Sunday 17 November 2013

SIGNS OF THE TIMES?

I read the following in a report on the horrific Typhoon Yolanda :


“Madness” is certainly an appropriate description for Yolanda’s rampage. With winds that clocked in at an average strength of 195 mph (314 kph), the typhoon left chaos and destruction in its wake – a city in ruins, a population rendered homeless and desperate, and countless bodies strewn all over the streets. Climate specialists believe that the explanation behind the genesis of Yolanda – and the actual impact climate change had on it – is not simple to determine as it seems.


Scientists all over the world appear to be baffled over the  explanation for this disaster. Even the survivors will be asking the question WHY. Is there a logical explanation for what has been happening in the world in recent times? 

Recently, in a mid-week service of Grace Covenant Church, Pastor 'D' shared a beautiful message on END TIMES. I have extracted a few notes from that message for my readers to ponder on. It blessed me tremendously and I'm sure it will bless you too!

Consider the following verses from scripture:
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!- 2 Timothy 3:1-5
New King James Version (NKJV)

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.[a] These are the beginnings of sorrows - Mark 13:8 New King James Version (NKJV)


(Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains - NIV translation)

A woman in labour has contractions which increase in frequency as the time of delivery approaches. It appears that there have been natural disasters in the past and in more recent times, the Tsunami in Japan, the earthquake in Haiti and the terrible typhoon 'Yolanda' which seem to show that the frequency of these natural disasters is definitely increasing just like it is predicted in the Holy Bible (Birth Pains!). It surely means there is more to come and at shorter intervals every time!

But then what does the Bible say we should do when we face perilous times? Those who are 100 percent committed Christians have been called to :

Rejoice always!

1 Thessalonians 5:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

It is time for 'lukewarm christians' to renew their thinking and surrender to the Lord's will fully! It is time that Christians understood the 'Eternal Life' that we can inherit through Christ Jesus. Life on earth is but transient. Although death is inevitable, it is the only way to pass into eternity. We have a sure hope that many of those who have lost their lives in the Typhoon and have called upon the name of the Lord have been translated into the the eternal life that He has promised.

It is time for Christians to confess scriptures like the one given below and align their wills to  His purpose!

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose - Romans 8:28 New King James Version (NKJV)

Whether you believe it or not, all things happen for good! Have no doubt, God loves you. God is always for us.

It has been my personal experience that the best period of my life has been when going through my worst in life! God has a plan for you even through your difficulties! He IS THERE right beside you to help you pass your 'test'. 

I strongly believe that it is not about whether HE is with us but rather about WE being with HIM! HE is always there with us but we don't experience His presence because we keep Him far from us!


JEHOVAH JIREH! 




Tuesday 5 November 2013

MARRIAGE ISN'T FOR YOU!

HERE'S A SHOCKING REVELATION FOR ALL MARRIED PEOPLE!
Marriage should not be like the returns policy of some hypermarkets! If it does not make you happy, take it back and get a new one! Nowadays, the world seems to be getting it all wrong!
So...Let's get it right then shall we?  MARRIAGE ISN'T REALLY FOR 'YOU'! You marry to make 'someone else' happy! You marry to make 'your family happy'! To make your 'future children' happy!. Who will help raise them? Who do you want to influence them? Marriage is about the person you marry! It's not about YOU!
Resolve to make him/her happy; to see him/her smile every day, to make him/her laugh every day.
No, a true marriage (and true love) is never about you. It’s about the person you love—their wants, their needs, their hopes, and their dreams.
The way of the world is - “What’s in it for me?”
Biblical Love asks -  “What can I give?”
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:38
Let us all learn to LOVE LIKE JESUS! A SACRIFICIAL (AGAPE) KIND OF LOVE!