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Three ways to prepare for the end times.
Friday, February 17, 2023 by Janet Perez Eckles

  

Many ask what to do as we reach the end times.

I was so very curious when I visited my hometown of La Paz a few years back. In particular I wanted to visit the home I was born in where I lived part of my childhood before moving to the U.S.

My desire was satisfied when a cousin and I visited the house. It was in the same place. And it was the same house. But oh, so different. The three-tier garden was leveled and, in its place, sat a two-story building with condos. The garage was turned into a small apartment. I hardly recognized it because of the drastic changes.

The same thing has happened to our country, the USA, the greatest country on earth. It too looks way different. Same country, same location. But goodness gracious, the changes in the moral landscape are alarming. Check out just some of the social changes we’ve seen in the 54 years since Woodstock.

But we shouldn’t be surprised. In the book of Timothy, God lists the terrible times which sadly, mirrors today’s culture: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

It's hard to deny this depravity at its best. And although we’re in the middle of that mess, we should be at the beginning of wisdom to know how to face it, how to react, and how to prepare.

These three steps could be the start of that preparation: Fear not. Clean up. And be bold.

1: Fear Not. Instead, stand firm, confident on the truth of God’s Word that remains solid no matter the terrible times. God has the victory in place. And He has the reassurance we will remain victorious (Romans 8:37).

When the enemy of our soul advances in this world, he’s powerless. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

Through Christ, the divine power that’s at work to demolish, destroy and to dismantle any stronghold is ours. We carry that power and strength. That’s why we don’t sink in fear but rise up in faith.

2: Clean up. It’s true our sins have already been washed, cleaned and forgiven through the blood of Christ Jesus. Of course, they have. But sadly, if today you choose to sit at the table of sin, consequences are disturbing. They disrupt your peace, break you down, and usher in sorrow.

The woman caught in adultery knows this firsthand. With hair a mess, red eyes swollen from crying, and arms limp at her side, she waited. “Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin’” (John 8:10-11).

Although forgiven, Jesus didn’t ignore the sin or condone it. He acknowledged it, giving a clear instruction to leave her life of sin. Why did He give that instruction? Because He knew she, as well as you and I, had free will to make choices.

A prisoner is quoted saying: I followed Jesus and believe He died for all my sins. But I made the choice to commit the crime and these cell bars remind me of my choices. I

God wants us to live in the freedom of good, Godly choices. As we prepare, as we wait and anticipate His return, He’s offering the same freedom to leave behind that sin-filled choice which traps us, brings on sorrow and puts us behind bars of regret.

Jesus’ return is imminent, and whom we allow to control our mind is an urgent decision because “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace…” (Romans 8:6).

3: Be Bold. The world is sinking. Disasters are increasing, souls are in darkness, and the discouraged are turning to despair. Therefore, being passive is now a thing of the past. Boldness and courage need to be renewed to carry out God’s orders to spread the good news. No need to write books or speak from a platform. Your message is loud enough through the way you conduct your life. How you follow God’s orders. And how you carry God’s Word to dictate what you think, what you do, how you work, how you love and where you go.

God’s pattern is clear: Feeling anxious? Invite God’s peace. Facing troubles? Cast them to the Lord. Seeing financial collapse? Fix your eyes on things above. Others insult and criticize you? Pray for them anyway. Going through trials? Commit to persevere. Government is corrupt? Declare God’s still on the throne. Immorality is growing? Praise God for His mercy. Personal conflicts don’t end? Turn them over to God. Despair threatens? Declare the victory you have in Jesus.

Jesus will return while we’re in the middle of reading blogs, posting on social media, shopping online, heading to the doctor, changing diapers…but we’re prepared, we fear nothing, we make wise choices, and we become bold in sharing the Gospel.

Let’s pray.

Lord, the end times, the tribulation, the persecution and the signs of which we need to be aware are becoming more real. But I will not fear, succumb to the world’s ways, or give in to worry. Instead, I will declare your victory through my thoughts, words, and actions till the day You return. Amen.

Which of these three steps have you taken to prepare for the end times?

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

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