One week into January and everyone will be back to work. Eye-catching Christmas decor comes down. Holiday shopping is abruptly over. Gears shift and so does the focus of our minds. Is this just life's cycle - nothing more, nothing less? Is it business as usual? Notably, my heart is concerned. God sits on His throne and assesses our vanity. He comprehensively observes our meaningless pursuits and our ignore to His imperative calls. We squander our substance in exchange for temporary pleasure and pride which leaves us destitute. I can hear Him pleading to every human heart, "I am coming soon."
These four penetrating words encompasses the depth of His compassionate heart and an urgent warning for us to awaken:
Time is fleeting. You see it. You feel it. Rouse from your slumber for it is time for distractions to cease. It is NOT business as usual. I have graciously given you my Word but you do not refer to it. I have sent signs and warnings but you ignore them. Why do you cling to a perishing world? Why are you led astray by sinful desires? If you would draw near to me, I could offer you healing and living water. I could restore all that you have lost. I could give you life - more abundantly. Instead, you choose to carry your burdens while neglecting the precious gifts I have given you. Within you is a world of busy; strategizing, calculating, analyzing and manipulating. Your mind would be calm if only you trust Me.
"I am coming soon, hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown." Revelation 3:11 NRSV
Strengthen what remains. Return to Me. Call upon the name of the Lord for what does it profit you to gain the whole world but lost your soul? Let this be your prayer:
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Surely it shall be on earth as it is in heaven. Things will not go on as they always have. The time has come and is now here that every man must rightfully answer for his life. As I have knocked on the door of your heart, what has been your response? Have you discounted my voice? Have you buried my truth?
Well, I am here and my reward is with Me. But you have imprudently chosen (most of you) self, pride and destruction. Oh, how I wanted to deliver you all! But you rejected me. What is to come, I cannot save you from. Unless, you come to me. Tarry no more. Come to me now and be saved. For it is NOT business as usual!