Luke 12:25-26; “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his [her] lifespan? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (any emphasis mine)
Matthew 6:34; “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
We’re told in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 40:31; “but those who Hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk, and not be faint.”
Isaiah 41:10; “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Joshua 1:9; “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalms 94:19; “When anxiety was great in me, Your consolation brought me joy.”
Finally, Romans 8:38-39; “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
These are only a few of the many verses in the Bible that tell us to “Fear Not” or “not to be worried.” As the Kingston Trio sang in 1959, “It takes a worried man to sing a worried song; I’m worried now, but I won’t be worried long.”
Everyone has witnessed a shift in this world that leads to fear, anxiety, worry and hopelessness. Pandemic, changes in political attitudes, riots, hatred – especially of anything to do with Jesus – are running rampant. The satanic forces versus the Jesus forces have definite and obvious dividing lines, and the world is bracing for a new world order, one-world government, one-world currency, and a new world leader that will come on the scene very soon.
Our Heavenly Father has promised in several places that true believers today will not go through the wrath/tribulation. Christians in some parts of the world right now are subject to being killed for their faith in Him. During the reign of the antichrist, Christian converts will be fair game worldwide, along with all people who are Jewish.
For today, Jesus has told us in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Over the past decade, we have seen an increase in obvious satanic attacks on anyone and anything that presents itself as a Jesus follower. Christian business owners are singled out for special harassment. There are those who approach a business that they know is Christian-oriented and make requests for products or services that they know go against the owner’s beliefs. There are secular businesses that would gladly fill the orders, but it’s the Christians who are challenged. Some have had to shut down their businesses because of extensive legal costs.
What we are witnessing today is more out in the open than ever before, and the closer we get to the 7-year tribulation, the worse the attitudes will be toward us. There is open satanic worship that is gaining ground. God is not surprised by any of this, and through His “inspired writers” of the Bible, He has told us so.
Matthew 24; Luke 21; 1 John chapters 2-5 and others tell us times such as today’s events would only increase in evil and violence the closer we get to the end of this age. For someone who does not have Jesus as their Savior, the events are worrisome almost beyond their understanding. False prophets and antichrists are gaining ground daily in numbers and influence.
For a true member of the Savior’s flock, we are not pleased at all with the events that are taking place. However, we have a certain peace of mind that we are not going to be here much longer. Jesus told us, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Today, we are well past the “beginning” phase. We are at the door to the tribulation, which means our “rescue” is even closer.
As I have given in the past, please read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. The event described as the “harpazo,” “taking up,” or “Rapture” is imminent. When we’re told “in the twinkling of an eye,” it’s letting us know that the speed of the event will be less than one second. For those who believe they can repent and call out to Jesus at the sound of the Trumpet of God and at the shout of the voice of an archangel, it will be too late.
For all who like to gamble and take their chances in casinos or with the lotteries, it’s a sure losing issue to put off calling on Jesus. In fact, the rapture is the next event on the prophetic timeline, and today would not be too early to follow the ABC’s of Salvation.
A – Admit that you’re a sinner (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23), and ask Jesus to forgive you.
B – Believe that Jesus died for our sins – all of them – and was raised from the dead by the Father to conquer sin and death for all who call on Him.
C – Call on the name of the Lord, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-13).
The fig tree bloomed (Luke 21:29-33) on May 14, 1948. Jesus stated that the generation that saw this would not pass away before He comes for us. That was close to 73 years ago. My best guess is this generation has just about concluded.
For those who wish to take this world and Satan over the very generous offer from God, my heart breaks for you. Your end will be at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15, and then to be cast into the Lake of Fire with Satan and all his demons forever.
Jesus will not force anyone to accept Him or His gift, even though, as our Creator, He very well could. All who want a real relationship with Him that will last forever can call out to Him right now, and your Heavenly home will be guaranteed. No matter what you may have done in the past, He will forgive and accept you (Psalm 103:12). The only unforgivable sin right now is to take your last breath on this earth without having Jesus as your Savior. Then it will be too late.
Call today; call right now. Just talk to Him as a friend and let Him know you really need forgiveness. It’s something you’ll never regret.
Shalom! Come, Lord Jesus.