I’m not a “doom ‘n gloomer”  by nature.  I like fun and I like to see the bright side of life and see the best in people.  But for several years now I have sensed in God that we as His people . . . as Kingdom minded people, need to prepare.  Prepare for what, you might ask.  Well, for one thing Jesus told us what would happen before He returns:

Matthew 24:3-14   And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Most of Jesus’ predictions have already come to pass and the rest of them are well on their way.  Let me tell you:

Tough times are exciting times!  

Tough times means Jesus is coming back!

Seriously Steve?  Yes, I’m absolutely serious.  I am looking forward to Christ’s return with passion.  And . . . no, I’m not going to run to the hills and duck for cover.  WE HAVE A JOB TO DO!!  And that is to tell as many people about Jesus as possible.  We will “occupy until He comes.”

So . . . what can we do now to prepare for tougher times:

1.  Don’t fear.  

Put Jesus and His Kingdom first and He will take care of you.  Matthew 6:33   Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

2.  Simplify.

Put your priorities in order.  If Jesus tarries, years from now, no one will care if you had “this much” in your bank account or won “that” award or accumulated “so much” stuff.  As someone once said:

“No one on their death bed wished they spent more time at the office.”

Invest in your loved ones, teach them God’s ways.  Model it – don’t just preach it.  Give yourself as much time as possible to serve God rather than wasting your life away in trivial pursuits. Be a light in the darkness, shine brightly for Jesus!

3.  Live with eternity in mind.

We are resident aliens living in a temporary home.  Whatever you do, do it with heaven in mind, this earth is just a weigh station.  A lot of what we think is so important . . . just isn’t.  Spend more time in worship than in worry.  That’s what we’ll be doing for eternity anyway . . .  Don’t get caught up in the temporary stuff of this world.  The first century church never complained about the oppressive Roman government . . . they just got on with the “True King’s” business.  And you know what?  THEY TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDEDOWN!

4.  Get out of debt.

The Bible says owe no one anything except the ongoing debt of love.  Work toward this end.  I believe that these next few years will be even tougher financially.  Even if they’re not, it’s still wisdom to be debt free and not be a slave to the lender.  Work toward this goal . . . sooner rather than later.  Trust God’s ways over the world’s.  Don’t neglect regular, authentic, joyful, New Testament giving.  God’s promises are greater than anything the world can offer.  You cannot out-give God!

5.  Pray

We are in a battle for people’s hearts and minds.  Our children’s hearts and minds.  Our personal prayer life and our church prayer meetings would be much more powerful and effective if we realized that folk’s eternal destinies hang in the balance.  The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man or a woman accomplishes much.

6.  Be a man or woman of the Word.  

Joshua 1:8-9   “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

7.  Stay tight with good like-minded friends.

We need each other.    Hebrews 10:24-25  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Love you all . . . fight the good fight!  Stay steady.  Keep looking to Jesus!!

Steve 🙂