"There will be terrible times in the last days..."
The news these days is quite instructive. If I were a baby Christian, I would have said “depressing”, but it is worthwhile to read the news in context of the Word of God. Wordwide, there is great disappointment with political leaders, there is state-sponsored terror, and impunity. For the story about persecution of Christians in the picture, click on it.
People and governments are increasingly not just immoral, but amoral, without any sense of right or wrong. Even in churches, many pastors believe righteousness is a means to financial gain – to the extent that I cannot even bear the sight of so many on TV – posturing and being so theatrical, having the form, but lacking the power.
However, we have confidence and foreknowledge in that Paul warned us of what would occur in the last days, as in these words in 2 Timothy 3;
” 1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
As we see the evil become more evil, the insatiable greed of corporations and their managers; and the growing secularity of nations, it should encourage us that Christ is coming soon. It should also inspire us towards good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do. The time is short.
God is not impressed by the nations that rage and the people who plot in vain. In fact He laughs and scoffs at them (Psalm 2) and soon will rule them with an iron scepter, dashing them to pieces like pottery.
I’ve been focusing too much on the world these days, terrorism, wickedness, impunity, corruption, greed, and too little on what God is doing. That must change. I will instead, focus on what God is doing and what He is calling me too. I will fix my heart and thoughts on things above, where Jesus is seated at the Father’s right hand. That is the wisest course. When the dust settles over His creation, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Then we will see that it was the best decision to serve the Lord with fear, rejoice with trembling and take refuge in Him. May you be similarly encouraged in Jesus. Amen.
I am searching for true to life Jesus healing stories to publish in my blog which is still to be constructed. I hope that despite this you can still be willing to help me.
If you prefer to see my website constructed first, then please tell me so also.
For now, I would like references to books, articles or witnesses that tell healings through Jesus.
In the Philippines there are millions of people who gather every January 9th for the Black Nazarene. However I have surfed the internet and I can’t seem to find any stories of Christ’s healings during these gatherings. I’m afraid that newspapers just feature the tragedy of stampede (there were three people killed in the last gathering) rather than the beauty of the healings.
Can you please send to my address: mrltayao@yahoo.com any names (in any country) phone numbers or email addresses of people who can be witnesses to Christ’s healing powers? I am willing to be the one to contact them and pay for the expenses of long distance calls etc.
In the interest of truth.
Maria Tayao
It is so encouraging to hear fresh reports of God’s healing power in manifestation. One of things we teach our interns is that God can and will heal…we must take Him at His Word. If you are interesting in getting more training on healing and the things of God, check out our website at http://www.220i.net