(Matthew 24:6-8)
The end times. You don't have to be a Biblical scholar to read the Bible
and
understand we are in the last days. Many have pointed to this Friday as the
start of something big. A few weeks ago, I gave you my analysis of this
whole Y2K phenomenon. The bottom line, some minor things will probably be
affected, probably in smaller foreign countries, but we will not miss a beat
here. Actually, the greater threat is the opportunity by some extreme
terrorist groups to use the occasion to gain publicity for their cause. I
have always remembered that the Bible says in many places, no one knows when
time, as we know it, will be over except God. That is good enough for me
because it is something I cannot control. What I can control is God's
admonition to me and you to be busy working for the Kingdom when that time
does come.
The focus over the next 5 days on every news outlet will be the last few
days
of 1999, the potential for problems via computers failing or activities by
extremist groups. To be honest, I have been more focused on the work God
has
given me to do each day rather than get caught up in the hype. I would like
to give you two suggestions for this New Year's Eve though. I would never
condemn anyone for wanting to go to some New Year's Eve celebration and
having a good time. My personal opinion is that drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
consumption is not something a follower of Christ should be involved in
because (A) our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and why would you
want
to pollute your temple, (B) it is a bad witness to others who know you are a
Christian and watch how you live, and could be a stumbling block in their
search for the Lord, (C) it causes you to do and say things you normally
wouldn't without that influence. Having said that, if some sort of big
celebration is not already planned, either go to a Watch-night service at a
local church and bring in the New Year that way, or join me on
Liveprayer.com
and join a worldwide prayer meeting as we bring in the New Year all around
the globe.
There will be a special announcement in tomorrow's devotional about our New
Year's Eve plans, but we will have people worldwide logged on to our live
video feed, giving us updates on the start of the new year from around the
world. We will be praying for special needs that night. I will be on from
11pm EST through 3am EST as we bring in the new year from New York to Los
Angeles. It is going to be a great night and you can be part of the only
LIVE worldwide prayer meeting.
I want to pray today that you put your faith and trust in God this week and
have no fears about the coming new year. Plan now to be part of a spiritual
event on New Year's Eve. What better way to start the New Year than in
prayer. It will be exciting as we begin a new century, full of
opportunities
to see the Kingdom of God expanded. I am so full of hope and excitement as
we use this great new technology on the Internet to literally reach hundreds of
thousand worldwide every day for the Lord. God says to you today, "Fear not
for I am the Lord your God, on my throne, and in control". Have a blessed
Lord's day today as we praise and worship the only One worthy of our love
and
adoration. I love you, care about you, and want to hear from you today if I
can help in any way. As we stand together in His strength, all things are
possible.
