ICS Daily Devotions
Make It a Happy Ending

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

When the pandemic hit us last year, many people began speculating if we were living in the last days and whether Jesus would be returning soon. Well, the Bible is very clear that He will return like a thief in the night and that nobody knows when that will happen. But one thing is certain. Although no one knows when Jesus is coming back, by simply logic, every day that we live is a day nearer to the Lord’s return. Therefore, we must live our lives as though He is returning any moment! We don’t want to be caught unawares!

Now here is an important question we would do well to ponder. What will He find us doing? What will He find you doing when He returns? Are we seeking the kingdom of God first? Are we living our lives purposefully for the Lord? Should we be cleaning house? Should we start reordering our priorities?

Perilous (Strong’s #5467 Chalepós, pronounced Khal-ep-oss) : harsh, savage, difficult, dangerous, painful, fierce, grievous, hard to deal with. The word describes a society that is barren of virtue but abounding in vices. (http://wp.dennisonfoursquare.org/devotional/the-times-we-live-in/)

Sounds like the world we live in today, doesn’t it?

Even the church is not immune to this. A sad example is that we are witnessing the highest divorce rates in history both within and outside the church. A casual look around us will reveal that we do indeed live in perilous times. If we, the salt and the light of this world, are not strong enough to stand up against the persecution of the world, we will begin to waver, compromise and even be absorbed into the world’s values.

But can the situation be better within the church? Most definitely! Surely, things are not the way they’re supposed to be. There is a power available to us, a newness of heart and desire for things not of this world. But we must submit to its power to transform us slowly but surely into the likeness of Christ. We can grow from a carnal to a spiritually mature and stable Christian.

Let us get ready for the day of the Lord. May we be prepared, like a bride meeting her groom. There is a happy ending for those who wait faithfully for Him and in Him.

Sermon Series: A Great Start to 2021