Hopeful Expectation

​Today many people feel hopeless, helpless and powerless.
I understand why. Our spiritually lost, morally bankrupt world is heading full speed toward hell in a hurry.
Sad, bad, maddening news is the order of the day in a world that willfully and arrogantly rejects the God of the Bible. Even Christians can become discouraged with what is happening in our culture.  If you and I as Christ’s followers  are not careful and discerning, humanity’s bad news can obscure and overshadow the fact of God’s good news that JESUS IS COMING BACK!  
My friend, if you are disillusioned, discouraged or depressed over the state of affairs in the nation and world, take heart. Everything that is happening is forecast in Scripture, is coming to pass on God’s timetable, and points to the glorious return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
How do we know that Jesus is coming back? The Word of God says so.
“For just as the lightning comes from the east, and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:27
“And if I go to prepare a place for you, I (Jesus) will come again, and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also.” John 14:3
And they said also, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go to into heaven.” Acts 1:11
“And then they will see the Son of Man coning in a cloud with great power and glory.” Luke 21:27
“Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself, nevertheless, I tell you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the cloud of heaven.” Matthew 26:64
“So Christ also, who having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await him.” Hebrews 9:28
‘For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. THEREFORE, COMFORT AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18
Just writing these promises from God about Christ’s imminent, glorious second coming thrills my spirit beyond expressions! Indeed, Jesus is coming back for all those who love Him and His appearing. Praise His holy name!
A young Christian was preparing his taxes on the evening of April 14th. Exasperated, he raised his hands to heaven and asked, “Tonight Lord?’. I get it and so do you.
Numerous times throughout my life I have looked to the skies and said “Today would be a good time to come back Jesus.” Still here. Still waiting with intense, excited anticipation to see the Lord.  
So what should you and I who follow Christ by faith do while awaiting His glorious return? Glad you asked.
What To Do While Awaiting Christ’s Second Coming

• Do not be surprised or discouraged by the events happening in our world. Bad news is never good. Our lost, brokenhearted world is suffering, despairing and feeling hopeless. But the world’s bad news points to the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
• Study Matthew 24, Luke 21, Romans 8:18-26, II Timothy 3:1-15, II Peter 2, the book of Jude and other passages that predict what must precede Christs coming. These ominous, prophetic signs are happening in our time, right before our eyes, in an accelerated manner and mean that Jesus’ glorious return is closer and closer every day!
• Keep your heart fixed on God’s eternal Kingdom, not this temporal, perishing world. This world is not home for believers in Christ. Jesus is getting everything ready for all who put their faith in Him and will take them to our heavenly home soon. Hallelujah!
• Pray for lost souls. Christians are light and salt in a dark, tasteless world. People need the Lord. They will be lost for eternity if they don’t receive Christ as their Savior and Lord. Awaken body of Christ to our prime directive of soul-winning and disciple making.
• Ask the Lord to help you be a winning witness for Him in these last days. People searching for truth need to hear about your personal relationship with Jesus. Shine brightly where God has placed you as you joyfully wait for Jesus to come back.

Encourage brothers and sisters in Christ that Jesus is coming back soon!!! Cheerlead fellow believers. Remind them of the big picture. Jesus is coming back!
You and I, as Christians, should start our day on the right spiritual foot by declaring “This is the day the Lord has made, therefore, I will rejoice in it.” (Psalm 118:24).  And Lord, maybe, just maybe You will return today. Talk about getting off to an awesome beginning every day!
Beloved in Christ, keep your heart and eyes fixed on the eastern sky. Jesus’ return is promised and will come to pass.  
The last two verses of the Bible encourage my heart.
“He who testifies of these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. Amen.”
My prayer and desire every day is for Jesus to come quickly. Is that your prayer? Are you expecting Jesus to return soon to take you to heaven?
A Word For Your Week: It is a fact Jesus is coming back!