The End 2
Preparing for the End Times
by Daniel Carandang
The 18th
year is a big deal for most girls. Once their age becomes the big 1-8, they
become giddy and excited for their debuts. Debuts are considered as special
rites of passage for most girls and as much as possible, debutantes want it to
be special. Months before the special day, everyone becomes busy as bees. Every
little detail is organized. From the decorations to the color of the dress,
everything must be ready in order to assure a magical day for the debutante.
Similar to
getting ready for a debut, we must be prepared for Jesus’ return.
Because He
will return.
He will.
“But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is
like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord
isn’t really slow about His promise to return, as some people think. No, he is
being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving
more time for everyone to repent.”
2 Peter 3:8-9
First, we
have to accept His promise that He will return. Second, some of us are probably
impatient, wondering what’s taking God so long. As it was said in the verse,
the Lord is merely giving us more time to get our acts together before He
returns. He loves us and He wants all of us to be saved.
While we’re
waiting for His return, we must make every effort to remain blameless and
righteous in His eyes.
How?
1.
Live Holy and Godly Lives
“Since everything around us
is going to melt away, what holy and godly lives you should be living!”
2 Peter 3:11
‘I should be holy and godly ALL THE TIME? But it’s not easy!’
That’s right. Being the sinful people we are, living righteous lives
proves to be a struggle. But that doesn’t give us the reason to allow the Devil
to win. We should at least make every effort to live our lives according to
God’s will. Be on guard!
Of course, we can’t do this
alone.
That’s why God sent us a helper: the Holy Spirit.
“So you to live your
according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what
your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is the
opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that
are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are
constantly fighting each other and your choices are never free from this
conflict.”
Galatians 5:16-17
Let the Holy Spirit guide you! Whenever we are faced with situations
that stir a battle between right and wrong, we should know which voice we
should listen to. Rather than give in to the Devil’s seductive whispers, we
should submit to the wise advice of the Spirit. Think cheating at school’s
cool? Is so with the Devil, but not with the Holy Spirit.
“And so, dear friends,
while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to live a
pure and blameless life. And be at peace with God.”
2 Peter 3:14
Actions speak louder than words. We might declare out loud that we
would live pure and blameless lives, but are we living it? Is there compromise
in our lives?
Are we holding unto a relationship God is telling us to let go? Are
we clutching on a bondage that we know perfectly well is causing us pain?
MAKE EVERY EFFORT!
We don’t just let the Devil win. We have to do something. Let us not
be set apart from God because of the compromises we have.
2.
Go and make disciples!
Making disciples is the great commission Jesus left his disciples
before He went home. It is the very same commission we, also His disciples,
must fulfill. It's normal for us to become shy about it but let us remember that our friends and family deserve to know the TRUTH.
Are we actively sharing about God to the people around us?
When we encounter an unforgettable event, say a party or a concert, the natural response is to TELL OTHERS. So, why not tell others of our encounter with God?
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16
3.
Grow deeper in your relationship with God
17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be
on your guard so that you may
not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the
graceand knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory
both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter
3:17-18
Get to know more of the Father who loves you. Remember, God craves your
attention and He wants you to enjoy your relationship with Him while you wait
for His return. He is looking forward to see all His sons and daughters once
everything is done in this Earth. Rather than spend the time partying, we
should prepare ourselves by leaning unto Him till the last second.
3 Now this is eternal
life: that they know you, the
only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 17:3
Live
for where you are going and not for where you are now. J
Brace yourselves! Are you ready for the END?
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