For more than half of my life, I was going along, living for each day and not really being concerned about an eternal future. As with so many others, personal gain and improvement seemed to be most important, as well as trying to fit in and be a “positive” member of society. Religion was something to be celebrated mostly on Sunday’s, and then only sporadically. (any emphasis mine)
Being raised in a Christian home, I never have had a problem believing in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but only as something that was distant and impersonal. To think of having a “relationship” with the Almighty just never entered my mind. Today, I praise the Father that He didn’t require my soul before I learned the absolute truth, or I would be on a Revelation 20:11-15 path to the Great White Throne.
Now, I am a firm believer of the power of prayer because I found out I had some very serious “prayer warriors” that were calling out for the Holy Spirit to touch my heart and very soul to seek Jesus. I was 40 years old before I decided to read God’s word instead of just believing what others said was in it. I found out there had been numerous persons who “tweaked” the word of the Father to suit their purposes. The more I read, the more I came to realize that it seemed His words were there just for me. In a very loving way, He was telling me what I needed, to assure myself of an eternal home in Heaven rather than the Lake of Fire.
The more I learned about my Creator, the more I grew hungry for my mind to absorb everything He wants me to know. As long as we are on this earth, we will never learn it all, but I’ve come to realize God is more patient than any human I have ever known; and He gives me more chances than I can count to repent and grow deeper and deeper in my love for my Savior (2 Peter 3:9). I want to be learning from Him and serving Him until my last breath is taken here. Although I do not relish the thought of the process of “dying,” I no longer fear death. As someone once said, “When you hear of my death, be assured I will be more alive than ever.”
Besides that thought, with all that’s taking place in this sin-filled world today – all the evil, open satanic worship, advocating killing babies at birth, numerous alternative lifestyles created by the extreme liberal left, hate of anything that is Christian or references Jesus – this actually gives rise to anticipation of 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 taking place very soon. That is something I am absolutely ready for; and every morning I say to the Father, “Today would not be too early to go Home.” One day soon, my prayer and the prayer of countless others will be answered.
Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, John and others told what life would be like just before the end of this age. Everything described in the Bible is more accurate for today than the “faux news” we are exposed to by every so-called news agency. False prophets are increasing in number rapidly, and previously bible-based evangelical churches are turning away from God’s true word. Hate of anyone that thinks differently than the radicals is becoming the norm, and what were abominations of the past are supposedly alright today.
Antichrists are in full swing, preparing the way for the ultimate evil one to appear by promoting a “one-world government” and a “one-world religion.” There are so many people that are eager to accept this type of control, as if it will be a perfect lifestyle. Only after the call from the Savior to have all true believers rise up to meet Him will those left behind in this world discover the terrible mistake they have made.
Prophecy experts are of the opinion that the final antichrist is already here and waiting for the believers to depart so he can start his reign (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8). Whether or not he knows exactly who he is, and what his role will be, is not really known. My belief is it’s someone who has already given his soul completely to Satan and has been chosen because of his current position of influence in this world. He may not even be very well-known right now; but when the time comes, everyone left on this earth will get to know him rapidly.
After the Rapture takes place, and the Ezekiel 38-39 war and Isaiah 17:1 are fulfilled, Satan will provide him the perfect “solution” to bring “peace on earth” as never before. People will be willing to accept him as their “new-world-order leader.” This is no surprise to the Father, as He has already given us everything in His Word (Bible) as to what will take place.
Only real problem is, it’s a faux peace just like the previously mentioned faux news. Everything all the news stations will be giving out at that time will be orchestrated by the final antichrist and false prophet. Initially, it will seem absolutely right, and the Jewish people that are here will be thrilled to be able to build their new temple. God will have given out a “deluding influence” to cause people to believe the lies (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). At the midpoint of the 7-year Tribulation, the Temple in Jerusalem will be desecrated as told of in Daniel 9:27; and then the Jewish people will realize they need to turn to the Father to save them. A remnant will flee to a place believed to be “Petra” in Jordan where God will protect them.
At least 2/3 of the world’s population will be killed during the wrath period. At the end, when Jesus sets foot back on earth, all will know He is their Messiah.
With all the evil that’s here today, true believers are seeing a prelude to what’s coming. We are promised that we will not go through the Wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 for example) but will be with our Savior in our new “forever” bodies and be introduced to the paradise we will live in for all eternity.
Looking back, there is no way I deserve such a wonderful forever. The only way the Father accepts me is that I have accepted His Son as my Savior (John 3:18; John 5:24; 1 John 5:12 and John 14:6 to name a few reference verses). It actually amazes me that with so much evidence that My God is real, so many reject Him and especially deny Jesus. This is totally the work of Satan and his demons. Jesus knew from the very beginning that the majority of earth’s population would fall for the lies rather than accept the gift He has given us (Mathew 7:13-14).
To have a “growing relationship” with the Lord, I have asked the Father from the start to provide me the ability to love Him, Jesus and the Holy Spirit more each day. Today, I can honestly say of my Jesus, “He’s Everything to Me.”
If you would go to YouTube and enter “He’s Everything to Me,” you will have various versions of this song from several performers. The one that inspires me the most is by Carroll Roberson. The lyrics are:
(1) In the stars His handiwork I see. On the wind He speaks with Majesty. Though He ruleth over land and sea, what is that to me?
(2) I will celebrate nativity, for it has a place in history. Sure, He came to set His people free; but what is that to me?
(Chorus) Till by faith I met Him face to face, and I felt the wonder of His grace. Then I knew that He was more than just a God who didn’t care, that lived a way out there; and, now He walks beside me day by day, ever watching o’re me lest I stray, helping me to find that narrow way – He’s Everything to Me! (chorus repeated 2x)
This is a good description that all true believers can relate to. It’s a longing to be with the One that has loved us more than any human ever could, even though He took on a human form in order to save us. He knows firsthand all our emotions, needs and weaknesses. He Himself led a sinless life but understands when we slip and sin. Through His precious blood, He provided our pathway to forgiveness from the Father and a way to be reconciled as given in 1 John 1:8-10.
For the One who has forgiven me of my sins, provided the Holy Spirit to be within me while I am here, and is preparing a home for me with Him (John 14:1-3), I do freely and totally declare: He’s Everything To Me, and I long for my eternal Home with Him.
Call on Him today to be your Savior – He will turn no one away but will not force Himself on anyone either. He promises that All who call on Him will be saved (Acts 2:21; Romans 8:1; and Romans 10:9-13).
Shalom! Come, Lord Jesus! (Maranatha)