In his last letter to us, the Apostle Paul gives a brief picture of what the ‘last days’ world would look like.
“But know this, that in the last days perilous (stressful) times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving (irreconcilable), slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5
While we have heard many a sermon on this passage, alas, we are living in it now. It’s almost as if we’re seeing what humanity looks like without spiritual restraint or emotional maturity.
Jesus addressed the ‘faithful’ Church by saying that… “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” – Revelation 3:8
- Jesus knows us, He knows what motivates us and the works that we do in honor of Him. He has opened a door for us; a door that nobody can shut or refuse us. I believe that door, in context to the time in which we are living today, to be the door of heaven at the Rapture of the Church.
Jesus knows that in these last days we will have ‘a little strength.’ In essence, He is familiar with our humanity and the frailty of it. He gets that we are tired and weary and He compels us to come to Him for strength and refreshment.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle (meek) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28,29
I find myself telling the Lord that ‘I want to go home’ a lot lately. It’s not that my life isn’t good and that I am not blessed, because it is, and I am. It’s just that I can see where this world is headed and I long to step off this planet and into eternity where this sin-laden existence will be gone forever.
I am not willing to waste a minute of my time here. I want to be useful to the Master and serve Him well as I interact with the many and few people I encounter. I pray that God would use me today to touch a life, plant a seed of hope, or lead someone to faith in Christ. Everyday we’re here is one day closer and one more opportunity to win someone to Christ. I believe that this is the main reason that we are still here. Times are tough; the economy is listing, taxes, gas, food, and basic supplies are costing more. It’s all stressful and yet the Lord is telling us that He has us in the palm of His hand. We can trust Him. He will provide for us to the abundance and we can have that confidence and assurance that ‘it shall be well, it is well,’ with Jesus.
I close this blog with an excerpt from the Jesus Calling devotion from today (July 5):
“Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that your security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy. You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new with My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.” – Jesus
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northwest Missouri. He lives with his wife of 34-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 