Be Ready

I shared recently that many in India and other nations around the world, believe the Lord’s return is very near. This is causing them to gather in ZOOM groups to look into the Scriptures to discuss and pray over what they see. Many are coming to the Lord. Many are turning back to the Lord.

Likewise, I have been reading in Matthew’s Gospel in the last couple of weeks. Jesus makes it clear what the signs of the times are preceding His return (See the whole chapter of Matthew 24). No one knows the hour or day, not even Jesus (Mt. 24:36). But we know He will come again.

Here are some of His words:

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (Matthew 24:42-44)

Here are some questions for thought and reflection:

• What do Jesus words, “be ready”, mean to me?
• Who are some people I might be around who will help me be ready?
• What is the Lord asking me to change so that I will be more ready?

May each of us follow Jesus with our whole heart in these days.

Maranatha (Come Lord!)

Parable of the Fig Tree

These last few days, I have been reflecting on the words of Jesus in Matthew 24. His disciples asked about the signs of the time when He would return. Below is part of what He said as He responded to their question.

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.” (Matthew 24:32-41)

Take a few minutes to reflect on this passage. Here are a few questions to aide your reflection:

• What thoughts come to your mind as you reflect on this passage?
• Do you think the Lord’s return is near?
• What might the Lord want you to do in this time?
• How does He want you to live?

Many around the world feel the Lord’s coming is near. May He come soon.

Maranatha (Come Lord!)

From India

Yesterday I had a lengthy conversation with Johnny and Koki who separately had widespread ministry throughout India in years past. I asked what was happening among believers in India as a result of Covid. Of course, India is extremely complex and it is near impossible to get a full picture.

From their networks and observations, they shared the following:

• Hunger for the Word has greatly increased – people are gathering in small virtual Bible study groups to read and discuss the Scriptures
• A Prayer Movement has developed – they are gathering in small prayer groups and are increasing in personal prayer
• More people are coming to the Lord because they see they need God
• The Church is outside church buildings
• Overall there is a widespread awareness that the Second Coming of Jesus is near. As a result people are repenting and spending more time seeking the Lord in prayer and the Word

Sometimes it is wise to hear how other cultures are responding to global issues such as the pandemic.

Questions each of could ask are:

• How am I responding to the pandemic?
• Am I seeking the Lord in the Scriptures and prayer?
• Am I involved in a small group to discuss the Scripture and prayer?

May the Lord draw you to Himself.

Maranatha (Come Lord!)

Reason for Boasting

There are so many ways we can boast and there are so many things we can boast about. We can boast about our power, net worth, accomplishments and many other areas in our life. Really there is only one area where boasting is pleasing to the Father. The prophet Jeremiah says it like this:

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Take a few minutes to reflect on this short passage. Here are some questions to aide your reflection.

1. What are some areas or topics you recall boasting about in the last few days?
2. How did this boasting make you feel?
3. How does this passage guide your values?
4. What is the Lord saying to you from this passage?

May you seek to understand and know the Lord in deeper ways.

Maranatha (Come Lord!)