changeup

It can be extremely challenging at times, even for "faith people" to remain at peace in our present world. So much is happening right now. So much is changing. Where can we find stability and a sense security in such unstable times? What can we do? What should we do?

I feel it's important we're not mislead with extremes yet at the same time fully aware of what God is up to in world affairs. What does the Bible say? We're reminded of the Holy Spirit inspired words of Peter in 2 P. 1:19 - And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, Our answers MUST always be Scripture based and in a balanced way.

As we approach the Second Coming of Christ there will be those who will resist the thought of such change. We know that from 2 Peter. 3:3,4. "Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." We've read the end of "The Book" so we're not going to fall for that one. Jesus will return in power and great glory and every eye will see Him. (Lk.21:27; Rev.1:7) It's going to happen. Things will change! It's in God's calendar and definitely on His "To Do" list.

Not knowing "exactly when" in no way hinders us from being ready for "exactly when". Scripture clearly tells us "WE MUST BE READY". Are you ready now? What if Christ should suddenly appear? How does that sit with you? Mt. 24:44 - Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

SEASONAL CHANGES Eccl. 3:1 - For everything there
is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Jesus' first coming had a set time. It wasn't a day too soon or a day too late. It was right on time. Gal 4:4- But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, It will be that way for Jesus second coming as well.

God has promised us seasons on earth. God uses the natural to teach us the spiritual. There are spiritual seasons. There was a season on earth when it was "old covenant". That season came and went and as it did a whole new season of "new covenant" was introduced. That season will also draw to a close making way for another. The prophet addresses this very issue in the twenty eighth chapter of Isaiah.

Isa:22-26 - Now therefore do not scoff, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord GOD of hosts against the whole land. 23 Give ear, and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech. 24 Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continually open and harrow his ground? 25 When he has leveled its surface, does he not scatter dill, sow cumin, and put in wheat in rows and barley in its proper place, and emmer as the border? 26 For he is rightly instructed; his God teaches him.

From these Scriptures we learn that there was coming a time for God's judgment. That's not something we're always ready to embrace . Without a doubt this planet we're presently living on will experience the judgment of God. Just as surely as it has experienced the season of grace it will also experience the season of judgment. It will happen.

Seasonal changes never occur without warning. Birds sing their songs of approaching Spring. Fall leaves prep us for Winter. We've been given signs of seasonal change in the spiritual world. Signs that will without question effect all earth dwellers. Signs that if heeded will alert God's people and help prep us for what lies a head. In this "Change Up" I'm choosing not to delve into the various signs of the end time. What I'd like to do is have us focus on the realities that even though there will be changes as we approach the next season it's all under God's control.

Lk. 21:8 -11 - And he said, "See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once."10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

There can be little doubt as to seasonal change. It's in the air. So many areas, globally, are being consistently and constantly affected. Clearly it's time for the redeemed of the Lord to "lift up our heads" (Lk.21:28) It's time for us to awake from any spiritual sleepiness and fix our eyes on the gloried Christ. It's time for us to be looking to Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. It is time for us to "get ready", to be spiritually alert and tuned into the heart and mind of Christ.

2 Tim. 4:8 - Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

EXACTLY WHEN? Right now there a big push on to set a specific date for Jesus' return. Personally (except for the many lost I see) I'm quite OK with God winding things up and us getting on with the next glorious faze of God's incredible purposes in the earth. Having said that though I feel very strongly that date setting is only going to lead many well meaning people into confusion and some even into "throwing in the towel". Why set dates when we've been so clearly told in Matthew 24:36 that know one knows the exact time. "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." Why can't we just be OK with only the Father knowing exactly when Jesus will return to earth?

THERE WILL BE CHANGE and we should be ready for it or at the bare minimum not surprised, and by that I mean, not knocked off our faith, when major change occurs.

FOCUSING ON THE SEASON CHANGER Regardless of what is happening in the world, whether it's an earthquake, a tsunami or even a nuclear disaster in the making our God reigns. Jesus has all power in heaven and earth. For the redeemed of the Lord we have been given His assurance that nothing by any means will be permitted to harm us. (Lk.10:19)

Notice the word Selah at the end of verse 3. It means to pause and even contemplate what has just been said. Our God is always in control even when things appear to be so far out of control. Yes they may be out of mans control but never our Lord's. Notice too how God encourages us in Lk.21:8-11.

Ps. 75:2,3 - "At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. 3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah