The Time Is Now

My dear friend,

You are a treasure, you know that? I’ve been thinking so much about you during my move to Colorado. As I get into a new routine, learn the new routes to the new stores, I am so glad that you are my familiar face. (And may I add, it’s a gorgeous face.) You are my cozy, security blanket in this new, big world. And I’m so very thankful for you. The time we spend together is dear to me. I love working with you towards the same eternal goal. I long to encouraging you in any way that I can, because you encourage me so greatly. In my transition into the new & unknown, I’ve had some thoughts about what really matters. And I’d like to share them with you...

What would we do differently if we REALLY became eternity-minded? It is so, so easy for me to get caught up in the day-to-day routine of life. Laundry, dishes, errands, remembering to put deodorant on BOTH armpits. But what would happen if we grabbed hold of the truth that what we’re doing (or not doing) at this moment, will change the Kingdom of God? Would we be eager to share Jesus with the person we’ve been meaning to? Would be show more abundant love & grace to others? Would we mend our broken relationships with people? Would we ask someone for forgiveness for the hurtful things said and done on our part, even if we feel that we were greatly wronged by the other person? Would we not take offense so easily? Would this kind of mindset bring passion & meaning back into our lives?

And what would we be doing differently if we really lived like we believe Jesus is coming back? I know most of us have repeatedly heard, “Jesus could be coming back today!” But it’s absolutely true. What if we lived as if the realness of that statement was on our hearts and minds every day? I feel a movement happening inside of my heart; a shifting of priorities; a new realization of upcoming events. My spirit is stirring & so are the hearts & spirits of many, many others. I hear it in their words & I see it in a very tangible way through their selflessness and actions. I feel like we’re on the edge of something big; something that can’t be stopped. And today is a time of preparation. Preparation of our hearts. Preparation of our minds. Preparation of our bodies. I feel like we should be clothing ourselves not with fashions of this world, but with supernatural armor. Oh friend, the time is here. We are mighty warriors and it’s time to take our place & stand our ground in this battle. Make no mistake, regardless of whether or not we WANT to be a part of it, we are. The difference is the impact we’ll make. Will we close our eyes & just hope to pass through life unaware or un-phased of the dangers around us? That’s not going to happen. Or will we stand up and boldly claim our positions? We are daughters & sons of the Most High! There is no one stronger, greater, holier than our God. Do you believe it? We say it, but do we believe it? Has it seeped down into the marrow of our bones & to the core of our very being? Do you believe that you have a higher calling? You do, my friend! But not only have you been called, you have been given the armor and supplies you need to be victorious. God does not call us to something that He’s not also equipped us for. It’s all there. All we have to do is do it. The calling is there. The armor is there. The favor & anointing is there. And it’s ours for the taking! Let’s stand together in the greatness for which we’ve been created! It’s my honor to be a part of this adventure and journey with you! (And not to give away the ending... but we win.)

Romans 13:11&12 says, “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

I watched the Left Behind movie for the first time last week. (Yes, for the first time. And no, I haven’t been living under a rock.) It really gave me a new sense of how real the return of Christ is going to be. The chaos and confusion will be heartbreaking. The return of Jesus WILL happen & we ARE called to join in the crusade. Every where we go; the supermarket, our schools, our workplaces, our churches; there are hurting, dying people in desperate need of Living Water & the Bread of Life. And guess who God Almighty has called to share it with them? You & me. What a privilege to be a part of shaping eternity. Wow.

God’s Kingdom is real. His promise are true. This battle is crucial. And we’re a part of it all.

1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Stand up & hold strong to your calling. The enemy will try to beat us down, shut us up & tempt us with comfortable routine. But we will not be defeated. We CAN NOT be defeated. We will not bury our heads in the sand. We will not take the path of least resistance.

May you boldly fight & stay passionate about the vital position you are assigned. I pray daily renewal and refreshment over your body, heart & mind.

1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

God be with you, my fellow warrior & friend. I declare our God faithful!