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The Return of the King from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo.

Have you ever not had time to complete something? Like when a teacher gives you a deadline for a report, but you just get too busy doing everything else, and the time slips away. You knew the day was coming. You knew you had to have it completed, but you still focused on something else. There is a deadline approaching, which none of us will want to miss. 

(2 Peter 3:9–12 NASB)  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!

Most of our beliefs are based on past events, like the birth of Jesus or His crucifixion and resurrection. These events are sacred and immeasurably important, but now behind us in the timeline. What is approaching is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Earth.

Make no mistake about it, the Lord is patient and does not desire anyone to be lost. But we are the ones who make our decision, and the clock is ticking. Meaning to do something one day just means that you have not done it yet. Don't let time get away from you. We can become so much like Martha. So busy, so distracted that we can't hear Him even while the Lord is speaking.

(Luke 10:38–42 NASB) "Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Martha was worried and bothered about so many things. But the most important one was to spend time listening to the Lord. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, where there would be a great conflict that would lead to His crucifixion. He desired Martha's fellowship more than her service. To spend some time with those He loved. After all, those who put Jesus at the center of their lives were always taken care of. They never went hungry. When you seek to know Him better, you don't have to worry if He will take care of you.

(Luke 12:29–31 NASB) "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you."

Enjoy your life, but keep Him at the center of it. Know that He is in the workplace with You each day. Now is the time to be getting ready for His return. He gives each of us time to prepare ourselves and get our priorities straight. But know that He is occasionally checking out the fruit you have produced in your life so far.

(Luke 13:6–9 NKJV) He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'"

One of the main themes of the return of Jesus Christ is that it will catch the world off guard. Though the deadline is approaching, people, in general, will be too focused on worldly things to be ready. When that day comes, there will be no more time to prepare. When the door of the ark was sealed, those who were outside of it were lost.

(Matthew 24:37–39 NASB) "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be."

Jesus told a parable about ten bridesmaids who were to serve at a wedding. Five of them were wise and prepared themselves for the long wait. While the others did not. When the bridegroom was delayed, the lamps of the unprepared ones began to go out because they did not have enough fuel. They ran to buy some more oil at the last minute, but it was too late. The door to the wedding was shut, and they found themselves on the wrong side of it.

(Matthew 25:10–13 NASB) And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. "Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour."

If you think you know when the Lord will return, you are wrong (Matthew 24:42, Matthew 24:44, Luke 12:40). But one thing we do know, it will happen fast. It will be like a flash of lightning in the dark, and there you will be standing in the presence of Jesus Christ, and He won't be a baby. For those who prepared, it will be so wonderful. For others, it will be the most terrifying thing they have ever faced.

(Matthew 13:40–43 NASB) "So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. "The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. "Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

You can pray this with me if you like:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am Yours. Please come into my life and guide me through the times that are coming. Help me get in tune with what You are doing and speak to me in a way that I understand. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: 2021 is almost here! For those who may have missed the email, here is our 2020 RHM Year-end Wrap-up which contains thoughts and happenings on this incredible year. Also, for those who would like to support RHM with a tax-deductible donation, there are only a few days left, so just a heads up on that :). We so appreciate all of you who have blessed us with your support throughout the year - your help and friendship encourage us more than we can express! May you all have a blessed, healthy and joyful New Year and 2021!