WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN A WORLD THAT IS CRUMBLING AROUND YOU?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the
right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
(Mark 14:62)

MEDITATION:
If we took a poll, most people would probably agree that we are living in
a pessimistic world. Many are going around wringing their hands about
the woes of this world. Some are desperately trying to find ways to solve
the current world situation. Others are exploiting our societal problems
for their own benefits. Crime continues to rise and terrorism has become
a greater threat to more countries than ever before.

Corruption is widespread in our governments, and it is difficult to find
politicians with upstanding moral fiber. Even when politicians are elected
who can be trusted and respected, the world-leaning media, attacks them
in various and untruthful ways.

Why? Because they don’t want anyone to disrupt their worldly schemes
and plans. A corrupt world that is selfish and seeking sinful pleasure has
no room for Godly principles. With this as a backdrop, it’s no surprise
to see the world in a downward spiral toward the things that oppose God
and His standards (commands) for living a life that is pleasing to Him.

So, in the midst of all of this, what are believers (followers of Jesus) to do?
The scriptures tell us that even though there is persecution, confusion, wars,
rumors of wars, and a society that is bent on eliminating God’s commands
and any mention of His name, we should be comforting each other with His
promises and reminding one another that our Lord Jesus Christ is coming
back in triumph, glory and majesty.

Jesus has told us that we should be constantly aware of His imminent
return and be prepared to meet Him.
    “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man
      will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”
      (Matthew 24:44)

His message was directly to His disciples, but it is applicable to everyone.
It should serve as encouragement to those who belong to the Lord, but it
also serves as a warning to all who have not surrendered their lives to our
Creator.

Do you think Christ will come today? If we say, “Probably not”, it is on
that kind of day that He may come (“the hour when you do not expect Him”).

For those who are part of God’s family, what a glorious time of reunion it’s
going to be, when we will rise to be with Him!
    For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,
    with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel
    and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ
    will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left
    will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet
    the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever.
    (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

For all who will be joined with our Savior in Heaven,
    wrong will be changed to right;
    sadness will be changed to joy;
    hurt will be changed to encouragement and kindness;
    illness will be changed to perfect health;
    death will be replaced with life.
      “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will
        be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
        for the old order of things has passed away.”
        (Revelation 21:4)

ACTION:
Question to consider:
    – Am I looking forward to the grand and
       glorious day when Jesus Christ returns?

We shouldn’t allow Satan to steal this joy from us by the things he is
doing in this world. God has promised joy and peace to those who are
His. The peace and joy He promised is not dependent on the changes
in this world, but rather the Word of our omnipotent, omniscient, and
omnipresent Heavenly Father. Whatever He promises, is dependable
and true!

Skeptics may say,
    “All this about God, Jesus, etc. is a myth”
If they are right, those who have died believing in the existence of the
Lord and the truth of God’s Word (Bible) will never know it. However,
if they are wrong, they will absolutely know it, and will have to suffer
the consequences in a most unimaginable and horrific way….forever.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of the return of Your
Son, Jesus Christ! Forgive me if I have allowed the things of the
world to undermine Your promises, and caused me to miss out on
the peace and joy that only You can bring. Although it’s sad when
I visualize Jesus hanging on a cross in pain and agony, it’s exciting
to imagine what it will be like when I see Him returning victoriously
to take all believers home to live eternally with Him and You, our
Heavenly Father. Show me how to live each day as though Jesus
may return that day. Thank You, Jesus, for the hope that no matter
what is going on around me, I can look forward to the joy of seeing
You face to face, and the peace of being with You forever!”

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