Before It's Too Late

Based on Zephaniah 1-2, Proverbs 15

"I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham; And them that are turned back from the Lord; and those that have not sought the Lord, nor enquired for him. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests." Zephaniah 1:4‭-‬7.

The more I read all these books of the minor prophets, the more I realize how serious God is for not only a change in this world's wickedness, but even a change in those already serving Him! It just goes to show that God's plan was always, even in the Old Testament, to have ALL people serve Him and live for Him. The prophets spoke about God's judgment not only on the Jews, but on all nations...if God didn't care about all people, He wouldn't give them ALL a wake-up call before it's too late. God chastens those He loves!

"If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" Hebrews 12:7.

We need to take these prophetic words of each reading seriously. Zephaniah talks about those who have turned back from The Lord, and those who have not even sought The Lord. God wants a relationship with us all, before this age comes to a close...

"Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." Zephaniah 2:2‭-‬3.

BEFORE the decree, BEFORE the day pass, BEFORE the fierce anger of The Lord...SEEK! All meek people who truly desire to do good & be righteous...we must seek God more deeply! God longs for a closeness with us that is beyond just being a good person...we need a loving relationship based on complete obedience to His Word...it's the only way we can experience true fulfillment in this life and a joyful eternity with Him!

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3.

"Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?" Proverbs 15:11.

Before Jesus comes again, we need to be prepared. And remember, that all starts with Acts 2:38!

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 2:38.

Repentance. Water baptism in Jesus' Name. Receiving the Holy Ghost. These are the 3 keys to a new life in God's Kingdom. There is a "too late," so we need to be ready BEFORE that day comes! God doesn't want destruction for us. He just wants our hearts!