Wars & Rumors of Wars

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

~Matthew 24:29-31

I have always been fascinated with the end of life as we know it here on planet Earth. The wars, rumors of wars, and all of the other things that must take place before Jesus Christ returns. I was raised to believe in the pre-tribulation rapture theory that all Christians will be called off the earth before any of the really bad stuff happens. In 1995, the Lord began to show me things that changed my mind. I no longer believe that Christians are exempt from what is coming in the last days. If you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, I'm not here to change your mind. If I'm correct, you'll know soon enough, and if you're correct, it's not going to matter to either of us. The reason I bring it up is because today, April 30, 2018, a nuke was dropped on Syria. The situation has hit critical mass. 

The reason I'm writing this is because our lives may change very soon in ways we could never imagine. No matter what we believe about our futures, we have to be more concerned with our eternal future. Whether a pre-tribulation rapture, a mid-tribulation rapture, or a post-tribulation rapture, our eternal destination is being determined right now.

"For He says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2)."

No matter where you are or what you've done, the heart of God is calling out to you. We don't know what tomorrow will bring or if we'll be here to see it. However, we do know none of us are getting out of here alive, and the choice we make right now will determine our eternal future. Jesus is calling out to you, don't ignore Him. 

"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8-10)."

Read 2 Samuel 9-11; Matthew 24

©2018 Marie McGaha

The Last Word

"He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
~Revelation 22:20

When I was younger, I thought this verse, and others about Jesus' return, wasn't all that important. After all, I'd heard all about the Rapture since I was a little kid, and my grandmother patiently awaited that moment when when the Lord would show up amid thunder, a shout and the blast of the Shofar. She believed the Lord would return in her lifetime. As I got older and had more understanding of the hope my grandmother had in Christ's return, I also began to have that same hope. Even the disciples believed Christ's Second Coming would occur in their lifetime. I suppose every generation since then has believed they would see the coming of the Lord. I know I certainly do. 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going (John 14:1-4)."

We don't have to know when the Lord will take us home, whether at His Second Coming or through our bodily death. What we have to know is that one way or the other, we will see Him again. We have to be ready no matter when we are called home. 

Jesus' last words, "I am coming soon," may occur in my lifetime, and what a wonderful event that will be to see first-hand. However, if He doesn't, is there any less hope in my heart? Of course not. My hope is not in an event, it is in the person of Jesus Christ who gave His life that I would have mine. That is the hope of Glory. One day, I will leave this body and all of it's aches and pains, and step from this life into eternal life with my one true hope, the Lord Himself. The last words Jesus said in this life will be forgotten as soon as I hear the first words He speaks to me in His kingdom: "Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)."

 "But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour (Matthew 25:6-13)."

Read 2 Samuel 6-8
Weekend reading 1 Chronicles 14-17

©2018

The Death Of The Saints

"I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set
8
the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."
~Psalm16:7-8

My friend, Joel Tilley, went home to be with the Lord last night. As sorry as I feel for his wife, Sue, and the grief and heartache she is experiencing today, my heart rejoices because Joel is in Heaven where I want to be. I can't imagine what it's like to finally stand before our Lord and Savior. Joel was in his 90s and has served the Lord for many years. He has earned his rest. 

Many people, even some Christians, think of Heaven as an abstract place. And I know some Christians who still fear death. Personally, I look forward to the day I leave this planet and join my family members who have gone before me, but most of all, I want to see Jesus face to face. After all, isn't that our ultimate destination?

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)."

There's a saying I like: Earth is not my home. I'm just passing through on my way to Heaven. That is true for every blood-bought Christian alive today. For everyone who has accepted Christ as their Savior, has confessed with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, and has called upon His name, the reward is everlasting life with Him in a brand new body free of pain and sorrow.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4)."

We live in mortal bodies with aches and pains. The evidence of our mortality grows ever clearer with each passing year. Life without pain, sorrow, suffering, anger, war, and all of the other things we live with every day may seem like a dream, but in Christ, that is our reality when we close our eyes to this life.

My friend, Joel is free of the pain in his body brought on by advancing age and the cancer he's fought so valiantly. He is rejoicing with the saints of Heaven right now and probably has hugged the stuffing out of Jesus. He is where I want to be. Where each of us should want to be.

"Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15)."

Read 2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 11 & 12

©2018

The Battle Is Real

"The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."
~Romans 13:12

This is one of my favorite verses, although, I have to admit, when I first read it in my youth, I had no idea what it meant. But being me, sort of like a dog with with a bone, I don't let go of anything until I have an understanding of the spiritual, physical and metaphysical meanings. I chewed on that verse for years! It may seem that elementary, it means to stop living in sin (darkness) and to live in the light (salvation). But I think it has a much deeper, richer meaning for us. 

In Jesus' day, and prior to His life on Earth, battles against invading armies we're common. When warriors rested at night they wore a different type of armor that was heavy and cumbersome. It served two purposes - to protect them from the elements, and to protect them from a sneak attack while they slept. When dawn approached, the took off the heavier armor for a lighter type that allowed more freedom of movement to engage their enemy in battle. 

In Romans 13:12, Paul uses this metaphor of taking off one thing and trading it for another. Certainly, when we experience salvation in Jesus Christ, we come out of the darkness of sin into the light of forgiveness and redemption. As we grow in Christ, we also take off the ignorance of not understanding our place in the Kingdom and put on the full maturity of Christ's nature.

"Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life' (John 8:12)."

When we contrast Romans with the above verse, we see that it is only by Jesus that we come out of the darkness that engulfs our souls. But it's there that the real battle begins. We are now on satan's hit list. The battle is real and we must fight like soldiers, fully covered in armor.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-13)."

When we look at the Old Testament, we see the physical battles the Children of Israel went through to possess the land promised to Abraham. Even then, the battle belonged to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15). In every physical battle, there was a spiritual battle. When God's people did as the Lord said, the battle was won. When they ignored the Lord's commands, their enemies won. The battle remains the same for us. When we listen to the Lord and obey Him, victory is ours every time.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priest-hood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)."

Read 2 Samuel 1-4; 1 Chronicles 10

©2018 www.mariemcgaha.com

It's Not About The Money

"Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 
~Luke 12:13-15

Like most working class Americans, we live paycheck to paycheck. The bills are paid, we don't want for anything but there's not much left over either. That is sometimes very frustrating considering the hours and effort put into earning those paychecks. It seems every time we might get a little bit ahead, something comes up and there goes the extra. On top of that, prices edge upward every day. The last time I filled up my truck's tank, gas was nineteen cents a gallon higher than the month before! But I remember when I was a kid and my parents complaining about the same things - not enough money and rising prices. However, the Bible tells us not to worry about those things because God takes care of His people.

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:31-33)."

We live in a world that worships excess and no matter how much people have, it's never enough. We see teens dealing drugs because wearing gold chains and driving big cars, and living the "thug life" is better than getting an education and earning a living. We see the rise and demise of Hollywood stars as they strive to be rich and famous. Television shows offer recording contracts to hopeful contestants who want to be the next big singing star. But how many 'one hit wonders' have we seen over the years who are here today and gone tomorrow?

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13.)"

We all go through highs and lows in life and knowing that God is in control of every situation is how we get through each day. It isn't how much we earn, how big our bank accounts are, or the kind of car we drive that impresses God. It's our love for Him, for others, the condition and motives of our hearts that matter. 

We work to pay our bills and there's nothing wrong with living paycheck to paycheck. If we inherit a million bucks, there's nothing wrong with that either. It's how we live with what we have that matters. Go to church, study God's word, pay your tithes, serve God by serving others. Those things matter to God, and what matters to God is what should matter to us.

"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to the one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God (Psalm 50:23)!"

Read 1 Samuel 29-31; Psalm 69, 81, &131

©2018 www.mariemcgaha.com

Cast Your Cares

"Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]."
~Philippians 4:6-7 (Amplified Bible)

I don't use the Amplified Bible often but I like the way it expands on this verse. I see so many people worrying, stressed out and anxious about everything in their lives. They are living in the exact opposite way the Bible tells us to.  I used to worry over bills, jobs, my kids, and everything else in life but my worrying never changed anything. It did make me tense, angry, stressed out, depressed, and fearful, which isn't how the Lord tells us to live.

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? (Luke 12:25-26)."

Worry never has a positive impact on our lives; it does, however, have some negative consequences. According to Web MD, "Chronic worrying can affect your daily life so much that it may interfere with your appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep and job performance. Many people who worry excessively are so anxiety-ridden that they seek relief in harmful lifestyle habits such as overeating, cigarette smoking, or using alcohol and drugs." It can also lead to physical ailments such as headaches, stomach upset, high blood pressure, and chest pains. 

Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair - it gives you something to do but it doesn't accomplish much. 

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22)."

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7)."

Read 1 Samuel 28-29; 1 Chronicles 12; Psalm 5 & 40

©2018 www.mariemcgaha.com

Unfailing Love

"The Lord is your Keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."

~Psalm 121:5-8

I love the Psalms because they are real life, written from the heart. The writers of the Psalms were people like us, dealing with life situations. They poured their hearts out to God in anguish, fear, love and joy. No matter the situation, they were not afraid to be real in front of God. Many of the Psalms were written by King David, who definitely had problems, was in no way perfect, made huge mistakes, yet was called 'a man after God's own heart.' David knew he wasn't perfect, yet he never forgot the One who is. David took his problems and failures to the Lord. He knew that no matter who hated him or tried to kill him, his life was in the hands of the living God.

"The righteous may have distress but the Lord delivers him from them all (Psalm 34:19)."

Who are the righteous that God delivers? Those who have faith in Christ. Each one who believes can lay claim to every promise in the Bible. It is our inheritance as heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We are God's kids and His love for us is greater than our understanding. 

"For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds (Psalm 108:4)."

No matter what we've done; no matter how far from God we go, we cannot outrun His unfailing love. David sinned - a lot. He committed murder and adultery, yet God forgave him and blessed him because David had a contrite heart and loved God. But David still suffered the consequences of his actions. God will always allow us to suffer the consequences of our actions. It doesn't matter what we've done in the past, once we ask God's forgiveness, He forgets our sin and sees us through the blood of Jesus. We are washed in His blood, and innocent before Him. Be like David and sing of Gods greatness. Be a man (or woman) after God's own heart.

"But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such

as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them (Psalm 103:17-18)."

Read 1 Samuel 25; Psalm 7, 17, & 35
Weekend Reading 1 Samuel 26-27; Psalm 14, 18, 31, 53

©2018 Marie McGaha

www.mariemcgaha.com

Faith & Works

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workman- ship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
~Ephesians 2:8-10

Some people have a difficult time accepting that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is all that is needed for the forgiveness of sins. They find it difficult to grasp the idea that one man's death could atone for the sins of everyone else. They also have difficulty believing you don't have to work for forgiveness; that there isn't some kind of personal atonement for sins already committed in this life. And sadly, some religions even teach working for forgiveness. But that's not what God's word says about redemption and the forgiveness of sins. 

We are saved by grace through faith alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8). People have been working at being "good" for centuries to no avail. If we could save ourselves through works, then Christ died needlessly (Galatians 2:21). But there is only one way to salvation, and that is through faith by believing Jesus is who He says He is.

"Then he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household' (Acts 16:30-31)."

Paul and Silas had been jailed for preaching the Gospel but that night, an earthquake opened the cell doors and they were set free. This scared the guard because losing one's prisoners meant the guard would be put to death. Knowing this, Paul and Silas didn't run, instead, they stayed and led the man to Christ. All that was required for salvation was to believe.

While we cannot be saved by working for salvation, once we know the peace and love of Jesus that comes from salvation, we do want to work. It's not like working to keep a job because the Lord has given us salvation freely, not based on merit. We work for the Lord to show our faith.

"But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless (James 2:18-20)?"

Believing Christ died for our sins saves us from ourselves, our sins, and guarantees our place in Heaven. Faith is what keeps us on track and keeps us going in the face of trials and hardships. The other element is growing our faith, increasing our faith, which is key to long term success in walking our Christian walk without becoming weary. When we prove our faith, it is through works. The two work hand in hand. We do not achieve salvation through works but faith does not allow us to sit on the sidelines either.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priest- hood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)."

Read 1 Samuel 24; Psalms 13-22

A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018

The Object of God's Affection

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' (Jeremiah 29:11)."

This is one of the most recognizable verses in the Bible. I use it a lot but it's no less true. I'm not sure if people realize just how much God loves us and wants the best for us. God wants to show us His way is a better way, a more prosperous way. But God cannot prosper unfaithfulness and disobedience.

When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, they had everything they needed and were in perfect harmony with God. They had a personal relationship with God; He even took walks with them and had conversations with them. There was nothing they couldn't have, except that one little thing - the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Isn't it always that one little thing that gets under our skin and eats at us until we give in? That's the enemy picking at our weaknesses the way he picked at Eve until she gave in to temptation.

Adam and Eve suffered the consequences of their actions and were expelled from the Garden. Remember, choose the action, and you are choosing the consequences. The consequences for them was losing God's abundant provision. Now they had to work the ground to grow food, hunt, build a home, work hard for every little thing. God gave us free will but Adam and Eve allowed sin nature into their lives, and into the lives of all future generations. 

"The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you' (Jeremiah 31:3)."

But no matter how far we stray, God continues to call us to Him. His love for us has not strayed. We are still the object of His affection. There is no depths that we can sink to that He is not willing to pull us out of. The breadth of His love is beyond our comprehension, but if we can grasp just a shred of that love, we would never want to be anywhere other than with Him. 

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named,  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,  that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19)."

Read 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 63

A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018