Revelation 1:1-3:

"[1] The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant, John, [2] who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. [3] Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

I had heard of Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkin's "Left Behind" series quite some time ago. For a long time I declined to check it out, as I was concerned that anything listed as fictional writings involving sacred scripture, such as Revelation, could be trampling on sacred ground. I had wondered, "Could it either add or take away from the truth as portrayed in these precious prophetical writings?" But as time went on I learned that the "Left Behind" series was well done by this biblical scholar and that nothing regarding references to the Bible were altered in any way. In fact, many others heartily recommended the series. So when I purchased our present home and discovered that the first nine books of the series were left behind by the previous resident, I felt that God had arranged for me to read them. So I began to do so.

I have been very pleased and personally blessed by these writings. I also am recommending the series to others that I am concerned for and am trusting the Spirit of God to speak to their hearts and to meet spiritual needs as only He can do. It is a series dealing with what it will be like during the seven year period generally known as the Great Tribulation, - that period of time after Jesus raptures His Church and leading up to that terrible time of battle, known as the Battle of Armageddon, just prior to Christ’s thousand year reign on the earth when earth is no more as we have known it to be.

In this particular devotion, I am reminded that "the time is near" indeed! In fact, in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, we read, "For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." Scripture says that we cannot predict the exact time yet we are aware of the signs of the times. And the signs of the times clearly portrays our generation, which has been referred to "the terminal generation."

Readiness and a sense of urgency are always in order but all the more so in our day and time. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow will be too late. For anyone who has never accepted the gift of salvation in Christ, or those who may be less-committed than we should be, Jesus Christ is coming soon, quick, and will catch many off-guard. Many in our generation will be caught totally unaware of His return until after it is too late. There is a final point of no return. Don’t be caught as one who is "Left Behind." Accept Christ. Be seriously and totally committed, as we know that He has challenged us to be. As I often say, "Eternity is too long to be wrong." Be decisive and willing to give Him your all. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow may very well be too late!

As I pray today:

1. What does the Bible say?
2. What does the Bible say to me?
3. What am I going to do about it? (Personal application and commitment)