As the world grows darker, we are getting closer to Heaven. We will either pass through death into Heaven and into the Presence of Jesus Christ or Jesus will snatch us up to be with Him in Heaven.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 says, "then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord."
In the Book of John, Chapter 14, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and this was written down for us to read and take to heart:
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
Whether we are taken collectively or individually (via passing away), Heaven is getting closer every day and we can be encouraged, strengthened, and we can understand the urgency of sharing Jesus Christ with anyone who has not yet placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
Time is getting short and the enemy wants to distract, discourage, steal, kill, and destroy. More than ever, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and put away all distractions. Turn off the news (propaganda), tune out from mindless television shows, place firm boundaries on your social media time and smart phone viewing. Instead, dive headlong into God's Word. Study it deeply. Read and re-read it, from cover to cover. Take it to heart. Walk it out in your life while there is still time.
When you feel discouragement, confusion, frustration, anger, sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety creeping in, take control of your thoughts and turn them to Jesus and the things of Heaven.
Colossians 3:2 instructs us, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Romans 8:6-8 says, "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
Here is a little list I am providing for you that you can think about when you need to get out of a negative loop of thoughts and emotions.
1. Turn your thoughts to Heaven - "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." - Philippians 3:20-21.
2. Turn your thoughts to the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling you (if you are a believer in Jesus Christ) - Acts 1:8 says, "“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
3. Turn your thoughts to your Highest Purpose, to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ - the Great Commission given in the Gospel of Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
God can use you for such a time as this. Take heart, Heaven is getting closer every day and you were put on earth to be an Ambassador for Jesus Christ.
Looking for Our Blessed Hope,
Sherry Joy Collier, Artist & Therapist at The Praying Heart Art Studio
P.S. One more verse to meditate on: Titus 2:11-14 -"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."