Like a Thief in the Night
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman and they will not escape. But you brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”
We spend much time praying over our sons and daughters that they would have a heart for Jesus, an understanding of Scripture and would pursue holy living. But how often do we stop and pray that they would have an eye on the future? Sometimes it seems so far off that, although we know Jesus’ return could happen at any moment, we too easily find ourselves lulled into a mindset of ‘someday’ vs. ‘imminent’, “even today”. It should change how we live. It should determine our focus. It is the important thing by which we should prioritize our days, our choices, our lives. Yet, too often, it’s buried in the back of our minds as something that ‘might’ happen in our lifetime, but is probably unlikely because look how much time has gone by already? It’s been two thousand years. As days go on the imminence seems to lose its urgency, and isn’t that what Satan hopes will happen in the believer’s heart and mind? The Lord tells us we need to be aware and watching.
Look at current events- what do you see? Are things becoming more peaceful? Is crime becoming less prevalent? Are people caring for one another in ways that bring harmony and show kindness? Oh, governments and leaders will proclaim peace and tell us alliances are certain to assure us of the same, but Scripture tells us that’s the deception of the enemy. Satan is the Prince of the power of the air. This is his domain. He breeds chaos and pain. Matthew 24:7 says, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” Watch what is happening and don’t be unaware.
Sin is rampant, this world is in deep decay and Jesus is the only remedy that will change anything. Yet, scripture tells us at some point, He will return and catch up those who confess His name and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord. We call it the rapture. Some will say, “well, that word isn’t even in scripture!”. Hmmm. No, the English word is not in scripture. But the Bible wasn’t written in English. If you dig a little deeper you’ll see something very interesting in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” Those words ‘caught up’ is the word ‘harpazo’ which means “to seize, catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).” (1) It comes from the word ‘haireo’ which means “to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer, choose.” (2)
This ‘catching up’ of believers won’t come with a warning or a ‘heads up!’. That’s already been given in Thessalonians. We are told to live ready. Much like a special forces military officer lives always ready to go at a moment’s notice. Their ‘go bag’ is packed and ready so that when they get the call, they’re on their way immediately. When we get the call from Jesus, we’ll be out- in a moment, caught up and pulled out. It will be that quick. It will be unexpected. People will be caught unaware.
Matthew 24:36-44 says, ““But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Jesus is coming back. Are we keeping watch? Do we teach and encourage our sons and daughters to be alert and aware? We need to pray that our sons and daughters live in the light of Jesus return, always watching, always ready, because this world is not where we are meant to be. This is not our home, so we shouldn’t get too comfortable. Pray that our sons and daughters would have a burden to share the hope that they have in Christ with those who are spiritually dying. Pray that they are excited to see His return because that will be the moment their faith becomes sight! Can you imagine? What an amazing, breath-taking moment that will be! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
“Heavenly Father, You assure us that Jesus will return for us. You also remind us in Your Word that the day and the hour is unknown to all but You. It could happen at any moment. But I fear we lose our focus too easily and we become comfortable here. So many years believers have been waiting, and we may wait even more. But that waiting is Your kindness toward those who have yet to believe (2 Peter 3:9). I pray that You would give us a fresh excitement and anticipation for Jesus’ return. Help us always to be watching with hope, waiting while being busy for Your kingdom, eager to see Jesus but burdened for those who don’t yet know Him. Lord, I pray for (name) today. Don’t let them live unaware. Remind them of the promises in Scripture that tell us this is not our home. Stir them to action and cause them to think about what they choose to say and do- would it please Jesus if He returned to find them doing it? Lord, affirm to us, even today, that You are working and that Jesus return is near. Don’t let us grow dull. Don’t allow us to become desensitized to the urgency. Lord, we long for that moment when our faith will become sight- I pray that (name) would long for that too! Lord Jesus, come quickly!”
Pray without ceasing.
Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior or are you unsure of what you believe? Do you know where you will spend eternity or are you just hoping for the best?
If you have questions or would like to know more, please reach out! I would be happy to share the hope you can find in Jesus and point you to what He says in Scripture that gives confidence in His plan for our lives.
G726 - harpazō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g726/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G138 - haireō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g138/niv/mgnt/0-1/
Whatever happens… are we ready?
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
When we become believers and followers of Christ, we hear about the wonderful ways we’ll enjoy God’s blessings, mercy and grace. What we don’t often spend time considering is the cost of following Jesus. For those of us living in the West, that’s not really something we’re confronted with very often. But believers in closed countries where Christianity is outlawed, the cost is understood….and sometimes, believers pay with their lives. And they’re willing. That should make us pause and do some introspection. Is our faith strong or are we inch-deep with fragile roots? And are we ready….for whatever happens...?
There is an ever-growing pressure on believers, worldwide. Media, social and otherwise, decries our faith and our convictions as intolerant and abrasive. Believers are taunted, pressured, and shamed in an effort to pressure us to relent and relinquish the standards of our faith and soften our convictions. The goal is that we would substitute our Lord for a lesser god that would not be offensive to those living in darkness and pursuing sin. It’s true, to unbelievers Jesus is the Rock that makes them stumble and the stone that makes them fall (1 Pet 2:8). This world is trying to diminish the power of the gospel and defame the name of Christ. Christians are becoming more and more a target of ridicule and, in some countries, persecution and abuse. And, friends, it’s only going to increase. We are witnessing a battle between darkness and light unfold before our eyes. We have to be ready. So, how do we prepare our hearts and minds?
Scripture tell us we are called to suffer for Christ. Are we ready? When everything starts to circle the drain (and at some point, it will), nothing else will matter. When money is worthless and governments fall, when disorder reigns and religious freedom is a thing of the past, we need to be confident that our sons and daughters will stand firm in their faith. We want to be confident they will live by their convictions and they would be willing to give their all for Christ. Friends, it’s happening in some places now. Who is to say any nation would be immune? Will our sons and daughters have a faith strong enough to withstand the pressure, the persecution? Will they have an eternal perspective that allows them to view these light and momentary troubles as nothing compared to the eternal reward God has waiting?
We need to be on our knees praying a hedge of protection, a spiritual shield around our sons and daughters. And it’s likely we’re pretty good at that, it’s likely we’ve been pleading for God’s protection since they were born. But we also need to pray that they will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10). We need to pray that WHATEVER HAPPENS…. Whatever (that’s a hard word to wrap our Momma minds around, isn’t it?) Whatever happens, that our sons and daughters would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel: suitable and befitting the gospel of Christ.
Let’s take time this week to memorize and pray through Philippians 1:27-29. God’s word never returns void. Scripture renews our minds. And you’ll begin to see how Philippians 1:27-29 applies to so many things around you. Memorize, and then let’s pray for our sons and daughters:
That whatever happens, they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Worthy of Christ- oh how we should crave that as our heart’s desire.
That they would stand firm in the Spirit. They need to be listening to and sensitive to the Holy Spirit in their life.
That they would strive, together with other believers, for the faith of the gospel. This means they need to be in fellowship with other believers.
That they would not be afraid of those who oppose them. (Can they spot the opposition?)
That they would have confidence they will be saved by the Lord- He’s marked them as His own.
If they are not walking with the Lord, pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in their heart and bring them to repentance.
Pray that they would be ready, and willing, to suffer for Christ. 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” and that they would be rejoicing that His glory will be revealed in them.
We have a full week’s worth of prayer here. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy focused prayer. It’s not a drive-through, it’s more of a sit down meal. Take your time to savor this time with the Lord.
Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers. Deepening your prayer life is not a ‘quick process’, but a deliberate one that requires you to be thoughtful and intentional and willing. Write down how the Lord is speaking to you and note how He’s taking you deeper into prayer. How do you see Him working? And if you’re willing, share with us!
Pray without ceasing, friends.
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
Stand Firm to the End
Stay True to the Faith
Matthew 24:12-13 “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Have you noticed how people seem to be growing more hostile toward God, toward the Bible and toward believers? Scripture says in the last days scoffers will come, mocking God’s promises and following their own evil desires (2 Peter 3:3)
It’s crucial that we pray for our sons’ and daughters’ protection and growth, but more than that. There is so much at stake. We are stepping into the Last Days and we see Jesus’ return ever-nearer; we must pray that our children stand true and hold fast. The world isn’t just indifferent toward God, it’s hostile. If we are believers and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, guess what...they’re going to be hostile to us as well. Friends, we are not just seeing ‘glimpses’ of this, but nearly weekly reports of hostility, aggression and hatred toward God, the church and the family of believers.
Recently, a large church was torn down in Ireland. The once-vibrant church, built to hold 3500 people, is no longer needed. Eventually, it will be replaced by a smaller building that holds 350 (1)(2). The comments following the news story were very telling…
“Good, now let’s get started on the rest of them.”
”They’ll just build another one, like Ireland needs any more churches… Wish they would spend the money they use for these places on actually trying to rebuild people’s [lives] that they have destroyed.”
“The truth must win in the end, unfortunately, the church has outgrown its use. It’s purpose is done.”
“Churches that size are not necessary any more.”
“...It’s built for 3500 parishioners. No way will the church ever recover to those numbers. Religion is dying. The majority of the nation won’t [care]. Good riddance.” (3)
Friends, back up and look at the big picture. This isn’t about denominations or doctrine. This is a much bigger picture that is representative of the hardened heart of man toward God. The hostility of these people toward church is strong. Their view that worship is unnecessary is clear. The indifference to the dwindling flock is another sign that this world is doing just what God said it would. Hearts are growing cold. People are less and less inclined to even consider God or their position in relation to Him. They have no thought for eternity. They are driven by their own evil desires, lusts and passions. They mock and rail against the Lord. ...And this is the world in which our sons and daughters are living... and in which they must decide to take a stand for Christ, no matter what may come.
“Father, I pray today for (name). Lord, this world is growing more hostile and we all will be tempted to protect ourselves from the onslaught of persecution. But Lord, you call us to lose our lives for You. Whether it be comfort, employment, friends, Lord, we know that we might have to let go of some things in order to lay hold of that which you’ve called us to- eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says v 17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Lord, help (name) to put their hope in You and You alone.
V.18 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” I pray that (name)’s words and actions would represent Christ well. Let them be salt and light in a world that is dark and decaying. Give them strength and boldness to to this. Yes, it will make them stand out as a believer and may bring persecution as a result, but it is what You call us to. Help (name) to do it well and for Your glory. We know the promise is sure v.19 “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Lord, I pray that (name) would choose to live for the life that is truly life. Let them live uncompromisingly for You. Give them boldness, strength and confidence that You will hold them securely. Don’t let them grow cold, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
1. News, R. T. E. (2020, February 6). Permission granted for demolition of Finglas Church. RTE.ie. Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2020/0206/1113615-finglas-church/.
2. Annunciation), (I. C. of, & Maps), (I. S. G. (2020, February 6). Demolition of iconic North Dublin Church gets final approval. DublinLive. Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/demolition-church-annunciation-finglas-gets-17701410.
3. Here Today Gone Tomorrow. Facebook. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.facebook.com/jimm1965/posts/1672502186474306.
Pray for the Persecuted
Psalm 140:12-13 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
Let’s not be so caught up in our own trials that we lose sight of what believers are facing around the world. Oppression and persecution are ramping up. Can we pray?
Pray that the Lord would secure justice for the poor and uphold the cause of the needy. Pray for those in need of religious freedom. Pray for those who are facing injustice because of their love of Christ. Pray that those believers who are facing persecution would stand firm. This life is fleeting- it’s as short-lived as the morning mist in the fields.. Eternity awaits. Our attitudes and decisions here matter. When faced with the choice of Jesus or this life….what will we choose? What will our sons and daughters choose? Will they have the conviction to stand with Christ?
“Surely, the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live in your presence.” What a promise!! What assurance that can encourage us to stand firm. Oppression and persecution here are hard…but there is promise of justice and deliverance!
Take some time today to pray for the persecuted Church and for our sons and daughters to stand with conviction, unwaveringly committed to following Christ, no matter the cost.
Pray without ceasing.
A Prayer for Safety
Psalm 140:4-5 “Keep me safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.”
Christians are suffering oppression all over the world. from physical attacks in Middle Eastern and African nations to social credit systems in Asian countries that deny access to needed goods and services. The attacks on believers are ever-increasing.
In the United States we hear the twisting of words that misrepresent what Scripture teaches. We hear angry, accusatory statements that lay blame and unleash anger on believers. And yes, we get angry, frustrated and we feel ‘persecuted’. But, friends, we need to be careful. Some of the blame lies with us. We’ve espoused things that we don’t live out well. We’ve spoken words of compassion and then failed to live it out with grace and mercy. Our vision is sometimes short-sighted and ignores the pain and deep needs that are not as ‘comfortable’ or convenient for us to address and meet. We need to be prepared that we will, we WILL face opposition. And we need to be prepared to live without compromise...not just when it’s comfortable or convenient.
If we’re going to live out the gospel, we need to live it all. ALL. OF. IT. We need to be ready that we will face real persecution- not just mean words. Are we ready to stand firm? Do our sons and daughters understand what is ahead? Are they prepared? Let’s pray that the Lord strengthens every believer to stand firm in the face of what is to come. Pray that the Lord provides safety for our faith.
“Keep us safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked. I pray that you would keep (name) safe, too. The wicked will stop at nothing to destroy our faith and ruin our testimony to others. Lord, it’s not about us. It’s about You. Preserve our walk with Jesus so that we can stand before You, unashamed. Protect us from the violent, who devise ways to trip our feet. Give us eyes that have spiritual discernment to avoid those traps that would pull us down. The arrogant have hidden a snare; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for us along our path. Lord, guide our steps. Please uphold (name) and let them walk unwaveringly with You. Guard and guide them, Lord. Keep them growing in their faith and in deep, spiritual discernment. Help me as a parent to encourage them and pray for them always. Go before us, Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.