Joel 2:28-32
“After I have poured out my rains
again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all of you! Your sons and
daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, and your young
men see visions. And I will pour out my Spirit even on your slaves, men
and women alike, and put strange symbols in the earth and sky—blood and
fire and pillars of smoke.
“The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible Day of the Lord shall come.
“Everyone
who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved; even in Jerusalem
some will escape, just as the Lord has promised, for he has chosen some
to survive.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
Have
you heard about the “Blood Moons?” According to information found at
EarthSky.org…” The first Blood Moon eclipse in a series of four happened
on the night of April 14-15, 2014. The second one took place on the
night of October 7-8, 2014. The third one is coming up on April 4, 2015
and will be visible to North American skywatchers. A series of four
total lunar eclipses is called a tetrad. We in astronomy had not heard
the term Blood Moon used in quite this way before this year, but now the
term has become widespread in the media.”*
Another lunar eclipse
is scheduled to occur on September 28, 2015. There are pastors and
others in the religious community who cite Joel 2:31 – and the rest of
this passage – and try to make a correlation between these events and
the Second Coming of Christ. Books have been written…seminars have been
held and attended…and a general state of unrest has been stirred among
some believers.
I do not mean to belittle anyone’s faith. But
here is my “take” on all of this. The “blood moons” (a phrase coined by
one of those “religious” authors) are beautiful. If you get a chance
to observe one, by all means, do so! But do not panic. If Jesus is just
about ready to return, so what? This is GREAT NEWS! As I told a
neighbor who wanted to talk to me about “End Times” recently…”Bring
‘em! I don’t plan on being here!”
See, I’ve already been
“bought and paid for” by the blood of Jesus. I surrendered my heart to
Him a long time ago, and whenever He is ready for me, I’m ready to go to
heaven. This could happen in the next 30 minutes…or I could still be
here when He returns for His church at large. Either way, I know that
this is not my final destination, but just an important stop along the
way. I have work to do on behalf of my Lord and Savior…and He is going
to provide me with signs, wonders, dreams, visions, and beautiful
phenomena like “blood moons” to enjoy during the journey.
I
don’t have an “exclusive” on salvation. What God has done for me
through Jesus Christ…He will gladly do for you. No one needs operate in
fear for even one minute. This is glorious…amazing…exciting! Embrace
it…embrace Jesus! And revel in the promise that you will LIVE with Him
for all eternity…whenever He decides to call for you!
And let’s
stop scaring folks about the “End Times”. Let’s talk about how
wonderful heaven is…how blessed we are to serve a Risen Savior…and how
glorious it will be to belong to Him for all eternity. We Christians
have operated in fear long enough…and it’s not working for us OR those
we wish to reach for Jesus! Let’s start showing others how joyful and
excited we are to be children of the Most High God…and demonstrate happy
anticipation of all that He has in store for us!
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://earthsky.org
Showing posts with label worrying about end times. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worrying about end times. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 30, 2015
1 John 2:13
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A neighbor knocked on our door one recent morning and offered me a book on “end times”. He insisted that this was the definitive explanation of everything. I thanked him, but I explained that I do not get caught up in all of the fuss about “end times”…I don’t plan to be here for them! I also have more unread books on my shelves than I could get to in a year, so I am really don’t want/need more reading material!
I don’t mean to be flippant about the second coming of Christ. But so many people – including those who claim to be Spirit-filled Christians – are pretty well consumed by these studies. Their talk has an edge of fear to it. Yes, the Bible tells us that after the Rapture, there will be years of unthinkable horrors…and no, we do NOT want to be “left behind”.
But the solution is easy…give your heart to Jesus and live for Him now. Enjoy a deep and abiding fellowship with our Heavenly Father now…and forever...and get on with living in His blessings and promises every single day.
How does this relate to the scripture passage for today? I believe that John is telling us that God is available to all who call on Him…whether you are an “old”, seasoned Christian who has walked with Him for decades…or a new Christian who just surrendered your heart and asked for His forgiveness. A good case in point would be a 98-year-old lady in our community who passed away recently. This little lady gave her heart to Jesus on her deathbed…and I am confident that she was welcomed into His arms at Heaven’s gate.
John’s message is that God is here with us…His love and care is available for all of us – young and old in Christ. All who believe and receive Him will miss the Rapture – one way or another! This is GOOD NEWS! We need to embrace this amazing gift and get busy basking in the love of Christ – and sharing Him with others as He leads us. If the Rapture comes in our lifetime…I’ll see you on the other side! Meanwhile, I plan to be busy living for Jesus…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A neighbor knocked on our door one recent morning and offered me a book on “end times”. He insisted that this was the definitive explanation of everything. I thanked him, but I explained that I do not get caught up in all of the fuss about “end times”…I don’t plan to be here for them! I also have more unread books on my shelves than I could get to in a year, so I am really don’t want/need more reading material!
I don’t mean to be flippant about the second coming of Christ. But so many people – including those who claim to be Spirit-filled Christians – are pretty well consumed by these studies. Their talk has an edge of fear to it. Yes, the Bible tells us that after the Rapture, there will be years of unthinkable horrors…and no, we do NOT want to be “left behind”.
But the solution is easy…give your heart to Jesus and live for Him now. Enjoy a deep and abiding fellowship with our Heavenly Father now…and forever...and get on with living in His blessings and promises every single day.
How does this relate to the scripture passage for today? I believe that John is telling us that God is available to all who call on Him…whether you are an “old”, seasoned Christian who has walked with Him for decades…or a new Christian who just surrendered your heart and asked for His forgiveness. A good case in point would be a 98-year-old lady in our community who passed away recently. This little lady gave her heart to Jesus on her deathbed…and I am confident that she was welcomed into His arms at Heaven’s gate.
John’s message is that God is here with us…His love and care is available for all of us – young and old in Christ. All who believe and receive Him will miss the Rapture – one way or another! This is GOOD NEWS! We need to embrace this amazing gift and get busy basking in the love of Christ – and sharing Him with others as He leads us. If the Rapture comes in our lifetime…I’ll see you on the other side! Meanwhile, I plan to be busy living for Jesus…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 2, 2015
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
When our Lord Jesus returns, we will be gathered up to meet him. So I ask you, my friends, not to be easily upset or disturbed by people who claim that the Lord has already come. They may say that they heard this directly from the Holy Spirit, or from someone else, or even that they read it in one of our letters. But don’t be fooled! People will rebel against God. Then before the Lord returns, the wicked one who is doomed to be destroyed will appear.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late 2014, the movie Left Behind* debuted. The movie stars Nicholas Cage as Rayford Steele, an airline pilot who discovers that the Rapture has come while he was in flight - and he was “left behind”, along with his daughter and countless others. In the blink of an eye, Steele’s wife and son – both born-again Christians - were carried to heaven with others who professed a belief in Jesus Christ. We’ve not seen the movie yet…but we did read all of the books in the “Left Behind” series…and I assume that the film depicts the chaos that ensues as people try to cope with what happens after millions of people suddenly vanish into thin air.
I enjoyed reading the “Left Behind” series, written by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. I found the story to be an interesting “take” on the Book of Revelation and what could happen when things are put into motion for the Second Coming of Christ. I know several people who devote a lot of time to studying “end times” and Bible prophecy. They put a lot of stock in signs and symbols…and turn things like beautiful “blood moons” into a warning that “Doomsday” is upon us!
Again, I do not discount the prophecy of the Bible – nor do I condemn those who express such an interest in these things. At the same time, I do not operate in fear and worry over when Jesus will return…and what this “sign” or that means. I would rather enjoy the beautiful red moon rises that God gives us than worry about whether they signal “the beginning of the End!” In the words of the Apostle Paul…I am content to go or stay.
Sadly, a lot of Christians have become more concerned with worrying about “end times” than in living for Jesus now! If you know where you are headed…and Who you serve…your interest in the “Doomsday” message should be limited to a mere passing glance. This doesn’t mean that we should argue with those who worry. But since we don’t plan on being “left behind”…we needn’t be bothered by their talk. Focus on demonstrating your faith and confidence in Jesus…enjoy reading this series of books if you wish – and seeing the movie…and serve as a walking example of the Light of Christ.
In Psalm 16:11, we read…”You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” It’s time we stopped worrying about the future and started living in the nearness of Jesus. He is HERE…He is by our side. Let’s serve him with a joyful and peaceful heart this year. Let’s make this the year that worry and fear are “left behind”.
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2467046/
When our Lord Jesus returns, we will be gathered up to meet him. So I ask you, my friends, not to be easily upset or disturbed by people who claim that the Lord has already come. They may say that they heard this directly from the Holy Spirit, or from someone else, or even that they read it in one of our letters. But don’t be fooled! People will rebel against God. Then before the Lord returns, the wicked one who is doomed to be destroyed will appear.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late 2014, the movie Left Behind* debuted. The movie stars Nicholas Cage as Rayford Steele, an airline pilot who discovers that the Rapture has come while he was in flight - and he was “left behind”, along with his daughter and countless others. In the blink of an eye, Steele’s wife and son – both born-again Christians - were carried to heaven with others who professed a belief in Jesus Christ. We’ve not seen the movie yet…but we did read all of the books in the “Left Behind” series…and I assume that the film depicts the chaos that ensues as people try to cope with what happens after millions of people suddenly vanish into thin air.
I enjoyed reading the “Left Behind” series, written by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. I found the story to be an interesting “take” on the Book of Revelation and what could happen when things are put into motion for the Second Coming of Christ. I know several people who devote a lot of time to studying “end times” and Bible prophecy. They put a lot of stock in signs and symbols…and turn things like beautiful “blood moons” into a warning that “Doomsday” is upon us!
Again, I do not discount the prophecy of the Bible – nor do I condemn those who express such an interest in these things. At the same time, I do not operate in fear and worry over when Jesus will return…and what this “sign” or that means. I would rather enjoy the beautiful red moon rises that God gives us than worry about whether they signal “the beginning of the End!” In the words of the Apostle Paul…I am content to go or stay.
Sadly, a lot of Christians have become more concerned with worrying about “end times” than in living for Jesus now! If you know where you are headed…and Who you serve…your interest in the “Doomsday” message should be limited to a mere passing glance. This doesn’t mean that we should argue with those who worry. But since we don’t plan on being “left behind”…we needn’t be bothered by their talk. Focus on demonstrating your faith and confidence in Jesus…enjoy reading this series of books if you wish – and seeing the movie…and serve as a walking example of the Light of Christ.
In Psalm 16:11, we read…”You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” It’s time we stopped worrying about the future and started living in the nearness of Jesus. He is HERE…He is by our side. Let’s serve him with a joyful and peaceful heart this year. Let’s make this the year that worry and fear are “left behind”.
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2467046/
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