Tag: Rapture

Look Up!

Luke 21:25-28

     This life on the earth, is coming to an end. Although I’ve been hearing that since the 1980s, it’s more apparent now, than back then. The Bible mentions many signs of the end-times, and we can see them vividly today. The issue with a lot of Christians is, they focus more on the pleasures and treasures of this present world, rather than the gifts God has prepared for them in glory. There’s no need to fear death in this life. We must only shift our focus from temporary, earthly desires, to eternal, spiritual wonders.

The Only Way

John 14:1-14

Throughout my journey on this decaying planet, I’ve witnessed many (Christians and non-believers) who harbored major concerns about life after death. I must admit, it can get a bit frightening at times, spending too much time thinking about never existing in this realm after death, but when you know what to expect in the next life, the worry and fear of the once unknown, will disappear in mere moments.

Those who are in Christ Jesus, can expect unimaginable blessings, and great inheritance in the life to come. In our text, Jesus comforted His troubled disciples by reminding them that He would soon leave the earth, but during His time away, He would prepare a place where they could abide with Him forever. There’s been much speculation, along with varying interpretations on the descriptions of Heaven mentioned by Christ, but whether we’ll live in actual mansions, or not, I just want to be there.

It’s unfortunate that after all the teachings and miracles performed by Jesus, His disciples still had their doubts about His sovereignty. Their doubts weren’t developed from disrespect, but I can only imagine that their finite minds and limited understanding caused them to not fully understand what Jesus continually presented to them. Jesus knew how to handle His followers, but stressed more than anything, He is the only way to the Father. The words Jesus spoke, were not His own. The works Jesus performed, were not His own. The miracles Jesus manifested, were not by His own doing. The reason Jesus was able to do those things which were beyond human comprehension was, because He was in the Father, and the Father in Him. For this reason, Jesus told His disciples, when they believe in Him, they are also believing in God. But, if perhaps they fail to believe this obvious truth, Jesus humbly expressed, “or else believe me for the very works’ sake” (vs. 11b).  In other words, “if you’re simply too naive to hear and understand the truth of my words, then base the truth on the miraculous works you’ve witnessed with your own eyes” (Elliott’s translation).

One day soon, we’ll all see death, but the thought of that day doesn’t have to bring fear and worry in our hearts. In fact, the Bible reads in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints”. When a Saint dies, God is excited, because they can then see those things that were only read in the Scriptures.

As you continue your journey on this side of Heaven, keep your chin up, and consider all those amazing things that await you in the next life. We have trained our eyes, minds, and hearts to only concern ourselves with the cares of this world, but meditate more on what God has prepared for us in Heaven, then you’ll be able to live a more bold and dedicated life on this earth.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Supreme Authority

1 Corinthians 15:24-28

In the beginning, was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God. The holy union of God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit reigned supreme, since forever, but when God decided to create the earth, and all the inhabitants that would dwell on it, He was fully aware there would be necessary changes in the way they usually operate. God knew man would fall, and was prepared to take on man’s form, in order to redeem them from the penalty of sin. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 KJV).

Being in the form of a man, God was able to legally subdue sin, and erase the penalties attached to all who were guilty of committing offences. When Jesus died, men were free to receive repentance, and adoption into the family of God. Although salvation was made available to all men, judgment was still due to satan, and all his evil forces. As we continue to live upon the earth, the time for satan’s freedom to roam this planet, is nearly up. Men are still influenced by evil spirits, and can fall short of God’s glory. But, the time is fast approaching, when Christ will put all enemies under His feet, including the last enemy, death.

During the Millennial period, Christ will rid the world of all rebellion and wickedness, and once all things are subdued unto Him, He’ll render the earth back to God, to be restored as it once was, before sin stained it.

Aren’t you glad to know, your future is secure in God? Despite what’s going on around the world, no matter how bad it seems, Christ will make sure, all evil is dealt with. You may have been mistreated, or dealt a bad hand in this life, but if you keep your trust and hope in the Lord, you’ll have a super awesome future awaiting you!

Walk in love,

Ell

Hope Won’t Shame You

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Where does one find comfort, in a world full of chaos, and confusion? How can the believer rest assured, that all their labor in godliness, won’t be in vain? The closer we get to the second coming of Christ, the harder it seems to find peace in the earth. In God, there is an indescribable peace, that offers comfort in all situations, but when our eyes and ears receive constant negativity from media and other sources on a daily basis, it makes it more challenging to rest in the Lord. Well, there are methods that help to relax the mind, including listening to encouraging music, watching the sunrise or sunset, or enjoying the company of loved ones, but a guaranteed way to be comforted in the midst of life’s uncomfortable situations is, meditating on the Word of God.

We find in the scriptures, that our hope and trust is safe, when placed in the hand of God. God’s Word is true, and His promises and sure, so when we read the scriptures, we should be encouraged by the hope we have in Christ, despite what we see through our natural eyes.

No matter how bad this present world becomes, believers still have hope of a wonderful, and secure eternity. Unfortunately, we must endure hard times, as Jesus did, so think it not strange, when suffering is laid before us. Through Christ, we can overcome any obstacle or roadblock set in our way. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

No Matter What, Trust God

Malachi 1:11-14

Are you afraid of all that’s going on in the world as of late? Does the rising number of individuals all over the globe being affected with the coronavirus, cause you to cringe and cower in fear. Have you spent hundreds of dollars on hand sanitizer and toilet paper, but forgot to load up on other essentials, like FOOD? It’s evident, we are living in the last of the last days, and the plan of the enemy is unfolding in full force. Churches are closing, men are unable to fellowship as they were commanded to, and the elderly are dying off from this horrible virus. Of all that’s going on, do you think God was caught off guard by these recent occurrences? Was He aware, that satan’s agenda to separate the body of believers would happen at such a rapid pace? Everything that’s taking place in this time, was prophesied in Scripture. From the plagues of locust swarms in East Africa, to the COVID-19 virus that has literally shut down Italy, and other countries, these are just a few of the intense end-time events, scheduled to take place.

While the world focuses on all the seemingly negative things occurring, God is monitoring His children, to see whether they’ll remain true to His Word, in midst of what’s going on, and what’s to come, or give in to the world’s “new” normal standards. Something big is about to take place in our society, and it will be uncomfortable for many, but to those who are in God, we must hold fast to our faith, and not lose heart, despite what the world tries to force upon us.

“From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles;” (vs. 11a). The state of the world doesn’t surprise God at all. In fact, He’s just tapping His foot, awaiting the moment to send His Son to the earth, to rescue the Body of Christ from all this foolishness. The world will soon see for themselves, that the name of the Lord, is indeed a very strong tower, and the righteous will be caught up, to meet Him in the air. But for now, we must continue to be bold, and stand firm, despite how the world changes, because God will give His people a strategy, on how to keep themselves, during these days of pestilence and gloom.

Walk in love,

Ell

Words Of Authority

Genesis 1:4-9, Amos 5:8-9

“And God said, Let there be…and it was so.” Those words alone, hold the utmost authority and power of all I’ve ever read in my life! To literally speak things into existence, deems one omnipotent, by default, despite what anyone says, in my opinion. As a kid, I tried time and time again, to call things from the sky, including money, candy, other things 80’s kids enjoyed during those days, but I assumed my voice wasn’t as strong as God’s, to call things into existence, because I was never able to make any of those things appear out of thin air. Obviously, my naivety got the best of me, but I soon gained a greater respect for the awesomeness of the power God operates in. In the beginning, God created, and set things in order with the power of His words. He divided light from darkness, placed the firmament of Heaven in the midst of the waters, and it divided the waters from the waters. God set the sun, moon, stars, and everything else in place, as they remain to this day. God created ecosystems in nature, times and seasons, and cycles, so that the earth and all its inhabitants, could be self-sustaining over time. The world in its “pre-tainted” state, was absolutely incredible! Ahh, if only I could have basked in the glory of such a pristine environment. God, in all His glory and awesomeness, still sits high and looks low upon this earth, awaiting the moment to gather His people together, and treat them to an eternity of peace, majesty, glory, and splendor in the new Heaven, and new earth. Will I see you there?

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17 KJV)

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.” (Isaiah 66:22 KJV)

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” (Matthew 24:29-33 KJV)

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:10-13 KJV)

Walk in love,

Ell

Be ready for Christ’s coming

Matthew 24:36-44

Of all the signs that have been revealed, and prophecies manifested to this day, no one can determine the exact time Christ will return to the earth. Christ Himself is unaware when He’ll come back for the Saints, as He awaits the command of His Father; the only One who knows. Jesus told His disciples how His second coming can be compared to the time of Noah, and how God warned him of the flood, without revealing the exact time it would come. Noah’s obedience to God’s command to build an ark, according to certain specifications, saved him and his family, out of everyone on the face of the earth. In Noah’s day, men had become so corrupt, until God shortened their lifespan, then destroyed all the corrupted humans from the earth. Genesis 6:6 reads, “And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” God not only destroyed man, but also beasts, creeping things, and fowl of the air. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and was spared, so that his family could replenish the earth once more.

Whether men believe it, or not, Jesus is coming back. Just like it was in Noah’s time, men today are living as if they’ll never die, and care nothing about God’s warning to submit themselves to His authority. In addition, just as countless men and women were destroyed for ignoring Noah’s warning, many today will suffer the same consequences, for choosing to ignore God’s warning as well. There are movies that have been produced which try to depict the actual events of the end-time, or armageddon, but the Bible puts it plain and clear, so that all can be warned of what’s to come.

Jesus mentioned in verses 40 and 41 how some will be taken in the midst of working, while others will be left behind. I’m under the assumption this event will take place after the rapture, based on the text in verses 29-31 (that’s for another lesson). Will you be ready when Christ returns? Are you living in expectation of that wonderful, yet terrifying day? What did you do today to prepare yourself to see God in peace? Was most of your time spent working, complaining, worrying, or crying over things that have little to no relevance to your eternal security? The clock is ticking, and time is winding up, as Jesus prepares to make His second big entrance in the earth. Ready or not, here He comes!

Walk in love

Ell

Remember Lot’s wife

Luke 17:22, 26-37

Have you ever forgiven someone more than once, but for the same thing? How does it make you feel when the person you love, constantly hurts you, but your love for them extends beyond your pain, and you willingly forgive them for every mistake? It’s unfair how we’re treated, at times, by those we were commanded to love, but the power of love is so potent, until it gives one the ability to forgive, and forget.

Have you ever considered how many times you’ve hurt God, by constantly falling short of His glory, yet He continues to forgive you? For God so loved the world, He gave us Christ. There’s no greater gift one can receive, than the gift of salvation. Since the beginning of time, until now, the world has become more and more wicked, but God is still in the forgiving business. It matters not how many times we slip or mess up, God’s love never runs out, and is available to cover our mountain of mistakes. I’ve made countless mistakes in life, some of which were even repetitive, but God forgave me of them all, after I confessed, then turned away from those unfruitful activities.

God is truly merciful, and His grace is sufficient, but the day is coming when His love will close up shop, and relocate to a new, and better territory. The end-time prophecies are nearing their completion, and Christ is soon to return to the earth, so it’s time for us to prepare ourselves to soon leave this troubled, and sin-sick world. I know some people dislike discussing the revelations of Scripture, because it tends to frighten them, but the end of this heaven and earth is inevitable, and the only way to see God in peace is, to ensure that you’re engrafted into the body of Christ.

History is soon to repeat itself, just like during the time of Noah, when God sent a great flood to destroy all the wicked people who refused to turn their hearts to Him, and in the time of Lot, when God destroyed the irreparable Sodom and Gomorrah, after he and his family (except his wife) had fled safely away from those wicked lands. Similar to these historic events, Christ will return and destroy multitudes, leaving some to go into the Millennium. My mind often wonders, what was so important that Lot’s wife couldn’t let go of, to receive her salvation. Her simple command was to run, and don’t look back, but there must have been something in her heart that wasn’t godly, that she couldn’t release. Such a sad position to be in, thinking that your wife, your heart, your rib is in sync with your walk with God, but turns out she was keeping secrets that caused her to miss her deliverance.

Is there anything on this earth, worth you missing eternity with God? It hurts to know that there are people who will look back when Christ comes, and will miss their deliverance. Just like the rich ruler who found it rather difficult to give up his wealth to follow after Christ, many in the last days will become so in love with their material possessions, that they’ll miss the opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior. Many have yet to taste, and see how good the Lord is, so they are left believing that their possessions hold more value than Christ’s salvation. On the contrary, being rich in Jesus is worth more than silver and gold, and is the only way to truly live a life that’s purposeful and meaningful on this earth.

If you stop and think for a moment, you’ll notice the subtle, yet effective strategy of satan in this time. He allows distractions, including politics, wars and rumors of wars, and the like, to keep our attention long enough to distract us from focusing on preparing ourselves to meet God. Even our careers are set up to keep us overwhelmed to the point we can’t wait to take a vacation, and relax. The devil is very cunning, and knows what it takes to get us off guard, but we must be cunning as well, yet humble; recognizing that time is nearing its end, and we will all face God for ourselves. What will He say when you finally see Him face to face? Will you hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord”, or will God’s final words to you be, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”? The choice is up to you. Either choose Christ and accept His free gift of salvation, or hold fast to the things of this world, and suffer the consequences that come with it.

Walk in love,

Ell

God-given tasks for workers

Ecclesiastes 3:9-17

Work is important in all aspects of life. Whether working to make a living for yourself or family, working to get through school, or whatever you do that involves time and consistent effort, one thing’s for certain, work is a necessity in this era. The average person works to earn wages, that are used to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Work was easy in the beginning, as Adam maintained and kept the Garden of Eden in optimal condition. God provided everything he needed, and all he was expected to do was, remain obedient to God’s commands, and enjoy the finest life ever lived. After he sinned, things changed drastically. Work then became strenuous, and mandatory in order to benefit from the necessities offered in life.

Although we must work in order to maintain a natural balance, we must not forget that our priority works involve Kingdom business. When God made man, He deposited in each of us a special gift, talent, and special ability, that He expects us to utilize for His purposes only. Just as police officers and security guards are equipped with certain gear and equipment to perform certain duties, those items aren’t meant for personal or private use, but for purposes related to fulfilling their assignments. Believers are tasked with the commandment of soul-winning, because up to this point on the timeline of creation, things are about to get a lot interesting. Millions around the world are filling seats in movie theaters to watch the Avengers: Endgame movie. This particular film sums up the previous 21 films Marvel has released over the years, and is backed by unprecedented hype. While those movies are fictitious, and purposed to entertain fans, while making the directors and producers filthy rich, in reality, Christ will soon return, to begin the end game for this evil and perverse world.

The church is the mouthpiece for Christ, and our representation of Him can either help save others, or push them further away from the truth. It’s important for the body of Christ to first know their place in God, so that they can properly utilize all the spiritual gear and equipment available to stand against the wiles of satan, fight the good fight of faith, and remain steadfast, unmovable, and always progressing in the works of the Lord.

All the works we do on this earth, whether good or bad, will be judged. While we yet live, we should put our hands to the plow, and don’t look back, until Christ comes to take us away. But don’t think of yourself only, consider your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors who can have a better life in Christ, rather than making moves based on their own understanding. It is my desire that everyone give their heart to God, so that they can live a purposeful life now, and won’t suffer the second death that was assigned only for satan and his angels.

Walk in love,

Ell