When I was asked on August 16th to write a blog of about 800 words on Christian Living, I happily accepted and thought it would be simple enough.  As God has a way of doing to many of us, He has sent me on quite a thought-provoking journey with this assignment.  What I have discovered is that under the term and meaning of what it is to "live as a Christian," there are so many fragmenting facets.  To be honest, my first inclination was to write about something that has been annoying me lately—these slogans I see strewn about the world on t-shirts, wall décor, coffee mugs, etc.  I see people proudly displaying what is so opposite to what the Bible says and what "Christian Living" is about (i.e., "Do what makes you happy" and "Just Believe" in what?).  However, when I began typing and felt good about myself that I was going to have this blog completed well before deadline, God had other plans for me that would involve more thought and contemplation.   

I often go for hikes in the woods at a park near my home, and the Lord has spoken to me there through nature about His amazing ability to make beautiful works of our lives if we allow Him to care for and nurture us.  I sat down once again, to no avail, to begin encouraging others to look for God in nature while we go about our "Christian Living" (Luke 12:24-34).  

My mother was raised Catholic but has never formerly practiced any form of Christianity.  I have never been shy about sharing my faith and weaving God into the conversation whenever I can.  My family and I have asked her to come to church with us on multiple occasions which she has only accepted if my children had a performance.   She suffers from depression and this last year has had health struggles that doctors can't explain.  I have prayed for her for years and on a trip home from the emergency room explained that I would have no regrets about our relationship, should something happen to either one of us, aside from not knowing if I would see her again in heaven.  I have explained how God could heal her from her anxiety and health problems brought on by depression (Proverbs 17:22, Deuteronomy 7:15, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 34:20), her depression as a whole, her bitterness towards others, and would bring about a life abundantly full (John 10:10) and with a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).  I have asked her to accept Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, quoted scripture, bought the Bible, prayed for her, done all I've known to do and have been met with “dug-in heels,” much to my dismay.  I thought, "Surely this is what I am to write about, Lord.  How in our "Christian Living" we are to lead others to you, even when met with reluctance.”  Instead, God played the song "Even If" by Mercy Me on the radio and assured me His ways are not my ways or His thoughts my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)  

I always listened to Christian music, whether at home or in my car, as it keeps me focused on the Lord, keeps my attitude in check (especially while driving), and helps me to extend and display grace to my family and fellow man on the road.  So, I thought, “Well simple enough Lord.  Should I write about our need to be careful with what we listen to and avoid secular music altogether?”  That is when I heard a song I had never heard before.  "This is My Offering" by Third Day and it became so very, very clear what I was to write about.  Yes "Christian Living" does have sub categories that I hope I have the opportunity to write on in the future.  However, what "Christian Living" at its core truly hinges on is an individual humbling of one's self (1 Peter 5:6-8) and choosing (as the Bible states) to deny self, pick up our cross, and lay down our life on an altar as an offering to our Father, Creator, Redeemer, and Savior because He chose to sacrifice His life for ours (John 15:13).  The writer of the song states perfect truth when he writes "the only thing that I can give you is the life you gave to me."  When you think about that, it is so simple, clear and true.  Our God doesn't need our money (Hebrews 13:5-6), good works or intentions, but He does desire a heart that is willing to devote our very life, being, and soul to Him.  Only then can we truly accomplish "Christian Living" and bring all due glory, honor and praise to Him.  He is the one who gives us the ability to "live as a Christian" in the first place (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Colossians 1:29). 

I don't know why, but I had to chuckle and marvel as I was blown away yet again by my amazing Father and Savior as He patiently, lovingly, and kindly guided me along the way to the conclusion I should have come to immediately when tasked with writing what it means to be involved in "Christian Living."  God always lays His foundations perfectly and that is what He did yet again for me, on time, and accomplished for me a deeper understanding, knowledge and trust in Him along the way.  I pray reading this blesses you the same way.   

Psalms 103:15-16: “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.  For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more”.

If you watch the news at all, you really don't need to be reminded that we face some very serious issues in these last days.  May I mention just a few:

            Radical Islamic Terrorism

            Nuclear threat from North Korea (Hydrogen bomb??)

            Threats and nuclear push by Iran

            Tense relations with both Russia and China

            Continuing wars in Syria and Afghanistan

            Protests, dissension in our Country

            War against police ~ authority

            Disrespect to our flag, our faith, our history

            Moral decadence

            Hurricanes, flooding, wildfires

            Epidemic of drug overdosing ~ suicide.

You might be asking, “Is there any good news?”  Actually there is!  You may not find it on TV or in newspapers, magazines, or the internet.  But, Jesus had a word of encouragement for us in:

Luke 21:2:  “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

Regardless of what we may be “hoping for,” the situation in this “broken world” isn't going to improve.  As a matter of fact, it is destined to become worse!  Yes, there will at some point be a “One World Order” led by a dictator worse than any we've ever known.  There will be a “One World Religion,” a “false religion” that will be mandatory.  When these things come to pass, God will pour out His wrath on this wicked world.  Jesus told us in:

Matthew 24:21-22:  “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And except those days should be shortened, there would be no survivors:”

So, if you're thinking that things are pretty bad now (review the above list), you “ain't seen nothing yet!!!”  A day is coming when God will pour out His wrath on this broken and sinful world.  The book of Revelation describes what will happen during those seven years of “great tribulation” and it isn't pretty.  Thirteen times in Revelation it mentions the “wrath of God.”  Can you recall the warning and the consequences of the great flood where only Noah and his family were saved?  Do you remember what the consequences were in Sodom and Gomorrah?  How about the plagues that were brought on Egypt?  As it says in:

            Hebrews 10:31:  “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”.

Just a couple verses from the Book of Revelation...

• Revelation 6:17:  “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”
• Revelation 11:18:  “The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come.  It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”

If I could read your mind as you read this, I imagine at this point you would be saying, “Why are you being so negative?”  This news isn't “uplifting” or “encouraging,” it's frightening!  I must admit you're right.  If you haven't accepted Christ, if you don't believe in Him and His Word, if you don't trust Him as your Savior; you should be very concerned and frightened.

If, however, you are a believer, you have repented of your sins, and you have a personal    relationship with Jesus Christ, then Jesus has provided a way of escape.  You can hold on to these next three promises.

Romans 5:  “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from      wrath through him”.

1 Thessalonians 1:10:  “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come”.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10:  “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him”.

You see, before that “day of wrath,” Jesus is coming in the clouds to take us out of this world.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18:  “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words”.

So, when will all this happen?  Will it “interrupt” plans you have for your future?  Jesus said He would come as a “thief in the night.”  I don't know of any thieves that announce their coming ahead of time.  Jesus tells us to “Be Ready.”  He explained there would be signs of his coming, and that they would increase in number and intensity, “like the birth pangs of a mother.”  They not only include natural disasters, but threats to Israel and Jerusalem, apostasy in the churches, immorality, violence, and hatred.  Are you seeing the “trend??”

It is for this reason that I titled this article “Last Call.”  It may be your last opportunity to hear this warning.  People in Noah's day didn't believe until after the door of the ark was closed and the water began to rise.  Will you look back on this day and say “Oh, if I had only listened?”  Please, I'm asking you, don't wait another day.  Call on the name of Jesus, confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, ask Him to come into your heart; and tell Him that you submit your life and will to Him!  It's a matter of dying to yourself, and self-will, and letting Him be the Lord of your Life.

Whether this message is “negative” or “positive” depends on your choice.  I love the promise in:

John 14:1-3:  “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”.

Several Years ago, Andrea Crouch wrote a song that goes; “Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King, Soon and very soon we are going to see the King, Soon and very soon we are going to see the King, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, we are going to see the King”!!  Let me say with John in:

            Revelation 22:20-21:  “He which testifieth these things (Jesus) saith, Surely I come quickly.

            Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen”.