Devotional Thoughts for the Week of September 18, 2022 - Prepare for What is Coming
March 2020 seems like a long time ago now. Looking back we can learn alot from the pandemic and our own reactions to it. At the beginning we were told that anybody over age 60 or with health issues was extremely vulnerable and the death toll would be enormous. I am very thankful that more than 99% of people recovered from the virus, but at the same time I am concerned about the way we responded. Hearing that so many souls were on the brink of crossing over into eternity, the primary response of the church should have been desperate prayer for lost souls facing imminent judgment. Of all the things we discussed and worried about at that point, why wasn’t this the primary concern of God’s people?
It sounds like we may get another chance sooner rather than later. Numerous people with the spiritual gift of prophecy in this generation report hearing repeated and severe warnings of a massive storm or battle that is coming upon us very soon. Details are not clear about what kind of storm, but the Holy Spirit seems to be warning His church to prepare herself for difficult days ahead like we have never known. Praying believers who do not have the gift of prophecy are also sensing something major is on the horizon. Whatever form this trouble takes, however broad the scope, millions of people will be impacted - many of whom do not know Jesus. I have no idea how many will die, or how. I do, however, know what to do. So do you.
Thank You, Loving Father, for warning Your church to be prepared. You have been training us over the past few years to be people of prayer both individually and corporately. You have put us in this place in this generation. We are a part of Your plan. I pray that we would be resolved like Daniel, not to compromise our righteousness, no matter the cost (1:8). Please purify Your church into the bride of Christ You desire. Please, Compassionate and Gracious God, draw millions of lost souls to Yourself in this generation. Use us however You desire. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, that Your Name be greatly glorified.
Grace and peace to you through God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Lynn
March 2020 seems like a long time ago now. Looking back we can learn alot from the pandemic and our own reactions to it. At the beginning we were told that anybody over age 60 or with health issues was extremely vulnerable and the death toll would be enormous. I am very thankful that more than 99% of people recovered from the virus, but at the same time I am concerned about the way we responded. Hearing that so many souls were on the brink of crossing over into eternity, the primary response of the church should have been desperate prayer for lost souls facing imminent judgment. Of all the things we discussed and worried about at that point, why wasn’t this the primary concern of God’s people?
It sounds like we may get another chance sooner rather than later. Numerous people with the spiritual gift of prophecy in this generation report hearing repeated and severe warnings of a massive storm or battle that is coming upon us very soon. Details are not clear about what kind of storm, but the Holy Spirit seems to be warning His church to prepare herself for difficult days ahead like we have never known. Praying believers who do not have the gift of prophecy are also sensing something major is on the horizon. Whatever form this trouble takes, however broad the scope, millions of people will be impacted - many of whom do not know Jesus. I have no idea how many will die, or how. I do, however, know what to do. So do you.
- The people of God must humble ourselves and pray. We must confess our own sins and the sins of our nation. We must fix our minds on God and follow wherever He leads.
- We must fast and pray fervently and continually for lost souls to be saved while there is still time. We need to stop procrastinating about having those conversations with our loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors.
- We must be in the Word, our daily bread. Studying the ways God has worked through perilous times in previous generations helps us to know Him more and strengthens our resolve to trust Him and to endure in faith.
- We must confess our sins and be purified, forgive and seek forgiveness, live in holiness as never before. Each of us must put to death the sinful nature and live as a new creation if we are to endure this storm in a way that honors our Lord.
Thank You, Loving Father, for warning Your church to be prepared. You have been training us over the past few years to be people of prayer both individually and corporately. You have put us in this place in this generation. We are a part of Your plan. I pray that we would be resolved like Daniel, not to compromise our righteousness, no matter the cost (1:8). Please purify Your church into the bride of Christ You desire. Please, Compassionate and Gracious God, draw millions of lost souls to Yourself in this generation. Use us however You desire. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, that Your Name be greatly glorified.
Grace and peace to you through God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Lynn
