We have just crossed over into a new year, another year, a year that is filled with as much uncertainty as it is expectations. This sounds like the bite intro to the 50’s TV show The Twilight Zone, it certainly feels like it.
We have been shielded from what’s really going on in the world by our liberal media and when we do discover some of the happenings from more reliable news sources, we can become a bit discouraged and somewhat fearful. My prayers go out to the people of the Ukraine, especially the children who have suffered and died for the decisions of people outside of their stead. In the midst of all of this chaos, Jesus is watching and working on their behalf, we need to believe this truth and pray that God continues to intervene for the lost and dying, not only in that part of the world, but for the world at large. Our mission has never changed, our commission from the Christ still stands.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19,20
If we are not going, than we should be sending, not only with our tithes to the local church we should be attending and supporting, but to the missions effort that has been provided for us via our local church or other reputable missions and outreach organizations. Giving is a major part of the life of every believer. It would seem that the more we give, the more God blesses us so that we can continue to give.
This blog has more to do with a challenge I received from the Lord toward the end of December for the new year, even though I was hoping that we would have launched from this planted to our heavenly home with Jesus, alas, the Master is working and has a different plan. I sensed in my spirit that I needed to make the next 100 days the best 100 days; so here I go.
At the end of Hanukkah 2022 (12/26/22) if you add 100 days, you come to Wednesday, April 5, 2023. This puts us on the other end of the spring solstice (March 20/21, 2023) and the official beginning of 2023 according to ‘God’s calendar.’ FMI on that go to Pastor Sandy’s channel at S4C Global Community Church. I can’t lie, I am a bit disappointed that we are still here, but I know that we’re still not long for this world. I do believe that Jesus is currently ‘at the very doors’ and ready to evacuate His Church from this earth.
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it (or He) is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” – Matthew 24:32-34
Knowing this, each of us must do our best to be our best in living right and communicating the gospel as best we can in the family and social circles that God has placed us in. In essence, we are modern day missionaries to the fields of communities where God has planted us; and we will give an account to the Lord of how well we did in those fields.
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.” – Matthew 24:45-47
In my heart I feel the Lord telling me to make the next 100 days the best 100 days, and I am (at the time of this blog) a fourth of the way into those 100 days. I am currently doing a 21-day partial fast with many of my brothers and siters in my church. I am praying for the Lord’s intervention in my life and ministry in the coming year, hoping that it won’t be long until we hear that trumpet blast.
As we all do our best to prepare ourselves and others for the Lord’s return, we need to keep on working in this field, planning long, preparing our taxes, repair our homes, taking care of our family, loving our spouses and kids and grandkids, and most of all, loving Jesus with everything we can muster mister (or sister). We are all called to ‘occupy’ until the Lord returns.
I have been noticing a lot of new YouTuber watchman surface as they answer God’s call to post the truth regarding the nearness of Christ’ return for His Church. Welcome brothers and sisters, congratulations on being obedient to the Lord regarding this discipline. BTW, I too am on YouTube with many a sermon and teaching that you can observe for yourself. (crownpointechurch.com and gvag.net) Both are church websites that I either pastored or taught on for years. There are several sermons there or you can just google my name and ignore all of the alleged bad stuff.
If I can challenge you to not be discouraged in your faith walk, but do your best to occupy in the sphere that God has placed you in. Do your best to be a better steward of all that God has entrusted to your care, beginning with your spiritual life formation and expanding out to your family and close friends. The closer we get to the ‘jump,’ the more obvious it will be that we are closer to it. Our lives can’t be just about looking for the Rapture, rather, we need to be about the Master’s business, doing His bidding with those He has called us to. We need to be as smart about this as we are relevant. The Lord will prompt us by His Holy Spirit as we commit each day to Him and His end time agenda. While each of us may have non-ministerial jobs ‘so to speak,’ we do, however, have God’s command to do everything that we do, as unto Him. This is what we will be accountable for.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23,24
Now I need to close this blog and take a bunch of students to school.
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Southern Missouri. He lives with his wife of 33-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 