Dear Saints,
Many people might tell you that the best thing to do in these last minutes is prepare! Buy emergency food and water, medical supplies, etc. Because tough times are coming! But I'm here to tell you that is not what the Lord wants you to do.
After the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter talk about end times and the return of Jesus, they both give us a list of instructions to follow. I felt led by the Lord to list them below and expound a bit as needed. I don't know about you, but lists are often easier for me to remember and process than reading paragraphs. What I found interesting is that I wasn't numbering them as I typed them out. Only after I finished the list did I press the button to number them. Interesting that there ended up being 26 of them.
So, here goes.
What Should We Be Doing
- Comfort other believers (Comfort those who mourn, who are going through trials, who are suffering)
- Edify other believers (Edify means to instruct or uplift, to build their faith)
- Respect and Esteem your pastors, Bible teachers, and others who lead the flock (Of course we are only talking about the ones who truly follow and love Jesus and teach the truth)
- Be at Peace ( If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Romans 12:18)
- Warn those who are unruly (Unruly is the Greek Word ataktos which refers to a soldier who doesn't follow orders, who is out of ranks, and who participates in immoderate pleasures)
- Comfort the fainthearted (oligopsychos, which means feebleminded... weak minded, timid, afraid)
- Uphold the weak (those who are physically sick, but also those whose faith is weak)
- Be Patient with all (Yes, even that annoying family member or person who drives you insane)
- Do not return evil for evil (do not seek revenge for anything, no matter how small or big. Let God sort it out. Romans 12:19)
- Pursue what is good for yourself and for everyone around you. (Yes, even people who mistreat you. Go out of your way to be kind)
- Rejoice Always (Even when you don't feel like it)
- Pray without ceasing (Talk to Jesus all day long and even when you wake up at night)
- Give thanks for everything (good or bad)
- Do not quench the Spirit (We grieve or quench the Spirit by sin, by disobedience, by turning away from Jesus)
- Do not despise prophecies (Prophecies are not just words about the future, but in-depth understanding of Biblical truths. Don't despise the Word of God! )
- Test ALL things and keep what is truth. Toss out the rest
- Abstain from every form of Evil. (Not just evil, but every form or appearance of evil)
- Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless (Peace means peace with God. You are not living in willful sin or disobedience and you continually repent of all your sins)
- Have Faith (Faith is not just a belief in your mind, but a submission to Jesus and a trust in your heart in Him and His faithfulness and love)
- Add Virtue to Faith (Integrity, Character, Purity)
- Add Knowledge (Study and know the Bible!)
- Add Self-Control (Discipline. Dying to the Flesh, Denying yourself to follow Jesus)
- Add Perseverance (Patience under trials. Don't quit!)
- Add Godliness (Holiness. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14)
- Add Brotherly Kindness (Greek word, philadelphia, means a brotherly type of love)
- Love (This is agape love... the ultimate expression of God's love and the highest type of love we can achieve. It is that unconditional love that is willing to die for someone else)
Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Ephesians 5:15
Please do not take this list and become anxious, thinking you don't measure up! We are saved by God's Grace alone. Maybe you are good at comforting others and you have great patience, but you struggle a little with always being thankful and being kind to those who are mean to you. We are all Works in Progress! We are all on different places on that narrow road. The only thing that matters is that you love Jesus and walk with Him every day. That means you have a relationship with Him and you want to please and obey Him. Your heart is to become more like Him and you are moving in that direction. (Some of us are moving slower than others 😏) And that's okay. The following verse is a good way to stay on that path!
But I say, walk and live habitually in the Holy] Spirit, responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh . Galatians 5:16
Here are the Scriptures I took all these from:
I will also add to this list that we are commanded to watch for the Lord's return, especially as we see the day approaching. Watch and Pray! Pray for the Lost... in our family, among our friends, and even those we see at work or in the store. You will only know once you get to Heaven how powerful your prayers were!
Good morning Blessed Sister,
ReplyDeleteI'm a list guy too, with numbers. I guess that makes us a bit of a cross between adhd and rainman,lol. But love organization to a point that drives people crazy at times.
right off the bat, # 2 many Christians believe that edifying means to only say words of encouragement, all about how important they are to God and the church ! But you list the correct view, 2 Tim 3: 16 all scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training, "why"? so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work ! Good Christians dont like being rebuked.
17 is a good one "even the appearance of evil". Looks can be deceiving, glamorous words can be enticing, if it smells like a wolf, its a wolf !
Eph 5:15 sums it all up and Gal 5:16 finishes it off nicely.
Great list to paste on the wall !
Oh, why was it interesting that the finished # was 26 ?
I'll add one, Col 2: 23 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,
Christ's peace Sister
Thanks Brother Joe! 26 because we are in 2026! Oh, and I love Col 2:23. That's also a great way to sum the entire list up... just do everything with all your heart FOR the Lord!! Blessings!
DeleteSomething interesting today Sister. Your post states "What Should We Be Doing In This Late Hour". I have been reading through the book of John. Chapters 13-17 are an incredible and very personal last night that Jesus spends with His beloved 12. I never really saw this before. these 5 chapters all about that one night ! John in his very distinct way, his love for the Master so evident as he brings the love of the Master right into our hearts. Oh my. When we get to ch 17:1 Jesus say; the hour has come. Jesus knows He is only steps away from His betrayer. Yet what does Jesus do ? He prays. He prays for Himself, for His discples, and for us all. His love for us is so evident here as John recalls some of Jesus' final words.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Yes... that last day and even hours of Jesus is very moving.. and from John's gospel... the disciple who knew Jesus the most intimately. Jesus praying for them and for us when He knew what He was facing! Amazing love. Amazing God!
DeleteHello Sister in Christ,
ReplyDeleteI have also heard the desperate messages that we need to stockpile on supplies to prepare for potential disasters, just like how it was during COVID when people were scrambling to buy items, notably toilet paper as I remember one item making headlines as well as other basic necessities.
And definitely Amen, rather than falling for the hysteria, we should continue to live and walk faithfully in Him in the time that is left. I bet this is another one of the Lord’s special tests of our faith especially since we are close to going home?
I already have a varying script in mind on how to explain the signs if I ever do get a chance to warn others AND if they are willing to listen. The images you have posted along with the details may help support them, but I feel that there may be people the Lord would want me to warn and those who He suggests to just leave alone. Even though I have become distrustful of humanity due to past trauma and mistreatment, the loving side of me still remains from long time ago, but considering how wicked and unpredictable people can be now, I think prayer would be the better option? I believe the Holy Spirit would guide me on this.
I guess you added something I wanted to add to the list in your closing paragraph about continuing to watch for the Lord’s return - that would be Luke 21:28 on “looking up when the signs happen for the time is near.” If I were to add to the list, why not the Ten Commandments? I am sure those still resonate very well in today’s state but I know most would not adhere to them except for only a remnant few, namely ourselves.
By the way, is it coincidental that with 26 pointers on the list, there are 26 days, today counted, until the end of Nisan on April 17? I realize that for even seemingly small details, I am tying them to biblical speculation. Perhaps this is the Holy Spirit living and working through me?
I heard that Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran responded with threats. As of now, it is reported that the US will “temporarily halt on striking Iran’s energy infrastructure.” Do you believe this is only a “buy time” situation? In other words, it would be unwise to feel complacent about this and thinking the tide has turned in the war? I feel that kind of mindset could be an indicator of being at risk of falling for the Great Deception, and the climax is still far away, isn’t it?
I saw a circular rainbow in the sky this past weekend with I believe a glow of the sun in the middle of the ring. This is special because every time I have seen a rainbow in the past, they were caused by rainy weather and they have always been in the form of arches. Also I saw it not from a distance, but from literally just lifting my head up to the sky. I instantly thought, could it be another sign from the Lord given this distinction? That was how God promised Noah He would never flood the world again - perhaps this is God promising that if we endure and persevere just a little bit longer, we will never experience any suffering or mistreatment ever again?
Have a great week Sister and stay strong in the Lord! Peace and Blessings from a Brother in Christ.
Greetings, Brother! Yes, have proof of the prophetic signs that are happening just in case the Holy Spirit leads you to tell someone. Otherwise, just wait and follow His leading. He knows how is going to be receptive and who isn't. And I know the Lord doesn't want you to suffer ill treatment as you have in the past.
DeleteYes, the 10 commandments are always something we should follow! But I'm reminded that Jesus summed all 10 of them up with 2 commandments. To love the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself! If we could only follow those 2, everything else would fall into place.
I had not thought about the 26 being the days until April 17th.. but that's interesting. I was thinking more about it being 2026! And yes, the Holy Spirit within you is always leading and guiding. Trust Him.
I don't believe Trump is talking to Iran. I believe he's biding time to get boots on the ground for an invasion of that island (forget the name) that controls Iranian oil. That deadline is coming up quickly.
I love rainbows.. and yes, every time I see one, I praise God because it means He is faithful to fulfill all His promises to us! Amen!
Stay strong, Brother, Blessings!
Hi MaryLu--Consistency in Prayer and Self-Control...For me the most difficult, even when we think they're unimportant; whether in speech, following rules, family life, diet, almost everything. Sometimes even getting to bed on time when wanting to stay up, but you need to rise early. Those are the 'small' things that affect our lives, but influence everything else, it seems. When those words are ignored, things move from smaller to eventually larger problems.
ReplyDeleteHi Patience, yes, I agree... even the small things, if not worked on and corrected, will lead to bigger problems. That's why the Lord addresses even the small details of our lives. He wants to spare us from bigger struggles. It's hard. We have these infernal sin natures! But with the Holy Spirit within us, we can get better and become more like Jesus! It's a loooooong process. LOL
DeleteBlessings!
Greetings Holy Messenger of God,
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant list of things the Lord would want us to do especially when we are so close to leaving this world. Sometimes I feel hesitant due to potential backlash which is to be expected, but as I once heard, I would be planting a seed in those people I successfully warn, with the seed starting to sprout as they finally start realizing the signs, and the rarest I would say for now is when they finally connect the dots and come to Christ. That would be when the seed has fully sprouted into a tree that bears good fruit, depending on when that happens. Is this the main benefit from warning others?
I was wondering about a few things: one is when the Rapture trumpet sounds, would only we who are leaving hear it while the rest of the world would only realize something is wrong upon seeing the chaos that unfolds? Also, when the Seven Trumpets are blown during the Tribulation, would the blasts be heard prior to the judgments falling?
Another is that on Judgment Day, would each individual be evaluated by Jesus asking them questions about their life prior to judgment, or would Jesus review everything about their life and make the final judgment based on that? I know Scripture says that “anyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life was thrown into the Lake of Fire,” so perhaps this is the likely process?
A third is that I know there will be regular people present during the Millennium. They have not taken the MOB and managed to survive the Tribulation, but do you believe there will not be wicked people who “luckily” evaded the terrors of the Tribulation? I guess with Jesus ruling on the throne, these people would not be able to scathe or cause any destruction for “sin will be dealt with without appeal” during this time? Also, their real nature may be revealed when they rebel with Satan upon his release at the end of the Millennium, and Jesus would vanquish them once and for all? This means Jesus and any angels present during the thousand years would be protecting us saints with glorified bodies?
I know that there are people who may be planning vacations in Summer or Fall. Wouldn’t that be a bit concerning considering that the Rapture and Tribulation will take place soon? If it were me, how may I discuss this with Jesus? I would pray that whether the vacations take place or not, depending on how long we are still here, I would still remain faithful in Him and long to be with Him more than anything. Would Jesus understand this and not feel that I may still have a little longing for worldly matters? I do not think this would change God’s timing since everything that is to come has been set in stone, but it is just something I am curious about.
Blessings Sister and keep looking up for the Holy Week of Palm Sunday, Passover, Good Friday, and Easter starts next weekend. Take care and Come Quickly Lord Jesus!
Greetings!
DeleteFirst of all, yes, if you are led to warn people about the coming Tribulation and tell them the Gospel, they may be rude to you and walk away, but you've planted a seed that may come to life during the Tribulation. They will remember what you said.
I do not know whether everyone will hear the trumpet when we are called up. I tend to believe that yes, they will! And also with the Trumpets in Revelation also. But the Bible is not specific about that. I can see God allowing them to be heard, however, to help people know He is real and the Bible is true.
During our Bema seat judgement, which will be only for true raptured believers, we are only judged on what we did for Jesus. NOT for any sins or mistakes (thank God!) I don't know how it will play out, but I imagine we will stand before the throne and Jesus will either show everyone through some sort of video or He will list the things we did for Him and then issue whatever rewards we will get. The wicked will not be judged until AFTER the millennial reign. That's when they will be tossed into the lake of fire. They, also, will get various degrees of punishment.
As far as the humans left after the Tribulation who didn't take the MOB. They will have a chance to live out their lives during the millennial reign, but they will still be capable of sinning. These are the people we will rule over. But with Jesus on the throne, no sin will be tolerated. They will be swiftly punished, but still allowed to live out their lives. And you're absolutely right. When Satan is released, some of these people are the ones he will recruit to his side and convince them that they can defeat Jesus. (How dumb is that?)
We are to continue living our lives until Jesus takes us home, so if you want to plan a vacation, go ahead. I'm actually planning on traveling for a week in May. Making a plan is not saying you don't believe Jesus is coming... We aren't supposed to quit our jobs and sit on our roofs and wait for Jesus. We are to keep living and working, etc... so if you want to plan a vaca, go right ahead. Jesus looks at your heart! And He knows you love Him and long to be with Him!
I'm excited about holy week... keep looking up!
Blessings