By Charlie
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

We have read or heard about “global warming” but how much do we really know about it and how many really take it seriously? The abnormal weather that is happening around the world are often dismissed as “climate change” and not due to effects of “global warning”. This year 2009, the world had seen the enormous and unprecedented loss of lives of the rich and famous and perhaps, our own household, our relative, our friend, our office mate, our neighbor, among others. We have seen the collapse of big and small businesses and the global economic recession sending millions jobless and in great pain. We have seen relationships among couples, families, relatives, friends, associates and partnerships breaking in alarming proportion. We have seen the loss of lives due to non-stop violence and conflict, hatred, and disregard of one’s right to live such as abortion and religious or political beliefs. We have seen the loss of many lives and properties racked by tragedies and devastating calamities around the world after many decades. We are experiencing more pressures and stress in life and it is becoming more complicated. We are living in a highly materialistic world and many are trying to run the rat race. We have seen many other events after the Great Depression, the 1st and 2nd world war but this year 2009 seem to be the hardest for many.

Here in the place where I live, many are still jobless and businesses are still closing or slowing down resulting to continuous lay-offs and cuts in working time. Many are not able to pay their debts and mortgages and consumer spending is still very low. Weather here during summer was not normal and so with the current season of fall which is colder and rainy compared to last year.. Recently, a powerful tornado hit Vaughn, Ontario after decades causing damage to properties. Many are moving and seeking other places in the hope of finding jobs. Many are working not related jobs and “survival jobs” just to be able to live and survive the high cost of living. What are my facts? We can come here and find out if these are true.

How about in other parts of the world? What have they experienced or experiencing right now in this year 2009? I believe based on the local and international news, and from our own circumstances, the world is witnessing unusual events that need serious reflection and prayers. What can be the root of the events unfolding in our lives which is unusual? The continuous loss of lives, properties, businesses, jobs, opportunities, relationship, respect, moral and spiritual values, human right, good health, peace, security and safety, are sending strong signs that there is a reason and purpose for all of us around the world. Is it not because the EVIL OF PRIDE, GREED, INDIFFERENCE, AND PERHAPS OUR BUSYNESS IN WINNING THE RAT RACE OR GAINING WORLDLY RICHES has become our goals, our priority, and way of life? That we are continuously disobeying and defying God and treating Him as a thing of the past? That we seek God only when we are in need or dying? That we are so busy and tired of so many pressures, worldly cares, modern technology, and, ambitions that we have no more time for God? That our spiritual life is decaying so fast and we have either broken our relationship with Him or continuously close our eyes, our ears, and our HEART to HIM who speaks in our conscience, through other people, and events of daily life?

Some may think that what is happening since the beginning of 2009 are just one of those days and it has no meaning or reasons for worry especially when we are not victims and we have our money, job, possessions and comforts in life.. And so life goes on without deriving any spiritual profit for our soul?

I was inspired to write this email after writing about “The Hardest Time…What Lies Ahead?” and which was published in the www.barriosiete.com. I thought…maybe I should write again because I strongly feel this is related. And perhaps, for us to find time to reflect. Those who believe in God and have read or heard His Word, the unusual events this year cannot avoid thinking that maybe, just maybe, what is written in the Bible about the beginning of the end of times is already taking place.

In Matthew 24 (THE RUIN OF JERUSALEM AND THE END OF THE WORLD), the Lord Jesus Christ was asked; “Tell us when will this take place. What sign will be given us before your coming and the end of history?” – Mt. 24:3 “You will hear about war and threats of war, but do not be troubled, for these things must happen, but it is not yet the end. Nations will fight one another and kingdom oppose kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in several places, but all these are only the beginning: the first pains of childbirth.” – Mt. 24:6-8. We can read more about the message of God by reading the whole chapter of Matthew 24. If we truly want to listen to God, we should reflect on theses verses in the Bible and listen to other religious and Godly people.

What then is our future and our children’s future here on earth? If our faith is strong and humble ourselves for mercy, wisdom and understanding, I believe there is no future on earth and all will simply pass away. Why?…”THEN I CONSIDERED ALL I HAD ACHIEVED BY MY WORK AND ALL THE TOIL IT HAD ENTAILED AND FOUND THAT IT WAS ALL MEANINGLESS AND CHASING WIND. THERE IS NO PROFIT UNDER THE SUN”.- Ecclesiastes 2:11 In “THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN” Jesus said: “HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY, BUT MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY” – Matthew 24:35. Our future…if we only live the word of God…is in heaven (Jeremiah 29:11-14;Matthew 24;Revelation 20:11-15;21-22) Isn’t this very clear? Are we really living in faith, hope and obedience?

I believe that this year 2009, God is SHAKING US AND A WAKE UP CALL for all of us to TURN AWAY FROM SIN…REPENT AND ABIDE IN HIS WORD. That Life here on earth is “set on the framework of FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE” and not on PRIDE, EGO, GREED, ENVY, WORLDLY ATTACHMENTS, INDIFFERENCE, and all forms of self-destructive EVIL ways. We have been told again and again about these but there seem to be NO REAL SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION for many of us.

If we can really see and open our mind and conscience about what is happening today and truly care about our future, we should find time to reflect on God’s Word, pray, and CHANGE OUR WAYS. But, again a big question mark because often, we only change when we stumble, or fall, or feel the heat!

I am not a Prophet nor a Pastor, nor a Priest, nor a Righteous being. I am just an ordinary simple being with no other motive than my heart and conscience telling me to remind all of us that God is ALIVE and is speaking to all of us TODAY. And He wants us all to be SAVED!

“When I close the skies and there is no rain when I command the locust to devour the land, when I send an epidemic among my people, and my my people who bear my name humble themselves, and pray and look for me and turn from their wicked ways, then I myself will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and restore their land.” – 2Chronicles 7:13-14

How many times have we read or heard this? How many times have we witnessed the loss and destruction of many things we VALUE so much and perhaps even more than God? We can reflect on what is happening today and what God has told us and been telling us everyday of our life…CHANGE our ways and PUT GOD FIRST IN OUR LIFE…IN THOUGHT…IN WORDS…AND IN DEEDS! Isn’t this the 1st and greatest commandment for all of us to obey? It is our choice whether we really care about our future and our children’s future, or…just go back to our way of life. But then, do we know what lies ahead? Are we in control?

May all who believe in God pray harder and seek His Mercy. May all of us FINALLY WAKE UP to his CALLING. And may those who abide in his Word be reunited with the Lord sharing in his Eternal Glory and Eternal Life of Peace and Joy in heaven.

May the Grace of God be upon us.

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