Saturday, March 8, 2025

A Smoldering City

 If today were your last living day, do you know where your eternal place of residence would be? Would your heart be ready and fully prepared to meet Jesus at any given moment?

I think everyone would collectively agree that the world we are currently living in could only be described as a chaotic and crumbling mess. So many tragedies have taken place within the last several months as well, such as weather-related disasters, massive flooding, widespread fires, aviation incidents, and growing presence of global turmoil.

We are truly living through perilous times within a smoldering city.

A noteworthy fact: Did you know that fire often smolders for weeks before its flames ever make an appearance? And in those beginning stages, sometimes even an odor isn't always detectable. 

I thought that was both interesting and a little bit frightening. It's somewhat unthinkable to consider the possibility of looming trouble long before it becomes noticeable to the naked eye. 

But it's not impossible. 

That's exactly what is happening in our world today.

Yet many precious souls are STILL so blinded with their hearts remaining deceived; they are living in total oblivion and are currently unable to see the dangerous presence of evil and the eventual destruction that lies ahead for them. It's sadly not unusual for some to laugh and joke while on social media about the promise of Christ's return. The Bible provides a stark description of scoffers in 2 Peter Chapter 3:

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God, the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:3-7)

 I've come across the following thought numerous times and it is so true: 

While the world prepares for war, Heaven is preparing for a wedding.

Jesus loves you and He so freely offers the precious gift of salvation to all. I love these few verses and could not go without sharing them today. The truth of God's Word can sometimes be stark but His love for all is straightforward and evidenced all throughout Scripture.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to a place of repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation". (Romans 10:9-10)

Won't you come to a place of repentance and settle the matter of your eternal residence today?




 



Monday, March 3, 2025

When Your Heart Is Overwhelmed

I was listening to The Goodness of God this past Sunday morning while getting ready for church and I couldn't help but have this thought:


As we look around the world we are living in today, it's easy for our hearts to feel overwhelmed and somewhat forlorn as you watch situations develop.


Isn't this world an absolute mess? 


Even on a smaller scale, day to day life can be messy and overwhelming too. Some days might not all be the best, but I guarantee you that His goodness can be found somewhere in every one of them.

I think we could all use that reminder sometimes. I know that my heart needs it every day. 

No matter what your day looks like, God is still God and His goodness is ever-present. He is our greatest source of shelter from the enemy through times that are about as bleak as they can be. 

When you are without the strength to stand, you can always lean on Him.

When your heart is overwhelmed, you will forever be able to place your trust in Him. 


"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah." (Psalm 61: 2-4)



A Smoldering City

 If today were your last living day, do you know where your eternal place of residence would be? Would your heart be ready and fully prepare...