Looking Beyond the Election- Having a Heavenly Perspective

Here is part four of my series focusing on looking pass the election and what it has brought us and what I focus should be, the word of God.

This is from Christine Miller, a very dear friend of mine who really isn't apart of the online world as a blogger but has been a huge impact on my worldview concerning the end times. Through studying God's word and praying, she has encouraged me to be aware of things but to know what the scripture says concerning the things to come. She is also a wife, mom to 3 older kids, and a encourager and teacher in our church. So I hope you enjoy what she has written as much as I did.

Jesus tells us in His word that we will have tribulation in this world, but that He wants us to find our peace in Him. He tells us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Notice that it says He has (already) overcome the world.

God has an eternal perspective and all through scripture God encourages us to have this same perspective. We see this in Hebrews 12:1-2

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. KJV"

 

 Notice how Jesus endured the cross by looking beyond it to the joy that was set before Him. The joy of doing His Father's will, redeeming us, and sitting at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus looked beyond the suffering. Jesus had an eternal perspective.

 

We are to live our life by looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Romans 8:14-18 tells us about the Christian's hope and joy beyond the suffering in this world. It says,

 

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. KJV"

 

We must have an eternal perspective of suffering just as Jesus did. But we have Abba Father that we can cry out to for help, He doesn't want us to fear.

It is obvious that there are powers at work in our world- working towards a one world government. And this one world system we are heading towards is very anti-God or anti-Christ. God said there would be a one world system near the end. Revelation 13:16 sounds like an one world economic system. Revelation 13:3 says, "...the world wondered at the beast...". The beast is talking about the Antichrist.

Our world is growing darker. Matthew 24:12 says, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." I believe we are seeing this and many other things in our day. But we have hope in Christ. Our future is secure. And He is with us as He has always been with His own throughout history. Romans 8:31 is encouraging, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"

The Lord is going to build His church, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

I believe scripture strongly teaches us to look for His coming. 1 John 3:2-3 tell us about Jesus appearing, and those that have this hope purifies themselves, even as He is pure. When we look for His coming it motivates us to live for Him.

Second Timothy 4:8 tells us that a crown of righteousness is given to all those who love His appearing.

First Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:52 tells us about the rapture of the church. The church saints will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, and we will be with Him forever.

In 1 Corinthians 15:19 Paul says, if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. The following verse tells us that Christ is risen from the dead. Further along in the passage in verses 24-26, we are told about the end,

"Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. KJV"

Keep the vision of eternity with Christ close to your heart. Keep the eternal perspective. This is what the Lord wants for us.

Hebrews 11:16 tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Seek Him through His word and in prayer.

In John 15:7 Jesus says, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

There is a verse in 1 Peter 4:7 I have clipped to my bedroom mirror to remind me how urgent the need is for prayer.

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. KJV"

 

Lets watch the people and events around us, not passively, but soberly, and pray. Pray for our spiritual needs, pray for our loved ones, leaders, political stuff going on, pray for lost souls. Ask God to give you the scriptures and discernment in praying for others and situations. Pray for His will to be done.

 

I love 2 Chronicles 16:9

 

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. KJV"

 

Set your heart to know and obey His word. Be passionate about God. Ask God for a heart for Him. He wants to be strong on your behalf.

 

Finally remember Revelation 11:15,

 

"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. KJV"

 

Keep this vision in your hearts and minds in the coming days. Keep the eternal perspective. Our lives on earth are a mere dot on the timeline of eternity. Our eternity with Christ is near when you think about how short our lives are here.