Daily Devotional for Sunday December 26, 1999

The End Times

(Matthew 24:6-8)

The end times. You don't have to be a Biblical scholar to read the Bible and understand we are in the last days. Many have pointed to this Friday as the start of something big. A few weeks ago, I gave you my analysis of this whole Y2K phenomenon. The bottom line, some minor things will probably be affected, probably in smaller foreign countries, but we will not miss a beat here. Actually, the greater threat is the opportunity by some extreme terrorist groups to use the occasion to gain publicity for their cause. I have always remembered that the Bible says in many places, no one knows when time, as we know it, will be over except God. That is good enough for me because it is something I cannot control. What I can control is God's admonition to me and you to be busy working for the Kingdom when that time does come.

The focus over the next 5 days on every news outlet will be the last few days of 1999, the potential for problems via computers failing or activities by extremist groups. To be honest, I have been more focused on the work God has given me to do each day rather than get caught up in the hype. I would like to give you two suggestions for this New Year's Eve though. I would never condemn anyone for wanting to go to some New Year's Eve celebration and having a good time. My personal opinion is that drugs, alcohol, and tobacco consumption is not something a follower of Christ should be involved in because (A) our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and why would you want to pollute your temple, (B) it is a bad witness to others who know you are a Christian and watch how you live, and could be a stumbling block in their search for the Lord, (C) it causes you to do and say things you normally wouldn't without that influence. Having said that, if some sort of big celebration is not already planned, either go to a Watch-night service at a local church and bring in the New Year that way, or join me on Liveprayer.com and join a worldwide prayer meeting as we bring in the New Year all around the globe.

There will be a special announcement in tomorrow's devotional about our New Year's Eve plans, but we will have people worldwide logged on to our live video feed, giving us updates on the start of the new year from around the world. We will be praying for special needs that night. I will be on from 11pm EST through 3am EST as we bring in the new year from New York to Los Angeles. It is going to be a great night and you can be part of the only LIVE worldwide prayer meeting.

I want to pray today that you put your faith and trust in God this week and have no fears about the coming new year. Plan now to be part of a spiritual event on New Year's Eve. What better way to start the New Year than in prayer. It will be exciting as we begin a new century, full of opportunities to see the Kingdom of God expanded. I am so full of hope and excitement as we use this great new technology on the Internet to literally reach hundreds of thousand worldwide every day for the Lord. God says to you today, "Fear not for I am the Lord your God, on my throne, and in control". Have a blessed Lord's day today as we praise and worship the only One worthy of our love and adoration. I love you, care about you, and want to hear from you today if I can help in any way. As we stand together in His strength, all things are possible.