Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

There is a day when Jesus will come back to the earth. Prophecies from the Old Testament, the testimony of Jesus’ apostles, prophets,  disciples, and other scriptures from the New Testament reveal and give insight about the condition of this world in the last days.  In Luke 21:25 (NIV), Jesus says, “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.”  In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus talked about worldwide famines, epidemics and pandemics, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes and signs in the heavens. We are told that the gospel will be proclaimed to the entire world. and that persecution of believers for the gospel’s sake, will beyond what has ever been seen.

These signs given to us by Jesus and scriptures are not new to the earth and history. Jesus did indicate that there would be a noticeable increase of these signs in the last days. The gospel preached through technology has penetrated the impregnable places where people were previously unable to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.   Over 45% of the population—over 3.5 million people own a smartphone. And if they have that, they have access to the gospel—the Bible app being one of the best available apps for adults and children.

Everything good that God leads man to create, is also perverted by people in bondage to sin, to destroy mankind. That is Satan’s plan. Technology has also created the greater platform for lust and greed to reach unimaginable levels and through technology with the goal to penetrate every home and every life—even into some of the most primitive places left in the earth.  But as Romans 5:20 (NLT2) reveals, “…as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.”  We are closer than ever to a new point in mankind’s history—where the gospel can be preached to all nations.  And that is thee greatest sign that we are closer than ever to the last days!

Jesus said that when we saw these signs manifest in the earth, to “look up.” and lift your head because your redemption—Jesus’ soon return, is near.  The Bible talks about it. It will be His time to come put a final close to all of the sin, destruction, death and havoc that Satan has sown in his effort to undermine God and His plan in the earth. Romans 13:11-14 (NIV) say, “…understand the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in drunkenness, not in sexual immorality or indulgence in sensual pleasures, not in arguing and strife and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

For many, to even talk about this sort of thing feels uncomfortable. That’s not my desire in addressing this subject. My desire is to say that when you know the Lord Jesus as your personal savior and you have the Holy Spirit within you, you can know about and live through these last days without fear of what they will bring. You can stay focused on what God has given you to do. You can raise your family with great purpose and focus to know God’s love and ways and be a light for Him! 

For the Christian, Jesus’ return is not a scary thing, it’s an exciting thing! It’s a day and time that we have read about, learned about, and will finally see happen. For the one that walks with God and knows God’s promises, he can walk in the “peace that passes understanding” and not be confused by all the darkness that is happening throughout the earth. You can be a daily light, a source of comfort, a beacon of peace, and an answer to those that are searching for answers. It will give your life purpose and meaning!

My four children are all adults, married with children, and making their own life now. If I was young again and just getting married and knew the Lord like I do, I would not hesitate to have children in this day and age—even with all the darkness around us. Why? Because we also live in a day where there is more knowledge of the Lord and more opportunities to worship Him than ever before. There are many good strong churches that teach God’s Word and teach us and our children how to live our life before the Lord than ever before. There are Bible apps,  children’s Bible books, Bible media, technology devices—all these things that help us learn and share the knowledge of God virally.  And the current coronavirus pandemic has forced the church to learn how to reach people with God’s word and worship online in an entirely new way. So the knowledge of the Lord is increasing in the earth which is good for us and our children!

Prayer won’t stop the hard things that are to come upon this earth in the last days. However, prayer and faith in God will teach you how to live godly and according to His ways,  and help you navigate the minefields of sin out there. Faith in God’s promises will protect and direct you in times of famine and hardship as we keep our life focused on what truly matters in this earth—reaching this lost world with the news of the saving grace and love of Jesus Christ in every way possible. That is God’s primary purpose for our life to center around.

In closing, God leaves you with great promises to put your faith in. And because of your reverential respect and trust in the Lord, these words will become fuel to your faith today and everyday no matter what you see happen in the world around you! Don’t let fear overcome you or your faith. When the world gets dark, the world needs a light—someone who is hopeful, at peace, and one who shows others the love of Jesus and God’s ways! Stay focused, be used of God, and be this person God reveals to us in Psalm 112.

Psalm 112: 1-9. Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt