Friends, there’s only one way out.

This world is imploding. Sin, insanity and depravity are rampant in America and running wild across the world. So many are in rage mode and have been given over to a reprobate mind. There is chaos in the streets. All seems to have been turned upside down.

As many have stated, I don’t believe we’re in the tribulation, but the times we’re living in are sure setting the stage for what’s to come and are providing us a preview of that horrible time in the future shared in Revelation.

Another thorn that’s wreaked havoc on society and has negatively affected everyone in some way is Covid. It has taken lives, separated loved ones, stolen from livelihoods, disrupted the economy and shaken all that’s normal. The lockdowns and various measures have disconnected us from friends, family, events, special occasions, etc.

As if Covid wasn’t enough, many mayors and governors in various states have shown their true colors with their unrelenting, unchecked, unconstitutional demands on “We the People.” Instead of serving and helping their citizens, they are punishing, silencing and hurting good, innocent, law-abiding people while working to defund the police, release prisoners, and praise all chaos in the streets.

It is truly a great display of one’s love waxing cold and sin on steroids.

I realize for anyone paying even a small amount of attention, all of what’s been said here is not new news. Everyone is aware and has been impacted to various degrees regarding many of these things. It is hard to watch people destroy everything good while those who can help put an end to it are instead cheering it on and finding ways to erase the 2nd Amendment and defund the people’s point of protection: the police.

Every day while perusing the headlines, I often find myself asking, “How much longer, God?” “When will the rapture take place?” “When can we get out of this mess?”

If I’m not careful, I begin to get discouraged. If I let my guard down, I begin to feel fearful at all I see in the headlines… all that’s happening around us. I often think of the verse in the Bible which talks about Noah’s day and wonder how much worse could it have been in Noah’s day compared to now, especially given the fact that we have so many new technologies and knowledge has increased, etc.?

Matthew 24:36-41 states about Noah’s day:

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”

Clearly, the signs Jesus spoke of concerning the time before His return are happening at record pace right before our eyes.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 states: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

As I look around and see all the signs converging, I am reminded to look up and know with certainty that Jesus’ return is near and one day all who have placed their trust in Him will forever be with Him.

Friends, there’s only one way out. JESUS.

John 14:5-6 makes it clear: “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

In such uncertain, perilous times, we can have a peace which passes all understanding… because of Jesus.

Our hearts can find joy and rest regardless of our circumstances… because of Jesus.

We can have confidence, security, and calm… because of Jesus.

We can experience hope, mercy, grace, and unconditional love… because of Jesus.

We can have assurance in knowing God will never leave us or forsake us… because of Jesus.

We can have an eternity free of pain, sorrow, evil and sin… because of Jesus.

We can have a bright, eternal future ahead… because of Jesus.

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY OUT!

No one else can save. No one else can claim to do what He alone did.

There are not many paths to heaven; there is only ONE way to heaven… Jesus.

Being a good person does not get one into heaven. Simply doing good works does not get one into heaven. Warming a church pew does not get one into heaven. Believing in Jesus and accepting Jesus Christ into one’s heart as their personal Lord and Savior is the only way to be saved and to spend eternity in heaven.

The Bible is clear that Jesus’ salvation is a free gift. It is not something we work to get; it’s given because of His mercy toward us. He willingly suffered and died, taking the sins of the world so that we could be forgiven of our sins and have a bridge back to God. He died to save us and cleanse us from our sins… something we could never do. If Jesus had not gone to the cross, we would have no hope, no future, no peace, no eternity with Him. But, because He did, we can be freed of sin, forgiven and have a future forever with our Heavenly Father. For those who have accepted His free gift of salvation, that’s something to rejoice about every. single. day!

The following verses should bring encouragement:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24).

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:1-5).

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

We can never repay what Jesus did for us. His limitless love sent Him to the cross. And on the cross, He bore the weight of every sin in the world. The perfect sacrifice to take away the sins of the whole world. Three days later he rose from the grave! He did it because of love. He did it because of mercy. Because of His sacrifice, anyone who sincerely calls on the name of Jesus and believes in Him can be saved. His sacrifice covers all – past, present and future. He has paid our debt in full and has given access and a relationship to all who ask Him into their heart.

There is only ONE way out… it’s through accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you have never put your trust in Jesus, please do it today. No one is promised tomorrow, and God’s desire is that all of His creation come with a broken heart, repenting of sin and trusting in what His Son Jesus did on the cross.

Every day we’re one step closer to eternity. When we each take our last breath on this earth, we will never have the chance to make the choice again to ask Jesus into our heart. Our eternity will be set… forever. For those who do not place their trust in Jesus, they will forever be separated and will spend eternity in horrible torment and apart from God. For those who place their trust in Jesus, they will forever be with the Lord in heaven for all eternity… a place of peace, joy, and no more sorrow.

Jesus himself said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:1-4).

Ask Jesus into your heart today.

He is your only hope. He is the Only way.

spate.holly@gmail.com

 

On November 3rd all Americans will be given the opportunity to cast their ballot, a privilege afforded to us by those who came before us…those who, through tireless sacrifice paved the way to freedom and a better life for all. A life filled with promise, opportunity, and the hope in knowing that, through hard work and determination, dreams can become realities.

Voting is both a right and a responsibility for everyone. Why? Because we’re tasked with the responsibility of leaving this life better than we found it…of leaving this great nation in greater repair than we received it. It is an act of love shown to our fellow man and future generations. It is also a testament of thanks and gratitude for all, present and past, who have sacrificed so much, many at the expense of their lives, to preserve this nation for us. It is a gift to be cherished and passed on, affording others the same blessings and opportunities to live their lives the way we have been blessed to live them… in a country where the sweet sound of freedom rings.

Some may disagree, but I believe as followers of Christ it’s our responsibility to cast a ballot.

Why? Because God wants us to take a stand for truth and what’s right. We are called to be salt and light and can exercise that fruit in our lives when we vote for policies that uphold God’s commandments. In other words, we’re to vote for policies most in line with God’s principles and what we know are morally, ethically, and Biblically right. We’re called to stand for truth even if we find ourselves standing alone. And, as we cast our ballot, we’re to remember we represent Christ, and our vote should reflect that.

Let’s keep in mind as well that nothing is perfect this side of heaven. There has never been, nor will there ever be the perfect candidate, platform, or policies. Because of sin and man’s carnality and imperfection, you will not find perfection at the ballot box…ever.

The perfect kingdom, perfect platform and policies will be experienced by all believers when we go home to glory to be forever with our Lord and Savior, the maker and perfecter of all good things!

At the same time, remember: When we vote we are to look at the policies and the candidate’s stance on those policies to make sure we are voting for the best choice…the choice that best reflects Godly principles: morality, values, family, faith, life, etc. Again, we will not find everything in one person or platform, so we must vote for the person whose policies best reflect Biblical standards. Our choices do have consequences, which is why God calls us to be discerning concerning both who we vote for and the policies we support. Because no candidate/policies will line up in perfect step with God’s Word, we need to pray that God will change the hearts of those in our government so that they will have their hearts softened and come under submission of the Savior.

We, as God’s people, need to be on our knees asking God to always bring leaders who will establish God’s perfect will, what’s right, and what’s best.

Let’s be very clear: The only person who ever walked the face of this earth that was infallible and perfect with a perfect plan was Jesus Christ. The rest of us are sinful, broken vessels. We are imperfect beyond belief, but Christ died for us anyway. His love looked past our brokenness, our flaws and imperfections, and saw what we could be…what we can be, with His help. It is because of Christ that we have life, liberty and can pursue the ultimate happiness. It is because of Christ that we’re called to stand for what’s right despite the imperfections of humanity. And our Savior makes it very clear that He can and will use us broken vessels for His purposes.

Let’s not forget that God used imperfect people all the time in the Bible. There was not one human back in Biblical history or any time in history who had a perfect record or didn’t mess up. Only Jesus has the right to that claim. Everyone else?… we’re all imperfect, but praise God, He can still use us, and He does.

As you cast your ballot this November, remember: We’re not called to be the Laodicean church. We’re called to be active and passionate about the things of God. We’re to uphold His commandments. We’re to step up for causes that further His cause.

Each of us will one day stand before our Maker and give an account of our life and the decisions we’ve made. One of those decisions is how we voted at the ballot box. Popular opinion will not matter then. Being politically correct will not matter then. What will matter is where your heart was.

Did your vote represent Christ? Did your vote choose the candidate/platform that best represented what’s right and good? Were you guided by God or yourself or others? Was your decision wrapped in prayer or pride? Did you take a stand for things that God views as valuable: life, liberty, family, and faith – or did you compromise? Did you humbly seek God’s best and His will as you cast your ballot?

These are the questions the body of Christ should be asking. These are the questions every single Christian should be asking. If we love God, we keep His commandments. If we love God, we pursue and vote for those things that are good and morally right. If we love God, we are not swayed by man’s opinion of us, but rather God Almighty’s opinion of us. If we love God, we will always stand on the side of right, while understanding that on this side of heaven there is no perfect candidate or platform. If that’s what you’re waiting for, you’ll be waiting until you get to heaven’s gate, and you’ll never be able to cast a vote.

Every Christian needs to seek his/her heart and ask this question: “Am I following my own set of standards or God’s?” The bottom line here is if we’re followers of Christ and His commandments, then our allegiance should be to Him, and we should stand for what’s right and vote for platforms that reflect Biblical values.

It’s clear the country is divided, but Christians shouldn’t be. We should never fall into the trap of letting our carnal nature blind us to God’s will. We should never let elections sever or sour our relationships with others. We should never lose control of our emotions or our tongues. We’re to rise above that kind of stuff because we’re commanded to live spirit-controlled lives, not allowing our emotions to overtake us. Proverbs 29:11 makes the point, “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

James 1:19-25 states: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

As Christians, we’re to remain calm, be civil, pray and ask God how we are to respond in every situation. Our purpose in life is to love Christ and make that love known to others so they too can love Christ. That’s why we’re here…to serve the Savior and point others to Him. It’s as simple as that, so we shouldn’t make it more complicated or feel vindicated by making excuses for our behavior.

Satan loves to see conflict within families, communities, and churches. He wants to render us                                        ineffective. Let’s not allow Him to get a foothold in our lives. Let’s practice love and be God’s hands and feet wherever we go. Let’s run the good race so when we stand before God He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Don’t let Satan steal that from you. Don’t let the enemy dilute or destroy your witness, your relationships or your joy. We all can, with God’s help, rise above our emotions and allow Him to take control of our actions.

As we see the world spinning out of control, we are made aware that our time on earth is short, and we need to seriously be about our Father’s business. We can start by showing God’s love to all and casting our vote at the ballot box this November.

Blessings to You!

spate.holly@gmail.com