Signs of the Times - What They Mean Part Two

Hey Friend,

Last week, I posted Part One of this two part series on the signs of the times.  Before reading on, you may want to go back and read the beginning of the series for the sake of continuity.  

Click HERE to read "Signs of the Times - What They Mean Part One."

Before getting into the signs, let's first examine why 30% of the Bible is filled with prophecy.  Even though God is mysterious, He does not want us to remain in the dark.  He doesn't do anything until He reveals it first.  All of human history is about God continuing to reveal Himself to those who want to know Him. The God of the Bible is not a secret keeper. 

The reason God gives us prohecy in the Bible is so we will be prepared for everything that will happen.  God wants His children to be informed so they will face the future with courage and certainty.

After the first and second signs (Part One) let's jump into some other signs that are taking place, before our very eyes, that the Bible prophesies will happen as we get close to the Day of the Lord.  

3.  The Great Falling Away:  2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 tells us that the day Jesus gathers us in the sky for the Rapture will not happen unless the falling away or apostasy comes first.  Paul is reminding the Thessalonians that Jesus will not return until there is a worldwide falling away from truth.  This apostasy will be a widespread rejection of Biblical Christianity, including both theology and morality.

Many people are increasingly claiming the Bible contains "hate speech."  In the past few years there has been a dramatic increase of people, in the US, who check "none" on surveys that ask for religious affiliation.  The US is quickly catching up with the rest of the world that claims to be Atheist, Agnostic, or of a faith other than Christianiy.  

In 2007 a Harris Poll found that 12% of Americans had forsaken religion altogether.  That number doubled to 24% in just eight years (2013).  The numbers for 2020 are not out yet, but experts expect that percentage will have grown exponentially since 2013.  A 2015 Pew Research Center poll found that 35% of millenials claim no religious affiliation.  What will 2020 numbers reveal?

2 Timothy 3:1-9 describes what the moral climate of the world will be like in the last days:  For men (and women) will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,...disobedient to parents, unthankful,unholy,unloving,unforgiving...without self control,...headstrong...lovers of pleasure...immoral...will be led away by various lusts...having no fear of God.

Jesus said that the end times would be very much like the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17: 26-30).  In both stories, sexual immorality pervaded the society.  In both cases the culture devolved to the point of moral anarchy and depravity (pornography, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, pansexuality, transsexuality, adultery, prostitution, orgies, illicit sexual acts). Marriage, as a God-ordained sacrament between a man and a woman, was/is mocked.  

The last time God saw the world as being this immoral and violent was in the days of Noah, and then again in the days of Lot, and we know what happened then...God is compassionate and long-suffering, but He is also a just God.

4.  Growing Lawlessness:  Just prior to the Antichrist (who is described in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 as "the lawless one,") entering the world stage, Jesus will come and rapture His Bride, the church of believers. The "Rapture" is a term coined to describe the gathering of the elect unto Jesus.  There is always discussion about whether this happens before the Tribulation, mid-Trib. or post-Trib.  Scripture describes this time as the world being without the law.  Do scenes of burning cities with mobs demanding we abolish the police (symbol of the law in our society) flash to the forefront of your mind?  In 1980, the Court declared that the posting of The Ten Commandments  (God's Holy Law) in classrooms was found to be in violation of the First Ammendment.  We are living in a postmodern, post-Christian, and post-Bible culture.  The authority of Scripture is under attack, even from the inside of many churches. 

5.  Natural Disasters, Disease, and Plagues with Increasing Frequency & Intensity:  The Bible describes natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, as well as diseases (SARS, COVID-19) will come more often and with greater intensity - like the labor pains of a woman as she gets closer to giving birth.  

6.  Five Prophecies Regarding Israel:  The Bible gives conditions of the end times that specifically relate to Israel.  It tells us ALL these conditions will occur within a single generation.  (Matthew 24:32-34).  What Jesus is telling us here is that one generation will see all end times fulfilled.  Every generation has had some of the signs that Jesus mentions, but we are experiencing every sign.  Let's look at Israel...

A. Israel is Regathered Twice:  (foretold in Isaiah 11: 10-12) The Bible prophesies that the people of Israel will be gathered together twice after being scattered.  The first time was in 586 BC when, after a seventy year exile in Babylon, the Israelites began returning to Jerusalem and in 516 BC the Temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt.  

Then, God fulfilled His promise again in 1948.  For almost two millennia, the Hebrew people had been scattered around the world.  The extreme persecution under the Nazis and their ultimate defeat in WWII precipitated a huge and miraculous move back to their homeland for the second time - just as Isaiah foretold.  

B.  Israel Born in One Day:  Isaiah wrote again:  Who has heard such a thing?  Who has seen such a things?  Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?  Or shall a nation be born at once?  On May 14, 1948, Great Britain's colonial mandate for Palestine expired, they released the territory, and in one day President Harry Truman recognized this new nation and the world saw the establishment of the State of Israel.  It all happened on a single day.  

C.  Israel is Regathered from the North:  As Israel began to rebuild, Jews who lived in Europe or the Americas came by the thousands.  Between January 1989 and December 2002, 1.1 million Jews immigrated to Israel from Russia.  This was foretold in Jeremiah 16.  

D.  Jerusalem is Retaken by the Jews:  In 1948, Jews were returning to Israel.  Then, in 1967 Israel engaged in the Arab-Israeli Six Day War.  On June 10, 1967, the Jews regained control of the city, and it has remained in their hands. 

E.  The Land of Israel is Divided, Coupled with Worldwide Anti-Semitism:  Israel has been forced to relinquish control of portions of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Sinai Peninsula.  The tug-of-war continues over The Temple Mount in the city of Jerusalem.  Nations like Russia, Iran, and Syria (and many others) are very vocal in their aspirations of wiping the Jewish State of Israel off the map.  ** There will be a period of peace in the Middle East before all hell breaks loose and Jerusalem is "ground zero" for the final battle**

So, what does all this add up to?  In Joel 3: 1-2 God reveals to us that in the same time period (or generation) that He regathers Israel back into her land (beginning 1948), He will also enter into a final judgment with ALL nations regarding the mistreatment of the Jews and for dividing the land.  

So a key question here is How long is a generation?  How long is the "generation" that will include all the prophecies regarding Israel?  With the Lord, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day.  But, if we read what the Bible says about a "generation" it says in Psalm 90:10:  If the days of our lives are 70 years; and if by reason of strength they are 80 years...then that would mean that possibly ??? we could have the birth of Israel (May 14, 1948) AND the Day of the Lord/Judgment all within an 80 year period... 

1948 + 80 years = 2028 

There are those who believe Christ will come "pre-Tribulation," some who believe "mid-Tribulation," and others who believe "post-Tribulation."  No matter which way you slice it, you can't escape that Jesus is coming again and no one will know the exact day or the hour.  We simply need to be ready.

Hmmmm....We are seeing so many end times events being fulfilled or getting ready to be fulfilled.  When you just look at what is happening in Israel alone, it is a compelling argument that time is ticking away on the prophetic clock.  Add in the other signs and I come to the conclusion, with many others, that we need to:

Plan like Jesus isn't coming back for 100 year, but live like He is coming back today!

Remember how stupid Noah appeared in the eyes of his contemporaries.  They thought they could get away with everything and anything. No one feared or respected God. They mocked Noah for building a huge ark when they had never seen a drop of rain fall from the sky.  When the rain started, I'm sure there were many people who were banging, desperately, on the closed door of the ark to no avail.  

Like God sent the ark for Noah, He has promised the Rapture for His beloved Bride - the church of believers in His Son, Jesus Christ.  If you have repented and asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, you will be feasting with Jesus at the wedding supper of the Lamb while the world will be experiencing a Tribulation that will make 9/11 look like a Sunday School picnic.  

So what are we to be doing?  Live for God, not this world.  Put Jesus first, no matter how the world mocks you.  Surround yourselves with other believers who will hold you accountable, and by all means minister to your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers; work diligently in your job; contribute generously to your church with your time and your finances as well as support global missions; and vote righteously when it comes time to cast your ballot.  YOU can make a difference!

When you witness to the Light in the middle of the darkness, you will have no reason to be ashamed when you see Jesus face-to-face. 

"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."  (Hebrews 10: 24-25)

Once again, I offer this prayer as an invitation to give your life to Christ or as a re-dedication if you are already a believer...

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and rebellion against Your authority.  I receive You into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  I also receive Your blood on the cross as the payment for all of my sins and believe I'm totally forgiven by You.  Thank You for the free gifts of forgiveness and eternal life.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and give me the power to change and follow You all the days of my life.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Thanks for hanging in there and reading.  May you be blessed...

Click HERE to learn more about a fascinating and uplifting film about the days before the Tribulation

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Signs of the Times - What They Mean, Part One

Hey Friend,

When school was in session, I served as the crossing guard for a nearby elementary school.  It was hard to miss me because I wore a neon yellow-green reflective vest with lovely matching hat and gloves.  The key accessory to my uniform was a giant, red, octagonal sign that read S-T-O-P!!  

It never ceased to amaze me how drivers reacted to me and my sign when I stepped out, bravely, to the middle of the crosswalk.  Some alert drivers, with their eyes on the road, were aware of the sign from a long way off.  They slowed and stopped at a safe distance from the crosswalk.

Other drivers, who were talking on their cell phones, checking their makeup, eating, or were otherwise distracted, would slam on the breaks and come to an abrubt stop - sometimes within a couple feet of me.

And then, there were those who were just completely oblivious, lost in their own thoughts, or were ticked off that they were late for work and this sign was going to make them even later, chose to blow right through the cross walk because they didn't even see the giant "STOP" sign that was right in front of them.

Right now, in this generation, we are witnesses to many major signs announcing the coming of the Day of the Lord, and our reactions are mixed.  We aren't, however, the first ones in history to miss some pretty obvious signs.  

Jesus' ministry was building steam and His following was growing.  Many had seen signs and miracles - casting out demons, healing the sick and the blind, making the lame walk, and turning water into wine, yet the Pharisees and the Sadducees (both united in their hatred for Jesus) came to Jesus and demanded that He "show them a sign from heaven" to prove that He was, indeed, the Messiah.  

I find it ironic that Jesus had just finished feeding thousands from a little boy's lunch and had raised someone from the dead, and these guys needed a "sign"...really?  In Mark's account of this, he records that "Jesus sighed." I envision Jesus smacking His palm to his forehead while muttering, "Oy Vey!!"

At the same time, I wonder if I would have missed the signs and would have been shouting, "Crucify Him!" on that horrific day??

Yet, here we are witnessing sign after sign and we don't want to admit that the Day of the Lord, perhaps, is not as far off as we think.  No, we are not to be sitting around debating the exact day or hour because no one will know this - not even Christ Himself; only the Father knows.  (Matthew 24:36)

We are, however, to be watching, be prepared, and be the Bride at the ready for her Bridegroom to return.  We are promised a blessing for reading Revelation and the prophetic books of the Bible (which comprise 30% of all scripture).

So what are some of the signs that scripture tells us will happen as the Day of the Lord approaches:

1.  Shrinking of America:  Students of Biblical prophecy have been perplexed that the United States is not recorded in the events of the last days.  America seems to be missing from the end times scenario.  We see the rise of the Antichrist with ten nations configured under him.  We also see another mega-power referred to as "the kings of the east."  (Revelation 16:12)

If you follow the news, at all, you can't miss how strong China has emerged in recent days, both as an economic powerhouse and as a military superpower.  They are pouring billions into armaments and military.  Some experts say that within just a few years, China could overtake the US as the world's top economy.

Also, be on the lookout for world news as it relates to Israel. Israel is God's chosen nation and the Jews are His people.  God will defend them zealously against any foe that dares to come against them.  Jerusalem will be "ground zero" for the final battle.  

2.  Push for New World Currency:  We are already seeing cash disappear as a form of currency.  There is definitely a push for a new world currency.  In our nation, there is a lot of talk about mandatory, hi-tech, national ID cards.  Might they be a precursor to the "mark of the Beast," without which no one will be able to buy or sell?  (Revelation 13: 16-17)

Know this:  I don't claim to be a Biblical scholar, nor do I ever pretend to begin to know the mind of God.  I do read and study His Word, and I feel led to share what I'm learning so that we can look forward with hope and anticipation. I invite your insights as well. In my next post, I'll continue with more signs of the times - including the "billboard" of signs.  I'll explore what might be next and what we can choose to do with that information.  

Meanwhile, know this, God does not give us prophecy in scripture to scare the bejeebers out of us- just the opposite.  He offers us prophecy so that we can be reassured that He is in control, is omniscient, and none of this is taking Him by surprise. It is there to comfort believers. He reassures us that Christ, the Bridegroom will come for his Bride (the body of believers/the church) and will spare her (us) the hell on earth that will be the Tribulation.  

If you/we believe, we can be looking forward expectantly and with rejoicing to Christ's coming again during the Rapture. We will, finally, get to hug the neck of the Son of God. Can you even fathom that? He will wipe away our every tear and we will be gathered together, with Him, at the wedding supper of the Lamb. That, is something to truly be excited about!

If you would like to become a believer and have the comfort and reassurance that Christ is coming just for you, might you want to pray to receive Christ as your personal Savior? I promise it will be the best decision you will ever make!  Pray with me...

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and rebellion against Your authority.  I receive You into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  I also receive Your blood on the cross as the payment for all of my sins and believe I'm totally forgiven by You.  Thank You for the free gifts of forgiveness and eternal life.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and give me the power to change and follow You all the days of my life.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Want some uplifting television?  Check out The Chosen.   Click HERE to 

check out the Trailer and Episode One

Congratulations to Jeanne T., the winner of the Moment to Breathe devotional!!

Be blessed...

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Are We There Yet? Plus Devotional Giveaway!

Hey Friend,

This post appeared on DaySpring's (in)courage blog one year ago, and now it is part ot a new devotional - "Take Heart - 100 devotions for seeing God when life is not okay."  This power packed devotional tackles the hard feelings and experiences we are all dealing with like anxiety, fear, fatigue, loneliness, depression, uncertainty, doubt, suffering, and wondering where God is in all of this?  Most of all, it offers hope and vital encouragement to hearts that are not okay.

I'll give you information as to how to preorder and get a free book of prayers to share.  But first, here's a sneak peak of what you can expect when you pre-order "Take Heart"...

Are We There Yet? 

 

We thought we were pretty "high tech" cruising down the road some twenty plus years ago in our Pontiac Transport minivan (lovingly known as the dustbuster on wheels).  For long family road trips, we were among the first to have a "deluxe" video tape player that plugged into the cigarette lighter.

Cell phones and video games had not yet burst onto the scene, so when my kids invariably asked, "Are we there yet?" I would put it in terms they would understand.  "One more Winnie the Pooh [thirty minutes] and we'll stop for something to eat."  "One more Sandlot [ninety minutes) and we'll be there."  This along with a Mary Poppins bag of treats and toys that came out at crucial moments, is what got us through those long ventures.  

As an adult who is cruising toward sixty, I find myself asking God "Are we there yet?"  

God has been so faithful to answer prayers in ways that I would have never imagined.  Some prayers went on for over twenty-five years, and it's beginning to dawn on me that some prayers will not be answered on this side of eternity.  We are drawn into thinking that this life is all there is and prayers need to be answered during this limited time we have on earth.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.  (2 Corinthians 4:17)

God's promises, however, go far beyond our short life spans.  His focus is an eternal one and He calls us to get on the bandwagon with this way of thinking.  In a seminary class I took, one of the things they had us focus on in Scripture was repitition.  When God really wants to make a point, the point is often repeated several times.

Psalm 136 chronicles God's steadfastness throughout biblical history, and after every point the psalmist makes, the chorus is repeated. "His faithful love endures forever" is repeated twenty-six times.   

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1)

I think God is trying to get the point across that His love is not just for this world, but will be especially present in eternity - what hope, what joy awaits us!

 

The Bible talks a lot about forever, and eternity, and life everlasting.  The gospel's main theme is that man is not doomed forever for his sins, but by grace, can have life everlasting, and salvation in paradise forever.  

I am convicted that I need to adjust my lens for a more eternal setting.

This life is not all there is.

So, when I want to ask God, "How long, O Lord?" it's kind of like I'm asking as a child, "Are we there yet?"  As I try to patiently wait upon the Lord, I take heart that even if my prayers aren't answered on this side of the pearly gates, they will certainly receive a glorious answer in eternity.  

I thank You and praise You, God, that this life is not all there is.  Thank you for sending Your Son to die for me so that I may live forever in eternity with You. Help me to be patient through these trials and periods of suffering, because I know they are building my character for eternal puposes.  Help me to look not just to the end of this lifetime, but to the blessing of eternal life, where all unanswered prayers will finally be answered once and for all.  Grant me the patience until I am with You forever.  In Your eternal name I pray. Amen.

Now for the FUN!!!  Here's how to get 3 books - one you pay for and two for FREE!

1.  Pre-order "Take Heart" devotional (above) before OCT. 15th and you will get a FREE book "Prayers to Share."  After you go to the link below, be sure to fill out the REDEMPTION FORM in order to get the  FREE Prayer book.

Click HERE to pre-order "Take Heart" and fill out the redemption form for a FREE book of prayers.

2.  Enter a FREE Giveaway of (in)courage's first devotional - "A Moment to Breathe."  (it contains 2 devotions I've written). All you have to do to be entered is SUBSCRIBE to my blog.  To do this, go to the SUBSCRIBE TAB above and enter your contact information.  BE SURE TO LOOK FOR A CONFIRMATION LINK IN YOUR EMAIL INBOX to complete the Subscription. I never share my email list!

3.  Get a second entry on the FREE Giveaway by pre-ordering "Take Heart" devotional and then leave a comment below that says, "I want to take heart!"

Drawing for "A Moment to Breathe" to be held Sept. 26th.  US and Canada residents only for Giveaway. Thanks for reading...don'f forget - subscribe to win!

The Space Between is Wearing Thin - Guest Post & Giveaway

Hey Friends,

I just finished reading this beautiful post by my good friend and sister-blogger, Jana Schmitt, and I knew immediately that I had to share it.  Her words echoed what has been on my heart and playing on a continuous loop in my mind.  I can't stop thinking about it and at times I have wondered if I was alone in my ponderings.  

I am blessed to work with Jana who is the Chairman of our wonderful Board of Directors for Redeemer Christian Foundation (RCF, Inc.)  God has truly blessed me by orchestrating our paths to cross years ago as our passions merged to share the gospel in hard to reach countries.

I invite you to read Jana's wisdom-filled writing and then click over to her blogsite to continue reading and then leave her some lovin' in her Comments section.  Before you leave, be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY below.  Drawing to be held Sept. 26th.

Jana is a licensed counselor and full time “Jja-Ja” to her two grand babies. Despite being an empty nester, you’ll find that her house is rarely empty. She loves hosting gatherings, has a special knack for assembling charcuterie boards, and can usually be found Pinteresting her next renovation project. Jana is the matriarch of the writing trio that pens their thoughts at The Space We Share.

The Space Between is Wearing Thin   by Jana Schmitt

I want to share some things that have been on my heart. In fact, there’s so much welling up within me I’m not even sure where to begin. But I pray God gives me the words that offer hope and comfort and most clearly reflect HIS heart.

It seems every single piece of correspondence I’ve received for months now starts out with something about “these unprecedented times”. None of us would deny the truth in that. It’s no big revelation to say we’re living through some strange times. And in our imperfect humanity we each react differently to the uncertainty. Some of us withdraw. Some fight back. Some live in denial. Some grow ever more intent upon not letting these things affect their life plans while others fall prey to depression, anxiety and isolation.

But underneath it all - on some level - I think we’re all asking what is happening? Will things ever be normal again?

What if the answer to that is no? And what if that’s a good thing?

Click Here to read the rest of Jana's post at The Space We Share

Don't miss this GIVEAWAY!! In honor of being on the cusp of my favorite season - FALL! I'm giving away a FREE copy of A Moment to Breathe - 365 daily devotions that help you find beauty in the ordinary and sometimes messy moments of your everyday life.

Featured writers include: Holley Gerth, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Becky Kiefe, and yours truly...

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG and be automatically entered in the DRAWING to be held on Sept. 26th. If you subscribe already, then leave a comment that says "Enter Me in the Drawing" (Having trouble - try the Anonymous option.)

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Be blessed...

How to Harness the Blessing

Hey Friend,

Have you ever noticed that the blessings the Bible speaks of are often in a series of If/Then statements or inferred If/Then statements?  I admit that I'm guilty of getting impatient and just wanting to jump to the blessing.  I want the beautiful blessing before I put in the elbow grease of obedience.  

It's easy to want to pluck the blessing out of context from the scripture that preceeds or follows it.  

Personally, I have been praying, earnestly, for a blessing in my own life.  I've been praying for reconcilliation with my two adult children.  I know that what I'm praying for is in accordance with God's will, but I got a little too focused on the result or outcome.  I zoomed in on the blessing, and lost sight of the "If" part of God's promise. 

I memorized this verse as a child in the KJV, and God has brought it back to mind.

But, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

You see, I was focused on the blessing:  "All these things shall be added unto you."  I'd forgotten the inferred "If."

"If" you seek first the kingdom of God - I needed to focus less on the outcome I desired, and instead, focus solely on seeking God.  I needed to get my sights so fixed on God that I couldn't see anything else.  I needed to be seeking His presence and obeying His word and not concerning myself with the "Then" part of the promise. 

If I seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; then all these things shall be added unto me.

The "Then" is up to God and His sovereign timing. My "If" job is to seek Him first and foremost.

Another favorite "blessing verse" is sometimes taken out of context.  This popular verse is often quoted on graduation cards and, again, we are apt to focus on the blessing without including the obedience piece.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  (Jeremiah 29:11)

What an awesome promise of blessing.  I'll take one order of that blessing, please! But let's back up to scripture that leads up to this promise, and scripture that follows it.  There are some "If's" involved:

Jeremiah 11: 4b:  "(If) you obey me , and do everything I command you, (then) you will be my people and I will be your God...I will give you a land flowing with milk and honey..."

Jeremiah 18:8:  "If the nation about which I have made the announcement turns from its evil, (then) I will relent concerning the disaster I had planned to do to it."  

These are the If/Then statements leading up to the big blessing in Jeremiah 29:11.  God is telling His beloved people that "If" they obey Him "then" He will be their God and give them a future in the land of milk and honey.

Furthermore, "If" they turn from their evil ways and obey Him, He will relent on taking out His wrath on them for their disobedience.  

Now, let's look at the giant "If" that follows the "then" blessing of Jeremiah 29:11.  When we read further after the oft quoted verse we learn that God says:  

If you call to me and come and pray to me...when you seek me and search for me with all your heart...then I will prosper you - giving you a hope and a future.  I will restore your fortunes and I will restore you to the place (Jerusalem) from which I deported you. (Paraphrase of Jeremiah 29: 12-14)

If >>>>>>>>>>>Then

Obedience >>>>>>Blessing

Disobedience >>>>>>>>>>>Punishment

There are literally hundreds of "If/Then" promises in the Bible.  God is pretty reasonable and just, when you get right down to it.  Obedience leads to blessing. It's a straightforward formula.

Thankfully and mercifully for us, there is one blessing that doesn't require obedience so much as it requires acceptance.  The "Then" comes before the "If."

Here's what I am talking about...

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Here, God gives us the unfathomable gift and blessing of salvation.  There is no "If" that preceeds it.  The blessing comes first and then God asks us the crucial question after the blessing has been given...will you accept my gift and blessing?

God is still in the business of bestowing blessings, but He does require obedience and He does ask us to repent and turn from our evil ways.  In many ways, our world demands and expects blessings, but has forgotten how to obey our Creator.  I believe revival is necessary and it won't begin until Christ-followers take a stand.

What will you answer the next time someone asks out loud, "How did our world get to be this way? What can we do?"  Will you answer...

Now, more than ever, the world needs to hear voices of faith, in a palette of beautiful colors, rising in unity.  With our eyes on the eternal prize, let us tell the world why we have the abiding joy that the world can't extinguish, even with every flaming arrow of evil it shoots at us.

This is a battle being fought on the spiritual battlefield.  We know Who conquers evil in the end.  Let that give us confidence and courage to proclaim Christ's gospel of love and peace to a world desperate for hope. 

We can harness the blessing, if we simply obey God.

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Is This Really Happening to God's Daughters?

Hey Friend,

This is the story of two fourteen-year-old girls named Maria and Huma.  They live in the Islamic Rupublic of Pakistan where less than 2% of the population is Christian.  

Maria, was walking to her workplace when she was abducted by a couple of men who were armed.  When onlookers tried to assist Maria, who was resisting, her captors fired their guns in the air in order to warn off would-be rescuers.  

Her abductors produced "official papers" saying that Maria had willingly converted to Islam and had married her abductor.  Her parents petitioned the court saying that Maria was a minor and would not have willingly subjected herself to these atrocities.  The court ruled that she was to be released and sent to a women's shelter.

Then, in an astonishing decision, the Lahore High Court overturned the Sessions Court in Faisalabad.  The court refused to believe the documentation that Maria was indeed a minor and Maria was in tears when the judges ruled in favor of her abductor. She is still being help captive in this forced marriage. 

Maria's marriage certificate states that she is eighteen years old and a typed statement was produced that said she had willingly left her home, married, and was converted to Islam.

Reportedly, over 1000 girls belonging to the Christian minority community are abducted, forcibly converted, married (and raped) each year.

Huma, another young Christian girl, was kidnapped by three men who waited for her parents to leave the house before forcibly taking the young girl.  Papers were produced by her abductor that said that Huma had willingly been converted to Islam and was married.  

What papers didn't say, but her parents have said, is that Huma has been continually sexually assaulted and is now pregnant.  She is confined to one room which she is not allowed to leave.  Her captor has connections inside the Pakistan Security Forces and has threatened her family if they should ever come looking for her.  

Last February, a Pakistan high court handed down a ruling based on Islamic "sharia" law that says that men in Pakistan can marry underage girls as long as they have had their first menstrual cycle.  

The persecution of religious minorities (particularly Christians) is rampant in Pakistan.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government and NGO's refused to provide food and humanitarian aid to starving Christians.  Only if you converted to Islam would you be provided with food to survive.

This is where Redeemer Christian Foundation (RCF, Inc.) comes in.  During the pandemic we fed, not only the families of children who attend our Christian School for orphaned and impoverished children, but also brothers and sisters in Christ in a neighboring village who had no food to eat. 

Redeemer Christian School is also a safe haven for young girls.  Because they are in school, they are not as vulnerable to abductions for conversion and marriage, nor to kidnapping for purposes of prostitution and human trafficking.  We are diligent in our fight for safety of these beautiful daughters of God.  

If you would like to know more about the work we do in providing a Christian Education to the poorest of the poor, our devotion to Evangelism and Outreach, our commitment to humanitarian aid, and our diligence in empowering young girls/women and protecting them from these atrocities, check out our website:

Click HERE

If you are as outraged as we are and would like to say "Enough" to these heinous acts and do something to make a difference:  Click HERE to make a donation that says, "I care!"

Thank you for taking the time to read this and be awakened to the plight of believers in other parts of the world.  We're all in this together.  Let us keep being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that is desperate for His love.

Be blessed...Bev (Founder of RCF, Inc. a registered 501c3)

ps.  If you'd like to receive RCF's monthly newsletter to learn more about this wonderful organization, send me an email (CONTACT TAB) and include your email address.  (We never share our contacts)

If you appreciate reading posts here at Walking Well With God, might you like to SUBSCRIBE to weekly posts (and nothing else).  Just go the the SUBSCRIBE tab above, enter your contact information and then be sure to click the CONFIRMATION LINK in an email you'll receive.  This confirms your subscription.  Thanks for reading...

Are You Brave Enough?

 Hey Friend,

I was having a discussion with Anosh, the Director of Redeemer Christian School in the Middle East.  Click HERE to visit RCF website  He asked me why so many awful things are happening in the US?  In his country, where only about 1.5% of the population is Christian, he said that they see the United States as being a country favored by God.  When I asked him why he thought we were favored, he said because the US is based upon Judeo/Christian values.  Interesting...

He was surprised when I told him that there's been a 12% decrease (just in the last decade) of the people who identify themselves as Christians.  We talked about how there has been a falling away from faith and that many have totally turned their back on God.  What he said next stopped me in my tracks...

"Then you need to be a Jeremiah!"

Jeremiah was an Old Testament prophet toward the end of the reign of King Josiah of Judah (609 BC).  King Josiah initiated major reform, turning the nation of Judah away from idols and back to God's Word.  Sadly, the reform proved to be superficial for the people of Judah, and soon after King Josiah's death, Jeremiah prophesied a great destruction was coming, unless God's people repented.  You can imagine that Jeremiah's message was not very popular!

Jeremiah's prediction of destruction, however, was was not without forewarning.  This was the message Jeremiah shared with God's rebellious people:

"Return, unfaithful Israel,"

this is the Lord's declaration.

"I will not look on you with anger,

for I am unfailing in my love."  (Jeremiah 3:12a)

Time and time again, Jeremiah encouraged the people to repent and return to the God of their ancestors. Correct your ways and God will allow you to continue living in Jerusalem.  Jeremiah admonished them for being rescued by a loving God yet continuing to commit detestable acts such as stealing, murder, adultery, swearing falsely, burning incense to Baal, and following other gods. 

If you obey God, then it will go well with you, was Jeremiah's perpetual exhortation, but it fell on deaf ears.  Finally the Lord said:

"It (destruction) is because they abandoned my instruction, which I set before them, and did not obey my voice or walk according to it.  Instead they followed the stubbornness of their hearts and followed the Baals (idols) as their fathers taught them."  (Jeremiah 9: 13-14)

Does this sound at all familiar?  Is God trying to get our attention right now?  Are we continuing to try His lovingkindness and unfathomable patience?

Even as Jerusalem is destroyed and God's people are dragged off in exile to Babylon, Jeremiah continues to be the voice of hope.  He prophesies of God's plan for eventual restoration and wholeness and he foreshadows the coming of the New Covenant. 

Jeremiah has words of warning to share, but he also has words of hope and restoration.  Are we to be sharing those words?

Anosh's words hit home to me.  Am I brave enough to be a Jeremiah?  

Am I brave enough to say (write) that we need a serious religious awakening, or revival?

Am I brave enough to share the Good News of the New Covenant that has been handed to me by God through His Son, Jesus?

If God would be merciful enough to hand you the gift of a vaccine that would wipe out coronavirus once and for all, what would you do?

I would bet that you would share that gift with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, everyone, and anyone.  It would be your joy to share!

God has already handed you His Word (the Bible) and the gift of salvation through Jesus.  Are you as enthusiastic to share those gifts?

I have been asking myself the same questions.  God is convicting my heart, and I have been praying that He would give me the right words to say when He opens the door of conversation with non-believers.  I am praying that, in the words of Anosh, I will be brave enough to be a Jeremiah.  How about you?

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for my disobedience in turning away from your holy commands.  Renew a right spirit within me that I would be brave in sharing your love and the Good News of the Gospel.  Let me be the bearer, not only, of news of warning, but news that gives hope and encouragement.  Let there be a revival in our land and let me be an instrument of your peace and love.  Give me strength to be a Jeremiah.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

What about you?  What do you see happening in our world today?  Do you feel God's calling to do anything about it?  If so, what are you being led to do?  How can you tangibly share the hope that is within you this week?  Will you share...

Be blessed...

ps. If you have enjoyed what you read, here today, might you want to SUBSCRIBE to my blog to receive weekly posts (and nothing else)?  Just go to the SUBSCRIBE tab above, enter your contact information, and then be sure to look for an email that will contain a confirmation link that you must click on to complete your subscription.  Thanks for reading!

 

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