I was thinking about all of the prophetic signs that we have been seeing recently; if you’re even watching for them. They’re everywhere; even folks who are not watching or even consider themselves to be believers are sensing that something ominous is on the horizon. Some folks have relaxed a bit with the new presidential administration and all of the executive orders that are being implemented to right this ship, as it were. I am all for fixing things that are broken, but I always start with what is most important; namely myself and my family.
I can’t fix other people, but I can do me well, with the Lord’s help. Everyday I start up early with my devos, prayer, and meditation on the things of the Lord that pertain to my current walk and situation. Working out is also a regularity for me. My doctor says that I need to lose a few pounds, but all of my other vitals are good. The older we get, the more important our health should be. One older man said it this way, ‘If I knew that I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself when I was younger.’ Taking care of our self is important, especially for the care givers and bread winners. There are a lot of loved ones in your life who are counting on your faithfulness.
The sense that we can’t control what is coming is clear; but the understanding that we can control ourselves and our outlook on life is equally clear and well within our reach. Self-control is a gift of God and a fruit of the Spirit; the last of nine last I checked.
The Apostle Paul said it this way, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness (meekness), self-control. Against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22,23
- Self-control is part of what God gives us through the power of the Holy Spirit. This world, our world, may be seemingly out of control, but not to God. He keeps us in His hand and empowers us to live our lives in a well-mannered and proper way. The other fruit are also part of our spiritual gift package.
There’s a saying when in seasons of conflict and duress, ‘Cooler heads prevail.’ We can keep a cool head if we start our day with the Master of the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t know how folks do life who don’t have Christ in it. People in this world seem to think that their lives belong to them; when it’s clear that we have been bought with a price; our lives are NOT our own. Whether we believe it or not, Jesus Christ owns us!
Paul reminds us, “…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:19,20
- While some would say this passage only belongs to believers in Jesus, I say that it’s for everyone who would believe its truth; just like the rest of the Bible.
We need to take good care of our bodies just like we need to take good care of our relationships, our vehicles, our homes, and our other stuff. The older we get, the more important and obvious this becomes. Fast food may be fast, but it’s really not food; at least not good food for you. Just like a bad habit or an inflamed extremity, we need to keep ourselves as mended and healthy as we can. Knowing Whose we belong to will help us in the process; it will help us to be prepared for what is coming.
I don’t believe that God wants any of His children to be in fear of the unknown or come what may, as it were. As we place our faith and trust in God, so we develop a sort of spiritual confidence, a ‘God-fidence’ so to speak; it’s our sense of spiritual security in Him. Some rely on their jobs, their retirement plans, or financial portfolios; others rely on their family and friends. All of this is nice and good, especially if we have them, but nothing can replace our faith in Jesus and the many promises of His Word to those us who love God and have placed their faith in Him. Our 401k won’t mean squat on judement day; only Jesus.
As believers, we don’t fear the reaper because we know that he was defeated at the cross. Whatever is on the near horizon, for the Church at large, it’s a very good thing; for those who don’t know Jesus, it will be terra incognita. They can’t see the horror coming, but they can feel it; just like we don’t know the day or hour of the Lord’s return, but we know it’s close, even at the very doors.
To put it bluntly, God is bigger than our worst fear, our biggest crisis, and our most terrifying ordeal. The Bible is clear that just before the Second Coming of Jesus, which is a different event than the pre-tribulation Rapture, that something ominous would occur on the earth. Daniel’s 70th week would ensue as part of God’s end time redemptive plan for His people (the Jews), and for His Church (the body of Christ). While it’s true that we are getting close to something big, we are also close to going home to heaven. The best way to keep a good head space with all that is happening in this world is to remember that being ready to go is being ready to stay. We can do both, but in the long run, going home to be with Jesus is our ultimate goal, our ultimate prize, and the ultimate thing that is bigger than big that we’re getting close to.
Many of the watchers (including myself) are looking at this Pentecost season with high hopes that the Lord will return for us. While I am hopeful for this to happen soon, I am also planning a cruise to Italy with my wife in the late spring, and an RV trip with some of my grandkids to LA for my niece’s wedding later this summer. I will agree that something big is on the horizon, but I must also plan like I will be here for the next 20 plus years. I will live each day to the fullest and with purpose and intention to both please the Lord and reach out to others in His name. I do this because I know in my heart that we’re getting close to something big.
As many of my readers know, I have been applying for a hospice chaplain job for over 4 years now. I get as far as the interview, or second interview, and then a rejection (direction) letter is issued. I have got coaching, I have revamped my resume, and even practiced interviewing; all to no avail. While I am not too disappointed over the lack of progress or accomplishment, I am confident that God has me where I am supposed to be, in the driver’s seat of a school bus, among other things, taking kids to and from school safety.
What we do is not who we are, but how we do what we do is a reflection of our person and our love for Jesus; and I really do love Jesus. Everything I do in my life I do to glorify His name. I have voluntary served as a chaplain to the bus drivers and admin at our district bus depot. God has opened many doors for me to counsel, pray with, and listen to these precious people who have committed themselves to the safe transport of the children and students in our district.
All of this and more is part of my preparation for the big thing that we are getting closer to each day; the ensuing pretribulation Rapture. If you’re reading this and you are not saved, than today is your day for salvation, which can only be found in Jesus. Call upon Him now by faith in prayer. Ask for His forgiveness for your sins and invite the Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior. It’s a simple prayer that I am sure everyone in hell would love to be able to pray and receive its benefit. It’s too late for them, but not for you, because when this big thing hits us, it’s going to hit this world hard. For those who have made this world their home, they will suffer immensely, but for the Church at large, we will be removed from the earth before that ominous season arrives. Yes, we are getting closer each day to something big, therefore we must make each day count and live it to the fullest. We must be a good witness to our family, friends, and others whom God brings into our path. We must be a good witness of the Lord to our world, knowing that each day we live is one day less before we finally go home; which really is the biggest thing we can possibly hope for.
The closer we get to the Rapture, the more we need to be reflecting Christ’ love to those whom He has entrusted to our care. I encourage you to consider this truth as we purposely accelerate in our final lap. Until then, be blessed and hope filled in the Christ and His Word; His promises to us are as true as He is.
Maranatha!
Encourage Men 