This message may not apply to everyone. My intention here is to encourage us, lift us up to the heart of God who knows each and everyone's heart. Most of you know more about God than I do. I may not know all the answers to questions relating to the things of God. All I know is God loves me and that's for sure.
I don't believe in predictions from human standpoint. Someone predicted that the world is coming to an end on December 21, 2012. Although the Bible doesn't say the exact day of the Second coming of Christ, we are warned to be ready any time.
Yet, how ready are we?
If ..( only if )we only have three weeks to prepare, have we started dusting the cover of our Bibles and begin reading God's messages and His promises? Have we really, truly repented of all our sins and surrendered our lives to Jesus? If this question makes you uncomfortable, maybe it's time to be right with God.
To be honest, I'm not perfect as anybody else. All I know is as a sinner, I'm saved by GRACE through faith, and not according to my works, not according to how many prayers I've said, not based on how many faith articles I've shared, how many Sunday worships and Bible Studies I've attended, how much money I've dropped on the offering plate, nor how many bedpans I've given my patients, etc..It's all by grace of God through my faith in HIM.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:21 , "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven will enter." The first command of Jesus during his short time of ministry on earth was "REPENT!"
It reminds me as I'm writing this, the time I really repented of my sins. I cried alone, ashamed of all the sins I've committed, and still, Christ gave me His peace. He even assured me of His love by washing away my sins with His blood. Everyday, He reminds me of His loving presence by inspiring me to seek after His own heart. No matter how sinful I am, I know I'm loved just the way I am. Yet, He doesn't want to leave me this way. He gives me trials to mold me into His image. And for this, I'm grateful.
Although I still sin at times, I'm more aware of them now. It also made me repent more and more. Every careless word, every curse, every gossip, every judgment made to another, I've asked God to forgive me. I've even prayed for those who have hurt me. Submitting to God stripped me of all my pride. It humbles me, a filthy rag in His sight, yet He still loves me just as I am.
December 21. I can't forget that day. It's always been a very special day for me. God brought me into this world at that day many years ago for a reason. To glorify Him.
I'm praying I'll continue to follow God's will in my life, as I'm praying you will also remain in Him. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16, the first verse I've memorized as a kid. Now that I'm older, I still hold on to that promise. I still hold on tightly to the hand of my Creator.
What if....??
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Dear Gloria, Thank you for this timely message. As you stated, no one knows the time when our Savior will return but your message is a wonderful reminder to focus on God, repent of our sins and serve our Lord as best we can. His Grace is a gift, a priceless gift...and all we need to do is to reach out to Him as our Savior. May this be the purpose in all our lives. And, to you dear friend, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love, always. Sis Peggy
