The Ever-Present Israel

Israel is dominating the news cycle… again. This little nation, the size of New Jersey, seems to always be in the news. The attention of the world has been on that land and its people ever since 1948, as it should be. She’s like the beautiful girl in the beautiful dress at the prom – no one can keep their eyes off her. It is something how End Time events suddenly become a hot topic in Christian circles in times like this. It always happens when similar events take place.

Contemplating End Times Signs

So, let me jump into the middle of this with MY thoughts. Are we in the end times? You and I both know we are. But are we at the end of the end times? We both know we are getting closer every day. What God has foretold in the Scriptures will all come to pass. Every word of God will be fulfilled, down to the minutest detail. The Bible gives us definite signs that will precede the coming of Jesus and the end of time as man has known it, and the beginning of a whole new world… but that is a huge subject which I cannot get into now. Are the current events taking place in Israel and Gaza a sign of the end? Yes, but only one of the signs. Think about driving on a highway. There are signs all along the highway that tell you what road you are on, what direction you are going, the distance to upcoming towns, and your destination exit. Jesus spoke of certain signs that would tell us the end is near and warned us not to become distracted, but to keep watch. The cares of life and the temptations of this world can distract us and get us completely off course.

God’s Plan for America

Now allow me to share with you another sign: God is not finished with America. Let me repeat that so you know what I believe, actually what I know… God is not finished with our nation. America still has a significant part to play in God’s plan for mankind. God is working in the earth. The gospel is being preached in the nations. But there is yet much to be done. A great, unprecedented harvest is soon to be reaped from the nations before the coming of Jesus Christ. America has a magnificent destiny in all this. It is the reason America exists as a nation. It is our covenant with the Living God. Another Great Awakening will soon sweep across our nation and many will be brought into the kingdom of God. It will be loved and hated at the same time. Those whose hearts are open to God will rejoice and those whose hearts are filled with evil will become more wicked and bitter. A hatred for God and all that bears his resemblance (image and likeness) will overwhelm them. The stage is being set and the cast are each taking their place. And the Church has the lead role!

The Church’s Vital Role

The spiritual forces that have worked diligently in our nation for many, many years now to remove all aspects of God from our society must be confronted with the force of heaven by a bold awakened giant, the Church of Jesus Christ. The Church, the body of Christ, the community of believers, is the only entity on earth with the ability to do this. No other entity on earth can do warfare in the heavenlies against the source of all evil. This is the main reason the enemy has worked so hard to divide the Church and to cause her to be insecure. A weak, insecure church afraid of offending or speaking truth to the powers that be poses no threat to him and his work whatsoever. But the Holy Spirit is stirring the hearts of believers who know how to conduct kingdom business in the heavenlies. They are not fatalist who have no hope in these times. They know God has given his people the ability and authority to shape the present and the future by their prayers and faith in the promises of God.

Finding Hope Amidst Turmoil

Yes, the Bible warns us about the last days and the evil and coldness in the hearts of the people of the world. But here is a greater truth – when the people of God humble themselves, turn from sin and worldliness, and pray, God will hear from heaven and heal our land. You can take that to the bank! Let me be very clear, I do not believe in a silent, powerless, impotent Church (Christianity)… though there are plenty of examples to the contrary. But that is not the Church Jesus purchased by his blood and empowered by his Spirit. He said I will build my church and the gates, forces, works, schemes, plans, and powers of hell will never be able to prevail against it and its advance in accomplishing the will of God on earth.

Finding Security in the Storm

Mark my words… before Jesus returns a Church sparkling with the presence and power of God Almighty will walk the earth. It will be as though Jesus were walking the earth again. This Church will be so effective against sin and the works of the enemy that the world (its religious, political, and societal leaders) will scheme together to drive it from the face of the earth, in an effort to be free of God. Then the end will come. You are the light of the world. And light is most effective in the dark. The darker the times the greater, and more effective, the light that is within you as a believer. Do not allow the news cycles, and the opinions of people to speak louder to you than the promises of God and the voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will reveal to you things to come. Even in the worst of times, you will have hope, peace, and assurance. He will let you know when impending danger is ahead, and he will guide you in the right course. He is in you to comfort, teach, and guide you along the right path. Be completely confident in him.

Embracing Faith and Action

If you fill your mind and thoughts with the negative noise of the world, hope will be banished, and your faith will become weak. The wrong picture will begin to rise in your mind causing your soul to be disturbed and troubled. A troubled soul weighs a person down and holds captive their peace and joy. Guard your heart from such things by placing your faith and hope in God and his Word… especially in times such as these. Look up. God is still God and he is still on the throne of heaven. Fix your attention, your focus, your hope, on Jesus. God has not left, he is still here, and as I said above, he is working. God is only good. His works are always good and for our good. Anchor your heart and mind in that. Drive the stake of faith in God deep into your heart. Once when I was a little boy, a summer storm began raging in the night. My bed was by a huge window which was open during the hot months of summer. A big pecan tree stood not far outside my window. Its branches danced in the night sky lit occasionally by the lightning of the storm. The wind beat against our house as though it was determined to blow it down. I lay there with the covers pulled tightly around my neck. Fear taking advantage of the storm and its noise filled my little boy’s heart. But then I heard my father’s strong voice speaking to my mother assuring her all was well. In an instant all my fear left. I knew I was safe and secure because my father was there. And you and I can know the very same thing now and always. We are safe and secure because Father is here.

Conclusion

I close with this: pray, choose, believe, and live. Pray from a position of confidence and with faith in God; pray in the authority of Jesus’ name; pray to effect a change; pray knowing God hears you. Then leave the results with him and be at peace. Refuse worry and fear. Life is full of trouble… but it is also full of blessing. Choose which you will focus on. Believe in God and his goodness always. Then live your life and walk humbly with God. Then you will be a sign… a sign that Jesus is real and the gospel is true.

Steve

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.