Yes, all the signs and signals the herald the approach of the Lord are here. Dead animals, fireballs in the sky, cracking earth, strange sounds in the sky, earthquakes, and the increase of wickedness of every kind surround us in increasing measure. Here is the problem, we get used to it. After hearing about these same signs for years on end, even understanding what the signs mean we just start to tune it out. That is kind of dangerous. The Lord is warning us and has been warning us for years of what is coming yet our human nature is to 'normalize' these new normal occurrences then write them all off.
So what? So this writer cannot get through a message to people who (including myself) are normalizing the 'new normal' world of wickedness and destruction we live in. And, this writer has been asking the Lord and waiting on the Lord to give me something directly from Him, (in addition to His Word which is obvious and essential) to encourage you the saints today.
That something I received today again seems obvious but it certainly impacted me as something from Him that I can pass on to you as encouragement. Here it is:
As this world goes from bad to worse the only way we are going to be able to really know that everything is going to be alright for us the saints is to get into His presence and remain in His presence on a daily basis. This is the message, in His presence, only there do we truly see this world and what is going on in it, in its right perspective. In His presence we deeply understand what deep trouble the people of this world are in (to include those ramming Islam and perverse lifestyles down our throat). Yea, they think they are running the show but there are being played for fools. One does not play chess against an all knowing and all powerful God and come out on top...ever.
We also understand in His presence that we who believe will be taken care of. The Lord is not going to give us details, He told us to trust Him-to live by faith not by sight and see how things turn out. He will take care of us, He has always taken care of His people starting with His people Israel and continuing through this very day taking care of His Body the Church-each and every one of us.
Now, back to getting into His presence and staying there. Does that mean staying on our knees in a prayer closet 24/7? Obviously not, the Lord knows about our jobs, the kids, the Home owners association meetings, the sicknesses, the weaknesses etc. In the midst of all of that we are to find some time, make the time for us and Him alone. There is no fixed amount of time that is appropriate, make some time how much is between you and Him. This writer can tell you when it is time to pray my flesh kicks and screams and claws and fights along with the enemy to get me to do anything but pray. It is work just to get myself to that place of prayer without even praying so I understand if you are thinking to yourself its not easy. No, its not easy but it is what we must force ourselves to do.
The Lord did also tell us to pray without ceasing. That means on a bike ride, in the car, walking around the park or your office building, at the supermarket, in all these places we are singing in our heart to the Lord and making prayers and petitions to Him. No we do not always have to get down on our knees in special place at a special time but I do think we need that and should do that as often as we can force ourselves to do it. He is worth it. He deserves it, and we need it.
If this world and what is going on in it vexes you, you are not alone
2 Peter 2:7and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment
The solution for me and you is to get into His presence so He can show you in a deep, God only way how things end (good for you, bad for the lawless). You will leave satisfied.
Psalm 73:12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of your children.
16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18Surely you did set them in slippery places: you cast them down into destruction.
19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awakes; so, O Lord, when you awake, you shall despise their image.
What is the sanctuary of God now? It is you! So wherever you are, when you drop down on your knees and pray the presence and the power of the Lord are there, His sanctuary is there.
1 Cor 3:16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?
And one final encouragement from the Lord:
John 14:27Peace
I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the
world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
If events in this world seem like they are getting out of hand, it only seems that way. Nothing is happening that was not foretold over 2,000 years ago by our all knowing, all powerful God who loves us above and beyond anything we can imagine.Keep the faith, stay in His Word and His presence. Then you will understand.
grace and peace
