MISDIRECTED HOPE

I Was Just Thinking About – MISDIRECTED HOPE.

Life is filled with choices upon which decisions are made in an arbitrary way. In hindsight, the choice that was made is regretted and the alternative is no longer available or viable. We can attempt to be independent as we do the things we have greatest interest by ourselves and in our own way, or we can realize that being an island unto myself is not the wisest or best alternative. Wisdom would dictate that we must have trust and confidence as we depend on someone or something.

In Romans 4:1-2 (ESV), there is an important statement made in regard to Abraham and his hope in someone or something other than oneself. The verses state: “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.” God is indicating to Abraham that he and his wife Sarah, even though they are advanced in years, would have an heir. Based upon his faith in the God Who never breaks a promise, we read in Romans 4:18, “In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told: So shall your offspring be.” The summary of how he arrived at this place of absolute hope is shared in Romans 4:20-21 (NLT), “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”

The two dynamic phrases in these verses should be an encouragement for each of us, namely, “He never wavered in believing God’s promise” and he was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.” Is this the foundation on which your spiritual life rests? Is this the confidence and hope that motivates you as a follower of Jesus Christ? Have you totally embraced and implemented these things as a reality in and for your life? I Peter 1:3, 13 (NIV) shares this reality: “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”

Misdirected Hope can look to man rather than God. One can look to a Medical Doctor rather than The Great Physician. One can become dependent on Government Welfare Agencies for provisions rather than on the God Who promised to supply for all one’s needs. One can look to the Secular Society for “Identity” or “Acceptance” rather than to Jesus Christ who instructed (John 15) “Abide in Me” and (John 13:34-35) “by this shall all people know you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” In what and in Whom is your hope and confidence?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

  

LIFE EXPECTANCY

I Was Just Thinking About – LIFE EXPECTANCY.

In reading the featured stories on the World Magazine Website, the first story on the page today is: “A Generous Giant - Michael Cromartie, 1950-2017.” (See: https://world.wng.org/2017/08/a_generous_giant). He was a man of vision and accomplishment despite the fact that few who read this knew anything about him. He died of Cancer on August 28, 2017. He was able to influence some trends and individuals. In reading this article, you will learn: (1) His certainty: “It will be glorious to meet my Savior.” (2) His regret: “But for crying out loud, there’s so much work I still have to do.”

It reminded me of a beautiful poem by C.T. Studd, a Missionary to China, India and Africa in the 1800s, that contains a recurring statement in each stanza:

“Only one life, “twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

In yesterday’s Blog, I wrote about the insidiousness of Cancer and the reality that it can and does have as it impacts, unexpectedly, a person, families, associates and friends. We pray, encourage and assist as best we can and with resources available to us but can we even begin to calculate the treatment costs. A family member who is an RN and has assisted in providing hospital care for Cancer patients shared that one IV in the treatment plan for a child of interest costs $8,000.00 per IV. How easily and quickly the costs mount up adding to the burden of those whose loved one is being treated.

Some Scripture verses that have come to mind (and have been shared previously), are worthy of being repeated. In a passage that’s dealing with someone overtaken by/in transgression, there is an instruction that has a broader application and serves as a basic principle, Galatians 6:2-3 (NLT), “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way, obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself.”

When I was a child, I attended a group that had one time been a Rescue Mission. It had re-organized and became a Church. Whenever there was a Communion Service, two passages of Scripture were read or recited by all attendees – I Corinthians 13 and Romans 12. Romans 12:15-16 (ESV) states a foundational principle for one’s life and practice: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

Many tears have been shed and prayers offered by various individuals for loved ones and acquaintances afflicted with Cancer. The abiding fact is that the eternal God is aware and cares. He will accomplish His perfect will and in His perfect time. Trust in Him. He knows what He is doing!

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

YET

I Was Just Thinking About – YET.

“YET” is a word that is elastic in its meaning. It is used to suggest: “in the time still remaining.” In a Christian context, it has been used when stating: “Be patient with me, God isn’t done with me YET.” We are part of a culture that desires immediacy. The level of patience can be very limited in some situations for some people. There is a purposeful concept in Psalm 37:7 (NLT) that directs one to: “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” The ESV renders this verse: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” The context of the Psalm begins with repeated use of the phrase “Fret not” and instructs one to set aside worry and anxiety.  Psalm 37:4-5 states that one should Delight oneself in the Lord, and to Commit and Trust in the Lord. The idea is to focus on the positive relationship with the Lord rather than on the negative situations and circumstances of everyday life.

Some of the negative situations and circumstances pertain to the physical and mental issues more and more people find intrusive in their lives. One of the physical issues that intrudes and overwhelms is Cancer. This is one of the more insidious maladies. It begins suddenly and with little initial warning and proceeds in a gradual, subtle way with increasingly harmful effects. Despite the best medical care and treatment, which can be prolonged and costly, there is seldom a claim of one being “cured” but only that one is in “remission.” It is in this regard that the word “yet” is meaningful and encouraging. In a note written to some with concern about a young child, it is a good reminder for all who have faith in God to conclude: The Great Physician is not done “YET”!

With the mental issues, Depression overwhelms a greater number of people. Dealing with the pressures and responsibilities of normal life experiences. The subtlety of it is that it can cause low mood swings with an individual that can result in low self-esteem, a loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyable, a low energy level and sometimes, a sense of pain without a clear cause. Most cases of depression are treated with medications. This can offer temporary relief but, once again, a long-term cure can be evasive and something one can only hope will become a remedy for them.

An area where practical Christianity can be a physical and mental pressure is given in Mark 4:18-19 (BSB) - The Parable of the Seeds and Sower. Jesus Christ explained: “Still others are like the seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word, but the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. The cares of this life over-riding God’s promise of provision and sustaining grace. “YET” God continues to love and care for His own.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

UNITY

I Was Just Thinking About – UNITY.

World Net Daily posted a column by Patrick Buchanan on August 25, 2017 with the Headline: What Still Unites Us? The viewpoint shifts dramatically and becomes grim when he writes: “The insight attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville – ‘America is great because she is good, and if America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great’ – was a belief shared by almost all.  What makes our future appear problematic is that what once united us now divides us. While Presidents Wilson and Truman declared us to be a ‘Christian nation,’ Christianity has been purged from our public life and sheds believers every decade. Atheism and agnosticism are growing rapidly, especially among the young. Traditional morality, grounded in Christianity, is being discarded. Half of all marriages end in divorce. Four-in-10 children are born out of wedlock. Unrestricted abortion and same-sex marriage – once regarded as marks of decadence and decline – are now seen as human rights and the hallmarks of social progress. Tens of millions of us do not speak English. Where most of our music used to be classic, popular, country and western, and jazz, much of it now contains rutting lyrics that used to be unprintable. Where we used to have three national networks, we have three 24-hour cable news channels and a thousand websites that reinforce our clashing beliefs on morality, culture, politics and race.”

Culturalism has burst on the scene and replaced Christianity as the focus of an increasingly decadent society. The Biblical Church used to operate with certain values and foundational principles, such as: John 13:34-35 (BSB), “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Is this what the culture observes about the Church? Too often, the Church is known in communities and other organizations as being dysfunctional, diverse, divisive, or controlled by persons of influence, etc.

Regarding the believers who had followed Jesus, He prayed: John 17:20-21 (BSB), “I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Does the culture, world, or Church at large manifest that for which Jesus prayed? Are the Biblical believers one in the Triune God? Is oneness a consistent reality? If there are differences, is effort made immediately to bring about remedy and resolve (as per Matthew 5:23-25 and Matthew 18:15-17)? Church Ministers may speak about these things, even preach series on them – but – do we make any effort to do what Jesus Christ taught?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

(BSB = Berean Study Bible)

PRAYER

I Was Just Thinking About – PRAYER.

What is prayer? How frequently should a Biblical Christian pray? What should be – what can be - included in prayer? An online dictionary defines prayer as: “A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.” In CARM (Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry), Matt Slick responds: “Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.  It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made.  Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God.  Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian.  Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope.  Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord.”

The Westminster Shorter Catechism 98 asks and answers: What is Prayer? “Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.” Some of the Biblical reasons attached to this answer include Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV), “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken…He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” I John 5:14 assures us, “And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” How one’s Prayer is formulated is crucial. What does one believe about Prayer and its formulation? Jesus indicated, John 16:23-24 (BSB), “Truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” Is this how your prayer is formulated and what you truly believe when you pray?

It is vital to come before the Lord with openness about one’s life, deeds and actions. Daniel 9:4-10 is an excellent guideline for Confession of Sin, both personal and national. Another vital aspect of Biblical Prayer is the giving of thanks to the Lord. Psalm 136 is an outline and list of that for which one can and should be thankful. All giving of thanks is based upon the mantra throughout the Psalm, “His love endures forever.”

Jesus was very clear in Matthew 7:7-8 (BSB) in what is referred to as an A.S.K. acrostic: “ASK and it will be given to you; SEEK and you will find; KNOCK and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who ASKS receives; the one who SEEKS finds; and to the one who KNOCKS, the door will be opened.”

How often should one pray? I Thessalonians 5:18 states: “Pray without ceasing (without hesitancy; continually; persistently; never stop or give up).”

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

MEMORY AND MEMORIZATION

I Was Just Thinking About – MEMORY and MEMORIZATION.

A few days ago, reference was made in a Blog to dementia and/or forgetfulness. It is an inner condition that one cannot control. The person so affected tries to cope with the frustration of knowing and remembering, and the context of how or why there is such knowing being absent. When this occurs with a person, family members and friends should be sensitive to that condition and “fill in the blanks” for the individual. If one is struggling to remember another’s name, that person ought to lovingly, gently and kindly (and with a smile) remind one what their name is: “Hi! I’m Jim. How are you today.” All of us must understand the frustration and struggle for the one whose memory is failing or faltering. The task is simple enough. Romans 15:1-7 (NIV – Selected) is one basic approach: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak… Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up… Accept one another just as Christ accepted you…” All of us are capable of implementing this basic consideration.

One suggested and possible preventative to total memory loss may be the practice of Memorization when one is younger. One mnemonic device was utilized in Psalm 119. It served a couple of purposes, not the least of which was the learning and remembering the principles of God’s standards and values. The Psalm is structured with 24 sections with each containing 8 verses; each section utilizes a letter of the 24 characters of the Hebrew Alphabet. I was a device to assist people to remember. A key reason given is Psalm 119:11, “I have stored up (treasured, hidden) your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Again, in Psalm 119:16, “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”

Cultivation of the Memory while one is young (younger) may serve one well in the aging process as/when “forgetting” becomes more and more present. Two verses that should be cherished are, Proverbs 10:17, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” And, John 14:26, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The mind is a very complicated part of who a person is and what a person may remember. With aging and the onset of forgetfulness, one of the haunting realities is vague remembrance of the past, especially as it pertains to sins of omission and commission. It would serve us all well if we could saturate our souls with this truth about our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” May this be a great truth that you personally remember regarding God’s love, mercy and grace toward you.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

QUEASINESS

I Was Just Thinking About – QUEASINESS.

I usually start off my day by reading the devotional, “Get More Strength For The Journey.” Today’s entry (August 18, 2017) asks: “Got Any Neighbors?” The first two paragraphs state: “Jesus’ life and ministry dramatically demonstrated that the word prejudice is not in His vocabulary. In fact, He hates prejudice in any form. He detests racism, classism, and religious snobbery. Why? Because it defies who He is and what He came to do. No one escaped the embrace of His love and concern. And He calls us to love as He did—without limits. But prejudice blocks our ability to love as he did and denies us the privilege of being like Him in our world. When the Pharisee hoped to embarrass Jesus by asking Him to name the greatest commandment, Jesus answered that we should love God with the totality of our being. And although it was more than the scheming lawyer had asked for, Jesus added the second most important command: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). Not ‘second’ meaning less important, but sequentially. In other words, the authenticity of our love for God is measured by our attitudes and acts of love for others.”

One of the possibilities for the definition of Queasiness is: “uneasy, uncomfortable, as feelings, the conscience.” That should have been the least reaction or response of the Pharisees in Matthew 22. In a similar moment, Luke 10:25-29, we read: “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law? Jesus replied. How do you read it? He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus: And Who Is My Neighbor?"

In a world marked by its uncertainties – threats of war; terrorist activity; demonstrations and rioting in the streets; civil strife among citizens of the ‘E Pluribus Unum’ (out of many, one) culture – the whole concept of – “And Who Is My Neighbor?” - emerges time and time again. The whole idea of ‘queasiness’ (being uneasy, uncomfortable, as feelings, the conscience) is absent. It is a time when cultural and historical Landmarks are being destroyed in the Middle East by ISIS, and Monuments that reflect the Historical past of this nation are being toppled, defaced and removed. For some caught up in the emotional wave of the day, it is to demonstrate, but for others, the intention is to overthrow the government and its leadership. Jesus warned of hard and difficult times for His people (Matthew 24:9-14). Our focus is to remain upon Him (Hebrews 12:2) and to persevere in making His non-compromised Gospel known to all people. The Lord will grant you both His strength and presence to guide you through this arduous task and journey.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

VANISHING VALUES

I Was Just Thinking About – VANISHING VALUES.

In each generation, writers address church growth factors and how a group can be more successful as they grow their church. Some also point out that the Church as a whole is dying. They speak of the “Nones” and “Dones” people groups to illustrate their point. It becomes too easy to shrug off these thoughts and statistics. A person can Google Search for data about reasons why the health of some churches is declining. One website is Pastoral Care, Inc. where some reasons are given – “Statistics in Ministry” - 70% of pastors constantly fight depression; 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend; 50% of pastors feel so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living; 50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years; The profession of “Pastor” is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions, just above “car salesman”; 4,000 new churches begin each year and 7,000 churches close; Over 1,700 pastors left the ministry every month last year; Over 3,500 people a day left the church last year; Many denominations report an empty pulpit crisis. They cannot find ministers willing to fill positions; #1 reason pastors leave the ministry — Church people are not willing to go the same direction and goal of the pastor and are not willing to follow or change.

The radicalization within the culture is affecting the thinking and behavior of people both in the culture as well as in the Church. All types of groups are publicly voicing opinions and participating in protests about cultural issues and government activity. At times, it appears that chaos is victorious. David expressed his concerns in Psalm 11:1-3, “I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me: Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. (When) The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

David responds to his own question, Psalm 11:4-7, “But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence…The righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.” This is the hope of all whose faith and confidence is in the Lord alone. Will the culture and radicalization win the day? No! The Lord is always victorious and enables us to walk and live in His triumph. He will build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

FORGETTING - DEMENTIA

I Was Just Thinking About – FORGETTING - DEMENTIA.

Its a given that we’re all forgetful at times, regardless of our age and mental health. However, as we age, our risk of dementia increases, and by the age of 85 almost 35-percent of those in your age group will be afflicted with this degenerative disorder that causes gradually and worsening memory loss and mental skills. Some of the common symptoms of Dementia are: (1) Memory Loss. It is an inability to recall short term memory (or recent events). A study from Rutgers University estimates that roughly 50-percent of all Americans over 85-years of age suffer with Alzheimer’s Disease and that more than half of all dementia cases are misdiagnosed. (2) Behavioral Changes. Personality changes that may include the opposite manners or personality traits or just being inappropriate in public can signify the onset of Dementia. (3) Cognitive Decline. This could be as simple as an inability to reason or a more drastic decline in cognitive functions -  thinking, learning, reading and retaining information, problem solving, language and speech.

Within the Body of Christ, the Biblical Church, how should we cope with those who may be in some stage of Dementia? Does the Church know how to relate to one who struggles with Dementia or who is closing in on Alzheimer’s? A couple of guidelines that can be considered, learned and implemented are: (1) ACCEPTANCE: Romans 15:7, “Accept one another just as Christ accepted you.” (2) SHOW KINDNESS and Understanding: Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” (3) ENCOURAGEMENT: Hebrews 10:25, “Encouraging one another.” (4) PRAYER James 5:13, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them Pray!” Since so many are sketchy about Mental Health and those who are affected in some way with mental health issues, a tendency is to marginalize that struggling soul. That often means non-acceptance or avoidance. If a person has forgotten who you are, just smile and say – “I am Jane” or “I am Joe”, etc. Special effort should be made to include the person. It will require an increased measure of patience and encouragement.

A secular example of this care and assistance was seen in the life of Glen Campbell who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011. In 2014, a very compelling documentary about his journey and effort to cope, "I’ll Be Me”, was released. Part of the film shows him on a farewell concert tour as his condition worsened. One thing that stands out in the documentary is the acceptance and kind understanding of his family, staff, musicians and audiences.

Should the Biblical Church be able to show even greater patience, under-standing, kindness, acceptance and appreciation for one of its own? I hope it/we can and will emulate a similar compassion.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me!

THE UNWANTED

I Was Just Thinking About – THE UNWANTED

Today, Our Daily Bread concludes and summarizes with these words: “James, a New Testament writer, challenged Christ-followers saying: Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans…in their troubles” (James 1:27 NLT). Today, like those first-century orphans, children of every social strata, ethnicity, and family environment are at risk due to neglect, human trafficking, abuse, drugs, and more. How can we honor the Father who loves us by showing His care for these little ones Jesus welcomes?” Other questions come to mind: (1) Who will run the risk and pay the price to reach out to care for the unwanted and abused? (2) Is Prayer and Financial Contribution the response James and Jesus were speaking of and suggesting? (3) How would you define tangible ways to make a difference with the unwanted, abused and neglected?

What is the observation, assessment and requirement of Jesus Christ in reaching out to the unwanted and unnoticed? Matthew 25:34-40 states that which is most important to Him in this regard: “Then the King will say to those on his right (the sheep): Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For (a) I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; (b) I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; (c) I was a stranger and you invited me in; (d) I needed clothes and you clothed me; (e) I was sick and you looked after me; (f) I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him: Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply: Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

How have you responded to the heart and words of Jesus Christ? When will you respond and show His care for/to the unwanted? How will Jesus respond to those who ignore His Words and refuse to act as He wants one to do? Matthew 25:44-46 (NLT) answers: “Then they (the goats) will reply: Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you? And he will answer: I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me. And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”  How will you respond to “one of the least of these”? Can you – will you commit yourself to make a difference in the lives of “one of the least of these”?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

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WARMONGERING

I Was Just Thinking About – WARMONGERING.

The world’s focus is on North Korea – it’s threats and ambitions. We observe it as a nuclear war possibility in the present. Perspective and focus could just as easily include this event in terms of headline – June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 – The Liberation War. Who were the key nations in what the American President (Harry S. Truman) claimed was a “Police Action”? It is briefly summarized: “The United Nations, with the United States as the principal force (88% of the military force), came to the aid of South Korea. China came to the aid of North Korea, and the Soviet Union gave some assistance.” Sounds like current news except for the fact that the above was occurring almost 70 years ago.

As Jesus Christ was concluding His earthly ministry, His Disciples asked Him about their future. In Matthew 24:3-13, “Tell us, the disciples said, when will all this happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age? (Jesus responded): Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. At that time, many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of increased wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.”

The words of Jesus amid saber-rattling leading into real warfare are: “See to it that you are not alarmed.” The Biblical Christian needs to be careful with both their words and actions. Rather than a Fortress Mentality, War-Mongering and Fear-Mongering, what does Jesus Christ expect His followers to both be and do? Matthew 24:14-22 indicates - Action 1: “The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Action 2: “Let those in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. And let no one in the field return for his cloak…At that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened.” Jesus is speaking of the climax of all things.

The real issues for the Biblical Christian are: (a) Do you believe God is able to protect and deliver you today? (b) Do you believe He is superior to all things and all-powerful to combat whatever evil may come your way today? (c) Do you believe Ephesians 3:20 is viable for you today?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.