Friend, when the pressure builds, to whom or what do you return to get refreshed and revitalized? Do you know that it is at this low point that so many had allowed into their hearts things they should not have! What then must we do to guard our hearts especially in such times as this? Luke 21:5-38 gives a record of all that must take place in these times we are in, before the Coming of Jesus Christ. So many of these things have started happening and are shaking the world and the hearts of men. However, in verse 19, it says: “By standing firm, you will win your souls.” Standing firm connotes loyalty and steadfastness. This loyalty speaks of blind devotion whilst being steadfast is the ability to suffer delays calmly without becoming angry or anxious. To be able to do this effectively, we read in verse 34 a warning: to be on our guard so that our hearts are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness and worries of life. If we do not guard our hearts, we will be overburdened and depressed and the Day will close in on the man like a trap! When a man allows his senses to be dulled by self indulgence fueled by carousing, drunkenness, worldly cares and worries, such is bound to lose focus. And this will automatically give rise to anger, evil thoughts, bitterness and loss of faith. A lot begin at this point to look for a way out, mostly in the wrong places and amongst the wrong crowd. This warning is for us all that declare we are not only children of God but expectantly awaiting His Return. The Lord said in John 16:1 – “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling.” There is a need then, at this time, to above all else guard our hearts with all alertness. As the Day draws near, we must be more attentive and ready for Him. Unfortunately, the worries, cares and indulgencies have taken hold of so many hearts and it is by the Grace of God that they are barely able to stand. Do not be worried if you are going through this. You are told in 1Peter 5:9 (MSG) that you should “Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.” We must continually pray to have the strength and ability to escape what is to come. Our Master and Example Jesus Christ went through this successfully. How? The Bible says in verse 37 that at daytime He carried out the business of the Kingdom but at night, He went to the mountain to refresh and revitalize: no wonder He did not fail. This means a daily habitual withdrawal from everything and everyone to be with His Father. No matter the pressure, He always returned to His Father. Consequently, 2Peter 3:17-18a says “Therefore dear friends, since you have been forewarned be on your guard, so that you are not led away by error of the immoral and fall from your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus.” The Grace to dwell, no matter what happens, in the Presence of God until He comes is released on you in Jesus Name. God bless you.
Have you ever visited a quarry site and considered the process the rocks are subjected to before they become dressed stones to be used? If the stones could talk they will have a story to tell about their experiences. As children of God we go through diverse experiences and we wonder if we will indeed survive them. Sometimes we wonder why our gracious and compassionate Father would allow such to befall us considering who we are in Him and what we are doing in His vineyard. The Scripture that should readily come to our minds in such circumstances is God’s assurance when He said: “I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire and the flame will not burn you ” (Isaiah 43:2). This Scripture assures us that through the experiences of flames and waters, God is always by our side to see us through. Thus, it is necessary for us to go through the...
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