No Secrets

 

No Secrets

Revelation 17: ³ The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a red beast that had names insulting to God written all over it; the beast had seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and covered with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup full of obscene and filthy things, the result of her immorality. ⁵ On her forehead was written a name that has a secret meaning: “Great Babylon, the mother of all prostitutes and perverts in the world.” ⁶ And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's people and the blood of those who were killed because they had been loyal to Jesus.

 

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Wanting to be “successful” I took classes and obtained mentors to guide me to the top. Little did I know that in order to be in the “in” crowd”, I would be subject to secrets. One guy would use the company jet to bring prostitutes to private islands.

 

• I had to decide if the climb was worth keeping the secret.
• I had to decide to align with people who did things that were against my beliefs.
• I had to decide if I would join in, or look the other way or leave.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, had the HOLY SPIRIT take control of him and was allowed to be carried by the angel to a desert where he saw a great city that fooled people into their lustful actions. The woman (city) was drunk with the thought of GOD losing HIS power because of the death of HIS people.

 

My Observations:

• GOD can see my hidden motives to take control from HIM.
• GOD can see my innermost desires, not matter how disgusting they may be.
• GOD can see anything hidden, and HE will make it known, even the things that fool me.

 

There is nothing hidden from GOD. I mean, even when I try to fool myself, GOD sees the deep rooted hidden desire and exposes it. Since I can be fooled and I don’t know my motives, what hope is there for me? Plenty!

 

GOD wants me to know myself enough to confess where I fall short so I can confess this to HIM, so HE would cleanse me of the things I can so easily fall into. HE wants me to have HIS name on my forehead, carrying HIS message boldly so all can see it and return back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the HOLY SPIRIT wanted to show the writer this image?
• Have you ever been in a situation where if you kept a secret you would be paid, even if it went against your morals?
• Would you be willing to trade your morals to fit in or would you stand firm for what GOD wants from you today?

Nothing Left

Nothing Left

Revelation 16: ¹⁷ Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl in the air. A loud voice came from the throne in the temple, saying, “It is done!” ¹⁸ There were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, and a terrible earthquake. There has never been such an earthquake since the creation of human beings; this was the worst earthquake of all! ¹⁹ The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of all countries were destroyed. God remembered great Babylon and made her drink the wine from his cup—the wine of his furious anger. ²⁰ All the islands disappeared, all the mountains vanished. ²¹ Huge hailstones, each weighing as much as a hundred pounds, fell from the sky on people, who cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because it was such a terrible plague.

 

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Hearing about the store closure, I went to purchase some items at a discount. The first week of the closure, there were plenty of items, but ion the last week, there was nothing left but an empty store.

 

• Everything was gone and the store looked strange.
• Even the shelves were removed and it no longer looked like a store.
• The store was no longer a store.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the seventh and final angel pour out the seventh bowl in the air. An earthquake shook all the planet and every city, mountain and island was destroyed. To make matters worse, hailstones, that usually weigh an ounce, weighed one hundred pounds, and fell from the sky causing great harm. This final plague caused people to curse GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s plan to take down Satan’s kingdom will be final and unmatched.
• Everyone will know when GOD has completely unleashed HIS anger.
• Only those who believe in JESUS will be spared from the plagues.

 

Belief in JESUS is only the beginning. I mean, many people who believe there is a heaven or hell, try to believe in JESUS to stay out of hell. BUT GOD wants so much more. HE wants me to have a loving relationship with HIM and HIS people.

 

HE wants more than for me to fear everlasting punishment. HE wants me to have the best from HIM and HE promised to give HIS best to those who love the LORD> I am glad HE gave me people to serve and prayers to give to HIM!

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about this last plague?
• Have you ever seen a building demolished or the aftermath of a natural disaster?
• Will you seek GOD for a relationship that is loving, versus seeking GOD for what you can get today?

Fighting Nature

Fighting Nature
 

Revelation 9: Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet. I saw a star which had fallen down to the earth, and it was given the key to the abyss.  ² The star opened the abyss, and smoke poured out of it, like the smoke from a large furnace; the sunlight and the air were darkened by the smoke from the abyss. ³ Locusts came down out of the smoke upon the earth, and they were given the same kind of power that scorpions have. ⁴ They were told not to harm the grass or the trees or any other plant; they could harm only the people who did not have the mark of God's seal on their foreheads. ⁵ The locusts were not allowed to kill these people, but only to torture them for five months. The pain caused by the torture is like the pain caused by a scorpion's sting. ⁶ During those five months they will seek death, but will not find it; they will want to die, but death will flee from them.

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On our way home from vacation, we stopped at a rest area to stretch our legs and use the bathroom. I was the first one out and I noticed a sign, pointing to a path. Not ready to end my vacation just yet, I asked “Would you all like to see the path?” “Yes” was the reply. Once inside we got swarmed by mosquitos!

 

• I got bit by multiple mosquitos.
• I was stung in awkward places like my ankle, the top of my head and my elbow.
• I was uncomfortable for about a week or ten days.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the fifth angel blow his trumpet. He saw nature move in different ways. A star, an abyss and locusts with special instructions were used to carry out GOD’s fifth part of tearing down Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• Things that I observe to have no intelligence, such as a star, can be used by GOD for HIS plan.
• GOD has complete command over nature and has a plan to use it for HIS purpose.
• At some point GOD will unleash nature against those who do not believe in HIM, HIS SON and HIS power.

 

Fighting nature is impossible, because it equates to fighting GOD. I mean, I can seek food, shelter and clothing as my basic necessities, but they are limited when it comes to fighting GOD. HE has the power to command nature to do as HE pleases.

 

Any past observations of how nature should act will be thrown out the window, because GOD will tell it to perform in a prescribed way that will baffle humans. HE will protect those who believe in HIS SON by telling nature not to harm HIS children.

 

Challenge

• What parts of nature does the writer observe?
• Some bugs emerge every seventeen years, so is it so far fetched that GOD can use locusts?
• Will you focus on your relationship with CHRIST to not only avoid plagues, but to have an abundant life today?

Wish You Weren’t Here

Wish You Weren’t Here

Revelation 8: ¹³ Then I looked, and I heard an eagle that was flying high in the air say in a loud voice, “O horror! horror! How horrible it will be for all who live on earth when the sound comes from the trumpets that the other three angels must blow!”

 

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Stopping off at the postcard stand, I grabbed one and wondered what to write. Yes, I said postcard. It had an image of where I was on vacation and space to write a note on the back and it could be mailed, so people could share in the experience. Someone suggested writing “Wish you were here!”

 

• I wanted the person to share in the experience.
• I wished that the person I was writing to could be there experiencing what I was experiencing.
• I was going through an enjoyable time so I wished everyone could experience the same.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an eagle flying high in the sky. It said a warning that the next three trumpets would bring on extremely rough times, like never before, for those who lived on earth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s power is sometimes misunderstood.
• GOD has patience and HE gives us enough warning to be ready for HIS plan.
• It us up to me to be ready for the return of CHRIST, which will be a terrible day for those who have not put their trust in HIM.

 

Kingdom demolition is not a popular subject, but is necessary. I mean, we like storybook endings that say everything will be alright for everyone. BUT GOD says something different. HE warns us of HIS plan to tear down Satan’s kingdom. During that time, everyone will wish they weren’t here.

 

Everything will be alright for those who love the LORD and put their trust in HIM. But when HE returns, HE will judge those who have not put their trust in HIM or who have manipulated HIS words to get their way. GOD doesn’t play. HE provides ample time and fair warning for me to get my life straight and to align with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Did the writer capture what seems to be the eye of the storm?
• What do you think will happen when JESUS returns?
• Will you put your total trust in JESUS so HE can guide you in this life as well as in eternity today?

Fish and Ships

Fish and Ships

Revelation 8: ⁸ Then the second angel blew his trumpet. Something that looked like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea was turned into blood, ⁹ a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

 

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Fishing at a stocked lake was enjoyable. We caught several fish that were noteworthy. We went to other lakes that had fish at one point, but upon returning, the lakes seemed dead. “What happened to all the fish?” I pondered.

 

• I enjoyed fishing.
• I have seen lakes with fish jumping out of the water.
• I never wondered what it would be like if there were no fish.

 

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears the second of seven trumpets blown. This second step of taking down Satan’s kingdom, was focused on the sea. A third of the fish and ships were killed and destroyed, more than likely to affect tourism, commercial fishing and goods and services trading.

 

My Observations:

• GOD doesn’t seem to be afraid of destroying the earth HE created, because HE is powerful enough to protect humans.
• Once GOD cursed something, there is no power to turn it back into being blessed.
• GOD’s people who believe in JESUS as the Savior will not have to experience a second death.

 

Destruction is usually an attribute we do not like to give to GOD, but is necessary. I mean, HE tells us what is coming and how HE will do it. We have to believe HE is going to do what HE says HE will do.

 

GOD warns us so we can have plenty of time to get in alignment with HIM. HE laid out HIS plan as clear as possible, showing us HE will take down Satan’s kingdom and bring HIS kingdom into full glory. This is not a time to be scared, but it is not a time to rejoice either, for GOD does not wish anyone to perish. This is a time to prepare.

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about writing this?
• Have you ever asked GOD to show HIS plan to you?
• Since HE has shown HIS plan, do you agree with HIS methods or does it raise more questions?
• Will you seek a different set of questions and allow HIS plan for your life to be shown to you without trying to steer GOD into getting your way but HIS?

Nature’s Closing

Nature’s Closing

Revelation 8: ⁶ Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.

⁷ The first angel blew his trumpet. Hail and fire, mixed with blood, came pouring down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees, and every blade of green grass.

 

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Going to a department store that a famous building was named after seemed like a fun trip. People were everywhere and the smell of popcorn whiffed from one area of the store. This store seemed invincible because they had “everything.” But one day, after a century of business, they announced the store closing.

 

• I went into a store and there was not much left.
• I saw that a third of everything was gone and the place looked empty.
• Every sale was final and there would be no more replenishment.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the first angel blow the trumpet. This was the first sound after the silence brought on by the opening of the seventh seal. This marked the beginning of seven more steps in tearing down Satan’s kingdom. A third of all earth’s resources were burned up.

 

My Observations:

• Salvation is quite merciful and should be transformative.
• GOD said what HE would do, so my life should change to reflect my belief in HIS warning.
• GOD’s people do not have to worry about HIS wrath because JESUS saved us.

 

Trying to change GOD’s mind about tearing down Satan’s kingdom is futile. I mean, JESUS gave HIS all to have a relationship with us and HE told us what HE is going to do. Unfortunately, many people do not want to hear that GOD will take care of Satan in a powerful, unprecedented way.

 

Salvation is more than avoiding wrath. GOD has incredible love. Those who believe in JESUS will be spared from this wrath, BUT HE wants more than fear. HE wants a relationship with HIS creation and it take transformation of our mindset to “belong” to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Are the writer’s words scary?
• Have you ever seen something plentiful, then saw it not as plentiful?
• Will you turn fear into dedication by being transformed to serve GOD the way HE desires today?

Unprecedented

 Unprecedented

Revelation 6: ¹² And I saw the Lamb break open the sixth seal. There was a violent earthquake, and the sun became black like coarse black cloth, and the moon turned completely red like blood. ¹³ The stars fell down to the earth, like unripe figs falling from the tree when a strong wind shakes it. ¹⁴ The sky disappeared like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. ¹⁵ Then the kings of the earth, the rulers and the military chiefs, the rich and the powerful, and all other people, slave and free, hid themselves in caves and under rocks on the mountains. ¹⁶ They called out to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the eyes of the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb! ¹⁷ The terrible day of their anger is here, and who can stand up against it?”

 

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Asleep one night, we felt something. “Was that an earthquake?” I asked. I had never experienced an earthquake, so it was hard to describe the sensation of everything shaking without a storm being present. It was a small earthquake.

 

• I was somewhat curious about an earthquake.
• I wondered what an earthquake felt like.
• I went right back to sleep because nothing was disturbed in the house.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the LAMB open the sixth seal. Immediately there was an unprecedented violent earthquake. that shook the entire planet. As volcanos erupted, the sky would be filled with ash causing the sun to look dark and the moon to appear blood red. Possibly, fragments blown in the sky rained down like fiery stars. No one would mistake this Day.

 

My Observations:

• The Day of the LORD will not be mistaken.
• People will see GOD’s power unlike never before.
• No one will have to guess if GOD is angry, because HE will display it with unmatched fury!

 

Talking about the wrath of GOD is quite unpopular, but necessary. I mean, we want GOD to be nice, gentle and forgiving, which HE is. BUT HE also revealed what HE would do to Satan’s kingdom and that we should not ignore it like it will not happen.

 

In this sixth step of tearing down Satan’s temporary kingdom, GOD shows power that every nation would see and feel. No place would be spared. The Good News is, JESUS is not angry with those who believe in HIM. This HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Is the description the writer gives, frightening?
• Have you ever said “I wonder if this situation came from GOD?”
• Will you seek to understand why GOD showed us HIS wrath so you can be guided to be protected from it today?

Uncomfortable

Uncomfortable

Revelation 6: Then I saw the Lamb break open the first of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice that sounded like thunder, “Come!” ² I looked, and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown. He rode out as a conqueror to conquer.

 

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Having gotten comfortable in my role, I brought pictures in to decorate my desk. I displayed trophies of accolades and planned times to gather at my desk for enjoyment. But then a new set of leaders came in and caused everyone to feel uncomfortable as to whether they would stay with the company or not.

 

• I did not see the takeover happen.
• I felt uncomfortable at a place I once felt relaxed.
• I heard the smooth words of the new leaders, but knew it was the beginning of the end.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard one of the four living creatures say one word, “come!” The creature then showed John the beginning of the end of Satan’s kingdom. When Satan was thrown out of heaven, his fate was sealed. This first of seven seals brought on a conquering spirit to make people want to take over.

 

My Observations:

• Hostile takeovers make the world an uncomfortable place to be.
• People who try to lie, cheat and steal will desire to conquer the “weak.”
• GOD will unleash a conqueror  to make the world uncomfortable.

 

Saying the earth will be destroyed is unpopular. I mean, within each one of us is built in self-preservation. Why would GOD destroy what HE made? Same reason HE cursed the earth and HIS creation, namely sin. BUT GOD has a remedy!

 

JESUS saved those who believe in GOD’s curse on humans when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge. GOD’s judgement will happen and people focus on that. BUT HE wants us to focus on the cure rather than the ailment. There is a way out, namely to simply believe JESUS made a way.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions the loud voice that sounded like thunder?
• Are you trying to become comfortable here on earth?
• Will you help seek GOD’s Kingdom which is people who need to be saved versus relying on false comfort of Satan’s kingdom which seems okay, but will take you away from CHRIST?

Suddenly

 

Suddenly

1 Thessalonians 5: There is no need to write you, friends, about the times and occasions when these things will happen. ² For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief comes at night. ³ When people say, “Everything is quiet and safe,” then suddenly destruction will hit them! It will come as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in labor, and people will not escape. 

 

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Driving to do some Christmas shopping, my sister and I discussed what we were going to get. I was at the wheel of my first car, which was previously hers. We played Christmas music on the radio. Rounding a slight curve, I hit a patch of ice. I stepped on the brakes hard and slid into a light pole. Her head hit the windshield. Fortunately, we both walked away from the accident.

 

• I had no idea this day would turn out the way it did.
• One moment things were going great, the next not good at all.
• Things had changed so quickly and I was not prepared.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy wrote about the “Day of the LORD.” They had previously taught about this devastating day and mentioned it in this letter. When the LORD returns, destruction will hit those who do not believe in HIM. There will be no time to prepare.

 

My Observations

• GOD is giving me time to be prepared for CHRIST’s return.
• I should be on the lookout for the LORD each day.
• Quiet and safe are the times that I should be the most nervous.

 

Being relaxed and secure seems to be a pursuit of life. I mean, work is set up to pay bills to one day retire and live out the rest of life quietly. Sounds nice. BUT GOD has a different plan. HE wants us to know this place we live on is temporary and filled with pain.

 

HE wants us to know that one day, JESUS will return and destroy this place suddenly. HE wants HIS believers to be encouraged that destruction will not happen to them. I am glad GOD protects us from HIS wrath, and accept life’s purpose to pursue HIS people and bring them into a saving relationship with the LORD.

 

Challenge

• What do the writers mean by “quiet and safe?”
• Have you ever experienced a time when things were going well one moment, and the next something very difficult happened?
• Will you become prepared for the LORD by establishing or strengthening your relationship with JESUS today?

Secret Hope

 Secret Hope

1 Corinthians 15: ^51-52 Listen to this secret truth: we shall not all die, but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as the blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. ⁵³ For what is mortal must be changed into what is immortal; what will die must be changed into what cannot die. ⁵⁴ So when this takes place, and the mortal has been changed into the immortal, then the scripture will come true: “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!”

 

⁵⁵ “Where, Death, is your victory?
Where, Death, is your power to hurt?”

 

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After stepping off a porch, my foot landed strange and my Achilles tendon hurt. My first thought was “Man! Another trial!” This body has been bruised, sick and hurt many times over the decades. “I don’t have time for this!” I thought to myself.

 

• I really don’t like to be in pain.
• I also do not like being sick.
• I also despise being worried, scared, lonely, sad, or furious.

 

GOD revealed something secret to mankind through many writers, including Paul. This revelation is something the world has been waiting for since the first human was created. The major question is “When will all of this end?” Philosophers debate, but Paul makes it plain in a few words, “We shall all be changed in an instant.” But what does that mean?

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to know that JESUS overcame death by being raised to life first.
• GOD wants me to see that this act of love enables JESUS to judge the world.
• GOD wants me to understand that by believing JESUS has this authority, I can and will be changed into the immortal where death will not be able to hurt me.

 

Is there life after death? “Yes!” is my belief. I also believe that at some point GOD will say, “Enough” and all of life as we know it, will cease. Death will no longer be a worry, nor will trying to “extend” life or its comforts. The trumpet will sound and nothing will be the same.

 

Another writer, John, wrote about the seventh trumpet. This was the last huge announcement of judgement in which seven horrible things were about to happen. I am not sure when this will take place, but I am glad GOD gave me hope that HE is looking out for those HE chose.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever wished that the trials and tribulation would stop?
• Do you find yourself losing hope at times?
• Will you look beyond your current circumstances and know that GOD sees you and loves you and wants to spend eternity with you in a place that has no pain, sickness or worries?

Proceed with Caution

Proceed with Caution

1 Corinthians 7: ²⁵ Now, concerning what you wrote about unmarried people: I do not have a command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is worthy of trust.

 

²⁶ Considering the present distress, I think it is better for a man to stay as he is. ²⁷ Do you have a wife? Then don't try to get rid of her. Are you unmarried? Then don't look for a wife. ²⁸ But if you do marry, you haven't committed a sin; and if an unmarried woman marries, she hasn't committed a sin. But I would rather spare you the everyday troubles that married people will have.

 

²⁹ What I mean, my friends, is this: there is not much time left, and from now on married people should live as though they were not married; ³⁰ those who weep, as though they were not sad; those who laugh, as though they were not happy; those who buy, as though they did not own what they bought; ³¹ those who deal in material goods, as though they were not fully occupied with them. For this world, as it is now, will not last much longer.

 

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Driving in an unfamiliar area, I saw one of those familiar temporary construction signs except this time it had more words. “Proceed with Caution Icy Roads” was the glaring warning. Having driven on icy roads before, I slowed down. A car sped past me. Hours down the road, I saw that same car flipped over in the ditch, surrounded by emergency vehicles.

 

• Many times I have seen warning signs.
• Many times I have been told “Proceed with Caution.”
• Many times I have had the chance to correct what I was doing so I could remain on the road.

 

Paul continues addressing many concerns written to him. He tries to explain living with purpose versus should a person get married or not. He then gives an answer. “Time is short.”

 

• GOD wants me to live my life as though tomorrow were the last day.
• GOD wants me to live my life with purpose rather than only seeking pleasure.
• GOD wants me to live my life looking for JESUS to return, rather than seeking solving the “present distress.”

 

Looking for JESUS does not mean giving up on life and sitting in the corner. Well, not for everyone. I mean, JESUS’ return is imminent and every moment is numbered. But Paul wrote this a long, long time ago. What does he mean by “not much time left?”

 

Two things will happen. Either I will die or CHRIST will return in my lifetime. Either way, I do not have much time. A person’s life is short compared to eternity. I can choose to fill it with life’s pleasures and bear little to no fruit for JESUS or I can surrender my life to HIM. I gladly give my life to HIM because of HIS love for me.

 

• Are you so focused on this life that you never speak about JESUS?
• Do you think the warning signs have not flashed in your face?
• Will you heed the warnings of the present distress and allow GOD to guide your life through HIS SON JESUS, who will give you the HOLY SPIRIT as your comforter today?

Nature

Luke 21: ²⁰ ‘When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. ²¹ Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. ²² For this is the time of punishment in fulfilment of all that has been written. ²³ How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. ²⁴ They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

²⁵ ‘There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.²⁶ People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷ At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

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Startled, I jumped back so the animal could not lurch at me as it did before. “Don’t worry, it’s only acting natural” the animal’s keeper told me. This did not give me any assurance, but I heeded the warnings and did not try to pet it.

• Some things in nature confuse me.
• Some things in nature makes me a bit nervous.
• Some things in nature keeps me on edge.

JESUS continues with HIS prediction of what will come. HE speaks about the nature of humans and how they want power over others. HE speaks about how horrible those in power will treat their captives, but HE says this will last only for a period of time. HE then speaks about nature itself becoming more and more violent and disruptive.

• GOD says to me “I can see your heart and though you turned away from ME, I died for you.”
• GOD says to me “I know your thoughts and I still have plans to prosper you to a hope and a future.”
• GOD says to me “When I return, the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”

Waiting for something to happen for thousands of years can seem quite crazy. As one volcano erupts, humans scurry to see if the end is coming, but when it does not, they fall to their old, non-believing ways. JESUS tries to be as candid as possible.

HE has already seen what HE is trying to tell HIS people in this passage, yet the warning falls on deaf ears to some. Our expectation of GOD is to fix the cursed earth to be heaven. In other words we want to tell GOD to lie and go back on HIS word. GOD set the beginning and the end in motion and these things must take place. It is only natural. I will one day stand up and lift my head towards HIM.

• Have you gotten weary at looking for JESUS’s return?
• Do the problems of the day take precedence over waiting on GOD?
• Will you stop looking for heaven on earth and be thankful for every moment GOD has given you?

Early Warning System

Mark 13: ¹⁴ “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’  spoken of by Daniel the prophet,  standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.¹⁵ Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. ¹⁶ And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. ¹⁷ But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! ¹⁸ And pray that your flight may not be in winter. ¹⁹ For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. ²⁰ And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

²¹ “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. ²² For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.²³ But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

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“Our company is not doing well enough to keep projects going” said a person who I had a contract with. That was difficult news to hear but it was welcome as I had time to fully understand the situation and react accordingly.

• ·         There have been times when I had had difficult news told to me.
• ·         There has been news given to me that is thoroughly out of my control.
• ·         There have been when I have gone through situations that seem difficult.

The “Abomination of desolation” is probably one of the most controversial topics JESUS brings up. Rarely is it preached in churches even to this very day. HE spoke to HIS disciples about what has come and is coming. Many have said they were JESUS but were not. HE gives them early warning that what will take place will not be mistaken by those HE has chosen.

• ·         GOD warns me not to blindly follow humans.
• ·         GOD warns me to be prepared for HIS imminent return.
• ·         GOD warns me that days will sometimes be difficult, but HE is in control of the timing.

The great news is that I am chosen and so are those who believe in JESUS as their savior. Those who pretend to believe by secretly hiding behind their favorite human of the week will be in for a rude awakening. GOD does not do anything on small proportions.

From quarks to mountains to planets to stars in the universe, GOD is in them all and created all. Mankind is only here on this planet for a short number of days. GOD desires that we see HIM in everything and in every situation. HE has all under HIS control, all I need to do is believe.

• ·         Do you know you were chosen?
• ·         Can you stop thinking it is your good or bad acts that controls GOD’s living gift for you?
• ·         Will you heed GOD’s early warning and act as if the world were going to end today?

Who What When

Matthew 24: ³⁶ “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷ As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸ For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; ³⁹ and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ⁴⁰ Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

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Waiting was the horrible part. I did not know how the announcement would come or if I had even made it in. The principal called out names to the office over the loud speaker. My heart was elated. I had passed the test to get into the high school I wanted to attend!

• Sometimes I get anxious waiting.
• Sometimes I get impatient looking for something to happen.
• Sometimes I get jittery just sitting when I am expecting something to happen.

Humans have said “JESUS will return on X day at X hour.” Movies have been made about specific dates the world will end. This is strange because not even JESUS knows the day or the hour, only the FATHER knows.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM daily so I do not have to sit and wait.
• GOD wants me to prepare people for JESUS’s return so I need to focus only on that.
• GOD wants me to stop worrying about those who predict the end of the world and focus on making sure people believe in the SON.

The day is unknown but it will come quickly, like a thief in the night. GOD wants me to be ready.

• Are you ready for JESUS’s return?
• Do you think it is centuries away?
• Can you stop being skeptical about HIS return because of those who claim to know the day or the hour?
• Will you serve GOD today?

Fate of the Seed

Matthew 13: ³⁶ Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

³⁷ He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

⁴⁰ “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. ⁴² They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

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GOD put me here for a purpose, namely to speak about HIS SON. Everything else is a distraction. Yet I find myself focused on the things and worries of the world. People tend to pop up with new shiny messages that keep me from focusing on the glory of GOD.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face each and every day.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM, not in humans around me.

One day GOD will harvest those who believe in HIM. I’m not just talking about HIS existence. I’m speaking about HIS love. The way HE died and was raised from the dead. I’m talking about the HOLY SPIRIT who was sent on my behalf, who now lives in me. That belief!

GOD does not want me to be part of the weeds, so HE grows me to bear fruit.

• Are you being distracted with the things of the world?
• Do you desire to be grown?
• Can you allow yourself to be led of GOD’s SPIRIT today?