”There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.”   ~Hebrews 4:9-10

Have you ever had a computer that just went whacko—no matter what you tried to do to fix it, it still wouldn’t work right? You finally gave up, pulled the plug, completely shut it down and went to bed! The next morning you turned it back on, rebooted it, and, voilà . . . it was as if you had a brand new computer!

We were designed in very much the same way, in that we too need to completely shut down in order to start the following week anew! 

God hard-wired us with an inherent need to totally shut down and rest every single week. This period of time is by design, it’s the limit of our batteries, so to speak. We have an autoimmune system that is dependent on a number of things, but above all else, rest is at the very top of this list!

“For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me, says the Lord, so shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says the Lord.” ~Isaiah 66:22-24

The phrase, children of Israel, also means us—spiritual Israel/the children of God—all believers. Also, notice that God said forever! This sign of God’s Sabbath is forever! He said forever because He means forever. He sanctifies His people today just as He did Israel then. As a matter of fact, the New Testament believers are called “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16). This same ancient sign applies to all obedient-believers still to this day, who are indeed, spiritual Israel.

Guess this particular day must be pretty important to God, why else would it stand forever? And again the following verse reiterates this very same eternal promise, the promise of spending the Lord’s Sabbath day together even in heaven and on the new earth!

“It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” ~Exodus 31:17

The Saints, or true believers, will have both; they will keep the commandments of God, and have faith in Jesus! 

As in the above verse from Isaiah’s day, it’s still just as mandatory to celebrate God’s Sabbath day in the same way today, and we will still receive the same promised blessings. God fully intended that we perpetually observe His holy day of rest in this manner, and even till forever! Yes, we will still be spending every seventh day resting with the Lord on His holy Sabbath day for all eternity!

“ Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”   ~Revelation 14:12

Notice that verse 13 starts with the word if, and verse 14 with the word then. This is how God explains cause and effect—our actions and the resulting consequences. If we do something then He will do something, and if we refuse to do this, then that will happen. In the case of keeping God’s day of rest, He is promising to bless us in a number of ways.

God is saying if we obey Him in keeping His day and do so in the way He tells us to, we will find pleasure in this time spent with Him. We won’t be left to go to church just to go through the motions because He said to, but will actually delight in this special time spent together with our Creator. It is on this day set apart by His authority that He chooses to meet with His people, to visit with them and to bless them. 

Nowhere in the Bible is there a better description of how we are to keep God’s special day, as well as the results or consequences of doing so. To cause you to to ride on high, means to raise us above the reach of danger, and, to feed you with the heritage of Jacob, is a providential promise not just for the here and now, but for an eternal life as well; which God promised as a heritage to Jacob and…to all of his descendants as well. That would be us!

Why is this so important…?

This promise is repeated over and over in the following verses, but why? Why is this such an integral part of this Sabbath keeping explanative? It’s because God is telling us that no matter where we live on earth, He will unite us and bless us in this day, this holy, sanctified day. Not just because it’s a commandment, but because it’s a repeated promise! We, the body of believers, are the descendants and heritage of Jacob. This is the same blessing promise that God gave to Abraham and Isaac—that we, also being the heritage or descendants of Abraham and Isaac, will receive or inherit this same blessing.

We must understand that the forty year trek of the Israelites in the wilderness of sin was a foreshadow of what we are all experiencing today. God is telling us through these Bible stories, that we, Spiritual Israel, will go through similar experiences being tempted by Satan in the same way before we reach the promised land, our Canaan/the promise of eternity with God! 

God’s special Sabbath day of rest is the third commandment. It is also the only commandment that starts with the word remember. It’s as if God is telling us that it would be forgotten. And just in case you’re wondering, no, Jesus did not change this commandment. As a matter of fact, the New Testament ends with the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, where it is written:

13“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, 14 then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”   ~Isaiah 58:13-14

Climate change is the secular world's explanation for Bible prophecies playing out. This is not to say that the climate isn’t changing, and changing for the worst. It most definitely is, but just because God knows something will happen doesn’t mean He’s making it happen.

Are humans responsible for any of this huge change? Of course, the inhabitants of this planter have played a huge part in this situation, who else would Satan manipulate to do his bidding? But the fact still remains that God has foretold all of this is His Holy Scriptures.

Humanity is doing everything wrong as far as God’s original plan, and this is clearly the biggest part of this messed up climate situation. Nevertheless, just because God knew it would happen, and warns us of the inevitability, doesn’t mean He planned it.

These natural disasters serve only one positive purpose, and that is to see them as indicators or signs of the times. We need to use all of these signs to know that the time is now—the time has arrived for us to spread the word of Jesus’ soon return. It is time to reach out and encourage the masses to surrender their self-centered, secular lives, and turn to an all-forgiving God of love.

“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they did not hear nor heed Me, says the Lord.” ~Zachariah 1:3-4

He is beckoning us back to Him, to read and understand His word, especially His words spoken through the prophets. He warns us over and over to turn from our secular ways, turn back to Him, to His ways and commandments. But so many have gone astray and don’t want Him or His ways. They just trod along, spiritually dead, not caring who or what they harm. Literally leaving a wake of destruction in their path. 

Every time I see a turtle with a six-pack band stuck on his back my heart breaks. Every time I see the suffering of any animal as the effect of human selfishness it devastates me. The simple fact that so many just don’t care about the ecological health of the world around them should be a rude awaking to the rest of us. They are lost, they are the devil’s workers here on earth. They are the ones that are working out the prophecies of God in the destruction of His creation.

The current climate situation is a huge case in point.  If not for humans that Satan leads astray with self-centered existence, who else would he use to destroy this planet? The throw-away mentality that has existed for decades is the major culprit to this catastrophic situation. And you better believe that Satan is the one that’s at the helm of this sinking ship!

We all need to do our part, not only for the welfare of wildlife but for the planet itself. Yes, we must all care about the world around us, however, that won’t change this situation. Planet Earth is on a terminal course of destruction. Our primary responsibility now is to share the truth about all of this climate change, that it's simply a precursor to Christ’s return. It’s all been predicted by God for thousands of years, and you can be certain it will most definitely come to pass.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come”   ~2 Timothy 3:1

We are seeing an increase in frequency as well as intensity of natural disasters all over the world.  Just here in the U.S. the extreme recent flooding in Texas, the raging fires in Oregon, and one of the worst hurricanes might make us begin to ponder this question. Why does God allow these things to happen when He could very well prevent them? 

Here’s a bit of eye-opening truth…God is not to blame for these things! Sin is what has caused all of this planetary devolution to occur. We are living in a fallen world, a corrupted, deteriorating planet, along with everything on it. God is starting to remove His restraining hand from this world. So Satan is now unleashing his fury because he’s fully aware that his time is short. In the Bible God tells us of the coming of these end times events.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” ~1 Peter 5:8

“And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.”   ~Luke 21:11

“So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” ~ Luke 21:31

The ultimate effect of sin is degradation. The falling apart of everything, from the breaking down of our physical bodies, (sickness, disease, pain, and suffering) to the degeneration of all existence, even the planet itself. The degeneration of everything . . . all living creatures, animals and even plants. As well as the worsening of the weather and increase of planetary devastation are all the byproduct and the effect of a broken and fallen world.

Can God stop it? Yes. Will He stop it? Yes, but not until every person has made their decision either for or against Jesus. Not until everyone has heard of the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus, and have made their choice, will this mess finally come to an end.

“And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” ~Mark 13:10

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” ~Matthew 24:14

The Bible is very clear on the order of end times events. Jesus tells us what will happen and how to be on guard so we will recognize these things when they happen. Anyone that knows their Bible understands that these things will, and must happen before the second coming of the Lord Jesus! 

Jesus compares these excessive signs of the times to that of a woman going into labor, the earth must heave to and fro and this is the beginning of birthing pangs. 

The apostle, Paul writes about the how and when all this will happen when he said . . .

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”   ~1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Simply put . . . at the end of the age, the beginning of sorrows or birth pangs will take place. We need to know what the Bible says in order to understand that everything is happening right on time. God has predicted everything through His servants the prophets, and will see us through it to the end if we just hold tightly to Him!

“That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?”~2 Peter 3:2-4

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.“ ~Luke 21:28

Are we in the last days…?

You tell me. The following verses paint a pretty clear picture regarding every aspect of life as far as I’m concerned.

“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!” ~2 Timothy 3:1-5

“… In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”  ~Jude 1:18ESV

”But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” ~Matthew24:37

”For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.”   ~Romans 1:26-31

”For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” ~Matthew 24:7

”For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” ~Matthew 24:21

Wouldn’t you say this sounds exactly how things are in this very day and age? There’s such an enormous surge in wickedness of every kind. Crime is running rampant, murder and rape are at an all time high. Sexual immorality, pornography, multiple sex partners, indulgence in unnatural lust/homosexuality/incest/ transgenderism, and abortion, as well as overindulgence in every possible thing. Pride and greed have become the all-consuming ruler of this present world.  

Oh yes, I’d have to say we are most definitely heading into the last days. God tells us that once this order of event starts, it will not end until everything that God has predicted happens. And this is all the more reason to believe that soon Jesus will come again to execute judgment upon the evildoers and restore order, peace, love, and justice upon this earth.

“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” ~Matthew 24:34

Clearly, the majority of the world is choosing to reject God and His grace filled offer of redemption. However, there is still time for you to choose to give your heart to Jesus. You will then receive the seal of God (Revelation 7:2-3) and will be protected when the four winds are totally released and Satan has full control of this world. Oh yes, God’s people shall be delivered, that is a promise!

“… And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation. Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” ~Daniel 12:1

Q: Are you ready get the seal of God?

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“…Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; my salvation shall not linger…”   ~Isaiah 46:11-13

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.”   ~Isaiah 46:10

Climate change is an undeniable fact. There is most definitely an enormous increase in natural disasters. Statistics don’t lie! However, we can not change what’s happening. To think that we can overturn what God has foretold is beyond ridiculous. Many people argue this as a possibility, a way to turn things around, so to speak. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but things will only be getting worse. God is all knowing and all seeing, He has seen the end and has foretold us so that we will know these signs.