Read Luke 17:20-36
I say a hardy “Amen!” to today’s devotion. He is coming soon! Angie hit the nail on the head yesterday, and those songs Angie chose, gave me such a stronger longing to go. Heaven is real.
The beginning of today’s scripture talks about a pushy little Pharisee that was demanding an answer from Jesus. Christ made it clear, we won’t know the exact time, for He said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation…” His word also tells us in Matt. 25:13, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day not the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” First Thessalonians 5:2 reads: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”
We are seeing a Noah age or Lot day of wickedness, I agree with Beth. People are seemingly more concerned about what they can get out of life and the pleasures that can fulfill them. I keep thinking about, “where’s the servant’s heart in all of this?” This weekend the Lord led my husband to preach about end times, also. He was preaching from Daniel. He talked about the stage being set for the rapture of the church and then the anti-Christ to come on the scene. I’m so glad I’m not looking for the anti-Christ.
I want to go in the first load! And I want my family to make it to Heaven, too. I’m sure you have lost loved ones, as well. We must keep praying for them. You may be the only one praying for them. God hears every prayer. He listens. He answers in His timing.
I often think about vs. 32: “Remember Lot’s wife.” As wicked as a place as Sodom was somewhere in her heart she had a longing to go back. She looked back and became a “pillar of salt.” How did Lot’s family feel knowing that had happened to her? As Lot was ahead of her walking, the daughters may have been behind her and had to walk past her and leave her. What a sad thought! She died as a memorial to all who look back to sin. Vs. 33-36 talk about when the rapture takes place, the regular day-to-day activities will be taking place, but some will be taken from their places in society. What a day that will be! Where do you think you will be? I may be at work and I’ll go up with all the pediatric patients, or I might be standing at a graveside with my husband doing a funeral and the coffin pops open with a saint of God rising first for us all to see and then we can join them in sky! According to 1 Thess. 4:16 & 17. It will happen, we must be ready! I pray the Lord will give us all a stronger burden for the lost sheep.
Join in Beth’s prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I assure You– as Paul instructed us– that I am “encouraged” by the fact that You Yourself will one day descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise. Then those who are alive will be caught up together with them to meet You in the air; and so we will always be with You– all of us(1 Thess. 4:16-18). Lord, even though we haven’t yet seen that great day, we know we are already safe within Your covenant love. Even so–come, Lord Jesus.”
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
Jeff & Angie 
I know that with every passing day my heart longs for His coming more than ever, and yet at the same time I am torn because I have so many loved ones that have not given themselves to Him. I'm praying for a harvest in my family.
Sorry I've been gone awhile. We've had some upheaval in our life and there was just too much on my plate. I've missed you ladies terribly. Please keep my family in your prayers. Especially my husband. Today He is applying for a job that would just thrill our souls if he were to get it.
Aimee, that was powerful! I feel the urgency in the days we are living! Every time my eyes fall on the WORD, especially the ones that you have shared, tears swell and fall!
Regina-GOD has a divine plan—hold TIGHTER than you've ever held! Keep your faith in HIM and not in the circumstances—HE WILL DELIVER YOUR FAMILY from the tiresome situtation. It may have brought heavy hearts to your home—but GOD IS THE BURDEN BEARER! He will LIGHTEN YOUR load—lean on HIM. TRUST IN HIM. Carry it all to the foot of the cross!
I have missed you but we have been praying for the LORD to minister to your family in the current situation. I believe with all my heart that we can ask—and trust HIM to meet the needs of our lives! HIS WORD declares it SO!
Regina, we are glad to have you back and your husband and family will be in our prayers. Keep us posted on the job your husband is getting! Lots of love and prayers!
Aimee
You ladies are the best. I am so thankful that God has brought us together. I pray that He will bless the two of you for being faithful and inviting us on this journey with you.
Aimee what a beautiful continuation of Angie's post.
Regina I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers also.
Bless you dear Aimee for this. Regina, I am praying for you. I love you all.