Jesus said in the Olivet Discourse that the end times will be such as they were in the 'Days of Noah' and the 'Days of Lot.' (Luke 17:26-30, NIV; cf. Matt 24:37-39). That, in the mad search for pleasure and prosperity, mankind sank into such great depravity, the Scripture says, "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5; cf. 18:20-21). Further, Jesus said social wickedness would increase prior to His Return: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12, NIV). A thoroughly drenched, wicked and evil society was happening then and it's happening now. is occurring now. In the Ark days, Noah held his eyes on God and remained rooted in Him. We must do that as well.
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In prayer and bible reading mode this week, the phrase came to me: "Be not troubled." And then I wasn't! Prayer and close relationship with Jesus alleviates our strongest fears, troubles, distress. Let us always exhibit the peace that passes all understanding in the face of incomprehensible headlines. And then share that peace with urgency and mindfulness with people who have no hope. He will come. Until then, we run the race.
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I used to teach kids at church on Wednesday nights. I love their conversations and their thoughts and their joy. One night they were asking about Jesus and heaven. They got so excited when they figured out that their Christian friends will be in heaven too. They practically jumped out of their seats when they made the connection that they will actually see Jesus and hang out with Him. They started making plans, clapping their hands ... Ironically, the story this night was of Mark 10:13-16, "suffer the little children to come unto Me, do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Boy, does it ever. Let US be excited, innocent, planning, expectant, too. Are we? We should be!
Do you feel joy? Do you feel fear? It is normal to be anxious in these times, but oh, joy, bathe yourselves in His Holy and experience all the comfort of eternity in there. I recommend reading Psalm 34 yesterday and it is very good advice! If you feel caught up in the events of the day, remember that He is in command if every situation. As is often said, "Satan is on the prowl, but Jesus in in control!" Take a bath, friends, bathe in His word, and you will feel His arms and return to the blessed peace that is our to claim by His grace!
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Martin Luther said:
"The ears of our generation have been made so delicate by the senseless multitude of flatterers that, as soon as we perceive that anything of ours is not approved of, we cry out that we are being bitterly assailed;" This same theme of tickled ears carries through to the end generation, the one living through the reign of the antichrist.
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Christians know true freedom, whether incarcerated within walls or confined by duties or confronting an addiction, we are free, truly free. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1.
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