Is it working? Every strategic plan you've contrived and every pledged resolution you've attempted; is it working? "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21 ESV Amid the many signs, time as we know it is rapidly coming to an end. It's mind blowing how fast the year has elapsed. Is your trust within a secure foundation? When God Almighty speaks, do you listen? Many miss out on the wonderful things God has in store for them which surpassess anything this broken world could ever afford. Let this not be you, my friend.
Christ's promised return swiftly draws near. How will you respond at the day of His awaited appearance? At His first coming, the world did not recognize Him. Men during that time longed for a warrior king. They longed for God to set them free from their bondage. Their hearts desired to be set free from Roman power and for Isreal's glory to be restored. This time, the warrior king they longed for is returning and every eye shall see and every ear shall hear, which is good news only to some. This time men will be set free from Roman power, which we now recognize as Babylon. “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done." Revelation 22:12 ESV When that day is here, will there be oil in your lamp?
Reverently heed to Christ's words:
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." Romans 1:18-25 ESV
Those who refuse to hear are given up, which is the deepest sorrow of all. Why do men forsake their Creator for He is the one who came to redeem them? While all sin is wrong, the greatest and unforgivable sin, is the sin against the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is sent to us to guide us into all truth. When we ignore and suppress the Spirit of God, we grieve Him. We are left in our sin unable to pull out of it on our own. God will not force us to choose Him. "As it is said, 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'" Hebrews 3:15 ESV A wise man heeds to counsil and warning. All it takes is one dismissal of God's word that could cost you your very life.
Christ came that you may have life more abundantly. Why cling to things that so quickly fade? Don't search for life in perishable things; for in them there is no life. True life can only be found in the only life source there is - God! In Him, there is hope, a promised future, life unending, purpose, light, and truth. In Him, is all you seek.
As that awesome day approaches, my sincere and earnest prayer is that you will be in that number. May you not wait to see Him with your eyes before you behold Him within your heart. Experience the Good Lord now and let Him be your treasure. This year will not be like any other. While I know you've heard this in previous upcoming years, I know that in your heart you know that it's true. I implore you to humbly choose the Lord for it is nothing short of life and death. All of your eternity could rest on this very moment. What will you choose? My plea is that you repent. Turn from sin and enter in the most wonderful relationship you'll ever know; a beautiful communion with the Lord Jesus Christ. The life He offers is greater than anything here.
"I am coming soon", says the Lord. Indeed, it is a New Rising Dawn!
Recommended resources for a successful New Year ahead!