If we listen to the news, we are certain to feel the weight of all that is going on in the world. Whether it is the media seeking ratings by hyperbolic speech or whether the world is plunging forward toward World War III, we cannot help but notice the chaos. Fear enters our hearts as we realize that we must at this point be hearing the warning signs that God is pleading with us to turn around and seek Him. Because only in Him can we find hope peace and joy in a nation of chaos. Yet, hope peace and joy are not what we see in the world around us today. In the world there is chaos, fear, famine, and winter is coming.
Many countries and people facing a cold winter with no fuel to heat their homes. Some in Europe are asked to reduce their bathing and baking. Companies are forced to reduce their employees and their hours of work. Meanwhile, I noted today that the shelves in Walmart were many of them stripped bare. Meat not available on many shelves. And we wonder. Is it too late? Or has God forsaken us all! Absolutely Not! God throughout the ages has pursued each of us with His relentless love. But He will not force anyone. Is there time for one last revival before He declares the end of this the church age?
A Review of History—Hope Peace and Joy amid Worldwide Chaos
If we look through history, God sent His prophets warning Israel from 931 BC until 722 BC before their captivity. This was in spite of so many refused to listen. Instead, they followed after sin. And for Judah, He persisted in pursuing them with miracles, admonitions, warnings, famines, and every attempt to get their attention from 931 BC until 586 BC. Nineveh one of the most evil gentile cities, he proclaimed their destruction would come. Yet, they repented and followed Him. Therefore, they lived another 150 years until the latter generations rejected Him before He sent their destruction.
God never forgot His people, keeping promise to them. From the time Adam sinned, God promised a Savior. When all had turned their back on God, one family was preserved to carry forward God’s plan of redemption. That was Noah. Not because He was perfect; but He believed God. That faith was counted to him for righteousness. God chose Abraham to carry forward the promise of a Savior. Then throughout the ages, God remained faithful, protecting the remnant of believers, while also reaching out to the whole world. And now, can we see the warnings all around us?
A World of Chaos of Our Own Making
Romans 1:16 (NKJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [h]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
We watched throughout the ages; humanity chose to worship all forms of idols instead of God. With great patience and enduring love, He has presented Himself to the world relentlessly. But alas often to little avail. Yet, in His wisdom, He knew that one cannot love were by choice. Each of us are given that choice to believe Him, bow down to Him as Lord, or not. When we do, we are given love, hope, peace, and joy abounding for eternity. So, why do so many say no?
How Do We Know A Society Is Falling Under Judgement?
Well, as we noted above, they seek after many other gods. Money, pleasure, selfish desires, the earth, the sun, the moon, idols made by hand, and the list goes on. As the word says, “God gave them up to” means He stepped back and allowed them to pursue the desires they requested to without interfering. So let us continue in Romans 1 to follow this plan.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the [j]men, leaving the natural use of the [k]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, [sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 ]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, ]unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Resulting in What? Hope Peace and Joy? No!
Thus, the thrust toward humanistic philosophies believing humanity can rise to a better society on their own has now step by step led us to division, confusion, and despair. As Ben Harnwell refers to them, our psychopathic overlords still push for a globalization agenda that is pushing us farther and farther into ultimate destruction. Famine, wars, pandemics, and the complete destruction of enterprise. “you will own nothing and be happy” is their motto. For their plan to work there needs to be a smaller population—hence famines, pandemics, chemical castration of the children, abortions, fentanyl deaths, and creation of a violent criminal society all work together to eliminate whom they deem “unworthy”. Meanwhile they are protected, fly about in their jets, and scam money from every side. Ah, well I digress. So, what now?
For all who know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we see everything playing out just as God foretold both in Old Testament Prophecy, New Testament Prophecy, and Revelations. God is still on His throne in Heaven. We may feel like Exiles in Foreign Habitancies; however, we have hope peace and Joy in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10 (NKJV)
9 Therefore, brethren, having boldness[f] to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10 (NKJV)
Jesus speaking of the end Times: Matthew 24 (NKJV)
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for [a]all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, [b]pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: We Have Hope peace and joy in Christ Jesus our Lord
As I watch the world around me, I mourn for all those who are lost. I long for His return; but, if He tarry it is His awaiting one more soul to accept Him. Things may get a lot worse. Yet, I have seen a rising up around the world of those who are standing up for God, Family, and Virtue. Will it be enough for one more revival? We shall see. Meanwhile, I live with hope, peace, and joy in Him. Jesus Christ, my Lord, and Savior holds me in the palm of His hand. Whatever may come, I rest all my hope in Him. He has loved me with an unrelenting love. And I know I can trust Him whatever comes my way.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)
When the World Seems So Dark In the Dark of the Night My heart filled with fright Our one hope of light Is Jesus In a World filled with Lies With Evil’s disguise Truth is our prize In Jesus When you feel all alone When Sadness has grown Bow to the Throne Of Jesus For He is the light, the truth, and the way The One who has died to save you today Not only died, but rose from the grave He has the power, the power to save He is our Hope when all hope is gone From the darkest of night, He brings a new dawn Look to Jesus, our Savior, the King of all Kings All honor and Glory, for His joy He brings So let us all rise His Praise to impart For His Love we know will never depart When the world seems so dark, we can’t see our way His is the light to guide us each day
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DISCLOSURES
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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