

I have my own moments of reflection.  I am not happy with me most of the time.  While possibly successful at work, it honestly takes me from doing a greater good.  While recreational things have their place, they should not take God's place. 

The facts are this:

Jesus died so that you might live. 

This world is perishing.  

Jesus is returning soon. 

We are the workers in the fields He referred to in the Gospels. 

Are you working or being lazy?

Are you investing what you were given or did you hide it under a rock until Christ returns?

Are reading your Bible every day?

Do you even consider praying for your food?

Do you at all spend time with Jesus just for the fact that it's Him who wants time with you?

Do you pray for all the people whom God brings your way? Any?

People today blame the state of their countries on politics. 

The truth of Scripture is its the people who either live for Jesus or don't that direct the nations. 

You want peace and prosperity? Get more people to live for Jesus and God's promises follow for that nation.  It's not a hidden promise or is it remotely a secret.  Jesus stated it plainly.  

The problem with intense prosperity is we as humans tend to stop relying on God.  We start living life like we arrived and no longer are in danger. 

When Jesus returns what will He say about your life? Will you be trying to use excuses or will the evidence show a life lived as He intended?

It will be written again...the second Days of Noah

“People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 24:39 NLT 

The doom was universal, and neither rich nor poor escaped. The learned and the illiterate, the admired and the abhorred, the religious and the profane, the old and the young—all of them sank in one common ruin. Some had doubtless ridiculed Noah—where was their laughter now? Others had probably threatened him for his zeal, which they considered madness—where were their boasting and tough words now? The critic who judged the old man’s work was drowned in the same sea that covered his sneering companions. Those who spoke in patronizing tones of the good man’s faithfulness to his convictions—but did not share those convictions—have sunk to rise no more. The workers who were paid to help build the ark are also lost. The flood swept them all away, without a single exception. In the same way, apart from Christ, destruction is certain for every man or woman ever born. No rank or possession or character quality will be sufficient to save a single soul who has not believed in Jesus. Oh, my soul—consider this widespread judgment and tremble. The general apathy of Noah’s day was incredible. People were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the awful morning dawned. There was not one wise person on earth outside the ark. Folly duped the entire race. There was folly as to self-preservation, which is the most foolish of all follies. There was folly in doubting the most true God, which is the most evil of foolishness. Isn’t it strange? All people neglect their souls until grace gives them the ability to reason. At that point, they leave their madness and act like rational beings, but not before. Thanks be to God, all in the ark were safe—no harm reached them. From the huge elephant down to the tiny mouse, all were safe. The timid rabbit was equally secure with the courageous lion, the helpless mole as safe as the ponderous ox. All are safe in Jesus. My soul, are you in Him? - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening 

Many have taught on the subject of the return of Christ. Many Preachers, those who withholding not the whole counsel of God, tell it as it is and as it will be.

After the 7 year Tribulation, books will be written of that time that happened before it. They will be about how indeed the truth of the Scriptures was there. That indeed it was like the days of Noah. In an instant the believers in Christ Jesus were swept away to forever be with Him.  That those now living are alive due to God's Grace and Mercy.  At least that will probably be how the writers will begin the thousand year reign of Christ.  

People today are exactly like those before the floodwaters were unleashed.  The only, provable, difference being they were smarter than all today.  We cannot duplicate nor explain the use of certain fossils unearthed.  Actual transistors that channeled well over 50,000 volts.  Only the arrogant believes that we are smarter now.  

Smarter isn't better.  Scripture says and billions have proven it that knowledge puffs up. It brings arrogance and pride. It says that it knows more than God. 

My friend, take off your rose colored glasses, see the world and your life as it really is.  Stop struggling to just survive.  Stop looking to political parties for salvation. Don't look to people or people groups to side with you to survive.  The only way to truly live is through Jesus Christ.  Through the receiving of the free Gift of Salvation.  To let go of what we trust most in this world and embrace the Creator of this world. 

You're never going to make it on your own. 

You can't do enough good to erase a single sin.  We all have countless billions of sins.  The only way is to come to Christ to have Him stand in our place when judgment says we are guilty on all counts. In Christ He did that for me.  I stood condemned.  Jesus took my place on Calvary. He took the full brunt of the wrath of God on Himself to save a wretch like me.  He loved me that much.  

The people in Noah's day in Noah's family looked forward to the cross of Christ.  We look back to it.  The people in Noah's day heard the same Gospel message as you do now.  They heard of what was about to come and they laughed and mocked him. 

My friend are you doing the same about the return of Christ? Are you? Are you dismissing the very idea that Christ is real or that even if He is, that He would return to pour out wrath?  All because someone said that God wouldn't do that because He is a God of love?   

Consider this: every single thing that Noah told the people of his day...happened. Every single word. 

Your opinion doesn't change God's facts.

Your thoughts of life and how you think it ought to be doesn't change God's facts. 

Your stubborn refusal to resist that call of Jesus to your heart doesn't change God's facts.  

The people of Noah's day said, thought and did the exact same thing.  If all that you have heard about the 'myth' of Noah's flood isn't true...why is it a scientifically proven fact that all genetic evidence points back to 1 family?  If none of this God stuff is real, then as Paul said, we of all are the most to be pitied! Yet...all the evidence points to yes there was a global flood.  Yes, there was a single family saved.  Nobody else survived it. God's words through Noah happened exactly as he preached. 

So where are you?  Still in disbelief?

Still holding onto luck and chances?

Still believing in karma?  Still believing anything that doesn't let you see that the truth of sin in your life?

The time is running out.  Soon all that speaks of the truth of God will be considered illegal due to the fact that the new World Leader that will come after the Rapture of the Church will demand that the world worship him.  People will still be saved throughout the Rapture but at great cost.  

Do you really want to hold onto whatever it is you are holding onto?

Now is the time to come to Christ.  Now is the time.