In the scriptures quoted below, we see our jobs. We will see destructions but be delivered so that we can testify to His love and salvation plan of redemption for all. This time of war, fear and persecution is an occasion for testimony. We have seen this testimony today. Captured, tortured and condemned Middle Eastern Christians, testify to salvation available to all, even as it was offered to the thief on the cross, next to Jesus. Salvation transcends torture, bindings and imprisonments. Where there is life, there is time, to believe Jesus. Our job is to remain faithful, encourage others, offer prayer for them, testify and look up, for our redemption will draw near. Earth life is short. Eternity is forever. God created us with eternal spirits which transcend earth. Our worship choice determines where we spend eternity. In the end days, Satan will be at his lying best, as Father of lies. At his destructive best, Satan will be destroying trust and faith. His job is to seduce people, stealing their faith and leading them to succumb to fear. Eminent death, imprisonment and other awful times are an occasion for testimony. By our patience, we are to possess our souls and look up. Our redemption will draw near. God's love transcends earth, as will we believers as we arrive in heaven, never separated from our King. I recall Stephen as he was tortured,"But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" Acts 7:55-56.
God help us believe, know, trust and obey Your word, which fails not, that we might accomplish the jobs set before us, to testify, posses our souls patiently and look up, lifting our heads as redemption draws near. We ask, that at the occasion of our trials and death, any unsaved become saved. That they might receive our testimony of You, and know Your presence. That You never leave or forsake us. A promise kept. A fail proof word. Please strengthen all Christians being persecuted right now, all over the world and let Your presence be known!! Amen.
This, Jesus said, just before the cross….about the fall of Jerusalem
Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. BUT IT WILL TURN OUT FOR YOU AS AN OCCASION FOR TESTIMONY. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. BY YOUR PATIENCE POSSES YOUR SOULS. Luke 21:10-18
This, Jesus said about the time after 70AD to the present….
And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, LOOK UP AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, BECAUSE YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR." Luke 21:25-28
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