by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
Recent natural disasters bring to mind the signs of the
times Jesus talked about. Hurricanes carve paths of destruction across miles of
land. Volcanoes erupt and decimate all in their paths. Drought and floods kill
people and animals.
Each year the earth suffers violent weather patterns. We
prepare as much as possible for power outages, scarcity, and damage because we
want to protect property and lives.
But the most important part of our lives to protect is
our spiritual condition. With Halloween right around the corner, we are
reminded of how evil is glorified in the world today. Images of devils, ghosts,
and vampires cover lawns and store windows.
The signs of the times can indicate the return of Christ is near. And even if His second appearance is years away, we don't know when we will be leaving this earth in death.
Here are 3 ways we can prepare for meeting the Lord.
The first step to prepare for meeting the Lord is to
know Him. Knowing the Lord and submitting our lives to Him prepares us for
eternity but also for life on this earth. Jesus told His disciples that if the
world hated Him, it would hate them also. The spirit of anti-Christ is already
present in the world. Christians are being put to death, imprisoned, and
tortured all over the planet. Relationship with Christ keeps us strong in the
face of persecution.
The second step in preparing for the end of this age
is to have a deep knowledge of the Scriptures to avoid being deceived. The
devil can use signs and wonders as an imitation of God’s power to trick people
into following him. If anything doesn’t glorify Christ and uphold Him as the
Son of God, the doctrine isn’t the truth.
Woe to those who call evil
good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put
bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah
5:20 NKJV)
Third, we are not to be in fear. Jesus said, And when these things begin to come to pass, then look
up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28 KJV).
Our spiritual preparedness is not only for eternity but for
this life as well. In Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable of ten minas as an
illustration for His church to be occupied with His work until He comes back to
the earth. We are not supposed to hide in the hills, sitting around doing
nothing. Spreading the gospel is necessary until the church leaves the earth.
Hosea 4:6 tells us we are destroyed because we lack
knowledge. We can make sure we are not in that group if we will become grounded
in the Word of God to be ready for service on the earth and life in eternity.
Knowing who we are in Christ will give us the knowledge
and wisdom to navigate events that come our way.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
Wonderful counsel my friend. I pray this reaches many who are lost or unsure. Each day, as I see things worsening and moving faster towards the inevitable, I pray for peace of mind, clarity, spiritual discernment, and courage to face what it to come this day. My job? Endure. God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteThe day does appear to be getting closer. I also pray that people will hear the message of salvation and wake up to turn to the Lord. Thanks for sharing. J.D. Blessings!
DeleteThe topic of End Times arose during a dinner conversation last week. Someone expressed their stress and fears and it made me wonder how prevalent misconceptions about end times there are. She identifies as a Christian. I appreciate your post!
ReplyDeleteCandyce
There are so many theories out there about end times. We just need to trust the Lord and know He has us in His hands. No matter how it turns out, we will be with Him! Thanks for sharing, Candyce. Blessings!
DeleteI think of those who've faced persecution, torture, and martyrdom with incredibly staunch faith and courage. I wonder if I'll be able to do the same, should that be part of my future. Then I remember: I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). He WILL see me through whatever is required of me! (Lord God, keep me mindful of this promise and others, that I may honor you to the end. AMEN.)
ReplyDeleteYes, Nancy, so many have faced such suffering for their stand for Christ. I, like you, pray I would be that strong too. Thanks for sharing this encouraging word. Blessings!
DeleteThank you for the reminder to know the Lord and His Word so we don't have to fear what is to come.
ReplyDeleteHis Word is our strength and shield. Thanks for sharing, Joanna. Blessings!
DeleteBarbara, your message is a loving and encouraging reminder for us to "be ready!" The actions you recommend are right on target. The only way to be prepared is to have a close relationship with our Lord, study Scripture, and submit to God. Only then can we live in confidence in our relationship with Him and know we have a place with Him in eternity. That walk with our Lord, without living in fear, is a daily walk, study, prayer, and worship. Thank you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to look at current events, especially now with the attacks on Israel, and let fear in. But we know God is greater than any enemy. We do need to keep our walk with the Lord strong. Thanks for sharing, Katherine. Blessings!
DeleteIt does seems we are tumbling quickly towards the end and we need to all be ready. Thanks for your recommendations. I want to be ready. Thanks Barbara
ReplyDeleteI want to be ready too,Yvonne. I pray we can stand strong in the face of opposition during these days. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
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