1 Thessalonians 1:5 English Standard Version (ESV) because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

The phrase “the word of the Lord came to me” is repeated ten times in the book of Jeremiah. While the office of the prophets no longer exists, “the word of the Lord came to me” is still in us and repeats Himself over and over again.

There is an amazing thing that happens when we reply to the word of the Lord by faith, He keeps talking to us. He wants loyal servants to carry out the will of the Father and who better than those who listen and obey?

It is a loud and bothersome world out there and many voices are being raised in anger. Not so the word of the Lord who is at peace and does not raise His voice. We call it “that still small voice” but there is nothing still in His voice. His words are active.

Hebrews 4:12 English Standard Version (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Because He can discern our thoughts and intentions, He knows who will listen and obey.

Listening is not enough. We must be willing to obey. Then we will be used by God to fulfill His will.

We all want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

He will never ask us to do anything He knows we will fail to accomplish.

Luke 21:25-28 English Standard Version

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Some of us look to prophecy for signs of this coming. Many will say “It is about time.” Maybe it is or maybe it isn’t but one thing is set in stone that has to end before His coming in this fashion.

He ended verse 24 with this prophecy, not until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. That is another expression for the church age, the conversion of the gentiles into the family of God, the completion of Christ’s bride, His church.

What is important here is our attitude if we indeed believe the time is short. Straighten up.

The events in the world are beating us down. In many ways we feel helpless when the truth is far from it. We, the church, are the only ones with hope. If we do believe the end of the church age is just a matter of time, then straighten up and get back to doing the work left to complete the time of the gentiles.

There is planting to be done and it will not happen if we do not put our shoulder to the plow.

If the battle is about to be won, then it is not time to lay down our arms.

Praise Him who has made all the promises come true.