I am homesick for a place that I have not been, nor have these eyes seen – But, God’s word speaks of a place that His Spirit illuminates within the soul that makes us long for this celestial place of rest, peace and hope. Over the years after having a personal encounter with my Lord and Savior and deciding to give my will and life over to Him, my thoughts became filled with the anticipation of this heavenly home. It has been a journey, so to speak, because even desiring His Will- His Life- His Salvation I have not arrived where I want to be so badly as quickly as I would have liked, and I am still not HOME yet…. But along the way, as I am sure everyone can attest to, God is ever present and patient….. He is teaching, encouraging, protecting and providing! And praise God, He uses each of us in the lives of others along the way – to help, encourage, enlighten, teach, support, and minister to – that is His Church – His Body.
While in prayer a few days ago, I asked God why it is taking so long? Why can’t we just go home now? There seems to be so much suffering in the world. Our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted and martyred…. In some cases, disease wracking our bodies with the pain and suffering associated with it….. And then there are the families that are “falling apart” with children wandering away being influenced by the “things of the world” that we know are going to bring heartache to them….
While in prayer, I believe I heard the Lord say: “Do you know what you are asking of me? I know you want to be home now – I understand that my child – I have actually put that desire deep within you. You are going to have to trust My Timing for this – It will happen as I have promised in My Spirit – In My Word…. I will not leave, nor forsake you ever!! I will protect each and every one of “My Own”….. Remember My Mighty Angel Army…. Keep the Faith – Keep Growing – Keep Going…..”
“When you ask to be taken home, I know you are praying for the Rapture – My Promised Return for My Bride… “
Then I felt that the Lord reminded me that with “The Rapture of The Bride” that His Light will be removed – those who teach, preach, encourage, pray, support, stand up for the things of God will be removed – those who are true to the Lord now, will be removed. I think that also means that His Wrath will truly begin – I interpret the word to say this…. I believe that God will always have His true witnesses in place to spread the good news of the truth of the gospel…. I am thinking that the two witnesses and the 144,000 will fulfill much of this role…. Then there may be some who had heard of the truth, but never fully grasp or understood the meaning of it - they will realize that what they had been told was indeed true….. The Rapture – the catching away of the believers has occurred – and they now have to deal with the reality of what going to occur on the earth… I truly believe God will still be with those individuals who come to believe late….. His Love is so magnificent, that none should perish. Also with the materials that have been prepared by wonderful teachers and ministers of the word, hopefully much of this will still be available to be accessed by those seeking after the Lord late…..
Jesus is the “Light of the World.” In Him, is no darkness….. Without Him, there is much darkness. I am including a few nuggets of His Beautiful Truth regarding His Light – and the darkness that occurs without Him.
Genesis 1:3-4 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.
Exodus 13:21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:130 The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
Matthew 5:14 (Jesus speaking): You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
John 1:3-6 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 1:6-9 - John’s Witness: The True Light - There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 12:46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
Acts 13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Matthew 27:45 - Jesus Dies on the Cross Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.
Amos 5:20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it?
Revelation 18:23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.
Revelation 21:23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
I believe that we need to keep the faith, keep studying His Word, keep reaching out in love to our fellow man – both believers and nonbelievers – the days are growing darker…. Keep Looking Up – and pray without ceasing! Trust God!
I am going to include some news articles that came through this week – in January of the year of the Lord 2016! I get excited about this…. He is the Creator! Look what we have ahead of us - We are just beginning to see His wonders! Let us all truly celebrate with the individuals – the scientists who are making these discoveries! We all know the source of these marvelous things! Let us rejoice along with them and with Our Lord!!
Some Trivia for this week:
The seventh row of the Element table has been completed with the addition of four elements:
http://news.discovery.com/human/four-new-elements-added-to-periodic-table-160104.htm
Science is confirming what the Bible says:
Galaxies are merging: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2016/01/05/stunning-hubble-image-shows-two-galaxies-merging.html