Thursday, April 09, 2020

Significant Time

Today’s Devotional - April 8, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

I know many of us believe we are in the season immediately preceding the return of Christ. These are the end times. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you may be a minority, but you are definitely not alone. 

Life Way Research published an article  (April 7, 2020) with a poll about what Christians believe about the signs of the times. If you believe you are living at a significant point in history - the vast majority of pastors agree with you. 

I’ve spent my life expecting to see the end times. As I’ve matured, I’ve become aware that many others before me have done the same. There are two ideas for you to consider. 

First - They were mistaken, but that does not mean that I am mistaken. Jesus will return and His return is much closer now than it was. Daily we see evidence of the birth pangs Jesus describes in Matthew 24. Contractions slowly increase in intensity. There is a point when one contraction begins before the previous contraction is complete. When contractions stack, you are nearing “transition” in the birth process. Do you see that pattern?

Second - Even if our generation is not the last generation, this generation will come to an end. If we don’t complete what we have been entrusted with, there is no measure to what would be lost to future generations. In Christ, we live from a position of hope. As we fully surrender to the Lord’s call on our lives, He will move on your behalf to accomplish His will. In Christ, there is no limit to what can be accomplished in the world. 

People long for significance. It is a God-given longing. The longing emerges from your soul’s understanding that you will live for eternity. Eternal significance comes from purpose with eternal consequence. That purpose comes from the One who is called the Alpha and Omega… The Beginning and the End. 

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20) 

Pray with me; Jesus, help me to be Your disciple today and help me lead others to be disciples also. Give me an assignment for Your Kingdom, and the courage to carry it out - today. 

As recorded by Anthem Lights 

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

When darkness seems to hide his face
I rest on his unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale 
My anchor holds within the veil

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till he returns or calls me home
Christ alone, cornerstone… 

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

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