Jim's Eschatological Info

Jesus is not a thief. But, He said “Behold, I am coming as a thief.”(Revelation 16:15). What did He mean by that? First, know that Jesus described Satan and his minions as thieves who threaten His flock with destruction. “The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Jesus is freely giving eternal life to His flock, not stealing it. What Jesus is referencing when saying He is coming as a thief is the soon arriving “Day of the Lord“. The Apostle Paul said, “For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (1Thessalonians 5:2). Peter says, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” (2Peter 3:10). Jesus’s second coming is inextricably linked this “Day of the Lord” when He will judge evil on this earth and gather His own to Himself. That’s when He is coming as a thief.

Jesus clearly explained all this to His disciples in the form of a parable about a thief breaking into a home. He said, “Know this, that if the master of that house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not let his house be broken into.” (Matthew 24:43). The essence of the parable was to teach His disciples that they were to watch the signs and determine what watch of the night the thief was coming so that they would be ready and protect their households all the while preparing them for the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus told the apostle John the consequences if they did not watch. “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore, if you do not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”(Revelation 3:3). Clearly, Jesus is saying here that by watching the hour of His coming can (and must) be determined. Paul indicated the same in his first letter to the Thessalonians, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this day (of the Lord) should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”(1Thessalonians 5:4-5).

This world as we know it will be sadly and tragically unprepared for Jesus’s return. For them it will be a shock scripture likens to a “thief in the night”. But for the saints, the second coming will be the long expected but watchfully discerned culmination of this age.

Jesus is not coming as a thief for his bride but as a bridegroom.

His bride will be watching, prepared, and ready.

For this world, however, the thief metaphor is appropriate. He is coming as a thief in the night.

Stay alert.

Maranatha, Jim

The prophet Zechariah records a mysterious vision of a woman in a basket in chapter five verses 5-11 in his Old Testament book.

5 Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me, “Lift your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.”

6 So I asked, “What is it?” And he said, “It is a basket that is going forth.”

He also said, “This is their resemblance throughout the earth: 7 Here is a lead disc lifted up, and this is a woman sitting inside the basket”; 8 then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth. 9 Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.

10 So I said to the angel who talked with me, “Where are they carrying the basket?”

11 And he said to me, “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar; when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base.”

Note that the basket’s going forth was to the land of Shinar, which is the region of Babylon. As Zechariah was a post-exilic prophet, and the vision depicts a time future to his writing, it cannot be referring to the Babylonian exile of Daniel’s day. Subsequent history tells us of the Babylonian kingdom’s eventual demise and collapse into oblivion where it remains today just as prophesied. The only significant biblical mention of the name Babylon in a future capacity is found in the book of Revelation, where it is called “Mystery Babylon” (MB), an evil woman, city, prostitute, mother of abominations, and ruler of kings of the earth. The parallels of Zechariah’s woman to Revelation’s woman are many.  First, they are both women. Second, they are both connected to Babylon, her title in Revelation, and location in Zechariah. In verse 6, the words “going forth” means to “break out broadly”. Third, verse 6 also states that this woman is confined to a basket, who at some point will be released, and recognized “throughout the earth”.  MB is described as sitting on many waters where there are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. Verse 7 describes the basket, a measuring container for grain, an “ephah”. It is sealed with a heavy lead (metallic gray stone) circular cover which is a Hebrew word for a broad circle of land. It is depicted as too heavy for the woman to escape from until it is lifted at the proper time for her release. Fourth, in verse 8, Zechariah is shown the woman who represents “wickedness”, and she is confined to the basket. MB is described as a filthy harlot who has become a “dwelling place for demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird”. Next, the heavy lid is put back in place to contain her until the time is right for her release.  As Zechariah is writing this from Jerusalem (Zechariah 6:10), the basket is then carried away from there to her resting place, the wilderness plain of Shinar which, in Zechariah’s time, would represent the dominant seat of world power. As Jerusalem (now apostate and partially in the Diaspora) is the most likely candidate for MB the city, this represents a fifth parallel. The two women angelic beings carrying the basket away from Jerusalem had “wind in their wings,” to aid their flight. Wind, here is Hebrew “Ruach” or spirit, indicating God is orchestrating this flight to His location where the basket’s content will be released in His timing.

The burning questions that remain are when will her release take place, and what will that look like? If my supposition is correct that the woman in the basket is Mystery Babylon, the answers can be found in Revelation,  chapters 17-19. There, we see that she will exercise control over the world’s governing authorities, economic systems, and even religion.  Her wickedness will be pervasive and addicting to a secular world. She will meet her ultimate demise at the hand of the ten nation confederacy of the antichrist. But when and how does she come to have such power? My personal opinion is that the cover was removed and she was released in 70 AD, the beginning of the second Jewish exile from their homeland in Israel. In this diaspora, due to rejection of her Messiah, she, along with much gentile assistance began her rise to dominance in bureaucratic control of national governments, and their economic systems. I also believe she is, at present, controlling much of the world’s governance and economic decision making, though behind the scenes. And, she is growing stronger day by day.

For a much more detailed analysis of Mystery Babylon, click on the permanent link below.  A Biblical Tale.doc – Google Docs. I believe God, through Zechariah, was giving us a warning 2500 years ago of what to expect in these last days. His people had just endured a long captivity under a harsh Babylonian rule. His vision foretells a time where the whole world will be under captivity to a modern Babylon. Fortunately, for us, God’s angelic messenger elaborated to the apostle John just what we should be watching for and exhorted us to come out of her (MB).

    Be warned. 

  Be ready.

Maranatha, Jim

The “Great Tribulation” (final 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s 70th week) will be a time of unprecedented turmoil for citizens of the earth. Jesus said it will be worse than anything the world has ever seen up till that time nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21). How are Christians to cope with this coming disaster? The Bible has several direct scriptures indicating that safe havens will be in the offing. Following are a few of them.

“For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle, He shall hide me.” (Psalm 27:5)

“Come my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself, as it were, for a little season, until the indignation is past. For the Lord comes out of His place to punish the earth….” (Isaiah 26:20-21)

“Therefore, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation’….standing in the holy place, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”(Matthew 24:15-16)

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

“Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.” (Revelation 12:13-14)

“Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” (Revelation 12:6)

There seems to be little doubt that divine protection will be made available for God’s people, whether it’s in His secret pavilion, chambers of your own home, the mountains, or a prepared wilderness place. Details of when, how, and exactly where we are to go are not clear at present for obvious reasons. We need to be watching and listening for direction from the messengers God will provide. I believe these messengers will be primarily the “two witnesses” presented in Revelation chapter 11. For details, see my article on these two listed in Permanent Links below. The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 – Google Docs

I should also note that there will be some Christians who will choose not to seek the safety provided by God and directly confront the antichrist and his government. Many of them will end up as martyrs for their bold faith.

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”(Revelation 12:17). “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11)

Fellow Christians-be advised. The great tribulation is coming-soon. But knowing that is not a reason to fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear but love and a sound mind. We need only fear Him who is sending His Son to wrap up all the details of this last millennium before establishing His kingdom.

Maranatha, Jim

The prophetic Old Testament book of Daniel has the unique privilege of being the only book in all of scripture that Jesus directs us to read. While He quotes passages from many other books in the Old Testament, Jesus encourages His hearers to go and read Daniel for themselves in order to verify His teaching about the “abomination of desolation” as recorded both in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

“So, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Mark 13:14).

“Therefore, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation’, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matthew 24: 15-16)

In both gospels quoted above, the parenthetical clauses about the “reader” are not referring to who may be reading the gospels, but the reader of Daniel. These words should all be shown as red in your bibles, the words of Jesus. It would be improbable that both Mark and Matthew would add a parenthetical reference to the readers of their own gospel narrative at the exact same juncture.

Given the significance of this directive by Jesus, it behooves us as students of eschatological scripture to explore the book of Daniel in detail so that we are aware of these end-time prophecies as they develop. In our home bible studies, The Los Amigos Bible Study – YouTube , we worked our way through the entire book of Daniel. These videos, hopefully, may help you comprehend the eschatological importance of Daniel’s book. As a specific example, I might refer you to the study of Daniel chapter 8. The Book of Daniel Chapter 8 – YouTube

Good Studying, Maranatha, Jim

The coming 1000-year reign of Jesus on the earth is just around the corner. Some bible scholars and certain theological systems spiritualize or render the 1000 years as figurative and not literal. The verses in Revelation describing this time period are quite direct and require a literal hermeneutic IMO. An objective hermeneutic requires a literal rendering when there is nothing in the text indicating that it should be read as metaphor, symbolic, figurative, or otherwise. (See the article “Hermeneutics” linked below on the eschatontrails.com main website). Here are the references from the book of Revelation:

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished…..Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the Word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison…..” (Revelation 20:1-6)

This millennium is the time when our king Jesus assumes His throne in Jerusalem, Israel, the capitol of the earth. This is the reign that He instructed His disciples to go out and preach to the masses. This is the blessed time period written about by the Old Testament prophets when Messiah comes to rule. This is the time when the Government of this entire world will be masterminded by Christ. We, as redeemed Christians, will be part of His government, ruling and reigning with Him in our new glorified immortal bodies. During this time, we will participate in a perfect government run from a perfect kingship.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever, the zeal of the Lord will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

When I look around us at the sad state of affairs our human run governments of this world have gotten us into, I think you’ll agree with me in longing and praying for this “kingdom to come and be on the earth as it is in heaven”. Much prophecy has yet to be fulfilled before the kingdom arrives, but, rest assured, it will all happen in a compressed and rather short time period. I’m sure you know from other articles on this website that I believe we are already in the beginning of birth pangs Jesus taught about which will lead up to Daniel’s seventieth week; a period of seven years followed by Jesus’ return.

We have a glorious future indeed!

Maranatha, Jim

“I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” (Revelation 16:13). They are described more fully in the following verse: “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Revelation 16:13).

If you’re like me, you might have wondered-Why would the nations of the world gather together in the plains of Megiddo under the leadership of the Antichrist to battle for Jerusalem against what will turn out to be the armies of heaven led by Jesus Himself? What could possibly be the motivation to do something that drastic and foolhardy? The answer-frogs-at least demon spirits that had frog-like characteristics. These spirits that originate with Satan, the antichrist, and his sidekick the false prophet, apparently have the remarkable ability to perform signs that are persuasive enough to draw national leaders into their fold. While we don’t know what these signs will be, they must be immensely powerful in order to deceive them in this manner.

Of course, the vast majority of nation-state leaders in this world are hugely influenced by the God of this world, Satan himself, so, perhaps, it might be easier than we think. Judging by the low morality of our current leaders, it may not be a problem after all! Today, one has to look far and wide to find a Godly head of state in this world. The deception these lying spirits will use will undoubtedly confirm words and policies of the de facto world leader-the antichrist. Remember, Jesus’ initial warning to those on the earth just prior to His coming was to ‘watch out lest you are deceived.’ It is a given that these “kings of the earth and the whole world” will not heed His warning. “And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.” (Revelation 19:19)

You might also remember that one of the plagues from God that struck Egypt was a deluge of frogs. Frogs were at the time one of the many demonic deities worshipped by the Egyptians. With that plague, the ability of the Egyptian sorcerers to duplicate the miracles of Aaron and Moses came to an end. Evidently these frog-spirit miracles will also be the last efforts from the devil, the beast, and the false prophet.

This complete deception of the world’s leaders as it matures will occur late in Daniel’s 70th week and provide conclusive evidence that Jesus’ arrival is just around the corner. I hope we’ll all be watching while dressed in the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11-18).

Maranatha, Jim

You might have missed an item of prophetic significance that took place in the United Nations on December 1st. The general assembly voted 90 to 30 to commemorate with a high-level event the day after the 75th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel next year May 15,2023 as “Nakba Day”. Nakba is Arabic for “catastrophe” or “disaster”. In other words, a day set aside to declare the reestablishment of Israel as a sovereign nation a disastrous disgrace. In doing so, the world’s so-called governing body is in effect calling down a curse from God on itself. Here’s why.

God said to Abram (and his descendants) “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.” (Genesis 12:3). This blessing and curse concerning Jacob (Israel) is confirmed in the book of Numbers: “Blessed is he who blesses you and cursed is he who curses you.” (Numbers 24:10)

The setting aside of this day is a direct affront to God Himself; a ‘spitting in His face’ if you will, as God Himself is undeniably the principal architect behind the establishment of the modern state of Israel as much prophecy has predicted. (Ezekiel 36: 24-48, Isaiah 11:11). The fact that this anti-Israel position is not just a “Palestinian” one, but now a world -wide one places it in the realm of last days significance. World-wide judgment from God is on the near horizon.

Fortunately, there were some countries who voted against the observance and, hopefully avoiding this curse, including the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The proposal was sponsored by Egypt, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Yemen, and the “Palestinians”.

This UN action is demonstrative of what we can expect as we near the onset of Daniel’s 70th week, the culmination of which is Armageddon when the armies of the world are arrayed against Jerusalem.

Maranatha, Jim

I’m sure most Christians have heard the term – Daniel’s 70th week. It’s a term that describe the last seven years of human government on this earth. It’s taken from chapter 9 of the book written by the prophet Daniel. Verse 27 in this chapter describes a “week”(7-year period-Hebrew- “heptad”) coming at the end of the second Jewish exile which is currently nearing its conclusion. It is often referred to as “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7, Daniel 12:1). This seven- year period is when the individual known as the antichrist makes his appearance. Occurring mid-week, (at the 3.5-year mark) his unveiling is known as the abomination that causes desolation. (Daniel 11;31, 12:11), (2Thessalonians 2:3,4). (For more on this AOD scroll back to my earlier post “The Abomination of Desolation”). These seven years are also spoken of familiarly as the tribulation of which the last half (final 3 1/2 years) is termed the “great tribulation”. (Matthew 24:21, Daniel 7:25, 12:11).

This seven- year period is jam-packed with prophesied end-time events that will be challenging for the Christian. The four horsemen are released causing havoc on the earth through wars, famine and disease causing the death of 1/4 of the world’s population. (Rev. 6:8). Not only will the antichrist be given his time to reign on the earth, but two witnesses (prophets) from God will also be on the earth. We must be able to determine their legitimacy so that we can follow their God-given advice while resisting the antichrist and his economic system that will require allegiance in order to buy and sell. Yes, the mark of the beast. There also will be at least two horrific wars, the sixth trumpet war that will kill up to 3 million people (Rev. 9:13-21), and, of course, the final war Armageddon. (Rev. 16:16, 19:19). Add to these the judgments (plagues) from God on evil mankind described by the trumpets and bowls in Revelation detailing other wars, monster earthquakes, large hail, demonic infestations, fire, huge meteor impacts, cosmic turmoil, and it becomes a truly grim outlook.

It’s not a pretty picture, is it? As Christians we should be prepared in every respect for the onset of Daniel’s 70th week. It will require deep faith and trust just to physically survive this time if, in fact, we are not martyred. I know these are very strong words, but we absolutely must expect and prepare for the worst. If you’ve been following this blog, you know I believe we are very close to the start of the tribulation. So, as the time is short, don’t be among the last-days scoffers predicted by Peter. (2Peter 3:3). Be ever watchful, ready, and studying your bible so you’re not surprised by these things.

Take heart, however, because it’s a relatively short period culminating with the glorious arrival of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ when we will be rewarded with entry into His kingdom. We know that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us and that we can overcome any trial the world throws at us due to His Holy Spirit residing within us. “He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world” (1John 4:4). Yes, we’re overcomers, and I pray that we all don the full armor of God so that we can stand against the evil one during the 70th week. (Ephesians 6:13)

Maranatha, Jim

Media of all types from all over the world frequently report even minor news about what is happening in Jerusalem, Israel. Why the intense interest in this relatively small city in a tiny country the size of the US state New Jersey? Something as innocuous as a Jew praying on the ancient Temple mount in the heart of the old city receives broad attention. Countries around the world agonize over whether to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capitol or to place their diplomatic missions there. Why the controversy? The answer is quite simple. This city is the place God Himself has chosen to place His name and to locate the capitol of the entire world in His soon coming kingdom. “But I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there” (2Chronicles 6:6). “God said to David and to His son Solomon ‘in this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen….I will put My Name forever’.” (2Chronicles 33:7). Many other scriptures attest to the fact that Jerusalem is God’s chosen city. The bible gives Jerusalem many names. Among them: Beloved, the Lord our Righteousness, City of David, City of the Great King, City of the Lord, City of Truth, Faithful City, Holy City, Holy Mountain, The Joy of the Whole Earth, Zion, The Throne of the Lord. Is it any wonder that Satan would provoke the world (of whom he is currently prince) to shun any attempt to restore this city to its rightful place? Satan, through his proxy the antichrist, will attempt to rule the world from Jerusalem usurping the Lordship of Jesus. (2Thessalonians 2:3-4). Thankfully his rule will be short-lived.

Jerusalem is important to our heavenly Father. Any one or any country that aligns against Jerusalem will find themselves facing judgement direct from God. For them it will become a stumbling stone. “Thus says the Lord….Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all the nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:1-3). The prophet Isaiah describes the Messiah (Jesus) as one with Jerusalem. “The Lord of hosts, Him shall you hallow; He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many of them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken, be snared and taken.” (Isaiah 8:13-15). In the coming ‘day of the Lord’ the Prophet Joel says this: “The Lord will roar from Zion and utter His voice from Jerusalem….So that you shall know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain.” (Joel 3:16-17)

At this time, the entire world seems to be intent on dividing up God’s holy city or abandoning it outrightly to Muslim domination. Foolhardy at best. Tripping over God’s stumbling stone. We as Christians, however, know better and, in fact, are given contrary instruction; “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” (Psalm 122:6). Jerusalem is central to future prophecy and bears our constant attention in these last days. Those of us rightly interested in eschatology are on the lookout for events central to Jerusalem, such as the building on the temple mount a sacrificial altar or a complete new Jewish temple, or the emergence of two prophets as predicted by the book of Revelation.

In a very short time, our Lord Jesus Himself will set His feet down on the Mount of Olives just outside of the old city of Jerusalem and enter through the east gate to take up His throne as King of all the earth. What a day that will be when the government of this entire world will be on His shoulders! (Isaiah 9:6-7). Ultimately, Jesus will completely replace Jerusalem with the most glorious and awesome city our universe will ever see. And we’ll get to visit or even live there! You can read all about it in Revelation chapter 21:9 – 22:5.

Maranatha, Jim

If you’re a believer in Christ, the bible presents a sure way to know you’ll have entry into your inheritance into Jesus’ coming kingdom. Jesus Himself said this: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). When Jesus’ mother and brothers were seeking Him, He asked the rhetorical question; “who are my mother and brothers?” He followed with this answer; “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35). The apostle Paul said this in his letter to the Ephesians: “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.“ (Ephesians 15:15-17). Paul told the church at Colossae that he constantly prayed for them asking; “That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Knowing God’s will also is the secret to answered prayer. The apostle John tells us this: “Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us”, “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” (1John 5:14, 3:22)

Yes, knowing the will of God takes some effort on your part. Studying your bible and learning to listen to Holy Spirit are the major ways that lead toward automatically discerning God’s will in every situation you find yourself in. Paul beseeches us in Romans “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2). The rewards for living a life conforming to God’s will are beyond comprehension.

The following verses from Hebrews and 1John speak for themselves. “Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, He who is coming will come and not tarry’.” (Hebrews 10:35-37). “And this world is passing away, along with the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1John 2:17)

Maranatha, Jim