I received an email from a reader more or less chastising me for the fact that I write on prophetic issues, some of them related to the Tribulation, and said I should keep to the blessed hope. I was told all that was trivial as we will be in heaven, and the Revelation prophecies are not for our time or for us, so we don’t need to bother with them. Here is the email, but the name is withheld.

“U seem to like to spin your wheels spending a ton of time on topics that have no bearing on the time period (tribulation) that true born-again believers will (thankfully…praise the Lord !!) avoid. True believers will be spending time with Jesus at the marriage supper of the Lamb, not concerning themselves with trivia you spend so much time on. Most who read Rapture Ready articles (I hope) would prefer articles pointing us to the Blessed Hope of the Rapture, not wasting time on topics they will avoid.”

I replied, asking that person if he has read all the articles of mine on Rapture Ready that I have written. A good number of those articles focus on the Rapture, such as the 4-part series, poems, and other articles. It does not upset me in the least. We need a range of subjects, and I try to do that. I can understand the thoughts of a person who loves the concept of the Rapture but thinks too much emphasis is on non-Rapture prophetic events. I think it is a valid point that we ought to be balanced in the whole consideration of what we write. Actually, I am grateful to that person, for it made me examine the Purpose of Rapture Ready.

What that person raised is an interesting concept, and I know it is a position shared by some people in the wider, professing Christian community. It is a thought that has not escaped me in the past, so I have had many years to think about it. If I had to write one pivotal statement about the whole issue, it is this: “The fact that in the Christian community, there is so much ignorance of prophetic issues, along with corresponding confusion, is an abysmal reflection on the Christian church that professes to preach the Bible, but it does not.”

Putting all this aside, why have I given time to Rapture Ready along with other writers who are sincere about what they do? The answer is not difficult. I hope this is the driving force for all writers, but I (we) believe the Holy Spirit is guiding in the desire to write. Sometimes I am amazed at what God gives and feel this is not of myself. I think others can say the same thing. Nevertheless, why do we consider the ministry through Rapture Ready so important? Because of the email I received, I have tried to list some reasons why I think the ministry of Rapture Ready is significantly important. There would be others, no doubt, and I’d be interested in knowing if you have any more.

Let us get to the reasons.

1. WRITING OF MATERIAL TO BE FULFILLED BEYOND ONE’S TIME. Sometimes I have tried to put myself in the position of the Old Testament writers and try to imagine what it was like for them to write under inspiration when they often did not understand what they were writing under known inspiration, except in a dark shadow. I am impressed with what Peter wrote.  1Peter 1:10-11, “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.” Peter understood the problem the prophets faced as they tried to tease all this out. They tried really hard to understand the times ahead and who was the person (Person) they were writing about.

Now the cynic could have accused the prophets of wasting their time as what they wrote was not pertaining to their time. No! That was not the case. Peter commends them for searching and trying to understand better. The verse says “careful search and inquiry,” and this is the way we should all treat scripture. God does not honor a careless, rushed approach to His word.

We are the same as the prophets in regard to searching out these things like we do. Some researchers come to different conclusions, but careful searching is important (not the regurgitation of others, but careful, personal inquiry). As the prophets did not understand what it was they were seeking, and knowing it was not for their age or times, that did not stop them from carefully seeking and searching scripture, and no doubt comparing scripture with scripture; so we too do the same thing, and that is commendable to God.

For that reason, it is correct to do so, even though events we write about are not always for our time.

Just before I close this first reason for what I see as the existence of Rapture Ready, AND its relevance that was under question, I want to add the next verse in what Peter wrote. 1Peter 1:12, “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels long to look.”

I hope no writer on Rapture Ready writes to glorify himself/herself or writes for some individual benefit. The Peter verse gives the reason we should write – serving others. If we have joy in the blessed hope, then we desire that for others. In that way, we serve others.

2. PROPHECY LEADS TOWARD GODLY CONDUCT IN EXPECTATION. We come to the second reason. This reason is very important. Let me quote Peter again. 2Peter 3:10-11, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…?”

What is so strikingly important here is that what Peter wrote, both he and his readers knew it did not apply to their time. It was way out in the future; YET, there were consequences from that. Look at what is underlined. The fact that prophecy waits to be fulfilled is the goal for holy conduct and godliness. The spur for godly living is the fact that the Lord may return at any time. No preaching about the Rapture is wasted and ought to be encouraged. So too, teaching beyond the Rapture is also important, even as far distant as the New Jerusalem.

I found an article that I really liked, and I want to quote one paragraph from it. It is entitled “Is Jesus Coming Soon?” and comes from The Cornerstone Christian Fellowship.

“Questions can reveal a lot about what is on a person’s mind, what is important to them, or what fuels their motivations. The question, “Is Jesus coming soon?” could reveal that a person wants to know if they should start getting serious about their relationship with the Lord. If He is coming soon, then there would be added motivation to get their spiritual life in order and start doing what God says they should be doing. If He’s not coming soon, then presumably, some see no urgency and take it easy and do their own thing. Pastors, preachers, and evangelists have at times used the imminent return of Christ as the torch to ignite the fires of lukewarm Christians.”

Conclusion – in the light of prophecy, even if it is not for our times, the certainty that God’s promises will be fulfilled means that our lives must be ordered and controlled by that fact. That’s how it was in the Apostolic church, so what’s wrong with us today?

3. BE AWAKE, INFORMED, AND SEE WHAT’S AHEAD. I am going to quote from Matthew 24, and though this chapter has nothing at all to do with the Rapture, we can make an application from it. Matthew 24:15-16, “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”

About halfway through the Tribulation, the World Ruler (Antichrist) has his image set up in a revived Jewish temple in Jerusalem. All must worship it. All must receive the mark of the beast. In Matthew, Jesus is speaking to his Disciples but actually past them to the disciples in the Tribulation we know as the Jewish saints. They are told to flee from Jerusalem immediately. Jesus tells these believers, “when you see,” which means they are to be awake and alert.”

I underlined three words, very important ones. When you see! It is important for all God’s people, including us of our age, to be alert and watchful, not asleep in sin or slumber and laziness or ignorance as too many are. The Bible speaks of The Signs of the Times, and it is encumbered on us to be conscious of the signs of our times. Many writers on Rapture Ready write on the signs that mark our generation and the unfolding of world events. These articles address the signs of the times. In fact, the signs are increasing daily, AND WE MUST BE OF THE ATTITUDE “WHEN YOU SEE.” Don’t neglect what is happening, for the signs are an encouragement for us even though they be bad and are increasingly worse, for the encouragement is the coming of the Lord for His saints and the execution of God’s will on this earth.

A bit further down the chapter, we have another verse about seeing. Matthew 24:33, “Even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” These future believers will see the things the Lord warns about and gives them the most wonderful promise – their Lord is near and right at the door (ready to open it and come in). That refers, of course, to the Second Coming when the Lord returns to Jerusalem to set up the Millennial Kingdom.

Now the application for us. 2 Timothy 3 contains some signs for us leading to the Rapture, but most of the biblical prophetic signs relate to the Tribulation and what comes after the Rapture. Can we see some of that taking shape now even though we won’t be here in the Tribulation? Well, the answer is “Yes.” We may see it darkly, but the outline is appearing – things like a one-world government; what a pestilence will look like (corona); where the powerbase for Antichrist will come from (EU, WEF, WHO, UN); the adherence of the world to a strong delusion (Climate Change); and there are more.

There used to be a saying, “All roads lead to Rome.” Well, today, all roads are leading to the WEF with its Great Reset and to the WHO, which now will tell nations what to do.

4. AN ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US. All of God’s word is an encouragement. We rejoice in the blessings and take note of the warnings and instructions. When we remember that one-quarter of the Bible is connected with prophecy, then we do not neglect that quarter of the Bible. If a person is not encouraged by scripture, then there is no hope. When I read of the Lord reigning over the whole earth from such passages as Zechariah 14, then I take joy in that. The word encourages me.

Then we come to this very well-known verse. 2Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

From that, we note ALL SCRIPTURE (which includes those parts dealing with prophecy). When Paul wrote that, he was referring to ALL the Old Testament scriptures, for they were the scriptures of the church. That included all the prophetic books speaking of the Day of the LORD and the Restoration of Israel and so many things that will happen in the Tribulation.

It is encouraging to see what God is going to do. Let not anyone tell me we have to neglect these scriptures because we won’t be here. Let no one hack away at God’s word.

The writers on Rapture Ready spell out what the state of the world is right now with the blessed hope of the Rapture on the horizon and the events that follow the Rapture. All are legitimate; all are biblical, and all are necessary.

I think we are justified in teaching the corollary here. If we neglect the ALL SCRIPTURE and just concentrate on pet passages, and dismiss the prophetic scriptures, then the man of God will not be adequate and equipped. We are encouraged by prophetic scriptures and by what the Lord will do.

5. AND WHAT OF THE TRIVIA? I was told that I am spending my time on trivia. I think that is a misplaced statement, and I will say so. The Bible is not trivial. Every single part of it is for instruction, and one-quarter cannot be neglected. I delight in writing about the things coming. The book of Revelation promises blessing for those who read and those who hear.

So, when I teach on Revelation (even though I won’t be on earth after chapter 3), am I occupying myself with trivia? I think not! It is God’s word we handle, and all of us who teach and write on prophecy are sharing in the blessing such study gives.

It is always good for all of us to continue to update ourselves and rethink our position on things.

6. CONCLUDING REASON – ULTIMATE PROOF – THE THESSALONIANS. This last one should stop all nonsense about not investigating prophecy because we don’t live in a certain time, and why it is not trivia.

In his missionary journeys, Paul came to Thessalonica and stayed there three weeks, as this scripture confirms: Acts 17:1-3, “Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews, and according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.'”

Some years had passed, and Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians in which he set out the teaching straight from God about the Rapture. Then in the next couple of years, a few of their number had died, and they thought they had missed the Rapture. As well, the Thessalonians were being deceived by a false letter supposedly from Paul to the effect that the Day of the LORD had arrived, and they remembered that Paul told them they would not be part of the Tribulation and its wrath. Paul then had to write his second letter to them to explain all this. This is the relevant section:

2Thessalonians 2:1-4, “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

In the above verses, Paul explained AGAIN to the church that they would not be part of the Day of the LORD. We now come to the critical verse, which is verse 5. “Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?” There we have it. In the three weeks among them, he had not only taught these new converts all about Christian living, but he had taught them prophecy also! And that prophecy covered the events of the Tribulation but also included the Antichrist as well. People say prophecy is not important, but Paul taught it to the new converts from paganism.

Paul continued in Thessalonians. 2Thessalonians 2:7-9, “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way, and then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming, that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders.”

Earlier in his letter, he wrote this: 1Thessalonians 5:1-2, “Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you for you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” They “knew full well” because they learned it from Paul in his three weeks among them. We need no other proof of the importance of teaching prophecy, even of the times of the Tribulation, even though we will not be in the Tribulation. Paul did it, and that is good enough for me.

LASTLY. To all the Rapture Ready writers who write on world events, the Rapture, and Things to come: may God bless you, and through what you say, may others find blessing as well.

And more importantly, God bless all who search for the truth, find Rapture Ready, and read what is written. I have met some wonderful people through Rapture Ready.

Ron

ronaldf@aapt.net.au

 

This segment, Elevate Your Voice: Part Two, is part of the How Do I Share What I Know? series. You don’t need to have read the other sessions to follow along since all are stand-alone topics. If you would like to read Part One, the Rapture Ready article, “Fear Keeps Me Silent,” catch up here. While viewing is not necessary to follow along with the article, the following ten-minute video is a quick introduction to the topic and a way for me to connect with other like-minded believers.

Watch me first: https://youtu.be/ZwsBw2YB7Bw

In part one of Elevate Your Voice (Fear Keeps me Silent), we focused on various elements of fear and how it’s the greatest obstacle for most of us in sharing what we know. The next most difficult obstacle is knowing how and what to say. I can’t express how inadequate I’ve felt in telling others, and I’m one of the biggest talkers around. This is different, like nothing I’ve ever had to do. To tell someone you care about that life as they know it doesn’t exist anymore is tough on several levels. For one, we want to protect them, but mostly, the scope of it all makes it intimidating to try and put into words.

Why people don’t listen

If we begin there, considering why people refuse to listen to the facts of what’s happening in our world, then that will help us in our approach and give us understanding of just how imperative our delivery of the information is. In the intro video, I shared a few stories of how I said too much when trying to warn people early on. Each had to do with my delivery. Sure, I was telling truth, but I told too much truth all at once and came off sounding like a nut job.

Another reason they each have ignored my warning is that they don’t want to face the reality of where we are. Since one isn’t a believer at all, he would have to believe there is a God he’s accountable to if what I say is true. Sadly, he will likely be regretting that choice to be his own god when millions of believers leave here to go celebrate the wedding supper of the Lamb. Another one is a young mom with what she sees as a lifetime ahead of her. The final one doesn’t want to let go of a world that’s comfortable. Her life is filled with good things as a recently retired woman: a grandbaby and new freedom to serve at a church she loves. It’s more reassuring for people to believe I’m a fanatical nut, to listen to the ten and not the two; otherwise, they would have to alter their lives and get involved.

Be a two, not a ten

I recently read in Numbers 13 and 14 the account of Israel’s first attempt at entering the Promised Land. They sent in twelve spies to view the land; then after forty days, the spies came back with a mixed report. Ten spies spoke from a place of fear, saying that the Israelites were no match for the inhabitants of the land. The ten were sincere in their report and truly believed the giants in the Promised Land were unassailable. Just because their belief was sincere, however, didn’t make them accurate. Two spies spoke from a place of faith, knowing their God would go ahead of them and make the way. First, Caleb tried to rally the people and assure them Israel would certainly prevail. Only Joshua supported Caleb’s report. Ultimately, who would the people choose to believe? The ten. That’s what’s happening now in a couple of ways.

First, a point we covered in Accept Your Role, since most pastors are silent, the people refuse to listen to the few Christians who are sounding the alarm, choosing instead to hear the majority of pastors who pretend this isn’t happening, that our nation and world aren’t in serious trouble as we spiral out of control and under the control of a nearly-here global government.

Another two vs. ten scenario is how the globalists control the narrative through the mainstream media, government, and medical industry, so people are led to believe lies by authorities and reporting agencies they’ve been taught to trust. Like the story I shared in part one, someone I love laughed at me and asked if I think I’m smarter than Dr. Fauci. That’s everyone else’s line of thinking, that the powers that be are smarter than us, so we should listen to them. For the life of me, I don’t understand how anyone could choose to believe a government run by politicians who have proven themselves to be liars, cheaters, and greedy opportunists over time. Most know we can’t trust them in everyday matters, yet some blindly believe the politicians can suddenly be trusted with their health.

We’ve been taught to trust our doctors. How many times do we see “consult with your physician” before we make everyday life decisions, even down to our diet? If our doctors are going along with the Big Pharma narrative, so likely will we. Well, not we –you and I – we know better, but we’re just two with no medical degree. Their sway over people is monumental, making them the ten. That’s exactly why the enemy has aligned the medical community to follow the vaccination and pharmaceutical narrative over these past decades. This is all one great big set-up. But to convince people who don’t see that is nearly impossible. The ten far outweigh the two in this case.

With the deck of mass deception stacked against us, how do we break down the barriers and get through to others to help them see truth? For one, don’t do things the way I did. Build a bridge with people and take them over it more slowly. Mostly, don’t come off sounding like a nut like yours truly. You’ll find with some friends and family members that you’ll only get one shot to tell them anything at all, so be prepared and know your topic, as well as your audience.

Mechanics – the “how-to” of sharing what you know

If this is your first end-of-the-world scenario, you may need a little help in getting your bearings. That concept, this being our first end-of-the-world scenario, has helped Kim and me tremendously. When one or the other of us has blown it in a conversation with a friend or family member, we remind ourselves this is our first starring role in a last-days blockbuster movie. We give ourselves grace for sure, but we also challenge ourselves to get better at our task. Like a screen actor would, we rehearse our lines.

As you learn what’s going on, take notes and prepare some one-liners to have in your pocket. That’s what we call our preparedness, having something in our pocket as a conversation opener and as a response to questions and skepticisms we know we will face. We also consider our audience and where they are coming from. The opener you use will be determined by the person you’re dealing with and the circumstances of the conversation.

Based on the stories I’ve shared, you see that your delivery matters as much as your content. Yes, you should research and learn facts, but what you do with those facts makes all the difference in how someone receives your information. Here are a few things to consider as you get started:

Rehearse your lines

Practice a sentence or two, non-threatening or non-confrontational statements that can open a conversation most anywhere. Unless you’re sitting down for coffee with a friend willing to listen, you may only have room for one or two statements.

Know your audience

You can’t assume everyone has your history with or grasp of the Bible. Most, even Christians, have little to no understanding of prophecy, so be careful how you use even the word prophecy early on to prevent someone from shutting down. Many see prophecy as some farfetched concept when we know it’s God’s mercy and love that tells the end from the beginning. Just because that’s true doesn’t help your listener to understand that at first. For some, all the “prophets” out there giving outlandish predictions taint the concept of prophecy in God’s Word.

This isn’t about us and how we like to do things. This is about our audience and what they need to receive what we have to say. If our initial approach is off-putting, then we’ve lost our listener. Nothing we say, no matter how true, will be received if we don’t open the conversation in a way that invites the listener to want to know more. Begin with statements that assume the person sees what’s going on. When we make statements that suppose they are blind, their defenses will rise, and receptivity will be lost.

We will look at conversation openers and try to keep them generic enough so that you can use them with various audiences in mind, Christians, non-Christians, and those of whom you’re not sure. Consider these below, then think of a few of your own openers and begin to practice. Learn to use different openers based on who you’re talking to. A conversation with a friend in your Bible study class will need to differ greatly from what you would say to your unsaved neighbor. Remember, it’s better to share a few direct facts rather than to make broad, wild statements like, “The vaccine is going to kill everybody!”

Sample openers

Questions are great openers. Let your words rest on the hearer. Give space for them to speak. Don’t assume you need to fill an awkward silence. Their response will allow you to gauge where the person is to help you know your direction.

“What do you think of these past two years?”

Their answer will determine if they see the truth. You will be able to tell if they are fearful or maybe looking for some answers.

“Isn’t it sad how so many Christians are living in fear over the virus just like the world?”

If you don’t know if the person is a believer, you can change Christians to people, which will allow you to share the reason you feel peace and hope in a world so filled with fear.

“Do you believe in the rapture?”

This would be more Christian-specific and need not be an argument over pre-trib, mid-trib, etc. No matter their beliefs on timing, the set-up for the tribulation is clearly underway and should be your main point.

“We can see with the way things are going, Jesus will be coming soon.”

I’ve said this to a perfect stranger standing in line waiting for BBQ. I live in the Bible Belt, so it’s easy to assume that most people in my area have at least some experience with Christianity, so I begin conversations with most as if I assume they are believers. They may think I’m crazy, but at least they hear the name of Jesus, a seed planted for a later date.

“I’m not sure I would be able to deal with all that’s going on in this world if I didn’t have Jesus in my life.”

“You can’t look at this world and not see the Book of Revelation coming to life.”

“Based on all we’re seeing, we know Jesus could come back at any time. We need to make sure we’re right with Him.”

“They keep trying to tell us that things will get back to normal. We can see that’s not the case. Things are only going to get worse just like the Bible tells us will happen in the last days.”

“I know people have been saying this for years, but the end is really near. We can’t watch what’s happening in this world and not see it.”

If you’ve read Daybreak, you can work this into the conversation and offer to send them the link for the free Daybreak download: This book will allow the reader to learn about the rapture and the end-times players through an exciting fiction story.

“Isn’t it sad how fearful everyone is these days? It’s not just food shortages and fuel prices that we’re all dealing with; we’re looking at financial collapse.”

With anyone you speak with, you can mention rising prices and coming global food shortages since that’s affecting us all. That’s an easy segue into how the Bible says this is exactly what will happen in the last days. Yes, there have always been famines, but a global crisis is unique to the end of the age.

“Look, I know how crazy I’ll sound, and I have to be okay with that since what I need to tell you matters, but all this upheaval in the world is exactly as the Bible says it will be here at the end.”

I often open with the “I know I’ll sound crazy” phrase just to head them off at the pass. We do sound crazy. Biblical prophecy coming to pass, or at least the set-up for what we’re told will happen during the tribulation, seems crazy. Own your “crazy” and tell anyway.

“So, what do you think of the media today?”

Do they see that we’re not being told the truth? If not, this is your opportunity to direct them to some truth speakers, pastors, and teachers who are warning of what’s to come.

Some follow-up statements might include:

“I find I don’t fear now. I did early on, but I’ve found a new sense of peace in Jesus. That may not be something you’ve considered, but if you would like to know more, I would love to share.”

“Things are changing daily, like we’re on shifting sand. I know I can’t put my hope in our government. The only One I can trust in is Jesus, my solid foundation.”

“Fear is always from the enemy. We know that it’s the truth that sets us free. When we’re standing on truth, we’re not going to be consumed by fear. It matters that we listen to truth-tellers, or we might stay in a place of paralyzing fear.”

“We see what’s coming for those left behind, but we know our hope is in Jesus, that He’s coming back to rescue us.”

“With all the deception we see around us, we as believers have to seek the truth. Because so many pastors aren’t telling what’s going on, we have to study the Scriptures ourselves and seek out truth-tellers.

Then, you can leave the conversation by saying:

“I’ve been reading/watching some trusted pastors and teachers that really make sense of much of what’s going on. May I send you some links to check out?”

Bear in mind, what you tell your Christian friends may be ignored or even ridiculed. Put yourself in their position. You are likely only one of the “two” who are telling the truth when “ten” others are relaying the false narrative being spread by governments, the medical establishment, and most news outlets. Like the Israelites, other believers will choose to believe the ten over the two. Still, your warning is vital. As things get even crazier and more of what you’re saying happens, like food shortages and financial collapse, the people you’ve warned will see with ever-widening eyes and may contact you to ask questions.

If you know the person you’re talking to isn’t a Christian and that they’re not open to hearing about your faith, then don’t be that guy! You know, the guy who’s shouting on the corner, “The world is ending and you’re gonna burn!” A gentle conversation with an unbeliever can reap such a blessed harvest, even if you don’t know you’ve made an impact. Maybe you’re just a seed planter in this person’s life. Whatever the outcome, your job is to give them a reason to think and to hopefully open their eyes to the truth of what’s going on.

I know I’m not supposed to, but I can’t help but feel the weight of responsibility for a person’s salvation after a conversation. We all feel that. Ultimately, though, we share what we know and leave the response up to the person and up to the Spirit to follow along in that person’s life and grow planted seeds. The fact is, many, maybe even most, won’t listen. You’ll think you’ve failed, but what farmer plants a seed then stands back feeling disappointed over the mound of dirt? He allows God to water and bring sunshine upon that seedling. As the world spins out of control, that seed may grow, and the person may then be open to the Gospel.

There will also be seeds that will grow when a soul is left behind in crushing regret after the rapture. One thing that helps me as we draw closer to the rapture is to know that seeds we plant here may be what leads to a tribulation saint’s decision to follow Jesus, someone who might reach thousands more than we ever could. No, we don’t want them to have to suffer what’s to come, but our conversations now very well may lead to open eyes and an open heart when what we’ve warned of actually arrives. Never underestimate the power of a seed or the power of the Seed Grower.

Know When Enough is Enough

In the words of the great “theologian” Kenny Rogers: “You’ve gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run.”

Jesus didn’t chase people down. He simply said, “Follow Me,” then allowed them to make their choice. The more I’ve talked to people over these past two years, the clearer the Lord has been in His encouragement to me. He gave me the imagery of washing my hands of the people I’ve talked to into His hands. In doing that, I’m not indicating that I’m done with them, only handing them over to the only One who can open eyes and hearts. I don’t have to carry them with me after that conversation. I walk away from that mound of dirt and planted seed knowing what the person chooses to do with it is handed over to Jesus, our Living Water.

Even Paul knew when to walk away. This was said of Paul while speaking in Ephesus in synagogues:

“But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus” (Acts 19:9).

Final encouragement

“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:12).

None of us will ever have all the right answers or responses to questions, but we can be sure the Spirit will give a willing watchman the words our listener needs to hear. It may be something that seems so simple as speaking the name of Jesus to an unbelieving heart that eventually changes the course of a life. Or it may be a warning now over what the person will see months from now. Whatever the case, we trust and speak as the Spirit leads. Then we dust off our feet, and our hands into His, and we move on.

One of my greatest mistakes has been believing that “they,” the globalists in charge of the calamity we’re facing, are the winners. They may seem to be winning round after round, but we have the playbook (the Bible) and know where they’re trying to take us. Knowing truth keeps us free even when we’re daily losing personal freedoms. Stay in the Word, your only source of truth and comfort and encouragement. Choose faith over fear every day, every minute of this battle raging around you.

Fear says, “We are no match for them.”

Faith says, “They are no match for Him.”

Stay the course, believer. Keep your head up, watching for our Blessed Hope.

In Him,

Lisa

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Introduction and other entries on this topic: How Do I Share What I Know? Series

It’s always free! Daybreak, Last Days of Light helps the reader learn more about the rapture and the players in this last-days world through the lens of an exciting, non-threatening fiction story. The Daybreak ebook is provided here: Daybreak Free Download. Share it as one means of telling what you know.

About Daybreak:

In this ripped-from-the-headlines action adventure, Paige discovers the world isn’t what she thinks it is. After an urgent phone call from her dad, she sets out on a mission to find the absentee father who walked out of her life only weeks after her mother’s untimely death.

Wyatt, the soldier her father sends to protect her, sounds just like her dad, raving of conspiracies and warning of impending doom. This team, these loyal-to-her-father men, will stop at nothing to locate their leader.

Nothing about Paige’s life will ever be the same after that knock on her door and Wyatt’s two-minute warning.

About Lisa:

As an author, Lisa Heaton is a storyteller with a heart for truth. Her greatest desire in her fiction and nonfiction work is to challenge the reader to discover the truth of who Jesus is and who they are to Him. Now, here as we wait for the any-minute arrival of Jesus for His church in the rapture, Lisa’s latest mission is to warn the lost and wake the found and to help others discover their unique voice to share the truth of our times. More at LisaHeatonBooks.com and Daybreak.Team.