The End of this World… How and When (If) will it Come?

Being human is a very messy business.  There’s always something that makes life stressful, at times almost unbearable.  

Coronavirus is the latest scare to upset plans for a Disney vacation, or cruise to the Bahamas. Then there’s the doomsday watchers or the groups that believe the Mayan calendar or whatever it is, held the key to the end of the world as we know it. 

How did you feel about December 21, 2012, the date on the Mayan calendar that many said would bring worldwide change? Depending on what you expected, you were either relieved, disappointed, or indifferent like most of humanity. 

How about that well known preacher, radio evangelist, Harold Camping who predicted the world would come to an end on May 21, 2011.  It didn’t… we’re still here and Mr. Camping retired shortly after his failed prediction, leaving people with ruined lives who trusted what he said he could do… predict the end of the world.

Then there was the Oct. 7,  2015… a prediction made by the leader of eBible Fellowship that the world would come to an end… sometime that day. The leader recommended that everybody listen to his last-ever question-and-answer podcast because the founder really believed that Oct. 7 would be Earth’s last day. Surprise!  Oct. 8 came and the world was still here, and that religious leader that over-stepped a boundary of knowledge, had the unenviable task of explaining what had happened.

So, right now somewhere on this planet there’s a group of honest hearted people led by someone who believes that have read the Bible, been enlightened with special knowledge and found the answer to the end of the world.  Coronavirus will be the “pestilence” that will wipe out mankind.  It will surely be a worldwide pandemic, a pestilence like the Bible foretells, and all but a special group, albeit a small one defined by the leader doing the predicting who will be spared for the next life in paradise.

Still others fear the earth will be burned up by the super powers exchanging their nuclear bombs. Incineration of humanity!  Others believe we are killing ourselves by polluting the planet… an environmental eco-pocalytic end to mankind’s supremacy over the earth.  We will be consumed by green or maybe orangish yellowish goo that covers the planet!

Over the centuries there have been hundreds of failed predictions of Christ’s return and of course the myriad ways the earth and humanity will cease to exist, from fire to locusts covering the earth. People are fascinated by end-time scenarios. But others, and probably most of humanity, especially in the Christian world, have simply grown tired of being told that the end is near.

You know, when I listen to such news on the tube, I catch myself wondering, is this the time?  Hey, the Bible speaks of pestilence, maybe that’s what coronavirus will be, the bug that eats humanity!  Or maybe not.  

I recently read in a Wall Street Journal special report on the coronavirus, that there are more viruses on earth, right now, than there are stars in the heavens.  Wow! That sounds pretty cool, but how does anyone know that? Where did the scientist who said that find the viruses and how long did it take to count all the stars in the heavens? That would be a long and complicated project and math calculation to come to those conclusion.  It’s just hyperbole.  See, that’s the sort of thing that makes being human so messy.  Who can you trust?    

Okay, maybe I should get to the point… My question for anyone reading this today… what about “the end of the world” described in the Bible? (Matthew 24:3 KJV)  After all, there’s a lot of juicy descriptions of the things that will happen before Christ returns, enough to get you thinking seriously about it.  Or, just blow it all off as just 2,000 years of fiction and fantasy.

If you are not a student of the Bible, you might be surprised to learn what it really says about the end of the world. Not only does the Bible give reasons to look forward to the end, but it also acknowledges the frustration that can set in if the end seems to be overdue. 

Maybe its time to consider for the first time or review again what you’ve already read… the Bible’s answers to questions about the end of the world.

The Bible describes events and conditions that would mark the end of the current world, we can call the collective knowledge “the end times.”  Some religious groups refer to the human-control of earth, as a system of things, it all refers to the same thing… the end of the world. (Matthew 24:3; KJV) 

The Bible calls this time period “the last days” and the “time of the end,” or “end times.” (2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 8: 19) The following are some outstanding characteristics of last-days, or end-times, prophecies:

Wars, multiple conflicts. —Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:4.

Famine and hunger. —Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6: 5, 6.

Great earthquakes. —Luke 21:11.

Pestilences, or epidemics of “terrible diseases.” —Luke 21:11

Increase of crime. —Matthew 24:12.

Ruining of the earth by mankind. —Revelation 11:18.

Deterioration of people’s attitudes,—2 Timothy 3: 1-4.

Breakdown of the family. —2 Timothy 3: 2, 3.

Love of God growing cold in most people. —Matthew 24:12.

Noteworthy displays of religious hypocrisy. —2 Timothy 3:5.

Increased interest in Bible prophecies, including those related to the last days. —Daniel 12:4.

Global preaching of Christ. —Matthew 24:14.

Widespread apathy and even ridicule toward the evidence of the end. —Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 3: 3, 4.

The simultaneous fulfillment of all these prophecies—Matthew 24:33.

Is humanity living in time that will see the return of Christ and “all things made new?” — Revelation 21:1-8

If you’re a Christian, even a nominal one,  and concerned about what’s happening in the world today, and you read your Bible, then you should at least wonder what it all means. If you clear your mind of all your prejudices, self-interest and see and hear with an open heart, you can’t help but see a battery of evidence that clearly suggests the answer is…Yes, we are living in the end times. 

Everyone of us have tried to read between the lines, read the tea leaves and figure out exactly what God will do and when it will happen.  Humans are curious creatures so we like to think we can figure things out, especially the big things like the end of the world. Another reason why being human is so messy.  We get ourselves in trouble focusing our energies on the wrong things.

We should be concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives, bringing others to a life in Christ.  The the mission given to us, and our sharp focus should be on that mission. (Matthew 28:16-20). Jesus’ command to “give a thorough witness” compels us to warn others about the end of this world. Acts 10:42.

Jesus never left us with a mission to explain in detail how and when the end would come, but to proclaim Christ, Him,  and teach all those willing to listen and embrace Biblical truths as a way of living now.  Do not fear what is to come.  More important than focusing on when the end will come, we must be confident that it will come,  to “be prepared, to be ready” for when He does return.  

We should confidently trust the words of Habakkuk 2:3, which says: And then God answered: “Write this.  Write what you see.  Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.  This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait.  And it doesn’t lie.  If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

  

That’s it… that simple. YOU can experience the glorious things that await those who TRUST and BELIEVE in the PROMISES of GOD!  YOUR Choice.

For the Sake of a Fallen World... Discipleship

When you were in college did you know any professional students? Maybe you called them “super seniors”.  They were the students who seemed to be in school continuously, frequently changed their majors, never fulfilling graduation requirements. They found comfort and security in being a student... delaying one more semester or one more year... movement into the real world.

The college experience is all about camaraderie among students and the security of knowing if you’re in school, then you don’t have to face the harsh realities of finding a job, making a living and dealing with adult responsibilities.

Professional students played it safe, stayed inside the walls and hallowed halls of the institution, delaying as long as possible the responsibilities that come with adulthood in the real world.

Church can be like that for many believers. A safe place to hideout from the real world. 

Like college, the Church is an institution that prepares and equips people for real world responsibilities. College prepares students to graduate, equipped to enter the working adult world. Similarly, the Church equips believers to fulfill their calling as disciples in their community and region of our world.

Church can actually get in the way of achieving the goal set before us by Christ to fulfill the Great Commission. His mission for us is outward bound not inward. Caring for one another, learning to live together in community and equipping is essential... but these activities can become “comfort zones” and must not be our only or primary focus.

Church is a training and equipping resource to prepare disciples for works of evangelism. There is the fellowship of disciples in worship assemblies, Biblical teaching, and learning to care for one another, bearing one another and most of all loving one another. We might liken these activities to a school for ministry preparation.

The Church, like an educational institution, equips individual believers for living in the real world, preparing them for the work of sharing the gospel. In the Church, together as believers we experience continuous “spiritual formation”. It is a lifelong process of personal growth, flexing, transforming, adapting, learning to exercise and emulate the character of Christ that will carry us forward into eternity.

Serving God is seeking the lost souls of our world and sharing the gospel. It is holy living, honorable living that pleases our Father in heaven. Divine service is living a life set apart from the world, while inthe world, but not ofthe world. Christians are to be equipped, trained and prepared to be noticed by the world as being uniquely different. The Church, the assembly of believers, is the training and equipping place for Holy and Divine living. (2 Timothy 3:17; 4:1-5; Hebrews 13:20-21)

God prepares all of us for every possible opportunity to glorify His name, magnify His Son and proclaim the gospel of salvation. Our mission is to recognize the opportunities and know when to seize them. Living Christianity each and every day is the greatest adventure in the world. There is nothing like it. The world is ripe for gospel proclamation.

In all professions, from the helper services such as doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers to business owners, managers, accountants, sales and marketers, there are opportunities to be a witness for Christ and His Kingdom. It can be verbal or it can be a silent living example of “conduct unbecoming the world”, but God-honoring and glorifying. The Church trains and enables individuals to find in their work a divine calling and see the hand of God in their efforts to create and promote what is good and to serve others in love.

The focus of our discipleship for Christ is not highly programmed church functions and activities, but equipping each other to deal with the real world. Discipleship is for the sake of the world, not for the sake of the Church. It is carried out in the environments where people spend their lives. Advancing the Gospel “in” the world and “for” the world  is hard work. 

Unfortunately, “discipleship” as Christian groups now teach and practice it, consists mainly of “special” activities of various kinds, religiously characterized, motivated, and organized “inwardly”, for sake of the Church. In today’s culture, there is useful value in a “place” -- the church building. It’s where people can go to hear and learn about Christ. But nothing can replace the “feet shod for Kingdom proclamation”, one on one, your mouth speaking the message of Christ to a hearers ears.

Whatever we do, every minute of everyday, lines up on one of two sides in the cosmic struggle for souls... God’s side or Satan’s side. Failing to perceive our mission as God intends it to be, “working in the real world” is a victory for Satan.

Sequestering ourselves in the confines of a programmed activity filled church building in continuous preparation and training, never stepping forth into the real world to exercise the fruits of our discipleship, is a victory for Satan. Resisting and thwarting the efforts of the Holy Spirit to transform us, so that we are a beacon for the gospel, seen and known as Christians, is a victory for Satan. We either magnify and glorify God in our life conduct by living out our discipleship training in the real world by boldly preaching the gospel, or we don’t. If we don’t step out into the real world, armed and equipped with the gospel, we fail to hold to our commitment to serve God... His way.

The assembly of believers, elders and preachers guide disciples into their place in their world and show them how to “exercise dominion in life through the one man, Christ Jesus” (Romans 5:17). Church builds the whole Christian for the whole world.

Real life is powerful.  Ordinary life is the place of disciples and the place for discipleship. Equipped, prepared and outward bound is our God-given mission. SKH

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DEFEAT DISCOURAGEMENT

An athlete regularly amazed onlookers when he won the 100-yard dash after being 10 yards behind at the 50-yard mark. His fast finish always made up for his slow start. A caterpillar creeps slowly across the sidewalk, unaware that one day it will be a butterfly flitting from flower to flower overhead. Many Christians plod through life thinking, "My family background, my past sins, and my ignorance of God and His Word keep me from being an effective witness for Christ."

Don’t be discouraged:Your past background or yesterday's failures need not hold you back. Abram, who later would be featured in the Hall of Fame of Faith (Heb. 11:8-19), almost didn't make it out of the starting blocks in the race of faith. But he did believe God's promise and, after several false starts, he grew in faith to become known as "the man of faith" (Gal. 3:9). And so can you. Live by the words of a New Testament son of Abraham: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14). (by F. Duane Lindsey, from Devotions for Kindred Spirits, Dallas Theological Seminary)

Everyone is a Hypocrite to some degree

A number of different things might pop to mind when we hear the word hypocrite. Maybe it’s a politician caught in a scandal; maybe it’s a religious leader doing something counter to their creed; maybe it’s a scheming and conniving character featured in soap operas. But it’s likely that the one thing that doesn’t come to mind is the theater.

The word hypocriteultimately came into English from the Greek word hypokrites, which means “an actor” or “a stage player.” The Greek word itself is a compound noun: it’s made up of two Greek words that literally translate as “an interpreter from underneath.” 

That bizarre compound makes more sense when you know that the actors in ancient Greek theater wore large masks to mark which character they were playing, and so they interpreted the story from underneath their masks.

The Greek word took on an extended meaning to refer to any person who was wearing a figurative mask and pretending to be someone or something they were not. This sense was taken into medieval French and then into English, where it showed up with its earlier spelling, ypocrite, in 13th-century religious texts to refer to someone who pretends to be morally good or pious in order to deceive others. (Hypocritegained its initial h-by the 16th century.)

It took a surprisingly long time for hypocriteto gain its more general meaning that we use today: “a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.” Our first citations for this use are from the early 1700s, nearly 500 years after hypocritefirst stepped onto English’s stage.

What about Christian Hypocrisy?  Hypocrisy is claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform. Acting in a manner in attitudes and behaviors in consistent with what you profess to be and believe. It is not necessarily the fact that sin makes a hypocrite, it’s the fact that they don’t acknowledge the sin as wrong and inappropriate behavior. Such a person, an actor, does not admit that their lives contradict what they say. They are inauthentic and imposters. 

Perhaps you have personal experience with a Christian hypocrite. Actually we all do.  Take a quick look in the mirror and you will see one looking back at you! Perhaps you know someone who says one thing and then does another. They teach one thing and live the opposite. In a sense, we are all hypocrites to some degree. The term isn’t reserved for Christians. For example, someone may call themselves a vegetarian, but slip up now and then. A dentist may tell his patients not to eat candy, but then go home and enjoy sweets. We are all hypocritical occasionally. No one is perfect.

Jesus reaction to hypocrisy is our guide and benchmark of our journey of living as Christians.

Combatting hypocrisy was a passion for Jesus. In fact, much of Matthew 23 is dedicated to the topic. Here are some excerpts:

•               “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for people to see... 

•               “‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 

•               “‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.’”

Jesus took hypocrisy very seriously. Friends, including family, naturally see Christians’ hypocritical behavior as being unacceptable. When discussing Christian hypocrisy with an unbeliever, here are some things to consider:

•               Many people who claim to be Christians don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Perhaps they are Christian in name only.

•               A Christian is called to grow in faith and progress to being more like Christ. This doesn’t always happen instantly. Many Christians continue to struggle with temptation to sin and indulgence in questionable behaviors. We are called to put on a new nature and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our lives (Ephesians 4:23-24).It is not hypocritical to fall or fail. It is hypocritical to deny that you fell and pretend that you are okay in living, indulging and acting as you do.

•               A Christian is called to live a life of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). Be intentional about letting God change your heart. This “intentionality” is an every-single-day decision essential to harnessing the power of the Holy Spirit in changing our lives.

•               Christians should admit hypocrisy. All of us are hypocrites in some area of our lives. Be vulnerable, honest, and authentic with unbelievers as well as fellow believers. Acknowledge your sins and short-comings. Be authentic and honest.

The primary issue regarding the validity of Christianity is not the perfect conduct of Jesus’ followers but the power we gain from following Him. The power, in the person of the Holy Spirit to combat sin and be transformed. These are not things that we can do on our own.  Transformation comes from humble submission to God’s ways for living.

Ultimately we need to encourage our friends to put their faith not in Christianity as an institution defined by the conduct of imperfect humans exhibiting bad behavior and attitudes… but in the powerful and proven person of Jesus Christ himself.

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The TRUTH Shall Set YOU Free...!

So many contradictory world views are swirling around humanity these days, its no wonder there is mounting stress and confusion in our culture as to what truth really is.  Most societies and cultures are abandoning Judeo-Christian values for secular concepts void of personal responsibility and accountability.

It’s easy to become confused about what to believe, trust and see as genuine truth. Mankind has replaced the order that God put in all creation with a great confusion fused with countless lies and deceptions that lead to no good end.  Here's how you can overcome confusion to find true belief:

Go beyond wishful thinking. The desire to believe is a real and powerful drive that can carry you either into a genuine relationship with God or dangerous fantasies and delusions that you invent. Instead of just believing whatever you want to believe, get serious about discovering the truth of who God is and how to best relate to Him. Pray for the discernment you need to explore faith. Ask God to reveal Himself to you and to help you truly seek Him.

See the spiritual working with the physical. God has set eternity in your heart, giving you the ability to connect with the spiritual realm while living in the physical one. Live with your eyes wide open to the ways these two realities work together in your everyday life. Make a point of looking for God at work, and you'll notice Him all around you.

Deal with uncertainty. Expect to encounter uncertainty as you search for real faith. Instead of ignoring the uncertainty you feel, let it motivate you to explore faith in fresh ways. Be honest about your struggles and humble about what you already know so you can move toward an authentic faith. Invite God to meet you in the midst of your uncertainty and help you learn more and more.

Deal with doubts. Don't be afraid to honestly face your doubts. If you let your doubts motivate you to ask questions honestly and humbly. God isn't offended by sincere questioning; in fact, He welcomes it. Remember that you don't have to have all of life's questions figured out today. You just need to take whatever steps of faith you can take, and as you do, you'll discover more faith. God will give you everything you need, whenever you need it.

Recognize that there's only one right way to God. As politically correct as it may be to think of all religions leading to God in their own ways, the truth remains that there's only one way that actually connects to Him - through Christ. Get to know the tenets of other religions like Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and pagan and new age beliefs. But be sure to note that, while some general moral and ethical principles overlap with biblical ones, each religion is significantly different. It makes no sense to try to blend different religions because they ultimately contradict each other. Trust in Jesus' revelation that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Discover and study the abundant evidence for His divinity. Then give your allegiance wholeheartedly to Him. It's not arrogant to say you're certain about what you believe, as long as you're motivated by a search for truth rather than a desire to gain power over others.

Look beyond yourself. Atheism says that the self is the highest and holiest reality, but if you ask God to you the perspective you need to see beyond your own life into the bigger reality of which you're a part, you'll start to notice Him at work all around you.

Move from changed behavior to inner transformation. God wants to do much more in your life than just get you to conform to good moral behavior. He wants to transform your whole soul from the inside out--changing your desires and motivations. It's His plan to change every believer into the likeness of Jesus (Romans 12:1).

Move from religion to relationship. Faith isn't just a matter of believing the right doctrines or performing the right rituals or service. Faith is about connecting to the living God in a dynamic relationship, which is only possible through Jesus. Real faith flows across the boundaries of time and space, uniting people to God from every generation and every culture on earth. Focus on what matters most in developing a relationship with God: the question of who Jesus really is.

Discover the truth about Jesus. Face the reality that you (like every other human being) must deal with who Jesus actually is. Realize that He can't possibly be just a great moral teacher who once lived, because -- unlike other major religious figures like Muhammad and Buddha -- He claimed to be God. Only three possibilities exist for who He is: Either He's an evil spirit who lied, He's a dead man now who was crazy while He was alive (which would also mean that all His followers were delusional), or He truly is the true God who lives among mankind… and died for our sins.

Consider the creed. Think and pray about the Christian faith's core beliefs as expressed in the Apostle's Creed: God is our Father. He made heaven and earth. Jesus Christ is His only Son and our Lord. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered, died on the cross, was buried, and rose to life again. Now He lives in heaven with God, ready to judge all of humanity. The faithful believe in the Holy Spirit, the universal church, the eternal bond between saints both living and dead, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection, and everlasting life. Considering the creed shifts your focus from yourself to God and helps you sharpen your beliefs.

Get rid of excuses. Whatever excuses are keeping you from committing to true faith, admit them to God and pray for His help to overcome them. Don't hold back from God any longer. Be willing to act on your desire to believe, even if you still have doubt or unanswered questions. Trust God enough to move toward Him as much as you can, and expect Him to meet you there.

Keep growing. As your faith increases and deepens, keep your eyes open, your mind discerning, your conscience soft, and your spirit alert for all the new things God wants to teach you every day.

All our problems arise when we fight against the faultless order of God and try to replace it with a man-made flawed proposition. We think that we can outsmart God‚ but in doing that we only trade perfection for limitation‚ eternity for a lifetime‚ communion for isolation‚ and love for indifference.

We don’t have to reinvent anything. God has already created everything perfect. We only have to shake off these garments of skin and wear again the cloth of grace by aligning our will with His will and rediscovering our personal identity by paradoxically uniting ourselves with Him. “He that has my commandments‚ and keeps them‚ he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father‚ and I will love him‚ and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21)

PROOF of the Resurrection

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.” Charles W. Colson

Charles W. Colson served in the Nixon Administration as Special Counsel and cam to be known as Nixon's "Hatchet Man" for his actions during the Watergate scandal.  He eventually served seven months in federal prison for Watergate related charges.   Colson became a Christian in 1973 and one of itsmost influential thought leaders. 

In the Potter's Hands

One of the great images we learn from the Bible is expressed in the metaphor of the potter, as a representation of God. Remember the incident when the despondent Judas brought back the thirty pieces of silver and flung them down at the feet of the priests, after having betrayed his Lord? What happened? The priests gathered up the money, discussed together what they should do with it and decided to buy a potter's field. And it was known thereafter as "the field of blood," (Matt 27:6-10). How is this relevant?

This is God's wonderful reminder of the heart of the Potter. God’s heart. For if you watch this Potter very carefully at work in your life, you will find that his hands and his feet bear the nail marks of crucifixion, and that it is through blood, the blood of the Potter Himself, that the vessels [His children] are being shaped into what He wants them to be.

When we are in the Potter's hands, feeling His pressures, feeling the molding of His fingers, we can relax and trust Him, for we know that this Potter has suffered with us and knows how we feel. He is determined to make us into a valuable vessel worthy for His use. "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble [those practices which appear just before this in the context ––wrongful attitudes, contentiousness, ungodliness, doctrinal aberrations, iniquity] then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work." (2 Tim 2:20-21 RSV)

What a tremendous lesson can be learned from this metaphor as we submit to God’s will and purposes as Christians. How refreshing to know that we are being shaped, chiseled and crafted into a “worthy vessel” for Divine us by the great Potter. We are in God’s hands everyday of our faithful lives. It’s not easy being there, nor is it easy staying in His hands.

Being Christian... living as Christians... following closely and precisely all His wisdom and counsel is not for the weak or faint of heart. It takes courage and perseverance to be a “child of the Living God.”

Much is involved. Loving one another... paying attention to truth and correct doctrine... giving to God for His mission, and separating ourselves from the negative and powerfully persuasive influences of this world are enormous challenges. Learning the “ways and means” of God to protect ourselves is an everyday pursuit. We can’t afford to let up in our persistence and enthusiasm to be all that He is molding us to be.

We should never lose sight of the fact that as Christians we have enormous power to influence the world around us.... positively and negatively. In order for us to be effective instruments in the mission of God, He has to be enabled by our willing submission to shape, correct and instruct us for our good.

Understanding that helps us to stay pliable in the hands of the Potter. God seeks to mold us into the image of Jesus. Let Him make you into a vessel of Honor He desires you to be. Jeremiah 18:6 says... O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. “Can I not do to you as the potter does with the clay?” You see, all God wants is to be free to work in our lives.

He isn’t trying to take something away from us. He is trying to give something wonderful to everyone of us... “Hear Me. Do what I say. Follow my plan. Get in My Word. Listen to Me in your spirit. Let Me make you a vessel of honor.”

Think back to the way you were when you were first born again, before the Word was ever planted in your heart. You were a sad story before the Potter began to mold and shape you, we all were. God develops authority and power in you as you walk in His Word. An inner confidence rises up because you know Who is inside you and Who you are following. You get the picture of what’s happening to you in 1 John 4:4.. You dear children are from God, and have overcome them, because the one who is in you, is greater than the one who is in the world.

Personal knowledge or self-confidence can never compare with what the Word of God builds in your heart – an inner strength that you can face anything that comes your way because the Greater One live in you. It’s no longer self-confidence but God confidence.

Being a Christian is not easy. It takes hard work, perseverance and unqualified commitment and dedication. There are no short-cuts. You can do nothing of your own design or accord to be acceptable to God. HE makes you acceptable to Him by transforming you!

As you honor God’s Word with loyalty and obedience, He will do more in your life than you could ever imagine. He will make you a vessel of honor, prepared for every good work, fit for the Master’s use. (2 Timothy 2:19-21)

How to Get From Here to There!

WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT OF HIS FOLLOWERS?  As MEN of GOD we should always be progressing on the spiritual journey. That’s our life mission… our Walk… growing in Christ –LEADING our families in spiritual growth.  WHY?   There’s a finish line at some point in our future and we should want to arrive ready to hear those words of our Lord… “Well done good and faithful servant...”. 

However, many times we stop short in receiving what God wants us to have, and our Walk gets sluggish, or comes to a dead-stop.  Not uncommon for God’s people… I could have done better, but… you know all sorts of excuses.

Consider the example of God's own people.  Israel stopped short when they failed to enter the Promised Land the first time. In their disobedience, they wandered in the wilderness instead of receiving what God had promised.

Stopping short may be the result of holding onto a sin or refusing to follow God's direction in certain matters, but the end result is this: because we wander, we fail to enjoy the blessings of God.  ALL-IN is not an option with GOD… it is HIS expectation for HIS followers.

So how do we move from where we are to where God wants us to be? The people of Israel give us some clues.  The man JOSHUA is an excellent example for us men… HE was married, a father, a leader of Israel and a man who dealt with many adversities and presented a life of faithfulness to God.  Let’s look at Joshua…. 4 things to learn….

Receive and Accept a formidable challenge --- Joshua 1: 2... "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them - to the Israelites."   After Moses died, God challenged Joshua to possess the land. This was not a decision to accept lightly. Since Joshua had been with the Israelite people, he knew of their weaknesses and problems. And though he was well past middle age, (85 yrs old) Joshua accepted God's challenges. HE trusted GOD and knew from experience GOD never fails those who trust HIM.

Challenge the Unknown & Untamed --- Joshua 3:15… Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

The Jordan River was at flood stage as they prepared to cross.  How much better it would have been to cross when the weather was dry and the river was low! However, we honor God in our willingness to TRUST Him during hard times. Everyone faces unknown/untamed situations in life. God wants us to walk across those barriers and face the challenges. God reveals His power best in times of seemingly great challenge.

The Israelites were preparing to go where they had never been before, into a land unknown.  They were a brand-new generation of people. Not one of us knows what the future holds. Each day we face the new and unknown. Most of us fear the unknown, so often we settle for problems instead of facing our challenges.  Following God into an unknown territory, though, creates in us a dependency on Him which always lead to victory. 

Recognize God's Commitment – Joshua 1:5... "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Joshua could accept the challenge because he recognized God's promise to him. In essence, God said to Joshua, "If you accept the challenge, I'll commit myself to you."  GOD is a DEAL MAKER… YOU, give me your faithfulness, TRUST me…do what I have asked you to do… and I have your back. I’m with YOU!

Powerful, Personal & Permanent Presence

In verse 5, God reminded Joshua that no one would be able to stand against Israel. not because of their power, but because of His power. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, He promises us His power and presence in our lives. 

Even when you don't see God, He is there -- Acts 17:27 assures us...“he is never from any one of us”  The people of Israel were willing to face challenges because God was with them.

Verse 5 also speaks of the assurance that Joshua had… He would never be left or forsaken. Christ has made us the same commitment to us. He has given us The Holy Spirit to live in us so we won't be alone. God's presence becomes personal, powerful AND PERMANENT when we RESPECT and live by God's commands.

RESPECT God's Commands – Joshua 1:7…

"Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."

God told Joshua that he was to obey the law of God. Though Moses was gone, the law remained. To move into the land and claim victory, the people of God had to be obedient. Today, God calls us to be obedient to His Word in our lives. This respect for God's Word is to be....

Complete -- Just as Israel was to obey the law, we are to implement all of God's Word into our lives. We cannot treat Scripture as a buffet line in which we pick and choose what we will obey.

Consistent -- God told Joshua not to vary from the law. He was to obey the entire law and to do so every day! This was not to be a weekend religion that made no difference in daily living.

For the Israelites, getting to where God wanted them meant facing their challenges with the promised presence of God and doing as God directed. 

Nothing has changed today. Those are still the requirements for Christians who want to move to where God wants them.  TO RECEIVE HIS ETERNAL BLESSING… LIFE EVERLASTING!

Joshua 24:14-17...

14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! 17 It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.

The Bible has a lot to say about this. Paul emphasized the walk of Christian - Col. 2:6-7… So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. BE ALL-IN – DO WHAT HE SAYS.  DON’T ARGUE WITH HIM…!  

WE SPEND a lot of time looking for a spiritual experience that doesn’t require any follow-through. WE prefer to be swept along effortlessly in our Christian walk, but that's not the way it works.

Spirituality WILL fade into nothingness IF we fail to follow through.

For many, the Christian life is like a soap box derby. Someone gives you a big shove down a steep hill and you're sailing. The wind blowing your hair, the speed is exhilarating, and everything's great.

WHAT HAPPENS…? YOU slow down; you get slower and slower until finally you stop. You're stalled until you find another hill and someone to give you another push.

A lot of folks are stalled in the wilderness, hoping God will come along and give them a big push that will propel them into a big, beautiful experience. The roadside is littered with countless Christians who used to be "really turned on" for the Lord.  Most of them are there because they didn't follow through.  DO YOU FEEL LIKE THAT???

MEN, how are YOU doing?  YOU have a wife and family… LIKE Joshua for Israel.. YOU are responsible for LEADING.    It's been my observation that many men are overwhelmed by the responsibility of being the husband, father and spiritual leader that God has called YOU to be…

YOU have this assurance…"nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37).  RENEW Your mind and your heart… let him transform YOU… POUR yourself into EVERYTHING GOD commands and LET HIM BLOW YOUR MIND.