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I Don't Know When the Rapture Is (and I'm ok With That)


 

When is the rapture? 
Can we predict the date of the rapture?

When will the dead rise and the living be caught up? Will we know in advance? Great questions. The rapture, and the timing of it, has been studied and debated for years among skeptics and the faithful alike. It’s one of the most contentious discussions among rapture-conscious believers. Some spend days, weeks, and months analyzing scripture and Stellarium; others struggle to keep Mark 13:32 in context while helpfully reminding everyone NMKTDOH (along with some emojis).

Better scholars than I purport that we WILL know the day and hour, because Jesus offers this warning to the church: “…Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” (Rev. 3:3) Catch the implication? If you don’t watch, you won’t know, but if you do watch, you will know.

That makes sense to me. I’m watching with all my might. But as of now, post-midnight on October 31, I do not know the day nor hour, and I don’t know any fully-human-being who does. Soon, we say. I don’t know when, but He is coming soon.

But to tell you the truth, I no longer ask when. Folks pore over elaborate spreadsheets and record YouTube videos about their theories—probably good ones, too!—then share them on Facebook, and I pass right on by. Predicting the moment of the rapture, if it is possible, is not a pursuit of mine. The Lord woke me up to something so serious, so shocking, that any and all curiosity drained out of me to the point I almost don’t care. (Stay with me.)

It was right in front of my face, this more important thing. I don’t mean the gospel; that’s paramount, of course, and where I direct most of my energy, passion, and time. But this other thing is close. It’s also basic Christianity 101, so the revelation humbled me down to the ground and left me kind of embarrassed. Panicked, weepy, a pray-er of desperate prayers, and embarrassed. 


Here's what happened.

Over the last few weeks I’ve placed several orders to Christianbooks to add to our growing collection of bedtime stories for my son. They had a good sale going on, and free shipping, so I tucked in a few titles  for myself. One in particular caught my eye. I’m an entrepreneur at heart and always curious about faith-based business management. Especially from those who have adhered to godly principles while achieving immense success. So when David Green, founder and CEO of the multi-billion-dollar Hobby Lobby, released “Leadership Not by the Book—12 Unconventional Principles to Drive Incredible Results,” I bought it right away.

Now, confession time. Here's something to understand about me. I’ve been so focused on these perilous days we’re in, and my wholehearted belief that the rapture WILL be soon, like, in a few days / weeks / months / definitely-my-lifetime soon, that any other effort, outside of the gospel and mothering my son, seems trivial. Like, why even? What’s the point? Earthly things hold no appeal. I’ve consistently battled a sense of futility regarding anything that resembles investment. Or that gets built and grows slowly over time, like launching a business, actively maintaining my health, or trying to save money. (Cringe.) I’m not proud of this one bit; it’s humbling to admit, and I think there's some spiritual warfare around it, too. I thank the Lord for His forgiveness and grace. It’s one thing to be sober and watchful while living faithfully, but it’s another to be trapped in inertia and futility, like I have been, hiding your talent in the ground while waiting for the master to return.

Which has always been one of my biggest fears, being that guy.

For most of my life, literally, the parable of the unfaithful stewards haunted me. My adolescent journals contained nervous attempts to exegete its meaning, and my adult years echoed those earlier terrified sentiments. Is it me, Lord? Am I the unfaithful steward? That’s me. I know it.

I know, now, that a parable spoken to the lost sheep of the house of Israel may not apply exactly the same way to a redeemed, sealed-by-the-Spirit member of the body of Christ, but I have ears to hear wise principles. As I attacked the pages of David Green’s book with my yellow highlighter, and read his insistence that he was not the owner of Hobby Lobby, God was; and that he was a steward who will, one day, stand before God to give an account for his stewardship, it was like scales fell off of my eyes.

This. This matters way more than knowing the day of the rapture. It’s knowing, and I mean really internalizing the knowledge, that we will stand before Jesus and give an account of what we did with His things. His money. His time. His possessions. His food. His home, even if it's a rental. The people He made in His image. It’s knowing that once we leave this body, via the rapture or death, it's final; there's nothing more we can do more of, or fix, or change. What’s done is done. Remember Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright? He forfeited his blessing and was rejected when he wanted it. He could find no place for repentance, meaning, he could not change his father Isaac’s mind, although he sought it diligently with tears. (Heb. 12:16-17) 

Did you know the saints will not all be equal in heaven? One’s position, authority, and service in heaven is directly dependent upon their faithfulness on earth. (Luke 19:11-27, Matt. 25:14-30, 2 Tim. 2:16-26, 1 Cor. 3:9-15) Did you know that we will stand before the judgement seat of Christ and we—the saints—will ALL receive according to what we have done, whether good or bad? (2 Cor. 5:9-11) What we do matters. What we do for the Lord matters for all eternity.


This isn’t about salvation—believers are assured of eternal life. Salvation is just the beginning, though. Jesus reminds again and again of the rewards He plans to bestow and warns of the loss that is possible through poor stewardship and unfaithfulness. (Matt. 10:42, Mark 9:41, Col. 2:18 NKJV, 1 Cor. 3:14-15) He says, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Rev. 3:11)

There is a certain sense of holy dread when contemplating the significance of standing before Christ and realizing there are no do-overs. No second chances. We won’t get another opportunity to give alms to the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, or visit the sick or the incarcerated. Once we are caught up to be with the Lord, the door on this earthly life is shut. Of course, it will be a time of joy to be with the Lord in our glorified bodies, and we know that God will wipe every tear from our eyes. But Scripture is crystal clear:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:7-9)

Sobering, isn’t it? And it floods our days with motivation and meaning. The rapture will happen soon and the door will shut for eternity...but now, NOW, we still have the blessed ability to send treasure on ahead.

David Green’s book contained a reference to another which piqued my interest. “Managing God’s Money” by Randy Alcorn came to my doorstep a few days later, and once again, I was devastated and shaken. In his book, Alcorn dives deep into the concept of stewardship versus ownership, and reiterates the seriousness of standing before God to give an account. And then, without meaning to, he explains the parable of the stewards to the journaling adolescent that I was and the fumbling adult I have been and the quaking, trembling person I am now. And of course, it brings us right to the topic of the rapture.

“The parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30) shows that we’re each entrusted by God with different financial assets, gifts, and opportunities, and we’ll be held accountable to him for how we’ve invested them in this life. We’re to prepare for the Master’s return by enhancing the growth of his Kingdom through wisely investing His assets.

“The parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11-27) shows that those with comparable gifts, assets, and opportunities will be judged according to their faithfulness, industriousness, and wisdom while investing in God’s kingdom. Consequently, in God’s eternal kingdom, they’ll receive varying positions of authority, which Jesus describes as ruling over cities, apparently on the New Earth…..”

Then a few paragraphs later, he asks,

“Are we ready for the Owner to return or for us to go to him? A man went to visit the caretaker of a large estate with an absentee owner. Noticing how meticulously the caretaker performed every chore, the visitor asked him, “When do you expect the owner to return?” The caretaker’s reply: “Today, of course.”

“Like soldiers ready at any moment for a barracks inspection, servants are constantly aware that this could be the day of the master’s return. If they knew the day or hour of that return, they could waste time. They might “borrow” some of the master’s money, intending to replace it before he comes back. When they cease to expect the master’s return, embezzlement or squandering becomes a great temptation. But if the stewards know that the master is a man of his words they live each day as if it were the day of the master’s return. Because one day it will be.

“Either Christ’s second coming or our deaths bring us to stand before the Lord. Either event marks the end of our current service as his asset managers. At that moment, our service record irrevocably “freezes” into its final form, to be evaluated as such by our Master at the judgment.”—Randy Alcorn, Managing God's Money

You won’t be surprised if you are expecting him, even if you don’t know the day or hour. The question is, are you ready?

I’ve heard this so many times it goes in one ear and out the other, most days. Yes, I’m ready. I’m saved! I’ve got my nose pressed to the glass, watching and longing for His appearing. Rrrrready!

Well, but am I really? If Christ came today, would I be able to stand before Him satisfied and confident that I did everything I could to lay up treasure in heaven and receive His blessing and reward? Rewards are His idea, by the way, another point made by author Randy Alcorn. The Lord wants to give them to us and wants us to look forward to them and be motivated by them, as we see in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. Am I ready? What more can I do? Oh, so much more! This brings up the most tender of things, the grief. I am in my forties. I have lived many, many years in service to myself or others in unhealthy, ungodly ways. I have made foolish, self-indulgent choices with my money, my time, my health, my things. Is it too late? Is it too late for me?


The Lord is so gracious and merciful. Reading these books convicted me deeply and revealed my lack of faithfulness in crucial areas. I must make the most of what time I have left. (Eph. 5:15-16) As I cried out to Him, is it too late? He instantly brought to mind another parable—

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

“So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” (Matt. 20:1-16)

I don’t know what time it is. It might be the sixth hour, or the ninth, but I think it’s possibly the eleventh, and maybe even the eleventh-and-a-half. But I do know the landowner. And He is good. And He gets to decide what to do with his own things. He gives me the grace of today, and the grace of this body, this breath, this hour, and with these I can serve the Lord, heartily, knowing that from the Lord I will receive the reward. (Col. 3:23-25) 



Do you need some encouragement and maybe a little motivation? I didn't know how much I needed it myself. The most important thing, of course, is sharing the gospel with the lost. Souls are the most valuable eternal treasure we can send on ahead. But the everyday things matter, too. Do we believe that God is the owner of our possessions, money, house, children, time, body, businesses? And that we are the caretakers of all He has left in our hands? Our Master will return very, very soon. And He will call us to account for our stewardship. What will say to Him? What can we do differently now? How can we make wise investments into eternity using what He has entrusted to us? How can the gospel go forth from our homes? How can our businesses or finances be used to invest in heavenly things? How can we honor the Lord with our bodies and time, using these resources faithfully in the days we have left? How can we plant seeds of the gospel into our children and train them to serve faithfully with eternity in mind?

There is SO MUCH WORK to be done, and so little time, saints! I don't know the day nor the hour of Christ's return, and I don't have time to figure it out. :)

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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. (Heb. 10:24-25) 

Grace and peace.

__________________________________________________________________


Much love to all who put time and effort into studying the whens of things. This isn't meant to disrespect your calling by any means. I'm just sharing where the Lord has me right now.



Post A Comment

41 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Someone once said 'In the choir of life it is easy to fake the words, but one day we shall all sing solo before God.'

    We know there is no condemnation for those in Christ, but at the same time we are mindful that our works will be tried by fire to find that which is built on Christ, eternal, and worthy of reward. Thank Hillary for a very honest, well written and timely reminder here!

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    1. That solo reminds me of Heb. 4:13, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." I'm so thankful we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses! Thanks for the kind words, elgordo.

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  3. I personally see the parable of the talents being a matter of faith and the spiritual, as is quite common with Jesus. Notice what the only unfaithful servant said:

    "‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’"

    To me, that doesn't sound like a saved believer, but someone like a Pharisee, who doesn't believe Jesus is good or even God (how can God harvest where He hasn't sown? He has sown everything, He's the Alpha and Omega). He also wants to get off on a "technicality", by returning the exact same amount to his master.

    Another interesting thing, the phrase "Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest."... I personally see it like this: putting the money in the bank would be getting saved by faith and then not having works: sure you don't gain large rewards, but the "interest" - the default reward - would be salvation itself, given to the believer by a "higher power" - God/the bank in the parable.

    Also, the "hiding" of treasure reminds me of somebody who takes the word of God and purposefully "hides" it from others, like a Pharisee or priest who wants you to go through them to get to God, because they are the only ones who have the exclusive access, because of their wisdom, or knowing Latin in medieval priests' case. This verse comes to mind (Matthew 23:13): "You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.". Notice, again, He's talking to Pharisees. So that's just a thought, could be a possible alternative interpretation. The bank would then mean somebody getting saved and minding their own business - not doing missionary work, but not hindering others either (unlike the one hiding the talent).

    Finally, "And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". Again, that doesn't sound like something He would say to a saved believer, even if he didn't have works and got saved "through the fire" (1 Corinthians 3:15). Some have tried to argue the "outer darkness" is the loss of rewards, but the "weeping and gnashing of teeth" just doesn't fit there for me. Notice the context in where the phrase appears in Luke 13:

    "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door (...) Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “(...) “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth"

    The ones experiencing weeping and gnashing of teeth were those who didn't enter through the narrow door, meaning the unbelievers.

    So, to summarize, I want to lighten your heart a little bit. Jesus will take care of your eternity. And while it is indeed true that there will be eternal rewards and the possible loss thereof, and we indeed should try to do the best work we can for Him, I don't believe any of us will receive harsh condemnation like the unfaithful servant, for "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1). We are all faithful servants on account of our faith.

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    1. Thank you, MPaladin. I appreciate what you wrote and agree with a lot of what you said. I mentioned that while a parable told to that a parable spoken to the lost sheep of the house of Israel may not apply exactly the same way to a redeemed, sealed-by-the-Spirit member of the body of Christ, there are principles to glean. I do believe we are stewards of what God has given, and Paul himself reminded us that we believers will receive what is done in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10) I know that eternity will be exquisite with Jesus. I have no fears now, and certainly do not believe the saints will receive condemnation, but there is urgency and eagerness to make the most of the time. I hope that explains a bit more!

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    2. Oh of course, I 100% agree with you there. My comment was mostly to alleviate people's fears, who might be worried about being judged, and also to "pre-empt" possible works based interpretations. I fully understand you didn't mean it that way, no worries. In fact, I'm thankful for you bringing up the heavenly rewards, as it's a bit of a "morale boost" and a reminder, that while staying in this world a little bit longer is indeed painful, it's also an opportunity to acquire more rewards for eternity, which will make all the hardships worth it, times infinity :)

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  4. Straight up! Couldn't agree more! Amen & amen!

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  5. Good stuff! I too went through a period of "the future doesn't matter because Jesus will be back before that future point arrives!", but just recently God reminded me that even if He interrupts my activities, I should still be diligent at them in the meantime. This article falls right into line with how God has been dealing with me lately. Thanks for sharing your struggles and discoveries!

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    1. Diligence is a word on my heart, too. I'm so thankful for the Lord's mercy in opening our eyes to areas that we can strengthen a bit while there's still time. Thanks for reading and may the Lord use you mightily in these days as we see the Day approaching.

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  6. Awesome work, as usual Hillary! I really enjoy your writing and hope you'll get a few more in before we fly away.

    I also struggled in my late 40's and 50's with how our master would view my previous life. I changed, which is likely more He changed me, and I'm content with getting into Heaven. I hope to have the crown give for those looking and waiting for his arrival, but not concerned if I don't have more. Given the beauty of the Garden of Eden, and my love for landscaping, I would be happy to be the gardener of one of the city managers.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Dean. I'd love to get a few more in if the Lord wills. My writing time is extremely limited these days and I almost pulled an all-nighter to get this one written. Haha! Thank God for His strength for the day!

      It sounds like the Lord has given you a gift for gardening and beauty. I'm sure He will put it to good use, whether in the time remaining here, or once we arrive in our eternal home. Many blessings!

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  7. Thank you Hillary. This is really on point! What matters now, after having full assurance of salvation, is what we do with the time and resources we have left. Realizing how soon our departure is, for me at least, is a massive motivator. But I pray that my heart will follow in faithful stewardship.

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    1. I appreciate that, Gary. Thank you! And you summed up in a couple sentences everything I was trying to say. I praise God for His assurance of salvation. What a gift, even in that. May we give Him our all as we see the Day approaching, and honor Him as the rightful Owner of everything we have. Blessings, brother.

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  9. * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvI_rAIztPs "BREAKING NEWS: IS THE FALSE MESSIAH ABOUT TO BE REVEALED? RABBIS IN ISRAEL ARE GOING CRAZY OVER HIM";
    * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVXz2OlAUno " #1 VIDEO OF THE CENTURY! IS IT TIME? BIG PROPHETIC EVENT - The Yanuka Rav Shlomo Yehuda Ben David ";
    * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qal69j99Lag "The Yanuka עצה The Gaon Rav Shlomo Yehuda Ben David - Jiziahu - The ASSYRIAN Antichrist".

    See also https://www.raptureready.com/2022/10/29/day-of-reckoning-by-daymond-duck/ "Day of Reckoning :: By Daymond Duck" under "Seven, concerning the signs of His Second Coming, Jesus said, “There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets” (Matt. 24:24-26), and indeed, many false Messiahs have risen in Israel in recent years.".

    But I don't know if this false messiah will be the future antichrist, because he doesn't come from Europe. But he could also be the false prophet. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ told that more antichrists would come in His Name.

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    1. Although I don't think this guy will be "it", this does show how eager the Jews are to accept a false Messiah. Another sign of the times!

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  10. I also went through a phase like that, panicking and then feeling discouraged over a lack of works in this life, as well as the wasted years, especially during the pandemic. But God is good, and soothed my fears with His promise that He "will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust" (Joel 2:25 - 32).

    Also, just wanna add that any works based on self-effort will burn up in the fire. Only those of the Spirit will last. So we shouldn't be stressed or fearful, but just rest in His strength, walk by faith and let Him guide us day by day, moment by moment.

    The Lord Jesus was the greatest example when He walked on Earth. He was never stressed or hurried, but always at the right place at the right time, and spoke the needed words for each moment, to each person. He did so much in His short 3.5 years ministry, yet He didn't carry any schedule planner. In fact He tells us not to worry about what tomorrow brings (sermon on the Mount), and also warned us with a parable about the rich barn owner who kept making long term plans? In gospel of John, Jesus kept repeating the fact that He could only do what He saw the Father doing, and speak what He heard the Father saying.

    Anyway, I digress. My point is that God is the one who has prepared the works beforehand (e.g. arranging the opportunities, opening the door, working in us the willingness and the ability). We only need to walk in them.

    "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

    As His beloved children, we can't help but bear fruit. Christ is the vine and we are the branches. His Spirit flows through us, and we bear fruit effortlessly. We only stop bearing fruit if we stress out and worry, and choke the supply of fresh sap from the vine.

    Remember the observation that Jesus made about the widow who gave only 2 coins for the offering? Jesus said she gave more than the other rich pharisees. I think perhaps we can draw a comparison to works of the flesh vs works of the Spirit. For instance, your simple 2 minute prayer in the Spirit is much more precious and powerful in God's eyes than a long, well-prepared sermon or prayer that is based on man's skillful intelligence.

    Lastly, just to note that there is a difference between fruits and gifts of the Spirit.
    "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" Galatians 5:22.
    Gifts include:
    "And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues.... If I speak with the tongues of mankind and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing" (1 Corinthians 12:28 - 13:2).

    God also tells us to "eagerly desire the greater gifts".

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    1. I'm not sure exactly what you mean when you say "works of self-effort," but I'm simply referring to what Scripture exhorts when it says, "When you see the hungry, feed him." Or "Don't forget to do good and share" or all of the verses that talk about laying up treasure in heaven, using our resources wisely and doing everything as unto the Lord. We are to be zealous for good works, and to do them as unto Christ.

      I definitely agree there's a difference between the fruits of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. Thanks for reading! Have a blessed day!

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  11. HILLARY!!!

    So long since we were blessed with a word from you and so well done! (Standing ovation!) You hit the nail right on the head. And as much as I am that guy with the detailed spreadsheets (no offense taken) I too don't know the day or the hour. It's not even my goal to know. I'm more interested in modelling the days given us in Scripture than knowing the day. (Happy to open my Christmas presents on Christmas morning not pick at them for days leading up to Christmas).

    God is the rightful owner of my life. Of everything that has been given me. As such my mission (our mission) is to be found hard at work when He comes. We (myself especially) are FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR from perfect and have failed in so many varied ways the trust the LORD has given us; yet the stewardship He has given us in our calling we are steadfast and hold fast with everything we have. That race we continue to run and will not be deterred. He knows our heart and to that end we prayerfully seek His strength in these matters...

    13 But the one who endures to
    the end will be saved.

    RED LETTERS (Matthew 24:13 ESV)

    May we all finish strong storing up treasures in heaven to the glory of the One who all of this belongs to in the first place! The Maker of Heaven and Earth.

    Christ Jesus the Lord!

    (Hugs to the wee one!)

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    1. You are always so gracious, Pastor Rich! It's wonderful to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words. (Hey, I'm not knocking spreadsheets! I've had my own, lol! They just aren't for me anymore.)

      Praise God that He knows our hearts, our weakness, our failings, and remains faithful. There is grief in seeing how much I've wasted and squandered, but also gratitude and hope that in His mercy, it's not too late for me.

      Literally, I was one of the ones sitting on my living room floor on 9/23/17 watching out my balcony door for the skies to part, ears strained for that trumpet sound. The opposite of hard at work! Of course I know that eagerly watching and looking up is good to do. But I have been convicted of things that need to change in how I approach it all.

      My wee one isn't so little anymore. :( Time goes so fast. He is the sweetest, though. We are fully entrenched in the WONDERFUL twos and all the delight and desperation toddlerhood brings. He loves to pray with me and countless times I hear, "Pray again, mommy?" We read a storybook about puppies who were sad that the leaves were falling off the trees in autumn and he wanted to pray for the sad puppies. HEART MELT. They don't teach how to navigate that in any parenting book I've read. Please pray for wisdom for me! I know that our Father in heaven is the only perfect parent. But I so dearly and deeply want to be a wise, gentle, Spirit-led mama for my little boy.

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    2. You're most kind, thank you Hillary. Your testimony is an inspiration and blessing and so needed at this time.

      Prayers sent and on file with the One who answers them perfectly each time with more to come. Give a hug to your prayer buddy and I'll look forward to seeing you in the sky soon!

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  12. Eerie image of the sun ‘smiling’ captured by NASA

    Quoting, CNN,

    A NASA observatory captured what appeared to be a jack-o’-lantern-esque smile on the sun’s surface, showing what are actually splotches on the sun’s surface that are cooler than the surrounding areas.

    The image, taken by NASA’s space-based Solar Dynamics Observatory, was shared by the space agency on social media last week and prompted an outpouring of responses weighing in on what the pattern of erratic dark spots resembled.

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  13. HILLARY-- THIS is definitely what the Spirit is saying to the Church at this time! He has been working in my heart in this category for lately I have been asking myself if I am doing all I can and praying He will reveal to me all that I am called to do for I believe God will allow events to transpire that will awaken the sleepers and there will be a brief glorious move of God before the Church Bride is caught away!

    Like the children of Israel we will carry the "spoils of Egypt" with us but instead of gold and silver it will be precious people we present at the feet of our Lord-- HALLELUJAH!

    The important thing, of course, is to ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE US DAILY for it is only through the Spirit that we can receive rewards as Scripture teaches us:

    For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
    Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
    Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
    If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
    If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 KJV

    It is a person’s works that pass through the fire—not the person themselves. If the works are not of the Holy Spirit, they burn. The motives of a person, even with the Holy Spirit residing within them, will be a determining factor regarding rewards but not their salvation (as you pointed out).

    Your article definitely falls in the category of "MUST READ TO THE END!"
    Many, many blessings to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen! What a perfect prayer! Your words are in perfect alignment with what is in my heart. Thank you for sharing where the Spirit has been leading you in this area. May we bear an abundant harvest of souls for the glory of God! I cannot wait to see all who will be with us for eternity because the Lord gave increase to the seeds we plant and water.

      Thank you for your kind words, Lyn! Maranatha!

      Delete
  14. Hillary, your words are amazing and encouraging, and possibly the most important message I've seen in forever. Well done!

    Speaking of forever . . . did you see the movie title released 3 days ago?

    "Armageddon Time"

    I don't know anything more about it, but I appreciate the heads up!

    Jeremy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so kind, Jeremy. Thank you. To God be the glory!

      I haven't heard about that movie but the timing is significant!

      Delete
  15. That is SO TRUE! We are to be found SO-doing. SOW-ing into the kingdom. Not dropping stiches in the garments of righteousness. All too often I’ve found myself saying ‘I’m SO done.’ But obviously, it’s not true. I’m still here. I’ve let the enemy of my joy set the tone so often. A slight change in trajectory can so take us to a much better place.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you very much sister. I was truly blessed by your article. I was doing the same thing as you at the Rev 12 sign. Devastating disappointment that night for sure.
    Your article was thought provoking and totally honest as to what many of the Last Days Saints are going through. Besides the enemy attacking us on every front, personal or worldly, we have the deep desire to be with our Lord and be done with this evil place once and for all! However, we have to remember that He is with us always and as long as we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit as to what to do, our treasures in Heaven are safe. When you love someone, you can never do enough for them, that includes our wonderful Yeshua HaMashiach.
    May God bless each and every one who reads this! In Jesus' name AMEN

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really appreciate your message, SuzMc. I'm grateful that the Lord sees and knows. God bless you.

      Delete
  17. Replies
    1. Netanyahu on brink of comeback as Israeli exit polls point to narrow majority for ex-PM

      Quoting, CNN,

      Former Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu may scrape a narrow majority, initial election exit polls suggested Tuesday.

      If exit polls are correct – a big if – Netanyahu and his political allies appear to be on pace to win a narrow majority of seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

      Delete
    2. Final voter turnout reaches 71.3 percent, the highest since 2015

      i24news.tv reports exit polls now that polling stations have closed. PM Lapid's block (54), Hadash-Ta'al (4) and Netanyahu's bloc (62) for what may be a victory and return to power of Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government and lead Israel once again as Prime Minister.

      Delete
    3. Israeli elections: Exit polls put Netanyahu back in power

      Quoting, i24news.tv,

      Highest voter turnout since 1999 appears to have put the Likud leader back in power as prime minister

      The first exit polls published after polls closed on Tuesday night in Israel showed a big victory for Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc.

      If the results hold, the former prime minister would catapult back to power with a governing coalition. Channel 12 has the Netanyahu bloc at 61 seats while Kan and Channel 13 have his bloc at 62 seats.

      Delete
    4. Netanyahu bloc at 65 with 86% of vote in

      Quoting, i24news.tv,

      Benjamin Netanyahu, head of the Likud party and Israel's longest-serving prime minister, appeared on Wednesday morning to all but be assured of a return to the helm of the government. His strong showing in Tuesday's polls indicated he is best place to form a majority coalition of right wing and religious parties.

      Delete
  18. Saints and sinners / sinners and saints ! Oh, how thankful am I that Holy Spirit reached out and pulled me out of the mire of confusion, chaos and darkness ! After all those lost years, the Light and Goodness and Forgiveness of Yeshua is what fills my mind, heart and soul. After the darkness and challenges and earthly fear of the past years, Ms. Hillary - it amazes and humbles me that your words were the very ones that I needed to hear today . I congratulate you, sister . May we all continue to survive and grow in the loving care and comfort of JESUS THE CHRIST, throughout - the eternity - that HE ALONE PROMISES !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In CHRIST, ALONE is our PROMISE OF GLORY - JESUS CHRIST AND HIS GOSPEL . In this reality my faith is kept strong thru the encouragement of HIS HOLY SPIRIT. ( Acts 4, John 6:30-40, Matthew 16:13-28, 1 Peter 5:5-11, Hebrews 6, Hebrews 13:20-21, Revelation 19-22, ESPECIALLY Revelation 22:10-21 .

      Delete
    2. Praise God, sister! Amen!

      Delete
  19. Yes there will be crowns and rewards for the faithful but everyone who participates in the rapture will be extremely blessed. Will Jesus chastise and rebuke those who didnt do more?
    I dont think so, but those who did will be delegated positions of leadership during the millenial reign.

    ReplyDelete


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