Only What’s Revealed

 

Only What’s Revealed

Revelation 10: Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire. ² He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, ³ and called out in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of lions. After he had called out, the seven thunders answered with a roar. ⁴ As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

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Sitting in the room of executives, I heard some things that were being planned, but not ready for customers to hear. After saying what was planned, I was sworn to secrecy

 

• I was trusted with strategic information.
• I heard information that would affect a lot of people.
• I was able to say only what I could reveal to the public.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation that he was about to write down. It was between a powerful angel and seven thunders. John was about to write down the reply of the seven thunders when a voice, perhaps JESUS emphatically said “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

My Observations

• GOD has revealed what HE wants mankind to understand about HIM.
• GOD has not revealed everything HE is going to do.
• GOD is sovereign, meaning HE has the right to conceal or reveal what HE wants to.

 

Protecting humans is GOD’s forte. I mean, when I try to think like GOD or question HIS actions, I find myself in trouble. I cannot figure out “why” or ”what” HE is doing. HE knows I cannot handle the future, nor can I repair the past, BUT HE can.

 

GOD’s thoughts and ways are far about any thought you and I can come up with. HE protects us from knowledge that would be harmful to us, but necessary to complete HIS plan. Knowing there is more to GOD than what is revealed helps me let go of trying to get my way.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer put emphasis on being told not to write down what was said?
• Have you ever been told a secret that would affect other people?
• Will you seek to understand GOD in the way HE revealed HIMSELF in the Bible, and have faith that HE has given enough information to help you in any situation you may face?

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?

Unpopulated

Unpopulated

Revelation 6: ⁷ Then the Lamb broke open the fourth seal; and I heard the fourth living creature say, “Come!” ⁸ I looked, and there was a pale-colored horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades followed close behind. They were given authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill by means of war, famine, disease, and wild animals.

 

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Visiting relatives years ago, I saw a town that was busy. I didn’t think whether the town was thriving or not. Years later after a few major companies moved away, I went back and found a town that was no longer thriving.

 

• I saw empty buildings.
• I saw sickness escalating.
• I saw animals start to invade.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the third living creature say “Come!” after the fourth seal of Satan’s sentence scroll was opened. This time two spirits were unleashed, namely Death and Hades respectively. This step in demolishing Satan’s cushy kingdom will cause many to die.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s devastation will not harm those who believe in CHRIST.
• GOD’s sentence on Satan will not affect those who believe in JESUS.
• Death has no power over those who believe in JESUS.

 

Death is scary but helps me grow up. I mean, who wants to go through the pain of dying? No one. It is not a fun subject, but necessary for believers to understand that JESUS is now the authority over eternal life.

 

While death may happen, believers will be raised from the dead, just like JESUS! GOD’s sentence, unfortunately, will be poured out on Satan and those who reject HIS SON as the Savior. This should give us fire to pray, teach and be sent to seek the lost with urgency.

 

Challenge

• Are the writer’s words scary?
• Is death a subject you would like to avoid?
• Will you believe in JESUS so you can have a healthy, less scary, view of death; knowing you will be raised from the dead or possibly will avoid death all together if JESUS returns before you die?

Instructions Not for Everyone

 

Instructions Not for Everyone

Revelation 1: This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. God gave him this revelation in order to show to his servants what must happen very soon. Christ made these things known to his servant John by sending his angel to him, ² and John has told all that he has seen. This is his report concerning the message from God and the truth revealed by Jesus Christ. ³ Happy is the one who reads this book, and happy are those who listen to the words of this prophetic message and obey what is written in this book! For the time is near when all these things will happen.

 

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Reading the note left on the desk, I was confused. It had instructions that did not make sense to me. When I asked about the note, the response was “Oh, that note was not for you.”

 

• The note had instructions that were meant for a specific person.
• I was not the person who the note was written for.
• The instructions on the note probably made sense to the intended recipient.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, was given a revelation of things to come by JESUS. HE told John that the origin of the revelation came from GOD and that it is true. This message was intended to “bless” those who believe they need to be saved by JESUS. John knew the message would be difficult so he probable did not want to trouble the reader, rather provide comfort.

 

My Observations:

• GOD revealed what “must happen”, so it is not up to debate or question.
• GOD is preparing HIS followers to get ready for the events HE has already seen.
• GOD wants us to be obedient to HIS revelation by reporting visions of what will take place.

 

The book of Revelation can be scary to those who do not believe in JESUS. I mean, it is filled with judgment and some very harsh times ahead for humanity. Many people will question GOD’s intent, BUT HE revealed that those who read and obey the revelation would be blessed.

 

GOD shows us HIS grace by telling us what will happen. HE did not have to do this. BUT HE wanted believers to be prepared. Knowing the events that “must happen” changes my mindset to be focused on what GOD wants.

 

Challenge

• What level of urgency is the writer expressing?
• Have you ever received a message intended only for you?
• Will you read what GOD has revealed about JESUS and take the prophetic words as a message of love today?

Restored After the Stew

Restored After the Stew

Ephesians 3: For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles, pray to God. ² Surely you have heard that God in his grace has given me this work to do for your good. ³ God revealed his secret plan and made it known to me. (I have written briefly about this, ⁴ and if you will read what I have written, you can learn about my understanding of the secret of Christ.) ⁵ In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. ⁶ The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.

 

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Standing on the sideline, I waited to be picked to be on one of the teams. I was not athletically inclined, so my draft pick was extremely low. I was finally chosen, but did not get a chance to play that time, but when I did, I actually got on base!

 

• At one time I felt left out.
• When I was chosen I still felt like I did not belong.
• When I participated, I did not know I could actually contribute.

 

Paul goes to enormous lengths to explain the Gentiles have a part in GOD’s promise. For centuries, the Gentiles heard of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and “Jacob”, (the swindler who tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright for some stew). While Esau was careless, he did not know he would be the father of a group of people who were left out of the Promise.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my mistakes and forgive me anyway.
• GOD wants me to be part of HIS family, even though I do not deserve it.
• GOD wants me to actively participate as much as those who are gifted.

 

Some people who follow JESUS can be intense or even a bit intimidating. I mean, he may give more or she may serve more or someone else may not sin as much. BUT GOD doesn’t look at the score when it comes to HIS Promise. HE wants all of HIS children back, period.

 

HE chose a group to spread HIS Gospel, and they held it to themselves. HE then allowed HIS SON to fulfil the Gospel and they killed HIM. HE raised JESUS from the dead and gave HIS promise to the descendants of Jacob and Esau. He restored the Gentiles without having them need to follow all the rules. I am glad JESUS was raised from the dead for me.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the passion of the writer over those who were at once left out?
• Have you ever felt left out or less than another person?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior and be a part of a family who HE care for and guides daily, in spite of flaws?

 

Origin of Hope

Origin of Hope

Galatians 1: ¹¹ Let me tell you, my friends, that the gospel I preach is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any human being, nor did anyone teach it to me. It was Jesus Christ himself who revealed it to me.

 

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Watching what people put their hope in was all I could do. I didn’t have enough money to buy the clothes they adorned themselves with or stuff they had, nor was I stronger or more fit than the next. I thought these were important because the rich and famous were studied, remembered and noted in daily conversations.

 

• Life seemed hopeless because I did not have what others had.
• Life seemed unfair because other people had more.
• Life seemed foggy because I couldn’t see my future getting any “better.”

 

Luke accounts for GOD’s calling on Paul’s life in the book of Acts. Three he mentions how Paul was blinded and heard the voice of GOD. His calling was supernatural and Paul was dedicated from that day forward to only spreading the Gospel of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD calls all humans to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me and everyone else to exclaim the name of JESUS as the one and only Savior.
• GOD loves all HIS creations and has a supernatural calling for those who receive HIM.

 

People may say “yeah, yeah you were called” in a scoffing fashion. If so, then proof is not necessary. GOD’s calling on every human’s life is something that cannot be explained to those who choose not to believe.

 

JESUS is the one and only true Savior who deserves to be mentioned daily over celebrities and famous people. HIS calling is not to be cheapened by labeling it as “strange” or “stubborn.” The Gospel of JESUS does not originate from humans rather GOD HIMSELF. I am grateful JESUS revealed HIMSELF to me.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer seem to be mentioning something strange or unbelievable?
• Do you remember when you first believed that JESUS was and is the Savior?
• Will you consider that HE speaks to people daily through HIS word and true followers who test their actions through HIS word and who are guided by the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS today so you will receive an abundant life?

 

Balanced Structure

Balanced Structure

! Corinthians 14: ²⁶ This is what I mean, my friends. When you meet for worship, one person has a hymn, another a teaching, another a revelation from God, another a message in strange tongues, and still another the explanation of what is said. Everything must be of help to the church. ²⁷ If someone is going to speak in strange tongues, two or three at the most should speak, one after the other, and someone else must explain what is being said. ²⁸ But if no one is there who can explain, then the one who speaks in strange tongues must be quiet and speak only to himself and to God.

 

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Nervous, I answered the interviewers’ question with a very long statement. As I remembered something, I would say “Oh, I forgot to mention…” in my disjointed rambling. Needless to say, I did not get that job. I asked someone for advice and got organized. The next time, however, I was so focused on my new structure that I was thrown off when the interview did not go as planned.

 

• I was unorganized and confused the person I was supposed to be explaining things to.
• I was then too organized and not ready for meeting a different need.
• I wanted to find a balance in my organization for something spontaneous.

 

Paul provides a suggestion rather than a command. He tried to get people to understand the real purpose of meeting together is to help people understand who JESUS is through song, teaching, testimonies and spontaneous speaking that would require interpretation. He wants everyone to think about the recipient versus those who are delivering.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to be organized because people need structure.
• GOD wants me to be flexible because HE cannot be contained to a certain hour or duration.
• GOD wants me to be ready for HIM to reveal HIMSELF at any moment but have control over wanting the spotlight.

 

Order in church is important, especially to someone who has never attended a church service. But has order replaced reaching people? I mean, sometimes when church meets “my” expectation as a believer, I look around and do not see the fruit of hearing from a new person who freshly gave their life to CHRIST.

 

While order is important, purpose is more important. GOD doesn’t seem to be this repetitive lifeless being, rather one who is alive and working things out in a variety of lives. Out gatherings probably will not change overnight, but I can provide a balance of structure and spontaneity to my life to bring people to CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Have you had the urge to bring in new people to your gathering?
• When is the last time you reviewed your order or your service?
• Are you driven by meeting the expectations of those who are regular church goers?
• Will you consider a balance that provides structure and spontaneity in your own life with the purpose of easing the concerns of someone who has not yet accepted JESUS as their Savior?

Total View

Total View

John 10: ³¹ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. ³² Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”

³³ The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? ³⁵ If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), ³⁶ do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? ³⁷ If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; ³⁸ but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” ³⁹ Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.

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Angry at the situation, I scheduled a meeting with my boss’s boss. I was tired of my boss snooping around my desk, looking for ideas to steal and call his own. I voiced my frustrations and left. Later, I found out that my boss and my boss’s boss, were friends. I was now in trouble.

• There were times when I did not have the total picture.
• There were times when I did not see danger coming.
• There were times when I did not have enough information to make a decision.

The entire congregation, especially the leaders, were furious at JESUS. HE clearly called HIMSELF GOD and they labeled HIM a blasphemer. Unfortunately for them, they did not have the total view of the situation. They were gravely wrong.

• JESUS reveals HIMSELF to me through HIS word.
• JESUS shows me all I need to know in order to live an abundant life.
• JESUS discloses HIS will to me by giving me HIS Scripture.

“Scripture cannot be broken” is what caught my eye. This means GOD spoke specific words that HE wanted authors to write down. These words are binding and humans will be held accountable to them.

Since some of the words can be taken out of context, GOD wants me to see the total view of what HE has revealed. HE revealed that one day HE would return to collect those who believe in HIM. HE also said that while I wait for that day, the COMFORTER would be here with me. I seek the total view of JESUS.

• Are you living your life on a couple of scriptures you like?
• Are there parts of Scripture that you don’t agree with, so you discount their meaning?
• Will you seek the total revelation of GOD so you can live an abundant life for HIM today?

The Big Reveal

John 1: ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

¹⁵ (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, ‘This is the one I spoke about when I said, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.”’) ¹⁶ Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in the closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

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“Do you know who you were talking to?” someone inquired. “No, who?” I replied. “That’s the famous bowler who is sponsoring this event.” I knew the name from TV and I wanted to meet the pro bowler. It was exciting. I went beck over and said his name. He smiled and shook my hand again. He did not reveal who he was. I should have known.

• I have met many famous people without really knowing who they were.
• I have had my eyes opened to several famous people by someone who recognized them.
• I have sat in the room with famous people and did not recognize them until someone revealed who they were.

John revealed who The WORD was, namely JESUS. John then tells us that JESUS was with GOD and is GOD. He then explains that GOD showed us grace by giving us the law through Moses and HE gave us more grace by giving us HIS SON who died for us.

• GOD says to me “I AM full of grace and truth.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who has the power to rescue you from MY wrath.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who voluntarily gave up MY life to save you.”

“Grace and truth” are wonderful gifts JESUS enjoys giving me. HE guides and provides and shows me how much HE loves me every day. HE is “The WORD” and through HIS actions I am saved. I am grateful JESUS revealed HIMSELF to me.

• Are you searching for famous people?
• Do you want to be famous?
• Will you seek JESUS in the same way as searching for people you want to be around today?

Revealed

Mark 8: ²⁷ Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

²⁸ So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

²⁹ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

³⁰ Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

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Walking down the hallway, I noticed a different gleam in a friend’s eye. He whistled loudly as he entered the work area as if to cheer up everyone around him.  I asked another friend what was going on. “He has been chosen to run the company, but don’t tell anyone.”

• There have been times I have been in the inner circle.
• There have been situations that I have had to hold information in secret.
• There have been circumstances in which I have had to remain silent until the right time.

JESUS, through the HOLY SPIRIT, revealed HIS deity to the disciples. They may not have fully understood what this meant at the time, but they had inside information that no others had. There were still many prophecies that HE needed to fulfill so HIS request for silence needed to be said.

• JESUS tells me “I AM GOD.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the One you seek.”
• JESUS informs me by saying “I AM the way, the Truth and the Life.”

GOD wants a solid relationship with me that is full of faith towards HIM. HE wants to reveal HIS power to me and has an awesome plan for me that cannot be erased. Life is not about “me” rather it is about JESUS, who has revealed HIMSELF to me.

• Has JESUS revealed HIMSELF to you?
• Do you think HE is just another concept of belief or can you open your eyes to HIS deity?
• Will you stop trying to create your own god and seek the true and living GOD today?

Prophesy Correctly

Jeremiah 28: ⁶ He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord’s house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. ⁷ Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: ⁸ From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. ⁹ But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.”

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Fascinated by the thought of CHRIST’s return, I listened intently to the words of the preacher. He taught on the book of Revelation of JESUS CHRIST and I ate up every word. It spoke of a future with no worries, no problems, no fights and most of all no more anger from GOD. It intrigued me. Shortly after the weeks of sermons another “preacher” said the world would end that year. I guess the second was wrong.

By the way, the prophet in this passage of Jeremiah was a false prophet and was killed.

• GOD does not take HIS word lightly.
• GOD wants those who speak prophesy to speak only words given to them by GOD alone.
• GOD wants prophets who are not scare to speak the truth about HIS SON.

No one knows the day or the hour so any prediction about when GOD is going to end the world as we know it will be false. Some have looked at old calendars and even made movies showing the apocalypse. This is what we can be sure about.

• GOD loved me so much that HE died for me and everyone else who believes they need a savior to do the same for them.
• GOD is building a new place apart from this earth that has not been cursed.
• GOD is returning soon and while we do not know the year, month or day, we need to act in s sense of urgency.

Each day should be lived like HE is going to return that day. As I look up to the sky each night, I wonder “When?” I do not get an answer to that question, but I do hear “Feed MY sheep.” This means serve GOD and do not worry about tomorrow.

• Has someone given you a false prophesy?
• Are you busy listening to words about houses and cars and mates without truly listening to GOD?
• Will you stop trying to hear what satisfies you and seek what GOD is really saying to mankind?

Who is HE?

Revelation 1: ⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

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Sometimes I just ponder what and “who” GOD is. I have no story or situation I can relate to HIS being.

The FATHER is GOD

JESUS is GOD

The HOLY SPIRIT is GOD

They never act alone but are in agreement with one another therefore “they” can be referred to as HE and the plural is “GOD”, not “gods” for they are one.

They always exist and have always existed and will always exist.

They are all powerful, all knowing and all seeing.

JESUS speaks to us by saying “I am” for HE is the one who became a human and died for my sins. Every sin I have ever committed is erased. HE was murdered by people who attended church but did not believe “in” the church. Yet HE stands. HE forgives. HE blesses.

GOD has all authority.

GOD has all power.

GOD has all glory.

I think I will place my faith in HIM today. Won’t you?

A “Day” I’m looking forward to

2 Peter 3: ³ Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

⁴ They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

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Curiosity had gotten the best of me and finally I had to ask. “When will the world end?” The pastor I asked tried to brush me off by answering “That answer is in the book of Revelation, but you shouldn’t read it because you won’t understand it.” I’m actually glad he told this to me because that’s exactly what I did. I was a teenager so I had to do the opposite.

Over the next few decades other pastors spoke about JESUS’ return and named dates.  In fact some geographers state we only have three days left on earth because of an unfinished calendar created by a tribe. Why does this doomsday stuff sound like crazy talk?

• When I speak about the world ending without the right context, I seem like a weirdo.
• When I tell people JESUS is going to return and the “bad” people are going to get theirs meanwhile us goody, goodies are going to be saved, I can be exclusionary.
• When I see the end of the world as a solution to my problems I could be sadly mistaken unless I change my focus.

The sad news is this earth is cursed by GOD. When the first humans sinned, their bodies were changed and death was introduced. The Earth could no longer function as a paradise and all humans stopped seeking GOD. JESUS repaired the relationship with humans and built a new place for those who do not reject HIS “built in” word HE wrote on every heart.

• The basis of my belief in CHRIST is one day I will die and be with HIM eternally.
• The basis of my belief in CHRIST is HE died for my sins, enabling me to live, after this body dies.
• The basis of my belief in CHRIST is HE has built a new place and will return for me simply because I believe in HIS position as a savior and my need to be saved.

I am looking forward to HIS return, but I function day by day on what HE wants me to.

• Are you skeptical or scared of the “end of the world?”
• Can you stop focusing on the end and focus on the here and now namely showing GOD’s love?
• Won’t you stop trying to get revenge on “those” people by wanting the world to end?
• Can you modify your desire for the world to end tomorrow to give “that” person enough time to surrender their lives to GOD?

Is talking about the “Last Days” crazy?

Acts 2: ¹⁷ “‘In the last days, God says,

   I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

   your young men will see visions,

   your old men will dream dreams.

¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,

   I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

   and they will prophesy.

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So many people have predicted the end of the world as we know it.  My skeptical mind shuns their psychic babble as each of their predictions have fallen by the wayside. Will there be an end to life as we know it? The Mayan’s said it is supposed to happen December 21, 2012. I wonder if I should plan a Christmas party next year!

• Sometimes I act like GOD will leave everything as is.
• Sometimes I don’t believe GOD will destroy what HE created.
• Sometimes I think GOD doesn’t really mean what HE says about the “last days.”

Quite honestly I don’t like talking about the “end” of life as we know it.  Just speaking about it places me in a group of “crazy” people who seem to have lost touch with reality. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says HE will pour out HIS SPIRIT on people.
• GOD says HE will enable people to talk about how great HIS SON is.
• GOD says HE is the only one who knows the true “end” of the world as we know it.

One of the mistakes made when talking about the end is telling people to do something incredibly different when in fact I believe we should “do” the same things but “act” differently. I mean I should go to work and plan vacations but carry GOD’s great news of forgiveness wherever I go.

My concern should be on the present, knowing GOD will return one day, I will focus on serving in the here and now.

• Do you believe GOD will return one day perhaps in your lifetime?
• Will you live your life in a way that enables others to believe in HIS SON?
• Won’t you stop worrying about the future and be present for those who need you?

I act like CHRIST isn’t coming back soon.

Luke 12: ⁵⁴ He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. ⁵⁵ And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is.

⁵⁶ Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

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Freedom is something my wild spirit craves.  I want to do “what” I want to do “when” I want to do it, and then I want to conveniently ask GOD to forgive me. “I can have my cake and eat it too” is an old saying that suggests I want everything to go my way.

• There are currently wars and rumors of wars just as JESUS said.
• The earth’s natural state is becoming more violent just as JESUS said.
• Human’s attitudes toward one another will become less and less compassionate just as JESUS said.

How does wanting what I want, when I want it relate to JESUS’ return? Well, my wants, lusts and desires cause me to take my eyes off of JESUS. I think to myself, “HE won’t return soon so I can do this sin and simply ask HIM for forgiveness, HE’LL understand.” Yes JESUS has forgiven me for “ALL” my sins but has not remove the consequences for all my actions.

• I must treat JESUS’ return as a sacred event that is imminent.
• I must treat JESUS’ return as something that guides my actions day and night.
• I must treat JESUS’ return as the only important event that happens next.

As an executive we develop ten year plans, but are there ten years left? There are many who scoff at CHRIST’s return because of the false predictions and ludicrous behaviors of those who claim to follow JESUS yet do opposite of HIS compassionate teaching.

I truly believe the time is getting ripe for HIS return. This belief changes my mind on the purpose of my life. Yes I will work, because GOD wants me to work. Yes I will plan because it would be foolish not to but I will also try to convince as many people as I can to not get too used to remaining on this GOD cursed wasteland.

Speaking about the future and the return of CHRIST sounds like a fairy tale or some wild superstition, but everything JESUS said is happening just as HE said.

• Do you believe JESUS could return any moment?
• Will you show compassion to as many people as you can?
• Do you believe GOD made humans with free will and many will reject eternal life with HIM?
• Do you believe your compassion can be used by GOD to draw people back to HIM?

GOD revealed exactly what I needed!

Revelation 10: ³ and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. ⁴ And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”

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Physics was one of my favorite subjects. I know what you are thinking…“Nerd!” Yes you are right. This is the study of physical science, in other words “what I can see.” This science answers “what,” sometimes answers “when” and maybe answers “how” but it never answers “why.”

Oh yes, famous theories have developed trying to answer “why” but they could never be proven. This confused me so I began to ask “where does GOD live,” “why do I have to experience pain,” “If HE is GOD then why doesn’t HE just zap me into heaven and get rid of sin and evil?” My scientific minded questions were bathed in unbelief.

• GOD created everything for HIMSELF.
• There are many things GOD created that humans may never see.
• GOD revealed just enough for me to survive on this temporary planet because HE doesn’t want me to set up permanent residence.
• There are words and plans GOD has for the future that HE has not revealed to me.

I am made for GOD not the other way around. HE is the one who has all the plans and I am the one who needs to yield my will and follow them. HIS limitless power and authority are unmatched, yet HE reduced himself to my level to save me.

When I get frustrated and ask “why”, the only place I can get answers is from GOD and now I understand that HE has the authority to say “because I want ‘it’ that way.” Yielding my will takes faith. The more I do it the more I’m blessed. GOD has revealed HIS love for me and that’s all I need.

• Are you asking GOD “why” right now?
• Has HE answered you?
• Have you asked “why” do YOU love me so much?
• Will you study to see what you are being “saved” from?