Looking For God?

By Martha Noebel

When the new year rolled around, I expected to hear preachers reminding us that we are in the “Last Days.” I looked at various Web sites for articles about “The End Times” and how it related to the year and found nothing. It was rather quiet, a scary kind of quiet. Nothing was being said to make me feel that anyone was thinking about the Lord’s return.

We are told in Scripture that the Lord is going to come again for those who are looking for Him. Second Timothy 4:8 states that He is coming for all who love His appearing.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh” (Matthew 24:44, KJV).

Have we stopped looking for the Lord’s return? Have we forgotten how important it is to live a life pleasing unto God? Have we forgotten how necessary it is to tell as many people as we can about the love of God and their need to know Him? It’s important to stay focused on God. We should not be so caught up with the “things of this world” that we forget what really matters.

“The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don’t live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don’t participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don’t think of ways to indulge your evil desires” (Romans 13:12-14, New Living Translation).

In our churches, we are finding those who only want a “bless me” sermon taught to them. “How can I be blessed” and the “it’s all about me” mentality is seemingly permeating those in the Christian circles today. But it’s not about us; it is about God. II Timothy 4:3-5 (The Book) gives us clear instructions:

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.”

I guess my Pentecostal background is driving me to want to be reminded of the Lord’s soon return, or is it? I don’t ever want to forget that we must be anxiously looking for His appearing. I want to live a life pleasing unto the Lord and to be ready when He comes. I want to be busy making sure that everyone who wants to know that God loves them, has the chance to find out. God loves us so much.

“Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand” (Isaiah 49:15-16, New Living Translation).

Let’s be aware of His soon return. Let us be watching and waiting as we live our lives, we want to be ready.

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV).