The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)

Today’s scripture: Titus 2:13

Picture this:

You’re walking along a sun-kissed shore, the water lapping at your feet. The setting is painting the clouds deep oranges and pinks. Then, suddenly, rays of the sun burst through the clouds and rain down on the horizon. It’s almost as though the hand of God itself is coming through the clouds.

Well, guess what?

One day, it won’t be the rays of the sun coming through the clouds, it will be Jesus Himself.

Don’t you love that?

The Bible tells us that Jesus will “descend from heaven with a shout . . . Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together . . . to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Jesus will return someday. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not even in our lifetime. But He will someday return to make this world what God had originally created it to be.

Then, “we shall always be with the Lord.”

Thank God today that you can have the hope in Jesus Christ’s return, that one day, He will return and we will spend eternity with Him.

Anticipation ... Is Making Me Wait (James 5:7-8)

Today’s scripture: James 5:7-8

Like many of you, patience is one of the “fruit of the Spirit” that I struggle with the most. Fortunately, the older I get, the easier it is to wait.

But the one thing that I feel really impatient about? Christ’s return.

I really can’t wait … although I know I must.

When I went through Philippians a few months ago, I talked a lot about this when I came to verses 21 and 23 in chapter 1. I believe with all I am that being with Christ is far better than being here on earth.

This earth and all it holds is nothing compared to being in the very presence of my Lord and Savior. Being free from this pain-filled body. Being free from wars and rumors of wars. Being free from natural disasters that maim and destroy.

So, I read words like these from James that I’m to be “patient … until the coming of the Lord.” And I know he’s right. I must patiently wait Christ’s return.

But James reminds me of something else I can do as I wait. I can strengthen my heart. I can grow more like Christ as I study and meditate on the word of God. I can spend time in prayer seeking the Father’s will. I can share the truth of the gospel.

And I can be assured that the “coming of the Lord is near” … nearer than it has ever been.

Oh, Lord Jesus, come quickly! But I’ll patiently wait for You and strengthen my heart as I wait.

Fully Prepared (2 Peter 3:13-16)

Today’s scripture: 2 Peter 3:13-16

We are looking forward to that new heavens and a new earth. Well, I guess I should speak only for myself, but I’m really looking forward to being with my Lord for eternity. And as we learned on Friday, we need to be diligent about our behavior. How will Jesus find you when He returns? Will you be “spotless and blameless”—or as close to these as possible? Will He find you sharing His truth or reading His word or loving others?

What can we do to be fully prepared for Christ’s return?

We need to wisely study God’s word. Pray for the Spirit’s discernment as we read. We can’t rely on the teachings of those who are “untaught and unstable,” for they will distort His truth. That distortion will destroy them … don’t let it destroy you as well.

The bottom line: Know God. Know His word. Live as Christ-like as possible. Not easy. Not simple. But well worth it. For as I wrote on Friday, don’t you want to hear the Father say to you, with love and pride in His voice, “Well done, My good and faithful servant”?

I know I do.

The End of All Things (1 Peter 4:7-9)

Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-9

A couple of millennia ago, Peter wrote that the “end of all things is near.” Two thousand years later, we’re still waiting for that end, waiting for Christ’s return. And frankly, I echo the words of John after he heard Jesus say, “Surely I am coming quickly”: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).

But for reasons we can’t understand, Jesus delays. Perhaps it’s because He’s still waiting for those He loves to choose to follow Him because, as Peter wrote in his second epistle, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (3:9).

In any case, while we’re on this earth, we need to represent Christ well, and Peter gives us some great exhortation:

We’re to be of sound judgment. Are we thinking about how our actions might appear to an unbeliever? Do they see something different in us? Are we making wise choices?

We’re to be of sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. This doesn’t mean we’re to be doom and gloom “Eeyores.” No. God loves to see His children joyful. What this does mean is we’re to take prayer very seriously. We’re not to treat prayer as a last-ditch effort or something we do just before meals. We’re to come to God’s throne humbly—remembering how undeserving we are—and gratefully—remembering everything God has done for us.

We’re to fervently love one another. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fervent as “exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling.” Love is a verb, not a noun. It is an action. What do you do to love others? Do you know what’s really important to them? Do you treat them with respect and dignity?

Finally, we’re to be hospitable to one another without complaint. Going back to Webster’s, hospitable means “given to generous and cordial reception of guests.” We’re to be willing to open our homes and our hearts to serve others. But did you notice that last little command? Without complaint? Everything Peter calls us to do should be done with full and sincere hearts.

What if all of us who follow Christ did these things? Maybe the world would finally see the light of Christ in us. And maybe many would come to know Him in a personal way.

And maybe, the “end of all things” would come … quickly ...

Encouragement for Today! (1 Timothy 6:13-16)

Today’s scripture: 1 Timothy 6:13-16

I am so encouraged by today’s verses! Yes, there is exhortation: Timothy is charged to keep the commandment to be Christ-like. But look at the hope in Paul’s words:

Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, will return! Only the Father knows the “proper time,” but the Son will return one day!

Jesus, our Overcomer (John 16:33), our Victor, our Redeemer, will return! (I know I'm being repetitive, but if anything is worth repeating, this is!) And as I watch this world continue its downward spiral, I can’t help but think it’s going to be soon—or so I pray.

And so, with this confidence, I can join Paul in his words of praise:

Our Lord Jesus is the “blessed and only Sovereign.”
He is the “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
He is immortal, omnipresent, omniscient, all-loving.
He is “light and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

Oh, I hope these words encourage you as they’ve encouraged me. As we keep His commandments while on earth, we can do so with the confidence that we’ll be spending eternity with our Lord and Savior, with our Abba Father.

And with Paul, I give Him praise and honor. Won’t you join us?

Are You Ready? (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Paul now talks about something he calls “the apostasy,” during which the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed. From my studies of end times, I understand this man will be the Antichrist, a human being who will be controlled by Satan himself.

What is this apostasy? According to one of my study Bibles:

Paul is referring to the very act of ultimate apostasy which reveals the final Antichrist and sets the course for the events that usher in the Day of the Lord. Apparently, he will be seen as supportive of religion so that God and Christ will not appear as his enemies until the apostasy. He exalts himself and opposes God by moving into the temple, the place for worship of God, declaring himself to be God and demanding the worship of the world. In this act of Satanic self-deification, he commits the great apostasy in defiance of God. (The MacArthur Study Bible, © 1997, Word Publishing)

I’m a pre-trib believer, and I believe this person will appear prior to the Rapture, but he won’t come to power until Christ removes His followers before the Great Tribulation.

But whether you’re pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib, the important thing to remember is that Christ will return. He will take His followers away from earth. The Great Tribulation will occur. And one day, Christ will return in full and complete triumph to set up the new heaven and the new earth.

Are you ready?

Christ WILL Return! (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Since the day Jesus ascended to the heavens, people of have been predicting His return. They give specific dates, and then when those dates pass without Jesus’ coming, many just change the date again.

Jesus was very clear: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mark 13:32-33).

Only the Father knows. And He’s always known. Yes, the Bible does give some hints, and we’ll look at a few of those in the next few days. But Christ could return today—or one hundred years from now.

So what should we do? We should do as my grandpa used to say: Plan as though Christ won’t return in your lifetime; live as though He will return in the next moment.

Meditate on God’s word. Pray without ceasing. Serve Him and others. Focus on the fruit of the Spirit. Seek His will for as long as you’re on earth.

And be ready—for He will return.

Like a Thief in the Night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

No one knows when Christ will return—except for the Father Himself. Yet we really don’t need to know.

Instead, we need to be prepared at all times for He will return “just like a thief in the night.” A burglar doesn’t announce when he’s going to rob you. Neither will our Lord announce His return.

But Paul uses another analogy: He’s going to come “suddenly like labor pains upon a woman …” While a woman may not know exactly when her labor will start, she usually has a hint or two. Braxton Hicks pains. Nesting instincts. And so we have some indication of Christ’s imminent return.

Jesus said:

See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, "I am He!" and will mislead many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. or nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. (Mark 13:5-8)

Although we cannot know the day and time, it feels very much like we’re experiencing those labor pains, so we need to, as my grandfather used to say, live as though Jesus is returning today and plan as though He won’t return in our lifetimes.

Or as Jesus also said,

But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. What I say to you I say to all, "Be on the alert!" (Mark 13:32-37)

Because He will return. And I say, “Lord Jesus, come quickly.”

Proud Confidence (2 Corinthians 1:12-14)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

Sometimes it seems that there is nothing in which we can put our confidence—nothing and no one.

An up and down economy. Social unrest. Persecuted believers. Wars—and rumors of wars.

Corrupt politicians. Immoral clergy. Depraved celebrities.

It’s enough to make you want to crawl into a whole and hibernate. A “Calgon moment” for sure. Or perhaps a “Calgon lifetime”?

It seems hopeless. And in many ways, it is indeed hopeless. If we put our confidence in another person or in the things of this world, we are destined for disappointment.

The only thing we can—and should—put our hope in is the grace of God. In His wisdom. In His teachings. In His plan. In His will.

If we put our confidence in Him, we will never truly be disappointed. If we trust that He does work all things out for good as Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, we can have confidence that, even in the most difficult times, God will prevail. His word will stand firm.

And there’s one more thing in which we can have confidence: the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, as this world continues its downward spiral, we can be confident that His return is ever closer.

I’m confident about that!

Lord Jesus, Come Quickly! (Psalm 5:4-6)

Today's scripture: Psalm 5:4-6

I wonder sometimes why Christ hasn't returned yet. For what is He waiting? Verses like today's make it clear that He hates sin. It must break His heart when He sees how perverted and corrupt His perfect creation has become.

Then I read about Noah and the flood, or about Sodom and Gomorrah. I reflect on the book of Judges. I'm reminded that there is indeed "nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

This world has seen evil rulers and wicked citizens. "Workers of iniquity" have abounded. "Bloodthirsty and deceitful men" have walked this earth.

All since Adam and Eve made the fateful decision to control their lives instead of letting the God of the universe do so.

God has waited through centuries of wickedness, so I shouldn't be surprised that He lingers still. Yet, I can't help but wonder if the clock is winding down. I certainly hope it is. There's nothing I want more than to leave this earth and be in the presence of my Lord and Savior.

We cannot know the day of Christ's return; we can only strive to live each day as though His return is imminent.

May it be so!

Mercy and Compassion (Psalm 90:13-14)

Today's scripture: Psalm 90:13-14

Oh, how my heart cries the same words as the psalmist: Return , O Lord!

I want so much to shed this earthly skin and see my Savior face to face. Nothing on this rapidly-declining world entices me to want to stay any longer than I have to. Absolutely nothing.

In fact, most of what I see happening in our world makes me want to leave this world even sooner. Depravity. Disregard for others. Blatant sin. Arrogance.

It’s pretty nasty.

But you know something? The psalmist cried out for God’s compassion and mercy. It seems like he hadn’t seen either. Yet we who know God, we who follow His Son, already experience both.

He showers us with compassion regularly. I certainly feel it. I feel it when He carries me through the difficult days. When He holds me tightly in the daily pain. When challenges seem to overwhelm.

And He shows mercy when He forgives us. So often, I fail to do what I know He wants me to do. I neglect Him. I lose focus. I let other things take priority over my relationship with Him. Yet, He is so very merciful.

So while we’re on earth, He shows undeserving compassion and mercy. And one day—soon, I hope—He will return.

His Kingdom Rules (Psalm 103:19)

Today's scripture: Psalm 103:19

I have never been more ready for Christ’s return. I am so very tired of living in this perverted, corrupt world. Immorality. Greed. Selfishness. Utter disregard for truth.

More often than I can say, I’ve figuratively thrown my hands up and cried, “Lord Jesus, come quickly.” The only thing I find hope in is knowing that one day, my God will fully reign.

I truly don’t understand the mind of God ... and that’s as it should be. But I wonder how He can stand it. If I get so sick of this world, I can only imagine how He must feel. Yet He waits. With infinite patience. And love.

The only reason He waits is because He wants everyone to come to Him. He wants everyone to hear about Him and accept His gift of salvation. Peter wrote, “Dear friends, don't forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost” (2 Peter3:8-9, CEV).

One day, when He knows it’s time, He’ll return and set up His eternal kingdom. And “… He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Revelation21:3b-4, NASB).

My only hope … and again I pray, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

He Will Bring Justice (Psalm 72:3-4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 72:3-4

This psalm is written about an earthly king, Solomon, but it also “anticipates Messiah’s reign as the culmination of the Davidic Covenant” (note from The MacArthur Study Bible). 

During Solomon’s time, I don’t believe there was the peace and justice described in this psalm, and so I also anticipate Messiah’s reign when He returns.

I can’t wait!

One day, we will live in a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1) where we’ll experience eternal light as God Himself will “illumine” us (Revelation 22:5). And then some of the most encouraging, hope-filled promises:

“ … He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

The oppressor of this world God will “break in pieces” and justice will finally be served.

I really can’t wait!