God's promises remain

The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
(2Pe 3:9 NLT)

Jesus’ returning is no less urgent today than it was two thousand years ago, as a matter of fact the time is nearer now than ever before but because our time table is much shorter than God’s people do not concern themselves with such things. Because of this many come to the conclusion that God lied, does not exist, or is dead as a means of justifying their self-centered lives but those who believe God’s Word is truth know Jesus’ returning will be like a thief in the night and only those who overcome the flesh will be ready to leave this world behind. From the beginning God told His select few to keep their lamps burning continually and though they did not, nor could not understand why they obeyed through the generations (Exodus 27:20). Today we are reminded to do the same and though we do not know the hour of the Lord’s returning we obey. Jesus said this…

"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. "At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' "All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' "But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' "But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' "But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!'
(Mat 25:1-12 NLT)

How do we keep our lamps burning, how do we make sure like the five wise bridesmaids we keep enough oil? Relationship – seeking and finding, listening and obeying, following the unseen! Do you spend time alone with God, do you seek Him because that is what you desire or do you do it begrudgingly or not at all because the Lord has delayed? What will you do when His return catches you off guard and you are not prepared, surely then it will be too late. Don’t be short-sighted, look to His promises and understand that nothing in this world holds value when compared to the next. Again Jesus said…

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
(Mat 13:45-46 NLT)

Are we willing to sell everything we call “ours” to buy that which we could never afford if it were not for the magnificent grace and great love of our Lord Jesus Christ? He was obedient unto death can we not give ourselves as living sacrifices so that we might be called His? God’s promises are true, for He does not change and His timing is impeccable. Like the Israelites it is not ours to question but simply obey because of who God is. With same reckless abandonment as the disciples we hear Jesus’ call and walk away from the known to win that which is promised, because of what He has done.

God loves us and anticipates great things for us but to receive those blessings we must align ourselves with the Word of God. So many people are looking to receive a word from God but overlook the provisions He has already given in the Bible and through His Holy Spirit. What you seek is here waiting but you have to be the one to initiate the change, otherwise we would accuse God of controlling and manipulating us. He has given us freewill and out of that He wants us to respond to the love He has shown so that the blessings He has stored up for us can be realized to the fullest extent!