My photograph above of the Hawaiian Black-crowned Night Heron was taken at the Hamakua Marsh in Kailua, Oahu. I used my reference photo above to complete a painting of this very common heron found in Hawaii. I titled the painting "Alert!" That word alert needs to be a by-word for today's world! For everyone, but especially for Christians. Alert to the signs of the times! Alert to the fact that Jesus told us the signs of the last days that would manifest themselves, proving that He would return soon to rapture His true followers to heaven. (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). In other words, although no one knows the day or the hour (except God - Matthew 24:36) , Jesus informed us of the signs of the "season" when His return would occur. Be alert! Be watchful! Be on guard!
Following is a recent sermon by Pastor Jack Hibbs, in which he discusses the fact that the return of Israel to their homeland - after 2000 years of being dispersed throughout the world - that fact was prophesied in the Bible back in the prophet Isaiah's day. (Isaiah 66:8-9). That was a miracle of God, when Israel became a nation again in one day as Isaiah 66 told us in advance! So when the Jewish people finally had their nation "born" in 1948, that also was a sign of the last days being upon us.
Pastor Hibbs discusses other pertinent scriptural truths as well in his following 29 minute sermon; truths relevant to the peculiar times in which we find ourselves now - our mixed up world with even the leaders of governments "perplexed" and not knowing the way out! (Luke 21:25-26)
As stated previously on this blog, the signs of the times given in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 were given by Jesus to the Jewish people, and pertain primarily to the 7 year Tribulation - the time of "Jacob's Trouble." However, many of these signs Jesus warned about are also coming true today, to some extent but obviously not full force yet. Meaning, we are in the "season" of our Savior's return to take us true believers to be with Him in heaven! Maranatha! Hang in there! It will not be long now!
Please read all of Luke 21! Here is a portion of it for you: (Jesus speaking);
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. "
And, although it pertains to the Jews (and Gentiles left behind at the Rapture) and at the end of the Tribulation period, Luke 21:28 can also be applied to the Rapture of Christians prior to the Tribulation:
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh."
Many prominent and true pastors apply Luke 21:28 to us Christians looking for our Savior at the time of the Rapture as well as to the Jews at the end of the Trib. By the way, another Pastor whose messages you will enjoy is Andy Woods - check him out on You Tube.
One way to endure these perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5) is to pray without ceasing! ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17) And, of course, to be often in the Word ! -- reading the Bible constantly! If you are often in the Holy Word, you will find it "speaks" to you and encourages you and corrects you! It is God Himself Who inspired men of old to write the Bible, through the power of His Holy Spirit! It is a great comfort when you are often in God's Word -- and in prayer! How else can you learn what God's will is and what is expected of you, by Him? Both prayer and daily Bible reading will draw you closer to the Heavenly Father, and your appreciation for Him and His attributes will help you to realize all He has done for you, blessed you, and loved you! "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you...." (James 4:8 a).
A big plus of doing all of the above, is the wonderful result of a growing, and vibrant, and living, and personal, intimate relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ !! That is what it is all about! Not a religion, but a relationship!! But, of course, meaning Christian in nature, because Christ is our Savior, and the only way to the Father and to heaven!
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
Do not give up!! "God specializes in turning bad situations around!" So says the following 12 minute video by the wonderful Christian You Tube Channel " Lion of Judah"!
The above video also encourages us that "When you saturate your spirit in God's Word, you can keep believing!" and, "In Christ there are no losers!"
"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:6-8
