Daily Devotional:
HAVE THE RAPTURE IN FOCUS

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming (1 John 2:28).

The rapture of the Church is closer than ever. We’re in the closing moments or final “times of the signs” before the Lord’s appearing. It’s important that you’re ready for Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says the dead “in Christ” shall rise first, and those who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.

The question is: are you in Christ? If you are, then you’re one of the many the Lord is coming to receive unto Himself. If, however, you’re not, you have to give your heart to Christ right away, by confessing His Lordship over your life. The Bible says, “…Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

Acts 1:9-11 tells us about His ascension into heaven. While the disciples stood, gazing in awe as He levitated, two angels appeared to them and said, “This same Jesus, who has been received from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). This is the reason we’re preaching the Gospel around the world. The whole world needs to know that the rapture of the Church is imminent; the Master is coming soon.

He said in John 14:3, “…I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” The Apostle Peter, referring to the day of the Lord and the events that’ll herald His coming, said, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:10-11).

Have the rapture in focus. Live every day as one expecting the Master; carry that consciousness in your heart at all times. Walk in love. Walk in righteousness. And while you’re getting yourself ready, help those around you to get ready as well by preaching and teaching them God’s Word.

PRAYER

I’m awake and alert in the spirit, fervent in good works, being propelled by the Master’s love, His Word, and my expectation of His soon return. I’m fully convinced that the Gospel is God’s saving power to everyone who believes; I’m resolute in my pursuit for the souls of men. Today, as this glorious Gospel is preached around the world, many are snatched out of the kingdom of darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Matthew 24:14; Romans 13:11-14