How many reasons for preparation can you think of? In my younger days, trying to juggle a full-time job and being a wife and mother wasn’t always easy. I made things easier by preparing. On weekends, I would cook a turkey or a pot of spaghetti, which would last for a few days. That way, I didn’t have to spend precious time after work trying to get dinner ready, and I could spend more time with my family.

Most people will prepare for a road trip by being sure the car gets an oil change and the tires are in good condition. Clothes get packed, snacks are readied, and entertainment for the kids is essential. Quite often, I would pack a book to read aloud while my husband drove. These are all simple things that make life easier.

Recently, I’ve started listening to Ryan Hall, Y’all on YouTube. He’s a weatherman who I trust to have good information regarding storms. This past week, he said a major storm was coming and that everyone on the path should prepare. I listened to his advice. My daughter and I spent the morning putting things away so that when the wind hit, there would be little to blow around. We also got water and finger food in case we lost electricity.

When we had prepared as much as humanly possible, I said a prayer for God’s protection and watched live reports about the storm, and it was bad. The wind blew the roof off of a school just 4 miles from my home, and fires destroyed houses. Thank the Good Lord that my home had no damage.

Then reports came in about tornadoes in Rolla, MO, which is where my daughter works. I’m thankful she was off that day. The damage was hard to take in. Huge trees were uprooted and slammed onto houses, electric poles were snapped, and businesses sustained much damage. I was thankful that my daughter’s job had little damage to it. It’s a farm and home supply store, and they were able to open the next day and provide much-needed products to a community that was severely damaged.

In all of this disaster, I wondered how many people listened to the warnings to prepare for the storm. Much of the damage could not be prepared for, such as a tree crashing into houses, but having food and bottled water or a generator on hand would be wise. Knowing where to go to take shelter from the storm is a good preparation. When the storms come, everybody is affected.

As I thought about all of this, I thought of God and how He has helped us to prepare for the storms in life. If you pay attention to Biblical prophecy, you’ll know that a huge storm is coming. This storm is known by many names, such as The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, Daniel’s Seventieth Week, or the Tribulation. God has done everything He can to help us prepare for the trouble that will soon come, but many people are blind to prophecy.

Most preachers won’t preach about prophecy because it’s too scary or too complicated. Their silence does a great disservice to the congregation. On the other hand, many in the congregation would rather have their ears tickled than hear God’s truth. God said it would happen.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

This verse reveals so much that is wrong with many churches today. Paul warned Timothy, and us, about such teachings. Be sure you are part of a Christ-centered, Bible-believing fellowship. They are becoming scarce.

When the Pharisees and the Sadducees mockingly came to Jesus asking for a sign from heaven, “He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2-3).

Many people will listen to the weather forecast and prepare for snow, rain, wind, hurricanes, or tornadoes but will totally ignore the more certain prophetic forecast from God. People seem more interested in the weather than in Biblical prophecy.

The Holy Spirit-filled Scripture with prophecy is for a reason; God wants us to be prepared for the times in which we live. The disciples were curious about the end times and asked Jesus about it. They had no idea that it would be over 2,000 years for all things to be fulfilled. Jesus described the signs to look for, and the first warning He gave was against deception.

“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” (Matthew 24:4-5).

There are many who preach a false Gospel and deceive many. Be sure to filter all teaching through Scripture. Jesus went on to describe more signs of the times.

“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 divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows“ (Matthew 24:6-8).

I’ve noticed these things happening and becoming stronger, but Jesus said it’s just the beginning of the end. There is much more to come, but the pieces of the puzzle are all falling into place. A very sad prophecy that is falling into place is that all nations will turn against Israel. It makes no sense for all nations to be against such a small nation like Israel. Still, it’s happening just like God said it would. It’s beyond my thinking to understand how the world can support such a blood-thirsty nation like Iran but come against Israel. God tells us to pray for Israel and bless that nation. Do you do that? I hope so.

God still loves Israel, and one day they will recognize that Jesus is the Messiah, and they will turn to Him for help. That’s when God will turn His attention back to Israel and fight their war. Christians will be safe at Home with God prior to the Tribulation and the final battle. Take comfort in that fact.

Peter had walked with Jesus and learned from Him for 3 years, and he witnessed the marvelous things that Jesus did. Peter was one of the disciples present when the Transfiguration happened, and he heard the voice of God the Father. What a wonderful but frightening experience that would have been. Peter had learned a lot over the years. Experiences are impressive, but Biblical prophecy is more certain. Biblical prophecy is from God, so we know it’s true, and it will happen just as God says it will.

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

Peter knew who Jesus was and knew that this faith wasn’t based upon false hope. Jesus was, is, and always will be God incarnate. “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount” (2 Peter 1:17-18).

All that Peter saw and heard was very impressive, but along the way, Peter’s faith faltered because of fear. When Jesus was arrested, it was Peter who denied knowing Him. It’s easy to have a lapse of faith when we allow fear to lead us rather than having solid faith in God. Jesus forgave Peter, and Peter came to understand that experiences can fade, but God’s truth will never fail.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Biblical prophecy will always be fulfilled.

Had the religious leaders of Biblical times paid attention to prophecy, they would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah, but they didn’t. Because of their blindness, they weren’t prepared for the Messiah to set them free from all bondage. If they had only believed the Scripture they claimed to follow, things would have been better.

Many years earlier, Daniel was given a prophecy regarding the Messiah, and this should have told the Jewish leaders that it was time for the Messiah to come. This prophecy is known as Daniel’s 70 weeks. Just like our weather forecasts will tell of weather conditions so we can be prepared for a coming storm, God gives us prophecy so we can prepare for life. The prophecy given to Daniel said that the Messiah would be “cut off” (killed) and that Jerusalem would be destroyed. It also told of an evil man who will rule.

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abomination he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” (Daniel 9:27).

This is a little hard to understand, but basically it means that the Temple will be rebuilt, and a covenant will be confirmed for seven years. But, in the middle of those seven years, the covenant will be broken by the Anti-Christ. Jesus also spoke of the end of time and confirmed the prophecy given to Daniel.

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee unto the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes” (Matthew 24:15-18).

Remember, those final seven years will be all about bringing Israel back to faith in God, not about Christians. It will be very troublesome times. Christians will have already been taken Home in the Rapture, and this is directed to the Jewish people.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

This will be a time like no other — a time that you will not want to be living on Earth. To find out more details about the horrors of that day, read Revelation beginning in chapter 6. If you pay attention to the news of the world, you can see that all the things described as happening in the Trihulation are being set in place today. Pay attention to the signs of the times, and you can be prepared.

The prophecies concerning the last days will be fulfilled whether you prepare or not. If you’re living at that time, you will be affected. Just like the tornado warning, it was announced, and people could either heed the warning or face the consequences. If the warning was heeded and people took shelter, they were safe. If the warnings were ignored, destruction came upon them.

The question is, how is it possible to prepare for the Great Tribulation – the final years of Earth’s history? The only way to prepare is to place your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do it today. Only the saving Grace of Jesus will take you away from the evils of those final days and shelter you from all harm. God always saves His followers from wrath. As Christians, our righteousness is through Jesus Christ. Our faith in Him will see us taken Home in the Rapture prior to God’s wrath upon the unbelieving world.

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).

Jesus will protect His bride.

Prepare for trouble by placing your faith in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and the only way of salvation.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

Many people feel inadequate as if they are living hum-drum lives that just don’t matter. I can tell you with certainty that you do matter. You matter to God. Too often we feel that if we haven’t done great things, then we just aren’t doing anything. That isn’t true.

Think of Billy Graham. He went around the world holding crusades, speaking to large crowds, and sharing the Gospel. Did you ever wonder about the people who heard his message? I’m sure there were plenty of people who heard him speak, but the message fell on deaf ears, or maybe they were full of hope and joy at first, but then they returned to old ways and turned away. I personally know two people who attended one of the crusades and gave their lives to Christ. Now, these people haven’t gone out and held their own crusades, but their faith is strong, and they have made a difference in their own community. There are many people in Scripture who did just that; they made a difference in their own family and community.

Many people followed Christ, but we don’t know much about most of them. We know of the twelve disciples. Even Judas is remembered for his betrayal of Christ. He heard the Gospel just like John and the others, but if anybody on the outside judged Christianity by the actions of Judas, they get the wrong idea. He may have physically followed Jesus, but his heart was far from following.

Many things have been done in the name of Christianity that are wrong and don’t represent the truth of the Gospel. These things hinder God’s plan. Even you can hinder His work through your treatment of others. Instead of finding fault with others, it’s better to love them with a Godly love.

Jesus was asked about the great commandment in the law. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).

If Christians would just follow these two commandments, we would all make a difference for Christ. We might even influence someone to do great things in the name of the Lord.

We all know the story of Saul, later known as Paul, who was filled with hatred toward those who followed Christ. He was feared by those early Christians who fled from Jerusalem to escape from his hatred and persecution.

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1-2).

Saul’s plans were interrupted by Jesus. Saul saw a bright light and heard the voice of Jesus. That encounter left him blind, but his heart was changed. His companions took him to Damascus. For three days he didn’t eat or drink. What was he to do? There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and God chose him for a frightening task. Ananias was to go find Saul and care for him.

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem; and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” (Acts 9:13-14).

What if Ananias had refused to do the Lord’s bidding? He had every reason to fear Saul, but this man chose to do the Lord’s bidding. Ananias was obedient. He didn’t seek fame and glory but just did his part to serve the Lord. Because Ananias did his part, Saul became a Christian, known as Paul. His missionary work brought many to Christ, and he wrote letters that we treasure today.

Parents and grandparents have a special calling to lay a solid foundation of Christ for their children and grandchildren to build their lives upon. The job isn’t always easy, especially with public schools and the social media evil of today, but God wants men who are fearless in their role as husbands and fathers and women who are not ashamed to be wives and mothers to stand up and do their part for Christ. In his travels, Paul met Lois and Eunice. They were the grandmother and mother of Timothy. Paul was impressed with the faith of Timothy and made a point to mention the ladies in his life and their influence on him.

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

Paul took Timothy under his wing, and they traveled on missionary journeys together. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to straighten out the false teachings there and be a pastor. The letters to Timothy should be required for every pastor to fully understand. If God has blessed you to be a wife and mother, take that calling seriously. Your faith may influence your husband, and it will establish a firm foundation for your children.

Paul and Silas were called to travel to Philippi. On the Sabbath, they went to the riverside where they knew a prayer meeting was taking place. They sat down and spoke with a group of women who prayed there.

“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul” (Acts 16:14).

Lydia came to know Jesus that day and was baptized, along with her household. She didn’t keep her faith to herself but wanted all of her household to be saved, and they were. Then she set about doing her part for the Lord. As a woman, she was not to lead a church, but she did what she could. She opened her house for Paul and Silas to stay there. We don’t all have the same part to play in God’s plan, but we all have the ability to do something for Him.

Much happened to Paul and Silas in Philippi. A possessed woman followed them around, mocking them and God. Paul cast the demon out, but they were arrested, beaten, and chained in a dungeon for this kindness. How could they possibly witness for Christ in prison? They sang hymns and prayed.

The other prisoners heard and were influenced by this testimony of faith. When an earthquake happened, the prison doors were opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners; none of them escaped. The jailer would have been punished if they had escaped. When the jailer found out all the prisoners were there, his heart softened, and he tended to the wounds of Paul and Silas. More than that, he came to Jesus.

“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house” (Acts 16:30-32).

This jailer came to faith because Paul and Silas praised God even though they were in prison. Because the jailer came to faith, his entire household heard the Gospel message and also came to faith. Paul and Silas were just doing their part, and many others were saved. Isn’t that what we all should do? No matter what our circumstances, we need to praise the Lord so others will see. Then be ready to give answers to their questions. If we hide our faith, we aren’t doing our part.

Think of the people in your life who have influenced your faith. Each one did their part. Not everyone has an encounter with Jesus in the way that Paul did, but everybody must hear the Gospel in order to believe.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:13-17).

You need to do your part by sharing the Gospel. That doesn’t mean you have to go to the deepest, darkest jungles to spread the Gospel. You have family and friends who may not have heard God’s truth. There are two ways you can do your part. You can talk to them. Speak words in love and share your faith. Or you can show your faith by how you conduct your life.

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:20). It is possible to say many words proclaiming your faith but then deny your faith by your actions.

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). Do your part by speaking your faith as well as living your faith.

There are many more examples of how people came to faith. Many people followed Jesus and had faith in Him. Look up and study how Zacchaeus did his part and showed his newfound faith by returning what he had stolen (Luke 19:2-10), or how Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by seven devils which Jesus had cast out (Mark 16:9), showed her faith. What about the man in Gadara who was possessed by a legion of demons? (Luke 8:26-39). What a testimony these people had!

There are many more whose lives were changed by Jesus. If they hadn’t done their part, Christianity would have ended long ago. We all need to do our part today. We are living in the end of days, and the more people we can share the Gospel with, the better. Christ is the only way to eternal life. We need to speak the truth in love in order to do our part for the Kingdom of God.

Are you doing your part?

God bless you all

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).