There is a dark cloud hanging over America… a dark cloud that extends beyond our borders, reaching into every country on earth. Never before, since the days of Noah, has the world been in so much chaos. Everything appears upside down… good is called evil, and evil is called good. It is a time of uncertainty… an unsettling time, driving people to a perpetual state of fear and panic.

It seems every day that a new crisis is unfolding both at home and abroad. It is difficult to keep up, as things seem to be racing forward. We are hearing of wars and rumors of wars as the Bible talks about. We are being told to prepare for food shortages and continued inflation. We are hearing plans of open borders and the demise of the dollar.

Those who are paying attention to true news sources (although hard to find these days) are learning a little more about our leaders and their backdoor deals, secret agendas, planned chaos, and obsession with riches, control and power.

Critical race theory is being pushed, history is being erased, men are being invited into women’s locker rooms, and the nominee for Supreme Court Justice can’t define what a woman is. Rioters get rewarded while peaceful protesters are targeted. Sanctuary cities are forming, not to protect the unborn but to protect those who wish to abort their unborn child. Things are truly upside down and inside out.

Aside from salvation in Christ, life is the greatest gift God has ever given. A society that no longer values life is a society that is the most depraved and darkest imaginable. This is a prime example of “love waxing cold”…very cold.

Matthew 24:3-14 speaks of the condition of the world right before Christ’s return:

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places.

“All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

We are seeing all these things converging at increased speeds. Every day, selfishness takes center stage, and the love of many is freezing over. We are witnessing the unraveling of morality in the world and seeing, with our own eyes, scripture jumping out of the Bible and into our everyday newsfeeds. Believers and unbelievers alike know something is happening. Evil appears to be in full swing and on steroids.

We are learning of nefarious plans by those who have hidden in the shadows for years and are now emerging from the dark to implement their desires in broad daylight.

We are told a new world order is coming full speed and we will one day, very soon, be enslaved and own nothing and be completely happy about it.

Those who plan for the demise of all things good are wide awake…. they seem to never rest or sleep. Psalm 36:1-4 says, “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.”

The blatant sin and war against all peoples and things good and godly are evident and in our faces 24/7.

As evil waxes worse, we are reminded that these things must happen before the time of the end of the age. As Jan Markell likes to say, “Things aren’t falling apart; they are falling into place.” So thankful for God… who knows the beginning from the end and is in full control at all times! If we have Him, we have everything and nothing to fear.

In the midst of all that’s taking place in the world around us, we are lovingly reminded in scripture that we are not to be surprised or fearful at what we are seeing. We are to be at peace and not afraid as we put on the armor of God and continue to trust our heavenly Father in ALL things. He is our provider, comforter, protector, healer and Father. He promises to take good care of His children despite what’s going on around us.

Be Encouraged:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:13).

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6).

The Bible is clear…. Jesus is clear and tells us in advance what is expected. Therefore, we should not be alarmed.

All we are seeing in the world today should confirm clearly to us that God’s Word is 100% true. As we see all these things coming together, it should stir us to get our houses in order, pray for the lost, and share the gospel while we still can.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ… our time on this earth may be fast approaching. No one knows the day or hour, but we do know the rapture is imminent. Our King is coming; our redemption draweth nigh. Are you ready?

Could it be today?

spate.holly@gmail.com

“He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:6).

As we prepare to celebrate Easter this April 17th, let’s ask God to stir our hearts and focus on the true meaning of this day. May we not be distracted by the furry bunny, egg hunting, Easter baskets, food, and celebrations, but rather set our hearts on the true reason… the sacrificial gift that has brought all who believe in salvation, redemption, and eternal life. Let us be intentional and reflect upon this day and what was done on our behalf. Let our hearts rejoice because He is Risen!

Jesus Paid It All.

As the old, timeless hymn beautifully conveys:

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.”

Jesus became the sacrifice, dying in our place, taking upon himself the sins of the whole world. He was the only one, sinless, blameless and perfect, who could bridge the gap between God and mankind. His deep love for His creation knew no bounds. He gave the ultimate sacrifice… His very life so all could live.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Scripture says Jesus knew what He was about to endure before going to the cross.

Mark 14:32-36 states: “And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”

Luke 22:44 “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Even though Jesus knew he would suffer an agonizing, horrifically brutal and painful death, He did it to save us. He was obedient to the Father and laid down His life. He came for everyone. He came for YOU.

He came to earth because of His deep love for His creation. He sacrificed Himself because of His deep, unconditional love for each of us. His shed blood cleanses all sin – past, present, future. His death and resurrection gave us a bridge back to God, a connection that no longer had to be broken… all because of JESUS.

His ultimate act of love and endless mercy led Him to pay a debt He did not owe so we could be cleaned, saved, redeemed, delivered, rescued. He died in our place. We could not save ourselves, so He came to save us.

1 Peter 2:24 states: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Philippians 2:6-8: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”

And, after enduring the painful death on the cross, Jesus was buried. His family and friends wept as his body was taken from the cross and put into the tomb.

Their tears would soon turn to joy just three days later as they would learn that he arose, just as He said. The stone was rolled away, and the tomb lay empty!

Just think how wonderful it must have been when those close to Jesus realized He had risen from the dead… conquering death. Seeing Jesus must have been overwhelming. The sight of Him must have filled hearts with unspeakable joy.

Matthew 28:1-10 states: “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

HE’S ALIVE!

HALLELUJAH!

Just as they celebrated, we celebrate today.

Easter’s Coming!

Let our hearts fill with joy this Easter (and every day) as we celebrate all Christ has done for us through his death, burial, and resurrection!

Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

John 14:1-6 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

He Is Risen… He Is Risen Indeed!

spate.holly@gmail.com