About Times And Dates

Do you ever think about times and dates, about what’s to come?  I never used to till I got older.  Age can make one reflective.  

Paul was speaking ahead to the church and said to the Thessalonians, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”  (1 Thessalonians 5: 2)  He continues, “You, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.  You are all sons of the light and sons of the day, we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”  (1 Thessalonians 5: 4-5)  

He, additionally, gives them some final exhortations, telling them to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.  

Respect is a great thing. This quality seems to be diminishing in our culture today, however.  

Here are some other points in the chapter we can learn from:

• Live in peace with each other.
• Warn those who are idle.
• Encourage the timid.
• Help the weak. 
• Be patient with everyone.
• Don’t pay back wrong for wrong.
• Be kind to each other.
• Be joyful.
• Pray continually.
• Give thanks in all circumstances.

He concludes his message talking about the Holy Spirit saying, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.”  (1 Thessalonians 5: 19)  

The text note had a very interesting comment and alluded to this: This may be a warning against a mechanical attitude toward worship.  

I recalled the words of Jesus, “Worship in Spirit and Truth.”  (John 4: 24)  

• The Holy Spirit draws us to worship from our hearts, not just in singing songs.  

(Shared from 1 Thessalonians 5, Modified)  

Isaiah is still prophesying to the nations, bringing correction.  The prophets in the Old Testaments always seemed to bring warning and speak of impending judgement.  They were not very well-liked.  

He says to Tyre, which is in Lebanon, “Wail, O ships of Tarshish!  For Tyre is destroyed and left without house or harbor.”  (Isaiah 1: 1)  

As the chapter goes on, he then gets their attention saying, “The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned to the earth.”  (Isaiah 23: 9)  

• Pride goes before a fall.  

The prophet then speaks some hope, “After seventy years her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stopped or hoarded.”  (Isaiah 1: 18)  

So what’s all of this have to do with us, some may be asking?  There are principles that we can learn from to enhance our walk with the Lord.  

Do we know when that will be?  Nope, we do not.  That’s why we should live as if that day is tomorrow.  Scripture clearly says, “See, the Lord is going to lay waste to the earth and devastate it.”  (Isaiah 24: 1)  

We don’t talk about this much, but we should look at it.  Here’s what awaits those in the last days, the time of God’s final victory over the forces of evil.   To those who do not know Jesus, “Terror and pit and snare await you, O people of the earth.  The floodgates of the heavens are opened, the foundations of the earth shake.”  (Isaiah 24: 17-18)  

Yes, God will punish the powers in the heaven above and the kings (leaders) on the earth below.  

• Powers in the heavens are Satan and fallen angels.

“The moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed; for the Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously.”  (Isaiah 24: 23)  

During judgement, the sun and the moon do not shine.  Jesus will literally be the everlasting light, as heaven comes down to the earth.  In Heaven, there will be no night and only day.  It will always be bright and sunny, as the glory of God emanates within that place.  No darkness will be there!  

(Shared from Isaiah 23-24, Modified)

It’s never too late to talk with him.  He is our redemptive God, always waiting for us to cry out to Him.  He hears our voice, “He heard my cry for mercy.  Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.”  (Psalm 116: 2)  

“I was overcome by trouble and sorrow and I called on the name of the Lord, O Lord, save me.”  (Psalm 116: 4)  

• Jesus not only gives us salvation; He is salvation.
• He always stands with arms open.
• He awaits our return before his return

Before I finished this chapter, I found this, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”  (Psalm 116: 15)  

• Death to self is a way for new birth.  
• Death to the body is a way for new life.  
• His salvation carries both. 

If your eternal home is not secured, Jesus is the only way to get there.  

(Shared from Psalm 116, Modified) 

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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com

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