Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Matthew 28:18 WEBWe just waited for Jesus to come and get us. After getting saved, I started attending a local church and got baptized in the Waccamaw river. Then we waited, and waited for the rapture of the church, the return of Jesus Christ. They taught that it could happen any day now, and some even set dates. Soon I began to sense inconsistency, for many were building bigger houses, and they were making plans for a bigger church building. It seems they were not planning to leave so quickly. Then I learned that it was a time honored tradition to wet you, set you, and forget you.
I was a devout believer, on fire for God at the time and I just wanted more. I read the entire KJV Bible in about six weeks, then bought another translation and read through it again making notes. I set up an audio system using an old computer that played the bible all through the house and out into my computer workshop 24/7. I laid in bed at night listening to it.
After a while I began to have a hard time reconciling scripture, with our behavior. Oh, we spoke all the right words, but mostly lived like everyone else. My prayers were only vain repetition, usually built from what I had heard others pray. I eventually spent a lot of time studying the books of Revelation, Daniel, Matthew and how the end would come about. Eschatology became an obsession.
One day the Lord spoke to me through a prophet that was visiting from Texas and said: 'Son, don't worry about the retirement plan, it is even now a time for refirement, wherein I do stand. And don't be so concerned about the end of the book, go back to the beginning, take another look.'
I knew that it was God speaking for the words burned and no one knew (or cared) what I had been studying but me. He was saying that there is more to the Christian life than sitting there waiting on His return. God has a plan to fulfill on this earth and we are His hands and feet. While we are sitting here waiting on Him to come get us, He is sitting there waiting on us to start doing what He told us.
We are to spread the gospel (Good News) to all the nations, for He will not return until it is complete. If you are not able to carry it yourself, then get in league with those that are doing it, pray for them, support them, encourage them. Be a part of what God is doing in the earth today, and you will find true satisfaction. It is what we are meant to do as Christians. For example, the Apostle Paul worked hard but he was supported by other Christians as he ministered (Philippians 4:15). That is how he ate.
No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Learn to be a giver, and not a taker. Learn to serve others, and not just be served. Encourage others and build them up, when you need it most, it will return to you. There is a reason that we should do unto others as we would like done to us, for what goes around, shall come around. He who waters, shall be watered himself (Proverbs 11:25).
Forget about the end times, it is time to do what He asked us now. Today is the day of salvation. Invite the Holy Spirit to come and spend the day with you. Pray, listen, do what is right and follow His gentle promptings. He has a plan and a purpose for you here and now. His plan is not in the afterlife, it is happening right now around us. If you are just waiting on the return of Jesus, then you are missing the point, for our work is to be done today. We are here for such a time as this.
Yes! Jesus is coming back, but don't get hung up on the retirement plan like I did. Let us work in the harvest until the very last minute, save every soul that can be, and when we cannot go, then let us support those that have. Get in tune with what God has for you today and you will not have to worry what happens on the earth later because you will be ready. Well done thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).
Prayer: Heavenly Father I adore You and want more of You in my life every day. Help me to make the right decisions. Guide me to where You want me to be. Fulfill Your will in my life and help me get involved in what You are doing on earth today, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Pastor Dion you hit the nail on the head with this one. This is what life here in Christ is all about. Thank Holy Spirit and you Dion for reminding us of this truth.
Amen, amen, amen!
Thank you Pastor Dion, your devotionals are always spot on for me and inspire me to do my best for Jesus
Prayer: Heavenly Father I adore You and want more of You in my life every day. Help me to make the right decisions. Guide me to where You want me to be. Fulfill Your will in my life and help me get involved in what You are doing on earth today, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen. Thank you Father.
Amen!
Amen and Amen!
Slow and steady stay with us and guide us. Amen.
Guide our lives for you Jesus.Help us to help others make the decision to seek you and receive the Holy Spirit
Amen
I need that praises to God!!! Amen
Hallelujah!!!
Wow Pastor Todd. Amazing word this morning. I needed to read this. Food to the soul. Blessings
Amen.
Thank you!
Amen! This is good advise!
Prayer: Heavenly Father I adore You and want more of You in my life every day. Help me to make the right decisions. Guide me to where You want me to be. Fulfill Your will in my life and help me get involved in what You are doing on earth today, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen Thank you (L)
Powerful, beautiful, meaningful message, Pastor Dion. Thank you for this much needed reminder!
Amen Amen
Dear Father in Heaven, I am seeking You everyday and need Your word to do my work for You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Amen!
Praise and give thanks to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY always. I love your insight for today Pastor Dion. Thank you
Amen!!! Awesome message today!! We always need to be putting other first and treating others as if they are more important than ouselves and having a servant mentality. We need to watch and wait for the Lord but be active in His service doing all we can for His church and His people. Thanks Pastor Dion! Your messages are always on Point!!! God bless you and Sylvia!!
Amen
Amen!
My spirits were truly lifted by this wonderful devoitional. Pastor the Lord truly blesses us through you. Thank you so very much.
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father I adore You and want more of You in my life every day. Help me to make the right decisions. Guide me to where You want me to be. Fulfill Your will in my life and help me get involved in what You are doing on earth today, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
NLT....the generous will prosper.. those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed..My husband and I are in beginning of his retiring from trucking company. We are praying a lot as to what the Lord thinks of timing. Also want to have a Christian person to help us with choices for future. To know if this is God's timing. Insurance is good and paying for huge medical bills from Chemo treatments. Thank You Lord for always leading the way and affirming other moments with decisions. Pray to see You in this also. Amen