Many people are all too familiar today seeing vast amounts of headlines that ‘greet’ readers, as well as viewing TV news outlets, of the destructive outbreaks across our nation, including violence of one or more persons against another. Our values are collapsing, while we remain shocked by the decline of civility and the sweep of hate that is widespread. However, for anyone reading their Bible should not be shocked when we have read the words of warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, and to us, recorded in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
“Know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedience to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
I BELIEVE…(caps mine only to emphasize my understanding of Scripture events) that reading the words of Paul should give us a ‘heads-up’ that we surely must be living in the last days before what I believe will be the Rapture of true-born-again believers.
John 20:19 tells us one of most important things that took place after the resurrection of Jesus. “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’.” The disciples were gathered together…the door was locked in fear of interference by others…discouraged, in despair, and feeling a sense of hopelessness. They had believed Jesus was their deliverer and that He was going to liberate all from Rome’s abusive rule. They were saying, ‘Now what? Jesus is dead!’ Some had watched the nails driven into His hands and feet, the crucifixion, then the spear shoved into His side, watching Him die. They must have said to themselves, “It’s over! Every reasonable thinking person, as well as the visible evidence says it’s over! He tried! He was a good man! He meant well!”
What is it that’s being said to you and me this day? Perhaps something like one or more of these thoughts. The doctor may say it’s over; I’ve done all I can! The lawyer may say it’s over; the banker is at the door! A husband or wife may say, it’s over! Others may say, what I once believed has not taken place. I no longer believe. It’s over!
However, the Word of God says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible” (Mk. 10:27). Luke 18:27 reads, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Put down in today’s verbiage, those two verses simply mean, “It’s not over until God say’s it’s over!”
Mark 5 tells us the story of the woman who had suffered with the issue of bleeding of blood for twelve years, and had spent all she had with doctors, yet was no better. In fact, she had even grown worse. Then came Jesus! And this woman pressed her way through the crowd and touched the hem of His garment, and she was made INSTANTLY whole! If that sounds like you, say with me; That’s me! I may have been ‘bleeding’ in one way or another, but now I’m no longer bleeding! I’ve touched the hem of His garment!
If everyone, everywhere, will take these four steps, and put these principles into operation, you will be amazed at what takes place in your life. 1] BELIEVE THE BIBLE FOR YOUR SITUATION! 2] CLAIM IT FOR YOUR OWN! 3] DON’T WAVER IN YOUR FAITH! 4] THANK HIM NOW & TOMORROW FOR YOUR ANSWER!
Blessings, Psalm 20:7 Dale & Jeannie