A BETTER DAY

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! ... Psalm 119:1-176 ESV

Today like never before, the gospel is going throughout the world with the rapid speed. This is one of the clearest indications that Christ is coming soon. “Consider the impact of Jesus teaching in the first century and compare that to what he predicted will happen at the end of time. In the 21st-century our world has become a “global village.” The gospel is now going to all the world with a speed that would have left the apostle Paul amazed. Sophisticated satellite communication systems such as the Internet, satellite technology, interlinking computers, the World Wide Web, and mass media television, and radio communications are in reality a gift that God is using to communicate the gospel with incredible speed to the world. The technological revolution has provided a setting to rapidly spread the gospel.”

We also saw that John the revelator saw the History of God's People—“John was strengthened to live in the presence of his glorified Lord. Then before his wondering vision were opened the glories of heaven. He was permitted to see the throne of God and, looking beyond the conflicts of earth, to behold the white-robed throng of the redeemed. He heard the music of the heavenly angels and the triumphant songs of those who had overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. In the revelation given to him there was unfolded scene after scene of thrilling interest in the experience of the people of God, and the history of the church foretold to the very close of time. In figures and symbols, subjects of vast importance were presented to John, which he was to record, that the people of God living in his age and in future ages might have an intelligent understanding of the perils and conflicts before them.”

“Lastly, as we reflect on the Prophecy of events just before the coming of Jesus. Let us gather hope from the Word of God that will reassure us unto that perfect day. As we prepare remember, in order for us to be over comers, “we must have a knowledge of the Scriptures in studying Prophecy. That only by this understanding we may trace down the lines of prophecy and ... see that the day is approaching, so that with increased zeal and effort we may exhort one another to faithfulness, and not give up our faith. Lose our confidence, or become impatient.”

A prayerful moment: Lord, give me the power to face today as I look to that better day.

Song of the day: Eleanor Wright - A Better Day (1986)

 

If you would like to look at the live message of “A BETTER DAY”, go to the video:

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can see it on Facebook live this evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that comes to you on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays evenings.

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments 

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact us at Garden Ministry. We would love to connect with you. Email us your questions today!

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

THY WORD IS LIKE FIRE

“ 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

A few years ago, a couple of man where standing around just talking. When one of them said, “If God is so good, why is the world so full of suffering?” Then another man quickly responded, “What about all this talk about living forever? How can I live forever?”

Ladies and gentlemen, these questions are relevant! In light of the times, What do Revelation's prophecies mean? What happens after we die?

What does Bible prophecy predict about the end of the world, and an end-time message that shall sound through the earth before the close of probation?

If you have never studied the Bible before, you will be amazed at how clear and powerful it is.  Even if you have opened its pages many times, you may still be surprised at how clearly the Bible speaks on topics often ignored.

GARDEN MINISTRY BIBLE STUDY OF {YOU AND THE WORD}, is designed to look at all topics of the Bible. It gives readers, and participants the opportunity to write, and shears their thoughts with an open mind so that we may have a better understanding of the will of God. This international open Bible study, also allows God's Word to answer our deepest questions and speak to our heart's deepest needs. 

Today’s lesson is the full transcript of part of the video on the bottom.

Introduction:

Matthew chapter 23-25 records Jesus‘Eschatological discourse. It is called the Olivet discourse. It was Christ purpose to give to the disciple a clear picture of what will happen to the world and to prepare his disciple to face life in understanding the future events. In the midst of this discourse Jesus said in Matthew 24:14: ―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.

This text is one of the most important texts in the New Testament for this passage of Jesus mentions three of the major themes of the New Testament, i.e., the Gospel, the Great Commission, and the return of Christ. Matthew 24:14 has been studied by many scholars in order to understand it better. Many have focused their studies to try to comprehend the meaning of the end in Matthew 24:14. 

What is the meaning of the end? Many interpretations have been given to the expression, the end. In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John [the Baptist] is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. . . . In order to give such a message as John gave, we must have a spiritual experience like his. The same work must be wrought in us. We must behold God, and in beholding Him lose sight of self.

The reason why is because the storm is coming, the storm that will try every man's faith of what sort it is. Believers must now be firmly rooted in Christ or else they will be led astray by some phase of error. Today, many are neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of "refreshing" and the "latter rain" to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. 

But none could share the "refreshing" unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord and be earnestly seeking the preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in the presence of a Holy God.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord. Luke 12: 35, 36.

Now is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Readiness to meet Him cannot be attained in a moment's time. Preparatory to that solemn scene there must be vigilant waiting and watching, combined with earnest work. So God's children glorify Him. Amid the busy scenes of life their voices will be heard speaking words of encouragement, faith, and hope. All they have and are is consecrated to the Master's service. . . .

Christ tells us when the day of His kingdom shall be ushered in. He does not say that the entire world will be converted, but that "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24: 14). 

By giving the gospel to the world, it is in our power to hasten the coming of the day of God. Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to the earth in power and great glory.

Two points: 

1. Ladies and gentlemen, living power must attend the message of Christ's second appearing in you. 

2. We must not rest until we see many souls converted to the blessed hope of the Lord's return. 

“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.” The Great Controversy, pp. 611-612.

In the days of the apostles the message that they bore wrought a real work, turning souls from idols to serve the living God. The work to be done today is just as real, and the truth is just as much truth; only we are to give the message with as much more earnestness as the coming of the Lord is nearer. The message for this time is positive, simple, and of the deepest importance. We must act like men and women who believe it. Waiting, watching, working, praying, warning the world-- this is our work.

Today there seemed to be a great movement-- a work of revival-- going forward in many places. Gods’ people are moving into line, responding to God's call. My brethren, the Lord is speaking to us. Shall we not heed His call? Shall we not trim our lamps, and act like men who look for their Lord to come?

An understanding of the hope of Christ's second coming is the key that unlocks all the history that follows, and explains all the future lessons.

What biblical lesson can we draw from Enoch? “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints” (Jude 14).... The doctrine of Christ's coming was made known at this early date to the man who walked with God in continual communion. The godly character of this prophet is to represent the state of holiness to which the people of God must attain who expects to be translated to heaven.

The slaying of the Passover lamb was a shadow of the death of Christ. Says Paul: “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7. The sheaf of first fruits, which at the time of the Passover was waved before the Lord, was typical of the resurrection of Christ. Paul says, in speaking of the resurrection of the Lord and of all His people: “Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming.” 1 Corinthians 15:23. Like the wave sheaf, which was the first ripe grain gathered before the harvest, Christ is the first fruits of that immortal harvest of redeemed ones that at the future resurrection shall be gathered into the garner of God.

Good News—The gospel message proclaimed by Christ's disciples was the announcement of His first advent to the world. It bore to men the good tidings of salvation through faith in Him. It pointed forward to His second coming in glory to redeem His people, and it set before men the hope, through faith and obedience, of sharing the inheritance of the saints in light. This message is given to men today, and at this time there is coupled with it the announcement of Christ's second coming as at hand. The signs which He Himself gave of His coming have been fulfilled, and by the teaching of God's Word we may know that the Lord is at the door.

John in the Revelation foretells the proclamation of the gospel message just before Christ's second coming. He beholds an angel flying “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” Revelation 14:6, 7

In the prophecy this warning of the judgment, with its connected messages, is followed by the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announcement of Christ's second coming as at hand. And this proclamation is called the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching of Christ's second coming, the announcement of its nearness, is shown to be an essential part of the gospel message.

The Prayer Jesus Taught—“Thy kingdom come.” Matthew 6:10. God is our Father, who loves and cares for us as His children; He is also the great King of the universe. The interests of His kingdom are our interests, and we are to work for its up building.

The Disciples of Christ were looking for the immediate coming of the kingdom of His glory, but in giving them this prayer Jesus taught that the kingdom was not then to be established. They were to pray for its coming as an event yet future. But this petition was also an assurance to them. While they were not to behold the coming of the kingdom in their day, the fact that Jesus bade them pray for it is evidence that in God's own time it will surely come.

The kingdom of God's grace is now being established, as day by day hearts that have been full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of His love. But the full establishment of the kingdom of His glory will not take place until the second coming of Christ to this world. “The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,” is to be given to “the people of the saints of the Most High.” Daniel 7:27. They shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them “from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34. And Christ will take to Himself His great power and will reign.

The heavenly gates are again to be lifted up, and with ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy ones, our Saviour will come forth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Jehovah Immanuel “shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.” “The tabernacle of God” shall be with men, “and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 21:3.

But before that coming, Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” Matthew 24:14. His kingdom will not come until the good tidings of His grace have been carried to all the earth. Hence, as we give ourselves to God, and win other souls to Him, we hasten the coming of His kingdom. Only those who devote themselves to His service, saying, “Here am I; send me” Isaiah 6:8, to open blind eyes, to turn men “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified” Acts 26:18—they alone pray in sincerity, “Thy kingdom come.”

As Christ ascend on that day. His hands where outstretched to bless His disciples, and a cloud of angels received Him and hid Him from their sight. As the disciples looked with straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, two angels from the rejoicing throng stood by them and said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:11

The disciples were filled with great joy. Over and over again they repeated the words Christ had spoken to them in His last lessons, as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John; and every one had something to say about the instruction, especially with regard to the words of the fourteenth of John. As they went back to their homes, the promise that He would come again, and the thought that He had left them His peace, filled their hearts with joy.

As John saw the history of God's People many years later, he was strengthened. Before his wondering vision were opened the glories of heaven. He was permitted to see the throne of God and, looking beyond the conflicts of earth, to behold the white-robed throng of the redeemed. He heard the music of the heavenly angels and the triumphant songs of those who had overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. In the revelation given to him there was unfolded scene after scene of thrilling interest in the experience of the people of God, and the history of the church foretold to the very close of time. In figures and symbols, subjects of vast importance were presented to John, which he was to record, that the people of God living in his age and in future ages might have an intelligent understanding of the perils and conflicts before them.

Prophecy Reassures

We must have a knowledge of the Scriptures, that we may trace down the lines of prophecy and ... see that the day is approaching, so that with increased zeal and effort we may exhort one another to faithfulness, and not give up our faith? lose our confidence? Or become impatient? No, no. We will not think of such a thing.... See how the specifications of the prophecies have been and are fulfilling. Let us lift up our heads and rejoice, for our redemption draweth nigh. It is nearer than when we first believed. Shall we not wait patiently, filled with courage and faith? Shall we not make ready a people to stand in the day of final reckoning?”

Friends as you read Gods’ Promises, it gives you courage. More than eighteen hundred years have passed since the Saviour gave the promise of His coming. Throughout the centuries His words have filled with courage the hearts of His faithful ones. The promise has not yet been fulfilled; ... but none the less sure is the word that has been spoken.”

Our Work

What is our work? The same as that given to John the Baptist, of whom we read: "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight." Matthew 3:1-3.

All who are truly engaged in the work of the Lord for these last days will have a decided message to bear. Read the first few verses of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah:

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isaiah 40:3-5.

"The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever." Verses 6-8.

This chapter is filled with instruction appropriate for us at this time. The word of the Lord to us is: "Repent ye; prepare the way of the Lord."

We are to continue to press into the regions beyond, where the people are in spiritual darkness. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain." Verse 4. Every obstacle to the redemption of God's people is to be removed by the opening of His word and the presentation of a plain "Thus saith the Lord." The true light is to shine forth; for darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people. The truth of the living God is to appear in contrast with error. Proclaim the glad tidings. We have a Saviour who has given His life that those who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

He says to all His children today, “ 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

"Obstacles to the advancement of the work of God will appear; but fear not. To the omnipotence of the King of kings, our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. Nothing can stand in His way. His power is absolute, and it is the pledge of the sure fulfillment of His promises to His people. He can remove all obstructions to the advancement of His work. He has means for the removal of every difficulty that those who serve Him and respect the means He employs may be delivered. His goodness and love are infinite, and His covenant is unalterable."

The plans of the enemies of His work may seem to be firm and well established, but He can overthrow the strongest of these plans, and in His own time and way He will do this, when He sees that our faith has been sufficiently tested and that we are drawing near to Him and making Him our counselor.

In the darkest days, when appearances seem so forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He is working out His will, doing all things well in behalf of His people. The strength of those who love and serve Him will be renewed day by day. His understanding will be placed at their service, that they may not err in the carrying out of His purposes.

There is to be no despondency in God's service. Our faith is to endure the pressure brought to bear upon it. God is able and willing to bestow upon His servants all the strength they need. He will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him. He will give them the wisdom that their varied necessities demand.

Said the tried apostle Paul: "He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10.

My brothers and sisters, ladies, and gentleman, hold the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end. The light of God's truth is not to be dimmed. It is to shine amidst the darkness of error that enshrouds our world. The word of God is to be opened to those in the high places of the earth, as well as to those in the lower parts of the earth.

The church of Christ is God's agency for the proclamation of truth; she is empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to God, obedient to His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellence of divine power. If she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand against her. If she will be true to her allegiance, the forces of the enemy will be no more able to overpower her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind.

There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance to the world.

The members of the church need now to confess their backslidings and press together. My brethren, allow nothing to come in that will separate you from one another or from God. Talk not of differences of opinion, but unite in the love of the truth as it is in Jesus. Come before God, and plead the shed blood of the Saviour as a reason why you should receive help in the warfare against evil. You will not plead in vain. As you draw near to God, with heartfelt contrition and in full assurance of faith, the enemy who seeks to destroy you will be overcome.

Turn to the Lord, ye prisoners of hope. Seek strength from God, the living God. Show an unwavering, humble faith in His power and His willingness to save. From Christ is flowing the living stream of salvation. He is the Fountain of life, the Source of all power. When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name.

God calls upon His faithful ones, who believe in Him, to talk courage to those who are unbelieving and hopeless. May the Lord help us to help one another and to prove Him by living faith. "Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery." Psalm 81:1, 2.

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High: to show forth Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night, upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work: I will triumph in the works of Thy hands." Psalm 92:1-4.

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95:1-6.

"O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods." Psalm 96:1-4.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100.

If you would like to look at the live message with further information, go to the video:

  

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can see it on Facebook live this evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that comes to you on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays evenings.

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement through this devotional, and now open Bible Study, please forward this email of faith on to them today.Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments 

  

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact us at Garden Ministry. We would love to connect with you. Email us your questions today!

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

THE SURVIVORS

Today I would love to answer some of your questions that come to me. The day of test and purification is just upon us. Signs of a most startling character appear, in floods, in hurricanes, in tornadoes, in cloudbursts, in casualties by land and by sea, that proclaim the approach of the end of all things. The judgments of God are falling on the world, that men may be awakened to the fact that Christ will come speedily." Let us look at three questions today.

Q. What amazing signs in the religious world indicate Jesus coming is drawing near?

Ans. Matthew 25:5, 11, 24; Jeremiah 14:14; Acts 5:36-37; Acts 8:9-10; John 5:43

False Teachers to be Shunned

When men arise, claiming to have a message from God, but instead of warring against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, they form a hollow square, and turn the weapons of warfare against the church militant, be afraid of them. They do not bear the divine credentials. God has not given them any such burden of labor. They would tear down that which God would restore by the Laodicean message. He wounds only that He may heal, not cause to perish. The Lord lays upon no man a message that will discourage and dishearten His church. He reproves, He rebukes, He chastens; but it is only that He may restore and approve at last. 

Q. What prediction did Jesus make regarding international conflicts, political upheaval, and war?

Ans. Matthew 24:6-7; Luke 211:9

Christ upon the Mount of Olives rehearsed the fearful judgments that were to precede His second coming: "Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: . . . 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" [Matt. 24:6-8]. While these prophecies received a partial fulfillment at the destruction of Jerusalem, they have a more direct application in the last days.

The terrible reports we hear of murders and robberies, of railway accidents and deeds of violence, tell the story that the end of all things is at hand. Now, just now, we need to be preparing for the Lord's second coming.

The nations are in unrest. Times of perplexity are upon us. Men's hearts are failing them for fear of the things that are coming upon the earth. But those who believe in God will hear His voice amid the storm, saying, "It is I; be not afraid."

Wars and Disasters

The tempest is coming and we must get ready for its fury by having repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will arise to shake terribly the earth. We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human lives will be sacrificed by millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly and no human effort will be able to quench them. The palaces of earth will be swept away in the fury of the flames. Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent. Confusion, collision, and death without a moment's warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, probation is closing. Oh, let us seek God while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near!

In the last scenes of this earth's history war will rage. There will be pestilence, plague and famine. The waters of the deep will overflow their boundaries. Property and life will be destroyed by fire and flood. We should be preparing for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for them that love Him.

Calamities Serve as Warnings

We are not now able to describe with accuracy the scenes to be enacted in our world in the future, but this we do know, that this is a time when we must watch unto prayer, for the great day of the Lord is at hand.

What mean the awful calamities by sea--vessels hurled into eternity without a moment's warning? What mean the accidents by land--fire consuming the riches that men have hoarded, much of which has been accumulated by oppression of the poor? The Lord will not interfere to protect the property of those who transgress His law, break His covenant, and trample upon His Sabbath, accepting in its place a spurious rest day.

Q. How does the Bible describe the unprecedented dangerous situation among the nations of the world prior to the return of Christ?

Ans. Revelation 11:18: Luke 21:25-27; Joel 3:9-14; John 14:3

The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.

The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.

Troublous Times Soon to Come

The time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment.

The time of trouble—trouble such as was not since there was a nation Daniel 12:1is right upon us, and we are like the sleeping virgins. We are to awake and ask the Lord Jesus to place underneath us His everlasting arms, and carry us through the time of trial before us.

The world is becoming more and more lawless. Soon great trouble will arise among the nations—trouble that will not cease until Jesus comes.

We are on the very verge of the time of trouble, and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of are before us.

We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another—fire, and flood, and earthquake, with war and bloodshed.

There are stormy times before us, but let us not utter one word of unbelief or discouragement.

If you would like to look at the live message with further information, go to the video: 

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments  

  

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact us at Garden Ministry. We would love to connect with you. Email us your questions today!

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Question: Chaplain, Can you speak in regards to Matt 24:15. ..... in the context of the nearness of Jesus  second coming ..... just want to make sure I am interpreting it correctly?

I invite you to turn with me to Matthew 24:15, 16 and read

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 into the mountains. 

Mark 13:14. But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Luke 21:20-22. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

The burden of Dumah. He calleth me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come" (Isa. 21:11, 12). In ancient times watchmen, or sentinels, were stationed on the walls or in the towers surrounding the cities, to guard against surprise attacks by the enemy. When danger threatened they awakened the sleeping inhabitants by the blasts of the trumpet. They also answered inquiries as to the time.

The importance of the responsibility of a watchman is pictured in Ezekiel 33:1-6. At any time, but especially in time of war, the penalty for unfaithfulness on the part of a military watchman is death. The Lord gives this a spiritual application: "So thou, 0 son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, 0 wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul" (verses 7-9).

In the light of these words the responsibility of being a spiritual watchman, or gospel minister, is very great. Everywhere at the present time voices are calling out of the darkness of the night of sin, "Watchman, what of the night?" or, "How far has the night gone, watchman?" Up until this point in history, “The period of the reign of sin has been both day and night. It has been daytime for the wicked, and night- time for the righteous. We call it "the night of sin." Therefore the end of human history at the second advent of Christ brings in an eternal day for the righteous, and an eternal night for the wicked, a night that will never end. But both day and night are preceded by a brief period of twilight during the transition between the two. Twilight is a time of semi-darkness. Also just before the close of human history there will be a twilight hour for human civilization. It is just before that twilight period, that we shall taste of the time of desolation.

Let us turn our Bibles to Zechariah 14:1-6, "Behold the day of the Lord cometh," we read: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark." In other words, it will be twilight. "Not day and not night" is the rendering of the Revised Standard Version. We are in that twilight time now. "The morning cometh, and also the night"— morning for one class and night for the other. But both will be eternal. Sin is the great light extinguisher. Therefore during the long reign of sin "darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people."' Jesus is declared to be "a light," John 8:12, "the light of the world," and "the true Light, which lighteth everyman that cometh into the world." John 1:9, But, "Night cometh" to all who reject Him and His gospel light. Jesus said, "If . . . the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness?" Matthew 6:23

Those who accept and follow Christ become "lights in the world," Matthew 5:13-16 and the church is called "the light of the world." The apostle Paul wrote in talking about the church in  (Phil. 2:15, 16): "That ye may be blameless and harm- less, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and per- verse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life".

Philippians 2:15. The sons of God, without rebuke,

So that men cannot rebuke you, and will have to invent a lie before they can do it; and even then the falsehood is too palpable to have any force in it: “without rebuke.”

Philippians 2:15. In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

You cannot straighten the world; but you can shine in it. The world would destroy you if they could; but all you have to do is shine. Stop competing with the word! If Christian’s would give more attention to their shining, and pay less attention to this crooked and perverse generation, and much more would come of it. But now we are advised by the world to “keep abreast of the times,” and to “catch the spirit of the age.” If I could ever catch that spirit, I would hurl it into the bottomless abyss; for it is a spirit that is antagonistic to Christ in all respects. We are just to keep clear of all that, and “shine as lights in the world.”

Philippians 2:16. Holding forth the word of life;

You are to hold forth the Word of life as men holding forth a torch. Your shining is largely to consist in holding forth the Word of life.

Philippians 2:16. That I may rejoice in. the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

God’s ministers cannot bear the thought of having laboured in vain; and yet if some of us were to die, what would remain of all we have done? I charge you, brethren, to think of what your life-work has been hitherto. Will it remain? Will it abide? Will it stand the test of your own departure? Ah, if you have any fear about it, you may well go to God in prayer, and cry, “Establish thou the work of my hands, ” Paul cared much about God’s work; but he did not trouble himself about its success. Because he knew that all things worked together for good, to those who loved the Lord, to they who are the called according to his purpose.

Now the Bible says, “Just before the end of the night of sin and the dawn of eternal day, there will be the greatest display of spiritual light since apostolic times. In Revelation 18:1-5 is pictured the final gospel appeal, symbolized by an angel coming down from heaven "having great power," and "the earth was lightened with his glory." This message announces that Babylon is fallen and has become the habitation of devils, or evil angels. Then comes the cry, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

Stop to read Revelation 18:1-5

Ladies and gentlemen, this brilliant illumination of the gospel light is taking place around the world today. 

But we are in a time of Lukewarmness. 

We are told that the message to the church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-5) also applies to God's people at the present time. When the early church lost or relaxed its first love, an apostasy, or spiritual fall from a high plane of experience, began that finally plunged the world into the Dark Ages. Only those who love Christ can witness for Him, and when love grows dim the candlestick, or privilege of witnessing, is removed. Lukewarmness in affection for both God and man is the Laodicean condition of the remnant of God's church, according to Revelation 3:14-22. There must be a revival of faith that works by love in the church.

In the light of what is happening in all parts of the world, can anyone question that we have come to the twilight hour of human history and that "the morning cometh, and also the night?”

The counsel of the apostle Paul is very timely. "Carry out these injunctions because you know the critical period at which we are living, and that it is now high time to rouse your- selves from sleep; for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first became believers. The night is far advanced; the day is about to dawn. We must therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness, and clothe ourselves with the armour of light. 

Living as we do in broad daylight, let us conduct ourselves becomingly, not indulging in revelry and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor in quarrelling and jealousy. On the contrary, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for gratifying your earthly cravings.” Rom. 13:11- 14.

In answer to the question of the disciples, "When shall these things be? What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Jesus said: "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28.

Since these events have been taking place for years with ever-increasing momentum, it is high time that those who are looking for the coming of their Lord wake up, get up, dress up, and look up with the expectation of being caught up to meet their returning Lord. Jesus called the scribes and Pharisees "hypocrites" because they could forecast the weather but could not "discern the signs of the times." The same rebuke applies to many in the modern Christian world. It is estimated that there are at least one thousand distinct prophecies in the Scriptures, most of which pertain to the last days.

 Between 85 and 90 per cent of them have been fulfilled, and most of the others are in process of fulfillment. All but the closing statements in each of the great lines of prophecy in the books of Daniel and the Revelation have met their complete fulfillment. The predicted growth of the power of darkness, the present formation of the image to the beast in the federation of the religious bodies, the mounting wave of crime and juvenile delinquency, the rumors of war and preparation for war, the peace and safety cry, and numberless other signs all proclaim the nearness of the end of the reign of sin and the dawn of eternal day.

One of the greatest of all the evidences of the times in which we live is the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14: "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." The present world-embracing message, announcing the coming of the King of kings and His kingdom of glory, is a sign that cannot be ignored.

The transforming power of the Advent hope is beautifully set forth in the following scripture: "For the grace of God has displayed itself with healing power to all mankind, training us to renounce ungodliness and all the pleasures of this world, and to live sober, upright, and pious lives at the present time, in expectation of the fulfillment of our blessed hope—the Appearing in glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us to purchase our freedom from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a people who should be specially His own, zealous for doing good works.” Titus 2:11-14.

It is time for a great spiritual revival and reformation to visit God's remnant people in order that this beautiful scripture may be translated into a reality. We are told that "when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that has this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." I John 3:2, 3.

At the time of Christ’s coming, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His death, and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles were definitely pointed out. It was the privilege of the Jewish people to understand these prophecies, and to recognize their fulfillment in the mission of Jesus. Christ urged upon His disciples the importance of prophetic study, and should we not do the same? Referring to the prophecy given to Daniel in regard to their time, He said, “Whoso readeth, let him understand.” Matthew 24:15. After His resurrection He explained to the disciples in “all the prophets” “the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27. The Saviour had spoken through all the prophets. “The Spirit of Christ which was in them” “testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:11.

If in the providence of God we can secure places to live in places away from the cities, the Lord would have us do this. Because there are troublesome times before us. The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the move by the nation to enforce a day of worship will be the signal or warning to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains should now be considered.

Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able. 

But we are not to locate ourselves where we will be forced into close relations with those who do not honor God. . . . A crisis is soon to come On the earth, and God wants us to be read.

Jesus is coming:

Zechariah 14:5-7 King James Version (KJV)

5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:

7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.

If you are getting ready for the coming of Christ like I am, then go out and tell someone today. 

If you would like to look at the live message with further information. Go to:

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments  

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact us at Garden Ministry. We would love to connect with you. Email us your questions today!

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/