It has been a few months since my last post. The reason for this is because my wife’s mother had graduated from earth to heaven, on April 27th 2012. Her father Glen passed in January 25th, 2012. My wife and I moved them into our house and took care of all their needs instead of placing them in a nursing home. We have been busy taking care of their estate. It isn’t an easy job.

Good news, I am back!

There is going be some changes to this blog. The Lord has been dealing with me about many thing, but this blog is going to have a more positive spin to it. Stay tuned and let me know what you think.

Glen and Mary Jo, my in-laws, adopted two great children. My wife and her brother Kevin. Not long after Helen and I married Helen found her biological mother Rev. Carol Arvin. She has written a great article about Introspection and is our guest blogger today.

                                              Introspection

                                             By: Rev. Carol Arvin

 

 

Introspection is essentially looking within— To examine ones self. There is a shift or, change taking place in the body of Christ right now. This shift is a clarion call by the Holy Spirit for the body of Christ to draw close to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is dealing with the bride of Christ to cleanse herself as led by Him to make herself ready for her soon coming bridal flight to be with the Lord Forever (1Thes. 4:13-18).

 

As never before, there is a knowing in the body of Christ that Jesus really is about to come shortly!  I believe Christians need to look within their lives to examine their hearts in the light of the gospel and allow the word of God and the Holy Spirit to show them any sin, or sins that might be in their lives. Perhaps, even a sin, or sins they might not be aware of that have become a long term habit, or habits in their lives. Yes, purification and a work of sanctification needs to, and is taking place now in the body of Christ. (Eph. 5:26-27) A spiritual transformation needs to take place in the lives of many Christians. I believe it will be a quick work before the taking away of the saints found in 1Thes. 4:13-18.

 

In Genesis, we find the account of Enoch who is an example given of a departure that took place in the Old Testament. The bible tells us Enoch literally was taken off from the face of the earth by God into heaven because, Enoch walked habitually with God [they had a vital relationship together; like a Father and son who communicated with each other daily]. Hebrews 11:5 (KJ) reads: By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found because God had translated him; for before his translation; he had this testimony that he pleased God. Genesis 5:24 substantiates this report. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) In these last days we need to have our loins girded, and our lights burning. (Luke 12:35). If anyone feels that they need to increase their faith to believe all they need to do is to ask the Lord to help them to increase their faith (Mark9:24). In these last days let us draw so close to the Lord so that we will have the same type of faith and relationship with God as Enoch did when he was translated.

 

We can have a sweet harmonious relationship daily with the Lord if we will strive to make God (as much as possible) the first priority in our lives daily. We can do this by giving honor to Him through acknowledging him, and making time to be in his presence daily. Even if we have to retreat to the bathroom for a little bit to have that time. It is also imperative that we make it a practice to read the bible daily so, that our minds can be renewed by the word of God (Eph. 5:6). When we make a habit of reading the word of God we can view life from Gods perspective; which is truth. It is important to remember that the world, in which we live, is in a fallen state: and not as God originally created it!

 

Another example of someone who was taken up to heaven and did not see death is Elijah. I believe because of their love for God, their obedience, and close relationship with God; Enoch and Elijah did not actually see death. In these end times before our Lord’s return we must make sure that there isn’t anything in our lives that will grieve the Holy Spirit who resides in us. The bible tells us that he is a comforter to us and He will reveal truth to us as we seek the Lord in our daily lives (John14:17, 15:26, 16:13, and 1John 4:6.

 

The day Elijah found Elisha: Elisha knew that God was calling him to be with the prophet so, he left farming and followed Elijah because he knew him to be a man of God, and that Elijah was anointed to mentor him (1Kings 19:21).

 

As we read about Elisha we see that he had tenacity because he knew he needed follow Elijah in order to be taught so; he could fulfill the destiny God was placing on his own life. Elisha kept his focus on his future as he endured in following Elijah not matter what; UNTIL the day Elijah had fulfilled his work on earth. When that work was completed, God’s horses and chariots of fire divided them and whisked Elijah up into heaven! (2Kings 2:11-12)

 

Before Elijah was taken up into heaven Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion because Elisha was not going to miss the goal he had set for himself! Elijah told him that he asked for a hard thing (2Kings 2:9-14). I believe it was through Elisha’s faith, tenacity and by keeping his focus on his own heavenly call from God, and through obedience he reached his goal. Elisha would not quit regardless of whatever came his way. He would not be discouraged by Elijah and he received what he asked for! Elisha had sticking power yes, he kept faith as he watched Elijah disappear out of his sight! In the same way we as Christians need to be followers of Jesus until we are taken up into heaven. I think that it is important for each one of us to ask the Lord if He came today. “Am I ready right now to be taken up in the rapture?” (1Thes. 4:13-18) I believe if we ask the Lord this question the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth to us of where we stand spiritually.

 

The Lord wants us to work with Him as His sons and daughters to make a difference in the world around us. The more we submit unto God in obedience to his Holy Spirit the more holy we will become whether we realize it or not, and we will have a positive effect on the earth. When this happens more of God’s anointing and presence will fill us, and be with us as we draw closer to God; and we will walk with Him as Enoch did long ago.

 

Let us all get ready for this last out pouring of the Holy Spirit which is beginning to take place. Let us all be doers of the Word and not hears only. We are all needed to help bring in the end time harvest for theKingdomOfGod. Jesus said, “say not that there are yet four months and then cometh the harvest; behold I say unto you lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white and ready to harvest (King James- John 4:35). No one knows the day or hour that the Lord will come back to the earth for his bride except (only) the Father; but we are to recognize the season that the earth is in (Matthew 24:32-47). The end time out pouring of the Holy Spirit has begun and the rain drops are increasing as the rain, former rain, and later rain is falling in this last month of prophetic time. (Joel 2:23)

 

Enoch, Elijah, and Elisha all had an excellent spirit. They lived righteously. Let us follow their examples. Jesus showed us His example of righteous living in the New Testament. He went about doing good. Today, likewise, in whatever we do; let us do it as unto the Lord and with excellence to the best of our ability. If we strive to do that: I believe one day we will hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful in a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter into the joy of thy Lord. (Acts 10:38 – Matthew 25:21)

If you enjoyed this article and would like to here more from Carol Connect with Rev. Carol Arvin on facebook