Jesus is Coming Back!

Bible-believing Christians know that Jesus is coming back for us because Matthew 25:31-32 tells us, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”

In addition to these verses, there are many more references in the Bible that foretell the return of Jesus for His people. The $64,000 question seems to be when?  Throughout history, futurists have incorrectly predicted the date of His return, sending packs of people into chaos and fear even though the Bible clearly tells us that no one knows when. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,” Mark 13:32.

Most recently, a global advertising campaign, spending enormous amounts of money is predicting that May 21, 2011 is the big day and it even goes as far to claim that through hidden mysteries, the Bible guarantees this is The Day!  I’ve read the reasoning (and the Bible) and I’m still unable to completely comprehend exactly how they’ve drawn to their absolute conclusions, but the real question is, “Does it really matter?”  In the dozens of articles I’ve read and researched regarding this apocalyptic prediction, the only concern seems to be with determining the date.  Nowhere have I read about the importance of His return and how we should be preparing for that glorious day whether it happens to be tomorrow or long after I’ve left this earth.



We should not be so consumed with when, but more with what.  What am I doing to serve Him faithfully and to fulfill His perfect plan for my life?  What am I doing to live a godly life, not just for my own salvation, but for unbelievers’ whose only glimmer of God may be the light He shines through me?  What am I doing to spread the good news of His promise that all turmoil in this world will be wiped away and there will be no more sorrow or pain?  What am I doing to live the abundant life that He died to give me, filled with peace, joy and love?



What I do in preparation for that wonderful day of the Second Coming is much more important than the actual day itself.  That day does me no good if I’m not prepared. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, He tells us, “In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”



Do not allow another day to pass without intentional purpose and preparation for your eternal life because although we are guaranteed of His return, we are not guaranteed salvation.  As a matter of fact, we know that not everyone will be saved because He warns us in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?”  Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you, away from me you evildoers!”



So in conclusion to all this end-times hoopla, I’ve decided that I won’t jump on any fanatic bandwagons and sell all my belongings or celebrate like there’s no tomorrow (I’ll have plenty of time for that in heaven), but I will be obedient to His Word expecting to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

From Mess to Message-What is Your Story?

Let's face it.  We all have a story, a messy one.  I have yet to meet a single person who doesn’t have regrets or disappointments.  We’ve all had instances and experiences that we wish we could erase from our past; some of those instances producing uncomfortable or even lifelong consequences.  Furthermore, the old adage, “Hindsight is 20/20,” just confirms the probability of former flawed decisions.  Fortunately, none of us have to remain in the past nor do we have to live with the guilt or shame that may have stemmed.  Romans 8:1-2 tells us, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” 

The Power of a Name

Many of us are familiar with the power of a name.  Whether it’s your own name or someone you know, we have all experienced the weight that names and titles can carry.  For example, the title President, generally describes someone with the authority to make important decisions. The title, Medical Doctor, typically refers to someone deemed capable of diagnosing and treating illnesses.  The title, Mom, most often signifies someone who will love, accept and understand you more than any other human being.  Needless to say, there are powers and privileges in a mere name. However, all of these names still have limitations.  There is only one name with infinite ability and that name is Jesus! 

Philippians 2:9-11 tell us, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Don't Miss the Boat (of Salvation)

There was once a man who was stranded at home during a flood.  As the waters rose, he assured himself that Jesus would save him.  Just then, a boat came by and asked if he needed help and the man answered, “No, I’m waiting for someone else to come get me.”  The waters continued to rise when another boat came by and asked if he needed help and again he answered, “No thank you, I’m waiting for someone else to come get me.”  A little while later, a third boat came by and pleaded with him to get in, seeing that the man was already standing on his rooftop with the waters rising quickly and again the man answered, “No, I’m waiting for someone else to come get me.”  Shortly after that, the waters rose above his rooftop and drowned him. 

Feeling that he had been left to die, the man angrily stomped passed the pearly gates, straight to Jesus and said, “Where were you, I waited for you to come get me and you never showed up.”

Jesus answered, “I sent three boats for you and you never got in.”

Receive God's Gifts!

Driving home from the mall the other day, my seven year old son blurts out, “Mom, you are the best mom in the whole wide world and I love you so much.”  My heart leaped with joy, but considering that he had been disciplined a few times that day, I curiously asked, “Why do you think that?”

I sheepishly confess that I anticipated a juvenile, unsophisticated answer, but his faithful response spoke volumes to me.  He said, “Because even though I was a little bit bad today, you still bought me something special.  It lets me know that you still love me and you’re not angry with me.”

As I chuckled to myself at his conservative opinion about being just "a little bit" bad, I was moved by his humble gratitude and complete understanding of where he still stood with me.  Even though his behavior was less than praiseworthy, he knew that my grace and mercy continued to embrace him.  Regardless of his faults, my love for him remains the same, similar to what is written in Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”   

I don’t make a habit of presenting my children with gifts when they are disobedient, but there are times when I want to bless them with goodness no matter what mistakes they’ve made.  In doing so, it reminds me that God feels the same way about us as He tells us in Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Many of us do not come to God’s throne expectant or willing to accept His gifts because we don’t think we deserve them.  We either fear that He’s angry with us or we hold out on Him until we can “get our act together” or “put our lives in order.”  The truth is that no matter where we are (or aren’t) in our spiritual journey, none of us are worthy of God’s goodness, but He is still faithful to bless us because He loves us so much.  All we have to do is ask!  How simple is that?  God does not treat us as our sins deserve, rather He tells us that as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for us. 

I rest assured in this promise because despite all my iniquities, I look around and see constant blessings in my life.  No matter what I do, He is still the same loving, forgiving, gracious God.  He wants us to trust in Him the same way we long for our own children to trust in us. He desires that we stand before Him boldly and expectantly knowing that whatever we ask in His name, according to His will, He is ready to give.  Matthew 7:7-8 declares, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Your problems and circumstances are no surprise to God because He knows the end from the beginning.  He is completely able to identify with our sufferings because He, too, walked the earth, fully man.  He faced all of the same testings and trials that we do plus much more! “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16

God did not come to condemn us for our evil ways.  Instead, He came to call us to repentance and bless us abundantly.  Our Heavenly Father is rich in mercy and grace and all that is good. So call upon Him today knowing that He is faithful to respond no matter how undeserving we are!

Vanessa