Another tragic “disaster” headline was in the news today. Thousands of people washed away, presumed dead, after major floods following heavy rainfall and the collapse of a dam in Libya. Hawaiians are still reeling from the catastrophic loss of life and destruction of property in Maui, hundreds of wildfires are still sweeping through Canada, USA and several other nations, eating up thousands of acres of woodland and anything else in their path. And there’s been a devastating earthquake in Morocco, the dead numbering in the thousands… And the list goes on.
I haven’t deliberately left anyone out, but there are so many areas around the world now where people are suffering from natural weather and seismic related disasters, man-made disasters (reports of arson starting wildfires in some places!), drought, famine, disease, poverty, war…
Then there is the prideful arrogance of the “me first” culture, especially evident in the West. I AM is who God says HE is, but this has been hijacked by those who want to be their own god. Influencers, wealthy celebrities – and even quite ordinary people who proudly share every detail of their lives on tv or social media in the hope of being “followed” and gaining fame, money and adulation…
We are also seeing rampant inflation, debt and shortages in some areas which, though they seem so much less terrible when compared to those who really have literally lost everything, still cause enormous stress and worry to those who are affected. That stress can lead to anxiety and mental health problems, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, even suicide… But it’s all relative! The gap between the haves and have nots is getting ever wider.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
For Christians, all this echoes the end time events prophesied in the bible, which leads us to believe that time is short! If that is the case (which I personally think it is) what are we doing with ourselves, our time, our money, our relationships…? Are we looking for opportunities to pray, to speak, to feed, to bless?
This is an excerpt from a very vivid dream I had back in March 2019, which has been on my mind again lately…
I was getting ready to go away and I knew I had loads of stuff in my cupboards that I wanted to get rid of so I could travel light. There was a vast wok, about 3ft wide! Maybe I don’t need to feed so many? Perhaps a smaller pan will do. One that I already have? We are all part of the body for a reason, we generally have small circles of influence. The Lord says the pan you have is big enough, you don’t need to try to feed everyone! You are in the place I’ve put you for a purpose, but when you pray you influence the body of Christ all over the world and open doors. That’s why you should pray continually for all the saints!
He does not set us up to fail! He wants us to succeed and shows us how to stay in the journey. Throw out the junk, travel light, keep your eyes on the goal and trust him!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So… in these darkening days, where it is easy to be afraid, to be selfish, to be thoughtless, to be influenced by others, to be prideful, to be too comfortable, to be spiritually blind, to think there’s plenty of time and it’ll all be alright in the end, won’t it…?
Who is in YOUR circle of influence? Who do you know who doesn’t know Jesus? Who do you know who does know him but needs your encouragement, love, support, prayers? You only need a small pan! Feed those in your circle, and other people will likewise feed you when you need it.
And keep praying for all the saints!
The Finished Work 
Going back to hand writing letters and hand delivering them, and I’m not joking. I understand that reduces our sphere of influence, but all those spheres can overlap, if you put them in a line. Bringing back the pony express, may not be wise as there are too many weapons to take a man and a horse out, but we can do it, I’m confident. — I literally just posted this comment about 8 minutes ago on someone else’s post.
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I believe we are definitely seeing the signs of the last days. I am so glad to read a post that says this is the last days. The Lord told me in 2019 He was coming back, and His people were not ready and for me to warn them. So that is what I try to do. God Bless you, Sister!!
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Bless you! As a not saved teenager in the 1970s, I had a very strong sense that “The world as we know it would end in my life time.” I guess you can say that it already has in a way. The huge leap in technology and the completely different lifestyle we have now, but it was bigger than that. But when I got saved in 1994 and started to get good teaching and read the bible, I became very interested in eschatology and what the bible had to say about the end times. It seems really obvious to me that prophecy is being fulfilled on a daily basis and we can’t have much longer. Sadly, a lot of Christians think, oh we can’t know the day or the hour so we’ll just carry on with our lives or they say that people have thought for centuries that the Lord is coming back and he hasn’t… But we are told to watch. We are the fig tree generation – the Jews are back in their land. All the signs are pointing to “the end of the world as we know it”; the snatching away of the bride, as per the Galilean wedding, the rise of the false Messiah… We need to be ready for the bridegroom’s return! Not saying I understand everything, but I do have a sense of urgency! The biggest lie is “There’s plenty of time!”
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What a great answer! I was in my 20’s in the 70’s. I was saved in 77. The Lord has done so much for me. I too am a widow. My husband died in 2002 suddenly of a heart attack. but Jesus has been so good to me. I promise you it gets easier. But it does take time. We used to teach Bible Studies in our home about the last days. Now here I am writing about the last days.
I agree many are not wanting Him to return yet. They have too much to do still. Not me. I say Come Lord Jesus!
I am glad to have someone to talk to about it who understands. Nice to meet you! What is your name? It is hard to pray for picturesofgold. 🌹💝🎶
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Hi Wenda, my name’s Lynn. Two n’s, no e, as I always tell people! 😊 Thank you for your reply. I’m sorry to hear about your husband. He died the year my youngest was born. Sadly, mine died during the “covid era”, though not of it or with it! He went very suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack too. Such a blessing for him. We were only allowed 30 people at his funeral due to restrictions. I so wanted it to be an outreach, but in the end probably only half there were not saved. I wrote the eulogy (sermon!) which my eldest son read beautifully. It was about how we are known by God, and were known by Him before we were knit together in our mother’s womb, but challenging the attendees as to whether they knew Jesus. We weren’t allowed to sing, so I carefully chose the music (all Christian songs) as people would have no choice but to sit and listen to the words. The funeral was recorded, so I was able to send it to others who wanted to see it. It was the best I could do in the circumstances.
I do find life challenging at times. John and I were complete opposites in everything except our core values. A dating agency never would have paired us! Lol! But together we made a whole. He was good at practical stuff, I’m more of a thinker! He wasn’t perfect, and neither am I, but he was a good man who always did the best that he could. And he was a great dad! Being a father was the joy of his life!
So, I miss him… I am lonely sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by life sometimes, I still feel almost paralysed by grief and scared to go out sometimes… BUT GOD. The Lord is so faithful. I am learning to be me, instead of half of us. I’m no longer afraid of death because I know John went there first. The last great adventure! I remember going to a funeral one very cold and snowy winter, the car park was like a skating rink and I was petrified of falling. He just grabbed my hand and said, “Come on! Just walk! If you look where you’re going, you WILL fall over!!” And before I knew it we were half running across about 100ft of uneven ice and slush to the church! He made me brave… and now I’m blubbing again! 😔 🙄
I am watching and waiting for the sound of the trumpet, have been for many years, but I’m also conscious of all the people I love and care about, who will be left behind, and I pray that they will have an encounter with Jesus before it’s too late. I know many will be saved during the tribulation, but it’s going to cost them dearly! The age of grace will have passed and they will pay with their own lives, where Jesus paid for ours with his. ❤
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Not sure what the US mail system is like, but over here it’s slower than a snail (if it gets there at all!) and getting rather pricey! For the last several years I’ve hand delivered birthday cards etc to anyone in a 15 mile radius or so. Half an hour’s drive is reasonable. With the cost of fuel it’s dearer than a stamp, but a) it gets there on the right day and b) you can give your person a hug! Although I love writing, I’m not good at putting pen to paper anymore and confess I do prefer instant electronic communications over pen and ink! I know that’s the way the world is going and, of course, electronic communications can be monitored more easily, should the powers that be feel the need! I do also meet up with and phone people too. 🙂
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Was just thinking also, I’m starting to connect with and impact people on a one-to-one basis. That’s how I communicate best, and my head is clearer to hear the Lord speak and guide the conversation in that kind of situation. I feel my role has changed somewhat since being widowed. I’m not so good in a crowd now. I have led groups in the past but it wasn’t really my comfort zone, I was just more able to step out! I’m better at coming alongside individuals, and encouraging, teaching etc. I have listened to thousands of hours of solid bible teaching over many years and seem to be able to pass on bits of that understanding to people who need to hear it at the time. I hope! So yes, we aren’t all meant to be great evangelists speaking to multitudes of people at once, are we?! Most of us are just quietly going about the Lord’s business to the people he puts in our path on a daily basis. 🙂
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We all can be a missionary to the neighbor next door or just that one person at the grocery store. I’m working on ministering to a neighbor of mine and his family, his name is Jay, would you keep him and his family (his mother and siblings, not sure if a dad is in the picture as of yet) in prayer? They are pretty much lost souls, but Jesus is calling their names.
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Will do! Yes I have a couple of people who are central on my “Jesus” radar at the moment too. Jane and Pete. No relation to each other!
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I will be praying for them, myself.
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Well Hello Lynn! Great Name. As if the funeral wasn’t hard enough. I know how you feel. He made me confident and I needed that and miss it. I have found it in Jesus though I lose it at times. I felt He was in my corner and I miss that. I was attacked by Satan in every way after He died. My daughter died 5 years after He died. She was 25 and had Juvenile Onset Diabetes. But I know they are both with Jesus.
I have learned so much from the trials and my life is really so much better now than it was. So I will not complain. Jesus Is better to me than 1000 husbands. He is my Everything.
You can Blubb to me anytime you need to!
😂😉🥰
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