November 2014
Welcome Beloved! Like never before in the history of mankind, Bible prophesy is being verified by headline news: Ebola, ISIS, Wars, Financial Crisis, Race Riots in Ferguson, Volcanos, Earthquakes, Tornados, Forest Fires, Flooding, Famines, Hurricanes, Mass Shootings and Droughts to name a few. It is very possible that these are the birth pains before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who prophesied,
“And you shall hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nations will go to war against nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” 1
Last Days Ungratefulness…
Since I live in a glass house, I am the last person that should be throwing stones. It may seem to you like the apostle Paul is throwing stones when you read what he wrote about the conditions of the last days.
“For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2
Maybe it is time for you to return home. In America, it is Thanksgiving this month where we spend time with family and friends, reflecting upon our gratefulness. This year should also be a time to wake up – Jesus is coming. God’s patience is running out!
Awake to Righteousness
We definitely have a problem that only calling out to God can fix. The apostle Paul game this warning.
“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits. Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” 3
The prophet Isaiah wrote,
“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” 4
I remember when I was like an autumn leaf, withered and fallen; my sin swept me away like the wind. Maybe you feel swept away right now with no purpose in life. I’m here for you, so hold on!
I was almost forty years ago when I reached out to cling to the cross to keep from being blown away. The Lord used many saints, like myself now, to help open my eyes that Jesus took upon Himself my punishment for sin.
“For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 5
It is time to shout. Thank You Jesus, for making me right with God!
Not By Works…
Right standing with God doesn’t come by being a good person, that is, going to church, giving to the poor, or paying tithes. Salvation is a free gift; received by faith in the finished work of Christ at the cross.
I know that news is nearly too good to be true, but the Lord paid the price for all your sins with His blood. He was buried and rose again to give you the free gift of eternal life.
All you must do now is receive this message of Good News by believing it in your heart and confessing it with your mouth, and you will be saved. The Holy Spirit will regenerate you to live an abundant life, victorious over a life of sin. Be saved today!
Give Thanks…
Those who are unthankful are living in sin, fearing what is coming upon the earth in these last days. There is very little to be thankful for without experiencing the free gift of salvation. And once you experience it, you’ll never be fulfilled with anything less.
Lastly, you’ll be thankful for your salvation, which includes health, prosperity, deliverance, soundness, freedom, victory and wholeness.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 6
Thank God that He has you in His hands during these last day events. Those who trust in Jesus for their salvation are promised a new heaven and a new earth. 7 Won’t you receive all that Jesus has for you today?
A Prayer For You…
Father, please give my friend a revelation of the power of the Gospel today. Enable them to understand what salvation truly is and how You’ve provided for them everything they need as a free gift through Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Please enlighten them to these truths from Your Word. As they begin to understand Your grace, thank You for setting them free from guilt, condemnation and a performance mentality. It’s all about putting our faith in what Your Son did, and not what we do. From this day forward, may Your grace be the foundation of my friend’s daily relationship with You. Amen.
Scripture References (NLT):
1) Matt. 24:6-8
2) 2 Tim. 3:2-5
3) 1 Cor. 15:33, 34 NKJV
4) Isa. 64:6
5) II Cor. 5:21 NKJV
6) I Thess. 5:18 NKJV
7) Rev. chapters 21-22