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This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached

in the whole world as a testimony

to all the nations,

and then the end will come.

~ Matthew 24:14

 

Good morning dear sister!

It’s a c-c-c-old, cold morning as I sit here in my sunrise chair! The sun has since passed behind the house next door and I no longer feel its warmth coming through the windowpanes. Every sunrise makes me think of the Lord’s return. It reminds me of that song…"behold He comes, riding on the clouds, shining like the sun”.... (based on Rev.1:7)

I confess that I have a difficult time yearning for the Lord’s return. Revelation 1:7 goes on to say, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.” 

That being God’s will, given a choice, I would much rather go to Him than He return to this world, bringing the end and mourning with Him. I think of all my loved ones who don’t know Him yet. I am concerned for the billions of people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It soon becomes overwhelming to think about it all.

But then I call to mind (thank you Holy Spirit), that our God, the Creator of all humanity, is our Father who loves us! There are no orphans, no abandoned or forgotten. He has sent Jesus into the world for the salvation of every tribe, nation and tongue! The salvation of every soul who has walked the face of this earth! 

How is God going to work that all out? I don’t know. Many Christians are working hard and sacrificing much, standing on the word of God that reminds us that ALL things are possible with Him! (Matthew 19:26) We are not in charge of what goes on in this world, but we are held accountable to our Abba for what we do in our own lives.

The Lord has a task for each of us, every day! Even as He sends willing servants to the uttermost parts of the earth to share the Gospel of His kingdom, we, who toil away at home, can be a part of God’s great commission through our prayers, financial support and encouragement! God will work through a willing heart, even if that heart is homebound; nothing is impossible for Him!

Thank God that He has given us a Helper, a Guide, the Comforter! The activity of the Holy Spirit in us is a part of our testimony that shines forth to those we encounter every day! We may touch more people than we know with the love of Jesus simply by letting the fruits of the Spirit flow freely through us. 

If we do that, we will treat each other with love, forbearance, gentleness and kindness! We will have joy and peace in our lives! God will be glorified when we exhibit self-control and model goodness and faithfulness! Against these things there is no law!

After thinking about this (Abba, thank you for helping me to figure it out), I realize that I don’t need to carry the whole burden of the whole world coming to know Jesus! I need only to be faithful to do what He has called me to do! He has already given me all that I need to participate in His work where He wants me to be!

If He has done that for me, He has done that for you as well, my dear sister! What is He calling you to do for His kingdom today? Be encouraged that whatever He requires you to give, He will return so much more to you! (Luke 6:38) Whatever He calls you to do, He will empower you to do it! (Acts 1:8) Your prayers are powerful! (James 5:16)

God, who causes the sun to rise every day, is the same God who causes His Son to rise in the hearts of every person on earth! He has empowered His children, by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, to share the Good News, to preach and live the Gospel and testify to His good works! 

Go forth in the power of God today! Hallelujah!

With love, your sister, Celeste