Well, 2013 is just a few hours away. I wanted to impart some final thoughts...
I recently shared with another Christian that I'd sort of fallen into despair due to the Newtown shootings and the countless other tragedies and increasing ungodliness surrounding us, but, I believe the Holy Spirit has given me a different perspective:
We all know Esther 4:14: "...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Without a doubt, the end times before Christ returns will be the darkest times in human history.
But consider this: God chose us to be soldiers in these end times! We could've been born at any time in history, but God chose us, now, for such a time as this.
In a strange sort of way, we should be honored that God chose us to be soldiers in the darkest times of human history.
I've been quoting Isaiah 60:2 a lot lately, but that one verse isn't the whole story:
2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
We need to focus on Isaiah 60:3! As the world becomes darker, our light needs to shine brighter for Jesus!
Which brings me to my next point: If we have been chosen as soldiers in the darkest times in human history, we need to get our acts together--time for Bible boot camp!
We don't experience book of Acts power, not because the Holy Spirit is no longer moving, but because, I believe, we're too carnal. Our spiritual muscles are too weak, too flabby.
Time to step up our game!
Refocusing, Reflection, Repentance, Renewal, Revival--these words keep coming up in my spirit. This is what I want for myself and for the entire body of Christ in 2013! More of Jesus, more of His Word, more of the Holy Spirit.
Immersion. Submersion.
Immersion. Submersion.
Last night, I prayed Acts 4:29-30:
"...grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
"By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus."
I want to start praying this on a regular basis. While I'm at it, maybe I--we--should also pray Daniel 9:4-19.
We have the answer the world needs!
As this world grows darker, guns are not the answer! JESUS IS THE ANSWER! GOD'S WORD IS THE ANSWER!
Jesus is greater than all the darkness in this world...
Jesus is greater than the increasing violence we're seeing every day.
Jesus is greater than all the depravity, sin, and ungodliness surrounding us.
Jesus is greater than gay marriage.
Jesus is greater than any fiscal cliff or financial disaster this country might experience.
Jesus is greater than guns.
Jesus is greater than war.
Jesus is greater than anything in this world!
We mustn't respond to darkness with the same despair with which unbelievers respond (1 Thess. 4:13). We must respond with the Word of God and in the power of God's Holy Spirit!
For years, I've felt that American Christians have had it way too easy. I think the aggression we're beginning to see demonstrated towards Christians and toward the Holy Bible are just the beginning (quoting the Bible these days is virtually considered "hate speech"!). But we've got God, His Word, and His Spirit. We've got everything we need!
Time to get to work, people!
On a slightly different note, this blog chronicles my romance with Jesus in the midst of life's noises. Thus, though I often write about that romance, I also sometimes write about the distracting noises themselves:
When I didn't have a job, I bellyached about not having a job.
When I got a job, I bellyached about that job.
When I wasn't in school, I bellyached about wanting to start school.
When I'm in school, I bellyache about how much I hate school and can't wait for it to be over.
I bellyached about the publishing process.
I bellyache about book sales being less robust than what I'd like.
I bellyached about my former living situation.
I've bellyached about my current living situation.
I bellyached about the publishing process.
I bellyache about book sales being less robust than what I'd like.
I bellyached about my former living situation.
I've bellyached about my current living situation.
I want to do less bellyaching in 2013!
Every now and then, the enormity of what we have occurs to me:
The most beautiful, most amazing Person in the universe is in love with us! I think that bears repeating: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, MOST AMAZING PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS IN LOVE WITH US!!!
Any moment, any second of our lives that we spend not focusing on that is a moment, a second wasted!
So, I wanted to go back and review some of the posts that really focus on this intimacy, on our romance with Him:
A (Sort of) Defense of Lectio Divina, Contemplative Prayer, etc.
The Secret to Intimacy with Jesus
The Abuse of God
Love Note 1: Love Like Fire
Love Note 2: Made to Love Him
A Bride For His Son
Craving Jesus
The Last Adam
Perfume
Vulgar or Sweet?
The Feet of Jesus
Love Note 6: Nakedness
The Royal Courtship
I look forward to gleaning more insights into the greatest love story every written!
I'm excited to see what God will do in 2013! I'm ready for new adventures! Let's go!
Happy New Year Everybody! Love yas!
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