As we all reflect over the current day and days past, I am sure that most of us can reflect on the sound of loud fireworks ringing throughout the city! There may even be a few that can recall sounds of laughter and the big count down. In sum, the sounds in which we heard were those of excitement, happiness, and celebration in anticipation to what the New Year of 2022 will bring!
I would agree that this is exciting, however as we embark on another year there is a greater sound in which our hearts and minds should ponder on. That is the Great Shout of our Lord Christ Jesus’ return.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (CSB)
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
The day of the Lord, when He returns, descending with a great shout from heaven, will be greater than any celebration, greater than any event in history! Those that are in Christ Jesus live in anticipation of His return, but there are still many that do not anticipate the return of Christ. For this reason, these individuals are living outside of God’s will and are not spiritually alive. Christ Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). If you have found yourself living in this dangerous place without Christ, then we want you to know that it is not too late! Our Lord Jesus is patient, loving, forgiving, and willing to help anyone that will choose to believe in Him. When Jesus died and rose with all power and authority, He left us His Holy Spirit who leads and guides us in every step along the way.
We as the children of God are called to purity:
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
7For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness. 8Consequently, anyone who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
CSB
Right now, today you can choose to enter this year alive, renewed and with great anticipation and celebration of Victory through Christ Jesus! You can live free, loosed from all impurity, and live as Jehovah Bore- the Lord our Creator has declared; holy and righteous, being a Light of Hope for the world to see. Matthew 5:14 -You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. We encourage you to be bold, courageous and accept the unconditional Love of our Savior, whose love chose you although you may not have acknowledged Him and His truth! Live a life of purpose and intentionality for Christ now, that you may live again when He returns. Live in anticipation of hearing God’s voice and following Him in obedience. Live that you may experience how it really feels to be alive in spiritual sobriety and vigilance. Live knowing that your destiny is secured and sealed in the Blood of Jesus, the undefeated one, who is sure to provide all that you need, Jehovah Jireh!
So, this year in 2022, submit your heart to the Lord and prepare for Christ’s return. Allow Him to renew your mind, restore your spirit and direct you in the paths of righteousness. At the sound of the Shout let us all be ready.
Romans 10:9-10 (CSB)
9If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.
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