The Adventure of Obedience

The Adventure of Obedience

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Isaiah 30:21

Christians sometimes approach obedience as a way of avoiding the negative consequences of disobedience. They see obedience as a burden, not as the road to blessing.

But God intended our walk of faith to be a great adventure, motivated by our love for Jesus Christ. Obedience is about expressing our love for and trust in God, not about avoiding unpleasant consequences. That is why John can say, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

When we place our trust in the omnipotence of the Lord and act on His prompting, life becomes worthwhile and purposeful. We need not be afraid of the future because God already knows the outcome of our obedience—and we can trust in His promise that He works everything out for our good (Rom. 8:28). Although we may not understand how, we are confident that the Lord is continuously moving us through a variety of circumstances toward His overriding purpose for our lives. However, if we fail to obey Him because of a mistaken desire for safety, we reject the opportunity for God to demonstrate His awesome power in us.

Small choices to submit to God’s will may seem insignificant, but they lead toward a lifetime of walking with Him. And as His children, we should ask Him to lead us each day. “What would You have me say here, Lord?” or “What is the best decision now?” We must learn to listen to our heavenly Father and remain sensitive to the quiet voice that prompts us throughout the day. Isaiah says, “Your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left” (30:21).

When we keep our minds focused on Him, we begin to understand the significance of our decisions and how He is guiding us along the adventurous path of His will. Ultimately this awareness will lead to a fulfilling, meaningful life of walking with the Lord and receiving His best for us.

As you look at the day ahead of you, what is your next step of obedience? No matter how He directs you, trust Him and do exactly as He says. You’ll be glad you did.

Adapted from "The Charles F. Stanley’s Life Principles Bible," 2008.

 

From Rebecca

I love how it was stated in 1 John 5:3 that His commandments are not to be a burdensome! Sadly, many people fell this way. I think of teens that are raised in a Christian family or an adult who knows about God's Word.

For me, when I was not saved and in the world, God's commandments WERE a burden. I did not want to follow such STRICT rules, kind of like how teens do not want to follow their parent's rules.
So, what is so hard about the commandments anyways? Well, if you go by God's commandments without knowing Jesus it will be extremely hard since you are a sinner and without Jesus. But, if you know Jesus then you WANT to follow HIS WORD. 

Commandments from Jesus


John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."


Once an expert of the law asked Jesus: Matt 22:36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus answered vv. 37-40 "Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."



1 John 3:21-24 "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."


John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."


Matt 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I'm Mitz Nelson, and I'm an Ex-Mormon

These are the two movies she watched.....






In a nutshell, Joesph Smith had two people purchase (he was broke) a few mummies and some papyrus (scrolls) from a man named Michael Chandler who was selling an estate from an Egyptian man (Lobolos). Chandler went throughout the eastern states and sold many of the items. He was suppose to take a certain percentage for himself and send back the rest to Egypt. He kept the money for himself. While in Ohio he then sold the rest to Smith (founder/prophet) of the Mormons.

Smith translated the scrolls by MAKING UP an alphabet to go with the ancient writings. Back in 1835, no one could confirm he was right because no one could translate it UNTIL NOW and Mr. Smith was, of course wrong and a fraud.

The Power of God's Grace

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June 18, 2012 The Power of God's Grace Read | Romans 5:1-5 Grace is one of God's most amazing gifts. It provides us with everything we need to live in perfect freedom: pardon for our sins, healing for our hearts, the companionship of God's indwelling Holy Spirit, and access to freely cultivate our relationship with Him. We work, worship, and enjoy life surrounded by His unconditional love. His grace upholds us, fills us, and sustains us. Since we are forgiven people, the Lord responds to us not as enemies but as His dearly loved children (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 5:1). He hears our prayers, speaks to us, and acts on our behalf. The knowledge that we live under the covering of God's grace gives us... Security about our position. No one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28). Boldness to live for Christ. Nothing anyone does or says can shake our confidence in who the Lord is or who we are in Him. Peace for today because we can fully trust in His sovereignty. The Lord is carrying out His perfect will--and we can be sure that nothing is able to thwart His plans when we cooperate with Him. Hope for the future. This life is just the beginning. One day we'll see Jesus face to face, be perfected as the individuals He created us to be, and live with Him in our true home forever. The Lord is committed to transforming each of us according to His special plan for our lives. Even His correction is an expression of His loving favor (Heb. 12:10). When we falter or fail, we can rest assured that His amazing grace hems us in and always offers us redemption. Subscribe/Unsubscribe | Contact Us | InTouch.org | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter | Forward to a Friend This e-mail was sent by In Touch Ministries: P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357 | Ph: (800) 789-1473

Happy Father's day to my Husband Ron!!!

Where we be without this guy
<<<<<< ???????

Ron is an amazing Husband, Father, and Son! He would do just about anything (within reason) for anyone! He works hard, plays hard, oh yes, SLEEPS hard and loves hard! He truly is one in a million and I am proud to call him my husband and my son's Father and my (2) daughter's Father/Step-Father.

Almost 12 years ago we married and Ron just accepted our already blended family. He had absolutely no experience as a Father but at His young age of 26 he was willing to take a chance on love! 

Through the years he has taught the kids how to walk, talk, ride bikes, and even fish! He had brought to me something I had never known before and that was a Normal life . Camping has been our favorite down time with the family and this is where we get to see his Father (Norm) in him, which is a compliment! He very much like his Father.

No one, and I mean NO ONE, could ever take the place of my husband Ron. He is so compassionate and caring. I do tease him but his "tearing up during a commercial" HOWEVER, this is one of the things I love about him the most! His tender heart drew me in and KEPT ME!

Even my own Mother loves him very much and that is saying a lot since she does not like many people lol. 

He is a keeper and I love him very very much!

He is such a proud Dad too! He does Father our daughters as his own and has gained much respect from the actual biological Fathers of the girls. 

Yes, most teen girls do not like to be told what to do and they definitely get out of line BUT it is worth dealing with because let me tell you they both (Kaytlin and Kelsie) LOVE HIM SO MUCH! 

They would be simply lost without Ron, their Daddy! These girls look to him for protection, guidance, LOVE, and STABILITY, which he has given. We all thank God for Him! God brought a Father to my little girls when we least expected it!

His sense of humor is one of the life lines of our family. Yes, it can be quite corny at times but man he can imitate people and just state the craziest things that have us all cracking up!

Michael, our 10 year-old son, is just like his Daddy! Though Michael likes to cook and draw like me he sure is just as smart and funny like his Father, He also is very sensitive! 

Ron and Michael have a wonderful relationship and though Ron does not know this, Michael will cherish his relationship with his Daddy forever!

Ron NEVER misses an event for any of the children. He always supports them in everything they do and cheers them on all of the time!

Not sure what we do without such a great supporter! Michael loves his Dad very much and looks forward to playing VIDEO GAMES with him probably the rest of his life (sigh).

We all want to say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the greatest DAD on earth!!! 

We Love you very much Ron (Daddy)! Don't ever forget it! Let our love be etched in your heart FOREVER!

Love,

Beck, Kaytlin, Kelsie, and Michael.

Never forgotten

Our Twin Daughters Olivia and Abby!

June 16, 2012

How to Become a Successful Father

Read | Ephesians 6:1-4

No human father is perfect. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and godly mentors, a man can become a successful dad by intentionally leading his children in these areas:

• Spirituality. Help your children to trust in Jesus Christ as early as possible, and they'll grow with the understanding that He is to be at the center of everything they do.
• Morality. In homes where honesty, purity, and loyalty are lived out, boys and girls learn to value integrity and listen to their conscience.
• Relationships. Teaching about love, respect, and mutual encouragement is good preparation for friendships and marriage.
• Vocation. Model cooperation and doing work "heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Col. 3:23 nkjv), and your children will form a healthy work ethic.
• Finances. Teach your kids the right way to handle money: to earn honestly, give generously, invest intelligently, save prudently, and enjoy heartily (1 Tim. 6:17).
• Authority. Unless children learn how to function properly under authority--of parents, school, church, and government--rebelliousness can easily develop. Our sons and daughters notice when there's a disconnect between our conduct and words, so setting a good example is essential.

The way to build guiding principles into a child's life is by precept (teaching) and practice (modeling). Dads, if you plant these healthy concepts in your children's hearts, what a joy it will be to see them equipped and motivated to fulfill God's purpose for their life.

Fatherless

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows, this is God." -Psalms 68:5

Is there life after death?

Is there life after death?

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads!

Have a great Father's day Dads! It is your day!

Relax!

Watch a game!
Eat some good food!
Have ONLY 2 beers lol!
Later, play with the kids!
Hug your wife!
AND go to bed knowing you had a great night!

We love you all and know all of the hard work and love you have put in for your families!

God Loves You This Much!

I often wonder how God could even love us at all. We are sinners! But when I rethink this I look at my relationship with my children (God lent to me). If my daughter does the unthinkable sin, I get upset, discipline, and then go on loving her unconditionally. Her reaction is, she gets mad at herself, then at me, deals with the consequence, and then continues to love me.

Even though I stated that my daughter and I would turn back to loving each other does this mean in the future we will always be connected by love? Will we truly love each other unconditionally. I would like to think so, however, I see parents and their children ALL of the time that do not talk, do not spend time together, get angry and stay angry etc. 

God is different then humans. GOD IS LOVE! (1John 4)

GOD IS LOVE

⁷ _h Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who _i loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸ He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ⁹ _j In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten _k Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ In this is love, _l not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son _m to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, _n if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹² _o No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

When I read this- God is love- it makes me think, He doesn't just love like we do HE IS LOVE! Read this over again! God doesn't just love like we do HE IS LOVE!

So if HE is LOVE then HE cannot NOT LOVE us! Yes, He hates sin and the hates sinners but in a complete holy way unlike us. We can not love perfectly nor can we hate perfectly. The Bible clearly teaches that God is love. First John 4:8-9 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” Mysterious but true is the fact that God can perfectly love and hate a person at the same time. This means He can love him as someone He created and can redeem, as well as hate him for his unbelief and sinful lifestyle. We, as imperfect human beings, cannot do this; thus, we must remind ourselves to “love the sinner, hate the sin.”

Visit GotQuestions.org This is a great resource

So, love then is meant for Christians, His children? Yes and No! He loves what He created and wants to continue to love but when His children fall away and continue to sin and NOT BELIEVE then in a sense He waits for them but He also Hates. 

He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 1 John 4

Because we are naturally sinners and cannot be perfect like God he sent someone to redeem us if we only BELIEVE.

God loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ that whomever may believe in Him will have eternal life! Imagine for a minute sending your son or daughter (creating them) for that purpose alone. To live on earth for 33 years to die on a cross to save all of human kind if they only would just believe? God did this for us! 

Sometimes I think, what a slap in the face it is for people NOT to believe after what Jesus went through for us! How could someone not believe? This is who God hates. If God hates you for turning your back on Him and not believing in Him then what? I cannot imagine ANYONE wanting to take that chance!!!

Are you willing to take that chance? Live your life like you want to by sinning and not coming to Jesus? 

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He paid the price for us by dying on our behalf. Even though He is God, He still had to suffer the agony of a temporary separation from the Father due to the sin of world He was carrying on the cross. After three hours of supernatural darkness, He cried, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:33-34). This spiritual separation from the Father was the result of the Son’s taking our sins upon Himself. That’s the impact of sin. Sin is the exact opposite of God, and God had to turn away from His own Son at that point in time.

God loves HIS CHILDREN! He loved us so much that He sent a replacement for our sinning nature, Jesus Christ. Will you join our family today, right now? If so, pray to our Lord, our God. Repent and be washed of your current and past sins. You will be forgive. From this day forward walk with Jesus.

In Jesus' precious name,

Amen

Rebecca Stephan

Question: "How can I be saved?"

Answer: This simple, yet profound, question is the most important question that can be asked. ”How can I be saved?” deals with where we will spend eternity after our lives in this world are over. There is no more important issue than our eternal destiny. Thankfully, the Bible is abundantly clear on how a person can be saved. The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Paul and Silas responded, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

How can I be saved? Why do I need to be saved?
We are all infected with sin (Romans 3:23). We are born with sin (Psalm 51:5), and we all personally choose to sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8). Sin is what makes us unsaved. Sin is what separates us from God. Sin is what has us on the path to eternal destruction.

How can I be saved? Saved from what?
Because of our sin, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23). While the physical consequence of sin is physical death, that is not the only kind of death that results from sin. All sin is ultimately committed against an eternal and infinite God (Psalm 51:4). Because of that, the just penalty for our sin is also eternal and infinite. What we need to be saved from is eternal destruction (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15).

How can I be saved? How did God provide salvation?
Because the just penalty for sin is infinite and eternal, only God could pay the penalty, because only He is infinite and eternal. But God, in His divine nature, could not die. So God became a human being in the person of Jesus Christ. God took on human flesh, lived among us, and taught us. When the people rejected Him and His message, and sought to kill Him, He willingly sacrificed Himself for us, allowing Himself to be crucified (John 10:15). Because Jesus Christ was human, He could die; and because Jesus Christ was God, His death had an eternal and infinite value. Jesus’ death on the cross was the perfect and complete payment for our sin (1 John 2:2). He took the consequences we deserved. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead demonstrated that His death was indeed the perfectly sufficient sacrifice for sin.

How can I be saved? What do I need to do?
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). God has already done all of the work. All you must do is receive, in faith, the salvation God offers (Ephesians 2:8-9). Fully trust in Jesus alone as the payment for your sins. Believe in Him, and you will not perish (John 3:16). God is offering you salvation as a gift. All you have to do is accept it. Jesus is the way of salvation (John 14:6).

Finding something to do with your time! Be Joyful!

I am a stay-at-home Mom of three children ages 16, 13, and 10. One of the hardest things that we (SAHM's) go through is finding something for ourselves to do. We definitely have know issues keeping busy with the kids, house, and husband but what about us?

I have done MANY things through out the years. Hmmm, let's see;

I have created hand-crafted sachets, tables, candles, art, and jewelry. I have made funnel cakes for large groups and now I make cupcakes (for family and friends). I have also been apart of working from home to which I did succeed in.

At 41 years-old I realized that it is OK to have many talents for this is what the Lord gave to me and I should use them. I do not like to be all over the map so I have narrowed my talents down to:

1) Cooking/Baking
2) Singing/Dancing
3) Jewelry/Art

When we find our gifts then we do have something very joyful to do and share with others.

I just love sharing my creations with people. I do not look to make a million dollars. I look to bring joy to people. I also love to cook and bake. I love to feed people lol (I am Greek)! Singing, well, I do it all of the time! These things bring me much joy!

Another project I am working on is helping some of the hungry children in Kenya, Africa. I know Pastors out there that are not only spreading the gospel but also giving their lives to this mission led by Jesus! It is important that we ALL find some kind of charity or opportunity to give back to God.

There is no such thing as "losing yourself" if you know who you are in Christ. He will guide you to where you need to be and what you need to be doing.

Enjoy your life and love what God created you to be!
Rebecca

Victory Over Anxiety

I was watching a video with Dr. Charles Stanley about Victory over Anxiety and let me tell you that this is the best video I have ever seen and I am so prayerful.

I, today, gave ALL of my anxiety to God. I learned a few things from the video below and I encourage you to watch and apply it to your life if you are like me. Before I share what I learned I will briefly share what I endured (past tense).

My anxiety/panic attacks started when I was 17 years old. Back then I had no clue why I would be with friends driving into the mountains (Seattle) and all of the sudden I could not breathe. I was later diagnosed with Asthma which I did not have.

Later in life in got much worse. Not so much in my twenties but it hit me hard in my thirties. I would literally think that I was dying. I would have them (Panic attacks and anxiety attacks) quite often, After our twin daughters died I went on Paxil for the second time. After I lost my teeth and I started to gain weight it all seem to get worse on or off Paxil.

I could not get on a plane without taking Valium nor could I drive in the snow. Many times I would be just sitting with the family watching TV and I would just get this rush of panic.I thought, "This must be a chemical imbalance in my head". So, I took more and more Valium to suppress these feelings of despair.

In 2008 I got baptized and I thought that this would be healed but I really did not pray faithfully. I figured this out today as I watched 'Victory over Anxiety'. I am making a full-hearted statement here:

I, Rebecca Stephan, will give all my worries to the Lord Jesus Christ. I will no longer try to control my brain, body, surroundings, or anything else that I feel that I am actually out of control. I will not worry about my children when I die because when I die God will watch and lead them. I will find true peace and joy with Jesus and trust Him 100%.

Father, lift this anxiety and panic from me for it is not healthy, good for me, and it is a sin because I know that You are the one in control, not me. from this day forward I will call upon You and obey Your Word. Thank You for being there for me all of my life. You are an awesome Father and all of what I am and will be is and will be for You!

In Jesus name, AMEN

_________________________________________________________________________

So, What did I learn today? 

We CAN control our emotions or we can let it control us!


Jesus tells us not to be anxious for nothing.

Anxiety=Uncertainty

That my biggest anxiety lately has been my health, death, and my children being without me.

Anxiety is being distracted or pulled apart. (Feeling of dread)

Concern and anxiety are different.

Anxiety is the lack of control.

Anxiety affects our whole body not just our mind.

Medication just suppresses the anxiety and does not deal with it.

Anxiety is NOT from God.

Anxiety should not last long.

People get physically sick from anxiety and the people around you are affected.

Reasons to avoid Anxiety:

It is against scripture and it has a negative affect on our life.
Divides our mind, slows us down, affects our relationships, leads us to unwise decisions, steals our peace and joy, and wastes our time and energy.

WHEN ANXIETY CLEARS UP OUR HEALTH CLEARS UP!

What does God say about anxiety?

Philippians 4:4-7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Bring your anxiety to God in prayer. Thank Him for all that He has done and TRUST that He will do what He said He was going to do which is to bring you peace.

Acts 18:9-10

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ¹⁰ for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

Paul was in prison at this time and could have had many things to freak out (anxiety) about!

THREE-FOLD Conviction

God loves you unconditionally

He wants to help you!

He CAN help you!

ANXIETY IS A FAITH BATTLE- Either you believe that God can or you believe He can't help you.

Surrender and pray!
God Bless, Rebecca Stephan
PS. I will let you know how everything goes!

Smoking Cigarettes-Quitting for good

I am a Mom of 3 wonderful children and smoked cigarettes for 27 years. I had tried to quit many times in my thirties but did not fully get there. I was a pack and a half day smoker and my children always begged me to quit.

I quit smoking, finally, at age 41. Why? Mostly because I was scared and because I saw what it had done to my Mother who is currently suffering from stage 4 COPD.

One day, I got a cold then Bronchitis, then I just quit! How do I remain done? Through my prayers to Jesus! He is the one that has lifted this horrific habit from me. It was not by my will alone.

Many say they cannot quit while others say they do not want to (LIE). All smokers wished they had never started but as time goes on, well, the cigarette becomes that friend of yours that comforts you even though you really do not like them.

You have to be in a place where your either scared out of your mind (which you should be) or where you are done trying to control everything! I know that being out of control is uncomfortable BUT you are really not in control when you are smoking because the cigs have YOU!

Here are some pointer for quitting smoking:

1. Don't set a date! Date setting does not work because it causes anxiety/dread, Just do it!
2. PRAY to our Father in Heaven that He alone can take this addiction away from you (He really can). 
3. Find two new hobbies. I decided to bead and bake cupcakes. Sounds funny but it works.
4. Rest-be kind to yourself and sleep.
5. Tell your family and friends to be kind to you.
6. You can use the Nicotine patches BUT follow them to a tee! 
7. Make sure if you have people that smoke around you to STOP SMOKING AROUND YOU!

After a few hours you will already be healing your body. After a week food will taste better. After a month you will be able to take deep breathes again. After 2 months or so you will stop thinking about cigarettes.

You have to stop smoking, you know this. It will kill you. My generation was the last generation to think that it was cool and it did nothing to you. We were wrong. Now we are in our forties and our bodies are falling apart because of it!

LUNG CANCER-BRONCHITIS-EMPHYSEMA- COPD-MOUTH CANCER-THROAT CANCER

This is what you have to look forward to if you do not quit. This is an addiction like alcohol without the altering of the brain. You will need to take it one day at a time. 

Lastly, when you do quit, which I am sure you will, you need to think of yourself as a non-smoker not an ex-smoker. Why? Because es-smokers can go back to it at any given time. Non-smokers never pick it up again!

God bless you on your journey! 

Rebecca Stephan- NON-SMOKER

WHEN IS JESUS COMING BACK?

WHEN IS JESUS COMING BACK?

So may people, Christians and others who may be 'Lukewarm' ask the question "When will Jesus Christ come back?" I was even one of them who thought I could figure it out. I could not understand why many Christians were at ease about this super important question and would simply say "I don't know!"

This morning as I was doing my Bible study I received the answer that many people receive when they humble themselves to God's Word (The Bible) and when they stop trying to interpret it. The bible has no hidden messages. There are no secrets. God is not a liar nor would He state something that was not going to happen. This is what I found to be true;

I want to share a few verses with you and I want you to pray about this.

Matthew 24:42-44

New King James Version (NKJV)

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour[a] your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Matthew 25:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour[a] in which the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew 24:36

New King James Version (NKJV)

No One Knows the Day or Hour

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,[a] but My Father only.

Jesus states over and over again that NO ONE will know when He returns, not even Himself.

Matthew 24:44-47

New King James Version (NKJV)

44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant

45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.

We should not concern ourselves with the TIME that Jesus comes back but rather what we should be doing if He comes back in the time we have in our life here on Earth. We must be on alert and keep being on alert. Our time here will be either long (70+ tears) or short (young death). We do not know when our time is going to be up as we do not know when Jesus is coming back but either way we need to be ready to face our Lord and be with Him forever.

So, the main question is: What will you be doing if He does come back when you are here on earth or when He calls you home?

Acts 1:6-8

New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Jesus always refocused His disciples on not when He would do things or come back but what WE should be doing when it does happen. Christians should always be sensitive that Jesus could come back at any time.

Revelation 22:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

This is such an important verse because first we must look at what quickly really means here. Many take this to mean NOW. In Greek Quickly means in an instant. So, like in a blink of an eye. Bat your eyes once, right now. This is how fast it will be.

Then Jesus goes on to say how blessed we will be because we read, heard, and obeyed.

1 Corinthians 15

New King James Version (NKJV)

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

What Christians have and Baby Christians are learning is that we have a fixed conviction to live a Godly life knowing Jesus is coming back at anytime. We are eager to please God and do things right by Him. This is one of the reasons I quit smoking over a month ago. I do not want Jesus to come back and find me smoking a cigarette or doing anything against Him.

1 John 3:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God![a] Therefore the world does not know us,[b] because it did not know Him.

The reason why mature Christians understand Jesus' message about end times is because they know Jesus and take His Word for what it is, truth. If Christ says no one will know the day or hour, the, no one will know. I am not saying that anyone who loves Christ does not know Him at all, what I am saying is that we all have much more to learn.

Matthew 24:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Jesus is coming for His Church which are His people. We will not be in the Tribulation. 

2 Peter 3:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,[a] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Many take the 'Thousand years' and try to figure this out. I was one of them! But I am here to tell you that God has NO TIME. He does not have a clock. This is why Jesus stated that only the Father knows not the angels nor Himself which means it has not been set yet.

So, what should we all be doing? Well, if you do not belong to the Body of Christ, His Church, I would ask you to repent and follow Jesus for He is the only way to Heaven. Read the Bible and find a good Church and/or Good Christian friends. 

For followers of Christ,

Revelation 22

Our Responsibility

1) Watching Faithfully

2) Waiting Peacefully

3) Working diligently

4) Worshipping Joyfully

God bless you all!

Rebecca Stephan

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