We are living in some tumultuous, yet exciting times. Well, they are exciting to me because I know that one day, whether in my lifetime or not, Jesus Christ is going to return to reconcile all of the troubles this world is facing. Some folks use the term "the end is near", but while people like myself know what that ACTUALLY means, I think it freaks out the vague minded and uninformed.
It takes a sober mind to discern the truth. I don't mean exclusively a mind free from drink or drugs, although that is certainly a necessity, but rather a mind that is free from all of the "noise" competing against the Word of God being presented to you.
1 Peter 4:7 (Amplified Bible) - "But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice of] prayer."
I like the way this version expands or "amplifies" the meaning to say "the culmination of all things". Very well put. "The end is coming" scares people into thinking the planet is going to blow up. Please understand that the planet Earth will never go away. It is here for eternity regardless of what NASA, or Stephen Hawkings, or scientific think tanks say. The sun is not going to send out radioactive "death rays" that will destroy the Earth's magnetic field in 2012, heating the Earth's core to a degree that it will interfere with the planets rotation and knock Earth off its axis. Not going to happen. The bible says Earth is part of a "world without end."
If there is anything we should be watching for it is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now that might happen in some form in 2012. Perhaps the rapture of the Church will occur. It could happen in 2012. It could happen today!
Are you clear minded enough to live in prayerful expectation? Or is your mind wrapped up in nonsensical conspiracy theories and science fiction?
What kind of noise is filling your head this morning? Do you watch the news each day and cringe in fear? Are you numbing your mind with artificial stimulants to avoid having to deal with your fear?
I hope not, because if you are you will be caught by surprise when Jesus returns "like a thief in the night".
Listen to Paul and determine what category you fall into.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (Amplified Bible) - "(2) For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night. (3) When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape. (4) But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief."
Are you of those who "know perfectly well"? Or are you "given up to the power of darkness"? Perhaps you are ignorant of the facts and are thinking "All is well."
All of that is unclear thinking and I am telling you that if you do not heighten your spiritual awareness and stay close to Jesus (picking up your cross daily and following Him), you will be caught unaware and surprised!
A sober and clear mind is a Holy Spirit guided mind. He will help you to read the Scriptures more clearly, and He will help you to discern perfectly what you are reading. He will best encourage and direct your prayers for enlightenment as well. If you don't know what or how to pray, the Holy Spirit will fill your mouth with utterance.
Pray! Pray and watch! Pray and listen! Pray with expectation! His Word has said nothing He will not fulfill.
Jesus is coming, and I believe He is coming soon. Watch and pray.
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
www.reallifect.com
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