There are Christians who live as if there is no standard of living for them after they have received Christ. Each of these groups of people are not prepared for their date with destiny; that is, the moment that they will stand before the judgment seat of God and of Christ.

Because of the sure promises of scripture, we must all prepare (watch) to meet Christ at His return or at our departure from this life. Therefore, we want to give three things that we can do to be prepared for our entrance into eternity.

1. Clothe Ourselves - In the scriptures, righteousness and good morals are likened unto clothing. We must make sure we are clothed with the attributes of proper Christian character and conduct.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. Isaiah 59:17 (KJV)

2. Clean Ourselves – We must make sure that we are open with God about our weakness so that He can forgive us and cleanse us. Then, with His help, we must turn from thoughts and deeds that do not please Him.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Isaiah 1:16 (KJV)

3. Clock Ourselves - To clock means to keep track of time. In order for us to be prepared for our eternal destination, we must be aware of the times that we are living in. In addition, we must know that we will only live for a specified length of time on this earth. Therefore, we must live with this in mind, which should help us to prepare ourselves continually.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11 (KJV)

The Christian can be assured of His eternal salvation, but he must not take it for granted. Christ came to save us from our sins, which enables us to overcome them while we live. This prepares us for eternal life in the kingdom. Live  in expectation of the kingdom. Are you watching?

Well, there you have it. For more topics of interest, I have included this and more information in my inspirational series entitled, “Is There A Word From the Lord? – Book III” which is available at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

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Most people struggle with their personal histories. It is a known fact. Many live in regret wishing they could go back and change the past or relive the past. Neither of these are beneficial or practical if one wants to progress in life. In the book of Joshua, God was ready for Israel to go into their land of promise. However, they were too busy mourning over Moses. So, He sent His word to Joshua for he and the people to arise; that is, get over it.

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Josh 1:2 (KJV)

In our lives, there are situations that consistently stunt us from progressing in our relationship with Christ. Yet, the time is now to get over them. Regardless of the source of your frustration, it is not the intent of God for you to be frustrated and restrained by them. There are two areas that many need to get over.

Get over Past Hurts. No one likes to be hurt, rejected, and ridiculed. However, they are a part of life. Individuals have been hurt by family, friends, and members of the church. Though it is painful, one must forgive, develop “amnesia,” and move on. When Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness, Jesus challenged his sensibilities in His response.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matt 18:21-22 (KJV)

Jesus said this in light of the magnitude of offenses that can occur in life. In many instances, the offenders have moved on, so why don’t you. Allow God to heal those areas so you can be free.

Get over Past Failures. Everyone fails and makes mistakes. It is no reason to give up on yourself. God will never leave you, even if you have failed in your walk with Him. Many need to forgive themselves. Understand that you cannot change what has been done, but you can affect what shall be done. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, he penned these famous words,

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14 (KJV)

We are reminded that everyone is striving. Therefore, we must forget things in the past that can hinder and frustrate us. We cannot allow fear of the past or future to stop us from pushing and moving forward in Christ.

Get up from your dead situations. Get over things you cannot change, including  things about yourself. And, pursue Christ and His will for your life. Remember, Christ came to give you life and that to the fullest.

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Foundational to Christianity is the belief in the return of Jesus Christ. At His return, the words recorded in the book of Revelation will be realized that the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. Though many challenge the reality of a 2nd Advent of Christ, the scriptures clearly attest of its truth. The disciples asked Jesus to tell them plainly, when He would return. Jesus would not give them a specific time or date.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know when the time is. (Mark 13:32)

Instead of a time, He gave them signs. He told them that when they saw these signs, the coming of the Kingdom of God was near by. Though these signs have always been present throughout the ages, it does not change the truth of His return. Here are 4 signs clearly put forth in the Bible.

1. Rise of False Ministers - One of the greatest signs to the coming of the Lord is the increase of false ministers (Matthew 24:5, 11, 23-24). Do not be deceived. Do not expect every person that is false to have the title of “prophet” attached to his or her name. There are people who call themselves pastor, evangelist, and the like who are false. Today, many men and women call themselves “ministers.” Their ministries will draw people to themselves and not Christ. This serves as a warning to us. The Kingdom of God will shortly come in power and glory.

2. Rise of Nation against Nation – Another sign of the coming of the Lord and the Kingdom of God is that there will be strife and tensions between the nations of the world. World relations will be at their worst. Nations will be suspicious of one another. There will be wars breaking out – both great and small (Matthew 24:7a).

These prophetic words of Jesus have happened. We consistently hear about wars. The threat of war looms over various nations of the world. The whole Middle East is covered with violence and bloodshed between the neighboring countries. We must live in expectation of the coming of the Lord and His Kingdom.

3. Natural Disasters and Disease - Jesus told the disciples that there would be an increase of disasters and diseases before the coming of the Kingdom of God. He told them that diseases would be present that had never been experienced before. (Matthew 24:7b).

Today, we are experiencing these signs of His return. Various diseases have become rampant and have had global impact. Recently, various countries have experienced earthquakes, wild fires, flooding, and the like. All of this points to the coming of the Kingdom.

4. Persecution – From the birth of the Church on the day of Pentecost until now, believers have suffered persecution. In the apostles’ day, Christians were thrown in prison, fed to lions, hunted, mocked, and killed for the name of Christ. In the last days, Christ said that there would be an increase in the persecution of believers (Luke 21:12).

The persecution of believers today will take on a greater dimension. Not only will the world hate them, but also their own family members. In America, we do not see persecution at its fullest. In other countries, Christians can be jailed or killed for being caught with Christian literature. It will become worse as that Great Day approaches.

Well, there you have it! Until next time, stand in the faith. Always remember, It takes a moment to receive Him and a lifetime to live for Him. Please leave comments.

I have addressed this topic and others in detail in my book “Kingdom Concepts: Examining the Dynamics of Kingdom Living” which can found at Amazon.com.

1) Endurance is a prerequisite to eternal salvation. Jesus stated that the one, who endures to the end, shall be saved. He did not say the one who did more or knew more.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt 24:13 (KJV)

2) Endurance brings stability during uncertain times. Endurance helps one to maintain their pursuits in this life in the midst of adversities. Jesus was able to endure the pain and shame of the cross because joy was set before Him. He knew His suffering would result in man’s salvation.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Heb 12:2 (KJV)

3) Endurance guards against the desire to quit. Endurance has the motto that “Quitting is not an Option,” which stifles the desire to give up and quit. The desire to quit has to be tempered with the knowledge that Christ will not leave those who trust Him by themselves.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil 4:13 (KJV)

4) Endurance helps to revive faith. Endurance gives the user a since of faith. Endurance causes an individual to remember the Word of God and His personal promises.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  1 John 5:4 (KJV)

5) Endurance brings the believer closer to perfection in Christ. Endurance is needed to survive the sufferings that come along with our relationship with Christ. Endurance causes an individual to look past hurts, disappointments, and ungodly desires.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2 (KJV)

6) Endurance is a guarantee of success in spiritual warfare. Endurance causes believers to outlast every attack of the enemy.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:11 (KJV)

Yes. Life does bring problems, both great and small. Sometimes, hardships and trials can last for years and it seems as if there will be no end. However, remember the Art of Endurance. It will be worth it in the end. Remember, our walk with Christ has promise in this life and in the life that is to come.

Well, there you have it! Until next time, continue in the faith. For more information on this subject, I have addressed this and other subjects in my book, “The Fine Arts of Christian Living: Biblical Insights to a Successful Christian Life” which can be found at Amazon.com.