Swine 'Flu - the End Times?

Some experts are saying that swine ‘flu is a sign of the end times that are now upon us. There are others who doubt this and say that in worse crisis than this centuries ago, people were saying the same! I am no expert on these things - there is even a long word to describe this sort of theological study, but I can’t think of it - but it has sure got my attention.

You only have to look at what is happening globally at this time in an unprecedented intensity - financial upheaval, tsunamis, earthquakes, global warming, famine, corruption, terrorism and wars in many countries, etc. and now swine ‘flu - to realise something is up. The battle between good and evil is really heating up. Is this the waning of the western civilisation or what?

I personally believe that we are in the end times. I’ve no idea of the time span or the details, but that’s not the point. I can only live in the now, but seeing what is happening in the world from God’s perspective really sharpens things up. This is no time for complacency. No time to be burying our heads in the sand.

I believe God is looking first and foremost to His Church. Are we lukewarm? Are we in the centre of His will? It’s a time to question what are we about. It’s time to be looking at our priorities. It’s a time to be making sure that we are firmly rooted in His love, because I think it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

I believe the word is - Repentance.

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27 New International Version

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If My People - 1

I am a fired up this morning, so forgive me if this starts to appear a bit like a rant.

Quite some years ago, several of us who had been really touched by God, met to pray for revival and continued for several months until it we began to lose our way. Prayer tended to degenerate into prolonged shopping lists and often there was more talk than prayer. Eventually, perhaps because we all had our own personal agendas and Christian activities, it stopped altogether.

A year or two later, because some thought things were beginning to stagnate on the local Christian scene, another prayer group formed to seek the way forward. To begin with it was stimulating and we wrote down all that we heard from God: things like, “You have tried your way and it’s not worked, now drop everything and try mine.” Inevitably as the weeks went by, the honeymoon period ended and there was a need to press in further with prayer. Unfortunately members drifted away and carried on with their own projects and involvements.

Through circumstances my activities were much reduced and I became more focused in my Christian walk. What I learned was that if we are to pray for revival, it has to start with us. No, correction, it has to start with me. The question is, do I want to walk like Jesus, because that’s what is on the table. The other thing was, that there are conditions attached. Am I prepared to be wholly available to God and lay my agenda aside?

Whichever way you look at it, the world is in a dire state and it’s getting worse, much worse. We may point the finger at the banks, at governments, at other countries, terrorism, global warming, but what about me? I cannot just wash my hands of it all and say it’s not my fault, because in one way or another I am implicated. I may try and hang onto what little money I have, recycle my waste and use the right kind of light bulb. All very good, but that is just avoiding the real issue. Who thinks of asking God what He has to say about all this and try and see things from His perspective? Because He is our only hope.

I have a distinct feeling that alongside all the devastation that is happening in the world, there is a growing move of God, that is gaining momentum and I don’t want to be left out.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2Chronicles 7:14

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The Trumpet Call

The news over the past week or so has majored upon the global economic crisis. One of the dramatic newspaper front page headlines read, "Staring into the Abyss" and others referred to 'Armageddon.' Scary stuff that has the potential to cause panic and anxiety.

In reality, many of us could be facing the distinct possibility of a much reduced income, what savings we have may at risk and pension funds are dwindling dramatically. On top of that world food and gas prices are rocketing and with global warming, floods, hurricanes and tsunamis are more and more frequent. I don't think that it's dramatic to say, that for many, life could be getting harder, wherever we live.

So what can be done to put the world to rights? I'm sure that there are scientific, environmental, financial and political answers and they will lead to necessary changes. Now I am not a financial expert or a scientist, or a theologian or any other kind of expert for that matter. The only thing that I am sure of is, that practical changes in themselves, necessary and essential as they may be, will not put the world to rights.

Ultimately, I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is in control of the world. Perhaps we should regard what is happening all around us, as a wake up call, a trumpet call and He is waiting for a response. We can wait for governments to take action and we can point the finger, but surely what is needed is for repentance, a turning to God on a worldwide scale?

Christians have a solid foundation, so should have no cause to be anxious, but I don't feel there are grounds for complacency. I believe this 'trumpet call' is firstly for the Church, the Body of Christ.

For starters, the sort of questions that come to mind are: are we, in truth, so rooted in the reality of God's love, that our inner security is unshakeable in these coming days? How does my lifestyle match up to that shown in Jesus's teaching? How am I praying, I mean really praying? Is there such a thing as corporate responsibility for what is happening in the world? Am I walking with Jesus in truth and obedience, in the centre of His will today?

"And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." Matthew 24:31 New International Version

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Prepared for Battle

Friends of ours recently spent their honeymoon in Rome and also visited Pompeii. Their visit coincided with a television programme, depicting life in that city. It was explained, that even in the first century, Pompeii was surprisingly civilised. They had every comfort and enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle. In the lead up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, no one was prepared for the catastrophe. They were too busy in their indulgences and were taken by surprise. The majority perished.

I believe there are similarities today. The Devil holds sway in the world today. There is a tremendous battle gathering impetus, between light and dark, good and bad. The Devil's scheme is to spread fear and strife. His deception is to keep people in the dark about the reality of the saving love of Jesus Christ, so that their eternal hope and security will be placed in materialism, money, people or any other falsehood that will divert them from the truth. The majority are unaware of this spiritual battle.

The battle is intense for Christians. As they belong to Christ, they are on the front line and he has to try and divert them from following God and destroy that relationship at all costs. He will attempt to deceive, pervert and rob, often in most surprising ways; even from within the Church itself. Unfortunately, even some Christians are not aware of the reality and seriousness of this.

Several years ago when we were praying in a group, one member described how they believed God saw the Church. The first was a picture of soldiers wearing shining bright armour, standing erect with arms linked. The second - which probably related to how it was for us - was one where everyone was lolling around, totally disconnected from each other. Some had discarded their armour and were playing games and others were lying on the floor nursing their wounds.

What can our response be to this? May I make the following suggestions:

1. Stay close to God and nurture that intimate relationship, with all means possible.

2. The areas where we are weak can provide 'windows' for the enemy to enter. We need to identify these and ensure that they are dealt with and closed.

3. Many of us cover up emotional pain, often originating from past hurts. We need to allow God to cleanse and heal these wounds, so that we are strong in Him.

4. Be aware and alert and pray at all times.

5. Ensure we are not harbouring bitterness and do all we can to keep unity.

6. Wear the armour of God at all times and use the weapons He gives us.

"Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?" 1Corinthians 14:8 New International Version

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:10-12 New International Version Version

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Are We Ready?

Have you ever had one of those moments that you just knew was God-arranged? A chance meeting in the street, a telephone call or a knock on the door, when all of a sudden you were alerted by the sense that it was a divine appointment.

You don't know why, but you just know that it is important, different, significant. It may be that you just have to drop everything and give that person your whole attention and listen with your whole being. He or she may be waiting for a word of direction, encouragement or comfort. Alternatively, they may have something to say to you, if you have ears to hear. They may not realise that, but suddenly, a word brings clarity to something you have been wrestling with and seeking an answer to for a long time. Whatever it is, God who sees the big picture, has brought you together for that brief moment for some purpose!

One thing I am sure of, is that these 'divine appointments' occur when I least expect them and usually when I consider it most inconvenient. If I am resting in God and in tune with Him at the time, I just may drop everything and give that person and God my full concentration. The danger is that I may fail to recognise the God-given opportunity and make my excuses and get on with my own agenda. In that case, one or both of us may miss out on a blessing or worse.

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is coming again and that there will be no mistaking when that happens. It will be abundantly clear and we will need to drop everything. We are told of world events, such as wars, conflict, terrorism, financial meltdown and environmental disasters that are pointers to this second coming. All these signs are now on the increase and seem to indicate this could be very soon. Even next week, next year? We don't know. We have no need to be alarmed or fearful, but we do need to be ready.

Do we really know we belong to Jesus and are we walking with Him in intimacy and obedience? Is there bitterness, anger or unforgiveness in our lives or other issues that are unresolved? Time is short.

"For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. - So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:27 and 44 New International Version

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