September 16 2004
Luke 21:25-26, "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth for the powers of heaven will be shaken."
Before I begin to expound on recent natural events, I would like to ask something of you. No, it's not to go to your phone and make a pledge, or to write the best possible check your heart will let you and send it in to this ministry. What you give, and whom you give to is between you and God.
What I would like to ask of you is to take some time out of your schedule today, kneel before the Father and pray for those that are in the path of this current storm, as well as others that are soon to come. In adversity, our faith is tested, and I ask that you pray for their faith to keep, that they stand strong on the foundation of Christ, so the world may see the difference between those who fear God, and those who do not fear Him.
If one has never experienced losing everything they've worked for their entire life, they will never know what some people are going through today. Although I was young, and it was due to all our possessions being confiscated rather than wiped out by a tornado or a hurricane, I can attest to that feeling of hopelessness that grips you, seeing all your endeavors laid to waste. In the late eighties we housed a family in our two bedroom apartment for six months after all they possessed was destroyed by the California earthquake, and I can still remember the vacant look in their eyes, as yet unable to comprehend what had just occurred. So, once again, I urge you, keep those who are faced with the onslaught of this devastation in your prayers.
The current natural occurrences that have been taking place not only in the United States, but also throughout the world should come as no surprise to the children of God. Last year I wrote an article in our hand of help newsletter, warning that as man continued to rebel against God, nature would in turn rebel against man.
As devastating as these occurrences can be, I fear that more will come. God is trying to get not only America's attention, but the world's attention, hoping to awaken His children out of their slumber, that when that great and terrible day of the Lord does come, they would be secure in the knowledge that God stands with them.
Even Jesus took the time to forewarn the faithful as to events that would take place before His return. Before His return, He tells us that there will be signs both in the physical universe, as well as the spiritual universe.
For many years scientists and their perfected equipment have been noticing unusual movements in the sun. Solar explosions, dark patches, and temperature changes that as yet they had not noticed.
Man has now invaded the moon, this quiet and uninhabited mass since its creation, and many have made plans to colonize, and exploit its riches. Little did man realize that all their plans are subject to God's approval.
Even in our own solar system great changes are seen among the stars. Old stars explode, and new ones are born, new planets are discovered, meteorites fall, space stations are sent to Mars, and all these things were foretold of, in an age where eye glasses, and binoculars, not telescopes would have been the greatest of all inventions.
Besides the signs in the sun and the moon, Jesus also foretold of what would transpire on earth, namely, the distress of nations with perplexity. Not wanting to make a sermon out of this, I will simply say the following when it comes to this topic. The best definition for distress of nations with perplexity is the taking away of freedom, insecurity concerning tomorrow, and fear of one's own neighbor. We see these things more clearly than ever before and they continue to grow with each passing day, in families, communities, and even nations.
The last part of that verse, speaks of the sea and the waves roaring. The reason I mention this passage, is I was able to get a glimpse of the devastation being visited upon the eastern seaboard, and while the reporter spoke, you could hear the waves crashing in the background, you could see the waters come up out of the ocean and continue their trek through towns and homes. Seeing this, reminded me of this passage, and the feeling was so strong that it caused me to take a moment and wonder, what's next?
The word of God tells us what is to come, but many are unwilling to hear. We shut up our hearts, and plug up our ears, hoping that if we do not hear, it will not come to pass. Yes, the day is coming, as Jesus said that men's hearts would fail them from fear of the expectation of these things, which are coming on the earth.
We know that day is coming, because it was also Jesus who said that heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will by no means pass away.
Knowing what the future holds, knowing all that is to come upon the earth, what are we then to do? What I have been encouraging and admonishing people to do for the better part of twenty years. Something that every writer who inspired by the spirit of God contributed to the books of the Bible, urged those seeking truth to do. Seek after Christ, and Christ alone. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and we can find salvation through none other.
If you are reading this, and you have not cemented a relationship with Christ, if you have not experienced the love and peace that Jesus gives, I urge you this day, look within your heart, and see that all the world has ever offered were fleeting pleasures, hopelessness, and desperation. I will not promise you as some do that you will be a millionaire if you come to Jesus, or that you will never have hardships if you commit your ways to Him, but I can promise you that you will never again feel alone, or abandoned, you will always have peace in your heart, and above all else you will obtain salvation through His shed blood. Know this however, that tomorrow belongs to God, and not you today, you have the opportunity, tomorrow you may not.
Although the things which have been foretold, by Christ, and His servants throughout time may disquiet and disturb some, for the children of God it is an added reason to rejoice in the goodness of their Father, and trust in His promises. Whatever tomorrow may bring, we know that God watches over us, and loves us more than we will ever comprehend.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.