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 28:18'20 WEB.

We just waited for Jesus to come and get us. After getting saved, I started attending a local church and was baptized in the Waccamaw River. Then we waited for the rapture of the church. The return of the Lord Jesus Christ to Earth. They taught us that it could happen any day now.

Some even set dates when He would return. Yet, I began to sense inconsistency. Many were building bigger houses, and there were making plans for a bigger church building. It seems they weren't planning to leave Earth so quickly. Eventually, I learned 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 through in about six weeks. Then I bought another translation and read through it again, making notes. I set up a streaming audio system using an old computer I had, and it played the bible all through the house and out into my workshop 24/7. Genesis through Revelation was read in a continuous loop that took about three days. I lay in bed at night listening to the Word and meditating on it.

After a while, I began to have difficulty 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 times would come about. Eschatology became an obsession of mine.

One day the Lord spoke to me through a prophet visiting from Texas and said: "Son, don't worry about the retirement plan. It's 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 it was God speaking, for the words burned, and no one knew (or cared) what I had been studying but me. He said that there is more to the Christian life than sitting there waiting on His return. God has a plan to fulfill on the Earth today, and we are His hands and feet. While we sit here waiting on Him to come and get us, He is waiting on us to start doing what He told us.

We are to help spread the gospel (Good News) to all the nations, for He will not return until it is complete. If you cannot carry it yourself, then get in league with those that are doing it. Pray for them, support them, and encourage them. Be a part of what God is doing on the Earth today, and you will find true satisfaction. It's 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). They took part in the work Paul was doing.

No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone. So 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 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). Cast your bread on the waters, for you shall find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight, for you don't know what evil will be on the Earth. (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2).

Forget about the end times, for that will take care of itself. It's 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. It's happening around us right now. 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 were put here for such a time as this.

Yes! Jesus is coming back, and you should be ready. But don't get hung up on the retirement plan as I did. Let's work in the harvest until the very last minute. Save every soul that can be, and when we cannot go, let's support those in the field. Let's work together to hear. "Well done thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21), and not "You wicked and lazy servant" (Matthew 25:26). Get in tune with what God has for you today, and you won't have to worry about what happens on the Earth later, for you will already be prepared.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I adore You and want more of You in my life every day. Please help me 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!

Note: FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!: FAAD Group:

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