A few years back I did an 18 month study of Revelation alongside Daniel, Ezekiel and all the prophetic books. I think it's important we study all of Scripture. But after a year and a half in that study I came away saying, "I have no idea when, but I know Jesus is returning and we win!" Apart from that I don't think about the events of our times too much in relation to the end times even though it seems we are drawing closer and closer to His return. I get that heart check from your friend about wanting Jesus to return. I'm tired right now. I get weary of the world sometimes. But then I know that God will bring me home when it's HIS time and until then I need to keep reflecting him even when I'm tired. I'm so very grateful for places like this where we can hold each other up when those tired times come. I always say we make terrible islands. We need each other and there are a whole lot of people who still need Jesus. Our work is done when God says it's done. Thanks for another great prayer walk. I appreciate you and all who are part of this positive and uplifting community.
Sep 14, 2022·edited Sep 14, 2022Liked by Donny Mac
Donny, over the years I’ve been in Bible study after Bible study on this very subject. Our pastor recently preached on this and what he states we are definitely experiencing what is called “birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8 speaks of this, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of the birth pains.”
I agree with you that I choose not to ignore what’s happening around me, but instead I try to live my life according to the way God is leading me. I can’t control these types of outcomes, but I can make a choice and decide do I live for Jesus and try and share the Good news with others with the spiritual gifts he gave me or I can choose to worry. I’ve been in both sides worrying about the outcome or when the actual rapture will take place, but not now. Something has definitely changed in me within the last seven or so months for the better. I choose to live for Jesus, love and encourage others in the name of Jesus. That’s what I want to be a part of and that is definitely what makes me happy as long as I know I’m doing it within the will of God.
Donny this has always been a terrifying topic for me. In my adult years as I matured mentally I’ve come to realize that indeed it is the desire to just be with Jesus and to be freed from all the calamity in this world. We don’t know when he’s returning but like you said we’re definitely closer . And I’m thankful that we don’t know the day hour or minute. It would be like having an expiration date in life, can you imagine someone saying Donny your life will expires 10/10/2022!!! What would you do, I know for me I would be an absolute basket case... So this is where the phrase “live like you were dying” comes from. Every second of everyday we should Love like Jesus , pray for humanity and all the lost especially, study HIS word to find how we can feed our souls with his love and obey his commandments...... and show each other respect and care like if they were carrying Jesus in them, because we all do . Thank you for picking this topic today, I’m so thankful for this community. I Love you all and I’m thankful for y’all 🙏❤️
Donny, I have done many Bible studies and I believe as Anne that the world is going through the birth pains. God has been gracious to hold his hand, but I don't see how He can't be fed up with people, but that's my human side talking. I'm not concerned with the timing, just with trying to follow His instructions and to be ready. I long for heaven and to be with God, but I also long that all those I love know and surrender to Jesus and will be with me in heaven when the Lord chooses to take me home.
While I don't watch the news I am very aware of the evil happening in this world and am thankful I am held in God's mighty arms. God says to not fear over 300 times in scripture, so I choose to not be afraid, but look forward to winning the race. Seeking God continually as I walk each moment of each day. I fail often, but God forgives my weakness when I seek after him. I just praise God that he loves me and thank him for his faithfulness. As that is all I can do.
Thank you for another thought provoking walk. I have to be honest and say that no I am not ready for the 2nd coming of Jesus. But I also wonder if anyone can truly say they are ready because to me that is a form of pride. How can we know that we are ready = is it because we spend lots of time in prayer or worship or is it the number of people we have influenced to turn to Jesus. Are these not "works" and isn't it all about Jesus and what he has done not what we have done. Sorry if I am sounding negative but I think there is so much to this question about end times and being ready that we often miss. Thank you again for making us think about these things.
Donnie, a very powerful walk today! I’m sitting in Denver airport waiting for a flight to Las Vegas....”sin city”...listening to your message. Your thoughts were right on when I see what’s happening in the world today. I have thought about the end times quite a bit the past couple of years, feel we are heading in that direction. There is so much discord, contempt towards others, and what I call the what’s in it for me. If you had asked me a couple of years ago if I was prepared the answer would have been no. After going through some things during that time I would say I’m working on being ready. We will not know when it’s coming but my faith tells me I will be ready when Jesus comes again!
Oh by the way, I’m going to Las Vegas to be with my son and his family as we celebrate my granddaughter’s 8th birthday...
What I see in these times is what you spoke of, disobedience, lover of one’s self and the denying of the true God and searching the world over for gods to replace the one and only true God. 1Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. But the line before it 16 tells us to rejoice. We are to give thanks after we pray. To me that is actually 3 lights to people who don’t know our God. When we are busy praying, rejoicing and giving thanks we are not worried about when Jesus is coming for us but who are we able to bring into His kingdom with us. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you the mind of Christ who humbled Himself and was obedient to God the Father.
I'm going to base myself on 2 Thessalonians 2:7 when Paul says, "the mystery of iniquity is already at work, it only remains that he who is now holding it back, be removed." This verse says a lot, 1st uses the verb “action” reinforcing the idea that injustice is growing corroborating the current scenario of the world and its events (we cannot deny that many of these events are biblical prophecies that are being fulfilled). 2nd the scripture says it has a “power” that prevents injustice and acts as a barrier against the absurd claims made by sinful human beings. 3rd it is stated that the one who keeps iniquity will be removed (it is interesting that Paul's text does not make it clear who this "moderating power" is, I read studies that suggest the Holy Spirit, for others an angelic being, I also read statements that Paul only makes an analogy with the Roman Empire as a symbol of authority.)
Another sign that precedes the return of Jesus is apostasy, that is, the abandonment of the faith and the departure from the Bible as a reference or adaptations of biblical texts to justify the needs of sinful human beings (2 Timothy 4:3-4) .
Therefore, more than ever we need to be attentive and clothed in the Word of God to fight the lies - which are often presented as biblical truths.
Why do I want Jesus to come back, why am I ready or is it because I'm tired?
Man, when I remember that verse: “He will wipe away every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death or crying or pain...” (Revelation 21:4) I say with all my breath “Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!”
How can we not wish for Jesus to return soon knowing that this scenario awaits us?
I want Jesus to come back because I believe in my salvation, I have no doubt about that, I know that I make mistakes, that I commit sins, but I know God's mercy and love closely and I recognize that Jesus' sacrifice was for me (too).
I don't know if the expression "be ready" is the best one to use, but I get the idea, so my answer is based on Psalm 139:16 when it says "all the days appointed for me were written in your book before it was" and Ephesians 1:4-5 especially verse 4 "For God chose us in Him before the creation of the world, to BE HOLY..." sanctification is implied.
Thought provoking as always, Donny. To be honest, I am weary of this world in many ways. I have to admit that this prayer walk has me thinking that when I say come Lord Jesus, it is kind of like I'm giving up, or throwing up my hands in frustration. A frustrated quitter is not what I want to be.
I learned many years ago after a cancer diagnosis (2008 the year of the reality check!) that all you really get in this life is right now, so be ready. The scripture that says we will not know the day or the hour, so spending a bunch of energy on that feels disobedient to me. But am I devoting the time and energy God has given me in His service? All I can say is I am grateful for God's grace to cover me as I do the best I can under His power.
Thanks to all who keep pointing me back to the Lord and the task at hand.
Wow! Again, what a beautiful message and topic to discuss. Like several have said, I do not dwell on when, for I know that when it does occur, I am going to be with our Savior! However, earlier in my Christian walk, I feared this topic indeed. I have studied Revelation a couple of times intently, and I always gain so much. I may want to do another study in the near future. A few of your points, Donny, struck me. One, was when you mentioned your friend who "challenged" you with the question about being tired and not wanting to live in this world. That struck me! YES, I am tired! Honestly, I hear so much pain daily in my office, that I do want to not be here! But, I do know that Jesus has called me indeed to be here in the here and now. It is not easy to say the least, but I know without a doubt I am where I am supposed to be. UGH, some days that is how I feel. I pray daily for strength and patience and the ability to be present and still. What also struck me was that beautiful accountability that you received from your friend. I have two women in particular that hold me accountable. I don't always want to hear their questions or comments, but God has brought these two very wise women in my life to bring me closer to Him! I try to not to get caught up in the theology of are we in the end times or not. I studied this all in seminary in depth and I have concluded that I really do not know. Yes, on a human level, it certainly feels we are in the end times especially when you read the scripture like in Mark. I will have to go to my old class notes to study it all again. I have files and files from seminary. I wish I had a month to just go read all of it again! Thank you again for this insightful walk! Blessings to all!!!!
This is a difficult and somewhat uncomfortable topic. I remember such discussions all the way back to the 1970s, and here we are more than 50 years later, still discussing it. I really do believe these are the “end times,” but as you have pointed how, we have no idea what day or hour. However, we are certainly getting closer, as all biblical signs point to the end. Personally, the past few years have been the hardest times of my life and I have come close to giving up hope. I must admit that to a large extent I am longing for the Lord’s return because I am exhausted and really want to get to a good place and away from the horrific world we are living in. I think that is a perfectly normal feeling, but it doesn’t mean that I am truly “ready” for the Lord’s return. As others have pointed out, that is a matter of faith, and I pray that I am on the right path to being fully prepared. May God have mercy on us, bless us, and cleanse our hearts. May He provide us with much grace to endure these wicked times day by day. I like to keep in mind the words of our Lord, “…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” Matthew 28:20. These words provide great comfort. Great and timely topic, Donny.
When I saw the title of this prayer walk, I thought, "What a question! Honestly, I never asked myself if I was living in the end times, I think in the last 2000 years there have been many events where people have asked themselves that question and thought that maybe they were living in the end times. For 2 years in the world, this pandemic may have made people anxious, sad, pessimistic, maybe some people asked that question. But if we believe in God, we have an extraordinary chance that gives meaning to our lives. We have to trust him, he is the only one who knows what is good for us. Trust and surrender. Personally, I don't think that we are living in the end of times but in the end of a time. Many people have understood that the world will not be the same as before. This crisis is global and I dare to hope that from an evil always comes a good. I want to remain optimistic and convince myself that this situation will allow us to reinvent a life where people will no longer be focused on themselves and their well-being. When we are full of ourselves, there is no room for the love of God or the love of our neighbor. But if we are humble, we have room to listen to God and those around us. And then we know "neither the day nor the hour" of the end of time, so let's watch, leaving the light of our heart on and trusting. That's what I try to do because in the end we have no choice! Thank youvery much Donny God bless 🙏
Have spent a couple days thinking about this Prayer Walk. Since Noah's Ark keeps popping into my thoughts, I decided to share that there is a wonderful full -size replica of the ark in Williamstown, Kentucky. If you ever get near there, you will be amazed by the inside & outside of the ark. It adds a new dimension to Genesis 6. Here's a link: https://arkencounter.com
I have study on this over and over before I got sick and dive deeper while going thru so much pain and after my good news yesterday with what I been thru Jesus win and so are we and I won my battle. I will write more after I arrive my home as I have a long day of driving .
Well I am finally rested as yesterday I feel I can’t survive from exhaustion. But God will always guide me through as I hold onto my Faith, Hope, Trust God Always. I knew with everything going on, the chances that continue to push forward a little longer that life can feel bleak and overwhelming. This is very powerful Donny and I do agree with you, I do live for Jesus. I think God how he is creative and powerful, wise, holy, and completely faithful. I considers Gods work how he’s helped his people throughout history. I believe in God he awakens the desire for eternity in me. Sometimes I sense out of place , it is because he’s further along in the process of transforming me to live in heaven forever. I am grateful to be a part of this positive community and I appreciate you, another great prayer walk this week.
A few years back I did an 18 month study of Revelation alongside Daniel, Ezekiel and all the prophetic books. I think it's important we study all of Scripture. But after a year and a half in that study I came away saying, "I have no idea when, but I know Jesus is returning and we win!" Apart from that I don't think about the events of our times too much in relation to the end times even though it seems we are drawing closer and closer to His return. I get that heart check from your friend about wanting Jesus to return. I'm tired right now. I get weary of the world sometimes. But then I know that God will bring me home when it's HIS time and until then I need to keep reflecting him even when I'm tired. I'm so very grateful for places like this where we can hold each other up when those tired times come. I always say we make terrible islands. We need each other and there are a whole lot of people who still need Jesus. Our work is done when God says it's done. Thanks for another great prayer walk. I appreciate you and all who are part of this positive and uplifting community.
Donny, over the years I’ve been in Bible study after Bible study on this very subject. Our pastor recently preached on this and what he states we are definitely experiencing what is called “birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8 speaks of this, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of the birth pains.”
I agree with you that I choose not to ignore what’s happening around me, but instead I try to live my life according to the way God is leading me. I can’t control these types of outcomes, but I can make a choice and decide do I live for Jesus and try and share the Good news with others with the spiritual gifts he gave me or I can choose to worry. I’ve been in both sides worrying about the outcome or when the actual rapture will take place, but not now. Something has definitely changed in me within the last seven or so months for the better. I choose to live for Jesus, love and encourage others in the name of Jesus. That’s what I want to be a part of and that is definitely what makes me happy as long as I know I’m doing it within the will of God.
Thank you again Donny! Take care and God bless! 🙏
Donny this has always been a terrifying topic for me. In my adult years as I matured mentally I’ve come to realize that indeed it is the desire to just be with Jesus and to be freed from all the calamity in this world. We don’t know when he’s returning but like you said we’re definitely closer . And I’m thankful that we don’t know the day hour or minute. It would be like having an expiration date in life, can you imagine someone saying Donny your life will expires 10/10/2022!!! What would you do, I know for me I would be an absolute basket case... So this is where the phrase “live like you were dying” comes from. Every second of everyday we should Love like Jesus , pray for humanity and all the lost especially, study HIS word to find how we can feed our souls with his love and obey his commandments...... and show each other respect and care like if they were carrying Jesus in them, because we all do . Thank you for picking this topic today, I’m so thankful for this community. I Love you all and I’m thankful for y’all 🙏❤️
Donny, I have done many Bible studies and I believe as Anne that the world is going through the birth pains. God has been gracious to hold his hand, but I don't see how He can't be fed up with people, but that's my human side talking. I'm not concerned with the timing, just with trying to follow His instructions and to be ready. I long for heaven and to be with God, but I also long that all those I love know and surrender to Jesus and will be with me in heaven when the Lord chooses to take me home.
While I don't watch the news I am very aware of the evil happening in this world and am thankful I am held in God's mighty arms. God says to not fear over 300 times in scripture, so I choose to not be afraid, but look forward to winning the race. Seeking God continually as I walk each moment of each day. I fail often, but God forgives my weakness when I seek after him. I just praise God that he loves me and thank him for his faithfulness. As that is all I can do.
Thank you for another thought provoking walk. I have to be honest and say that no I am not ready for the 2nd coming of Jesus. But I also wonder if anyone can truly say they are ready because to me that is a form of pride. How can we know that we are ready = is it because we spend lots of time in prayer or worship or is it the number of people we have influenced to turn to Jesus. Are these not "works" and isn't it all about Jesus and what he has done not what we have done. Sorry if I am sounding negative but I think there is so much to this question about end times and being ready that we often miss. Thank you again for making us think about these things.
Donnie, a very powerful walk today! I’m sitting in Denver airport waiting for a flight to Las Vegas....”sin city”...listening to your message. Your thoughts were right on when I see what’s happening in the world today. I have thought about the end times quite a bit the past couple of years, feel we are heading in that direction. There is so much discord, contempt towards others, and what I call the what’s in it for me. If you had asked me a couple of years ago if I was prepared the answer would have been no. After going through some things during that time I would say I’m working on being ready. We will not know when it’s coming but my faith tells me I will be ready when Jesus comes again!
Oh by the way, I’m going to Las Vegas to be with my son and his family as we celebrate my granddaughter’s 8th birthday...
What I see in these times is what you spoke of, disobedience, lover of one’s self and the denying of the true God and searching the world over for gods to replace the one and only true God. 1Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. But the line before it 16 tells us to rejoice. We are to give thanks after we pray. To me that is actually 3 lights to people who don’t know our God. When we are busy praying, rejoicing and giving thanks we are not worried about when Jesus is coming for us but who are we able to bring into His kingdom with us. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you the mind of Christ who humbled Himself and was obedient to God the Father.
Are we at the end of time?
I'm going to base myself on 2 Thessalonians 2:7 when Paul says, "the mystery of iniquity is already at work, it only remains that he who is now holding it back, be removed." This verse says a lot, 1st uses the verb “action” reinforcing the idea that injustice is growing corroborating the current scenario of the world and its events (we cannot deny that many of these events are biblical prophecies that are being fulfilled). 2nd the scripture says it has a “power” that prevents injustice and acts as a barrier against the absurd claims made by sinful human beings. 3rd it is stated that the one who keeps iniquity will be removed (it is interesting that Paul's text does not make it clear who this "moderating power" is, I read studies that suggest the Holy Spirit, for others an angelic being, I also read statements that Paul only makes an analogy with the Roman Empire as a symbol of authority.)
Another sign that precedes the return of Jesus is apostasy, that is, the abandonment of the faith and the departure from the Bible as a reference or adaptations of biblical texts to justify the needs of sinful human beings (2 Timothy 4:3-4) .
Therefore, more than ever we need to be attentive and clothed in the Word of God to fight the lies - which are often presented as biblical truths.
Why do I want Jesus to come back, why am I ready or is it because I'm tired?
Man, when I remember that verse: “He will wipe away every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death or crying or pain...” (Revelation 21:4) I say with all my breath “Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!”
How can we not wish for Jesus to return soon knowing that this scenario awaits us?
I want Jesus to come back because I believe in my salvation, I have no doubt about that, I know that I make mistakes, that I commit sins, but I know God's mercy and love closely and I recognize that Jesus' sacrifice was for me (too).
I don't know if the expression "be ready" is the best one to use, but I get the idea, so my answer is based on Psalm 139:16 when it says "all the days appointed for me were written in your book before it was" and Ephesians 1:4-5 especially verse 4 "For God chose us in Him before the creation of the world, to BE HOLY..." sanctification is implied.
Thanks for the message and walk!
Thought provoking as always, Donny. To be honest, I am weary of this world in many ways. I have to admit that this prayer walk has me thinking that when I say come Lord Jesus, it is kind of like I'm giving up, or throwing up my hands in frustration. A frustrated quitter is not what I want to be.
I learned many years ago after a cancer diagnosis (2008 the year of the reality check!) that all you really get in this life is right now, so be ready. The scripture that says we will not know the day or the hour, so spending a bunch of energy on that feels disobedient to me. But am I devoting the time and energy God has given me in His service? All I can say is I am grateful for God's grace to cover me as I do the best I can under His power.
Thanks to all who keep pointing me back to the Lord and the task at hand.
Absolutely yes...we are in the end times. We are being prepared and purged and called into our Divine purpose in God.
Wow! Again, what a beautiful message and topic to discuss. Like several have said, I do not dwell on when, for I know that when it does occur, I am going to be with our Savior! However, earlier in my Christian walk, I feared this topic indeed. I have studied Revelation a couple of times intently, and I always gain so much. I may want to do another study in the near future. A few of your points, Donny, struck me. One, was when you mentioned your friend who "challenged" you with the question about being tired and not wanting to live in this world. That struck me! YES, I am tired! Honestly, I hear so much pain daily in my office, that I do want to not be here! But, I do know that Jesus has called me indeed to be here in the here and now. It is not easy to say the least, but I know without a doubt I am where I am supposed to be. UGH, some days that is how I feel. I pray daily for strength and patience and the ability to be present and still. What also struck me was that beautiful accountability that you received from your friend. I have two women in particular that hold me accountable. I don't always want to hear their questions or comments, but God has brought these two very wise women in my life to bring me closer to Him! I try to not to get caught up in the theology of are we in the end times or not. I studied this all in seminary in depth and I have concluded that I really do not know. Yes, on a human level, it certainly feels we are in the end times especially when you read the scripture like in Mark. I will have to go to my old class notes to study it all again. I have files and files from seminary. I wish I had a month to just go read all of it again! Thank you again for this insightful walk! Blessings to all!!!!
This is a difficult and somewhat uncomfortable topic. I remember such discussions all the way back to the 1970s, and here we are more than 50 years later, still discussing it. I really do believe these are the “end times,” but as you have pointed how, we have no idea what day or hour. However, we are certainly getting closer, as all biblical signs point to the end. Personally, the past few years have been the hardest times of my life and I have come close to giving up hope. I must admit that to a large extent I am longing for the Lord’s return because I am exhausted and really want to get to a good place and away from the horrific world we are living in. I think that is a perfectly normal feeling, but it doesn’t mean that I am truly “ready” for the Lord’s return. As others have pointed out, that is a matter of faith, and I pray that I am on the right path to being fully prepared. May God have mercy on us, bless us, and cleanse our hearts. May He provide us with much grace to endure these wicked times day by day. I like to keep in mind the words of our Lord, “…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” Matthew 28:20. These words provide great comfort. Great and timely topic, Donny.
When I saw the title of this prayer walk, I thought, "What a question! Honestly, I never asked myself if I was living in the end times, I think in the last 2000 years there have been many events where people have asked themselves that question and thought that maybe they were living in the end times. For 2 years in the world, this pandemic may have made people anxious, sad, pessimistic, maybe some people asked that question. But if we believe in God, we have an extraordinary chance that gives meaning to our lives. We have to trust him, he is the only one who knows what is good for us. Trust and surrender. Personally, I don't think that we are living in the end of times but in the end of a time. Many people have understood that the world will not be the same as before. This crisis is global and I dare to hope that from an evil always comes a good. I want to remain optimistic and convince myself that this situation will allow us to reinvent a life where people will no longer be focused on themselves and their well-being. When we are full of ourselves, there is no room for the love of God or the love of our neighbor. But if we are humble, we have room to listen to God and those around us. And then we know "neither the day nor the hour" of the end of time, so let's watch, leaving the light of our heart on and trusting. That's what I try to do because in the end we have no choice! Thank youvery much Donny God bless 🙏
Have spent a couple days thinking about this Prayer Walk. Since Noah's Ark keeps popping into my thoughts, I decided to share that there is a wonderful full -size replica of the ark in Williamstown, Kentucky. If you ever get near there, you will be amazed by the inside & outside of the ark. It adds a new dimension to Genesis 6. Here's a link: https://arkencounter.com
I have study on this over and over before I got sick and dive deeper while going thru so much pain and after my good news yesterday with what I been thru Jesus win and so are we and I won my battle. I will write more after I arrive my home as I have a long day of driving .
Well I am finally rested as yesterday I feel I can’t survive from exhaustion. But God will always guide me through as I hold onto my Faith, Hope, Trust God Always. I knew with everything going on, the chances that continue to push forward a little longer that life can feel bleak and overwhelming. This is very powerful Donny and I do agree with you, I do live for Jesus. I think God how he is creative and powerful, wise, holy, and completely faithful. I considers Gods work how he’s helped his people throughout history. I believe in God he awakens the desire for eternity in me. Sometimes I sense out of place , it is because he’s further along in the process of transforming me to live in heaven forever. I am grateful to be a part of this positive community and I appreciate you, another great prayer walk this week.