Scripture References:
Matthew 24:36–44 (NKJV) – “But of that day and hour no one knows…”
2 Peter 3:10 (NIV) – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…”
Revelation 22:12–13 (NIV) – “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me…”
Introduction
The Bible speaks clearly about the End Times — a period of final judgment, hope, and ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. As believers, we may feel uncertainty or fear when we think about these times, but the Word of God reassures us that His sovereignty and love remain steadfast. The End Times are not meant to terrify us but to strengthen our faith, guide our lives, and remind us of the hope we have in Christ.
1. God’s Sovereignty Over All Things
Matthew 24:36 reminds us that “no one knows the day or hour” except the Father. While this uncertainty may be challenging, it points to the truth that God is in control. He is not surprised by events on earth. Every moment of history is under His watchful eye, and His plan will come to completion.
As believers, our response should be trust and obedience. We may not understand every detail, but we can rely on God’s perfect timing and divine wisdom.
2. A Call to Readiness and Faithfulness
In Matthew 24:42–44, Jesus encourages us to be vigilant: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” The End Times are a call to spiritual readiness — to live each day fully for God.
This readiness is expressed through:
Daily prayer and communion with God
Living a life of integrity and love
Sharing the Gospel and being a light in our communities
God desires us to be spiritually alert, not anxious. Faithful living today prepares us for the eternity to come.
3. Hope and Assurance in Christ
2 Peter 3:10–13 reminds us that the End Times will bring both judgment and renewal. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief… the heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
While this may sound frightening, the focus for believers is hope. Those who trust in Christ have the assurance of eternal life. God’s plan culminates in a new heaven and a new earth, a place of peace, joy, and communion with Him forever.
4. Living With Purpose Today
Revelation 22:12–13 reminds us: “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me…” The End Times call us to live with urgency and purpose. Every act of love, every word of encouragement, and every step of faith counts.
We cannot control the timing of the End, but we can control how we live today. Let our lives reflect God’s glory, inspire others, and remain anchored in the Word of God.
Conclusion
The End Times are not meant to bring fear but to inspire faith, hope, and purposeful living. God’s Word guides us, assures us, and calls us to vigilance. As we await Christ’s return, let us:
Trust God’s sovereignty
Live faithfully and lovingly each day
Hold firmly to the hope of eternal life in Christ
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or hour… But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from evil” (Matthew 24:42; 2 Thessalonians 3:3, paraphrased).
Let us live each day as a testimony of God’s love, preparing ourselves and others for the glorious day when Christ will return.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
The Thing That Matters
if you could only do two things today
🕊️ If You Could Only Do Two Things Today
Scripture: Proverbs 1:1–2 (NKJV)
“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding.”
✨ Introduction
The book of Proverbs continues to fascinate me. Each time I begin again on the first day of the month, I’m reminded of its timeless practicality. Solomon’s purpose is clear: “To know wisdom…”—a pursuit that demands intention and intimacy.
📖 Reflection
Knowing wisdom isn’t casual. It’s not something we drift into. It requires commitment, practice, and a daily walk with God.
Reading a chapter of Proverbs each day, paired with prayer, opens the door to divine insight for the day’s unique challenges.
🙏 Prayer
Today, I ask you to lift up Pastor Kemp and his family in prayer—Sonja, his children Lee & Briana, their families, and his parents and mother-in-law. May God bless them richly.
📌 Takeaway
If you could only do two things today:
- Prayerfully read thel chapter of Proverbs that matches today’s date.
- Let God reveal the second thing you need to do.
just keep going forward
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Just Keep Going Forward
One powerful truth connects every biblical example of faith: God promised to go with them.
Sonja and I often reflect on our life and ministry together, amazed at God’s mercy and kindness. When we began, we had no grand plans or visionary strategy. We simply loved God with all our hearts and sought to please Him. We failed at times, stumbled, and fell short—but one thing remained constant: we kept getting up and moving forward, one day at a time, striving to do what was right and wise.
And it has worked. Without a master plan or a brilliant strategy, we have seen God accomplish good things through our efforts. Was it our intelligence or talent? Absolutely not. It was God keeping His promise—He never left us, and He has never failed us.
A Word for You
This glimpse into our life and ministry isn’t about us—it’s about encouragement for you. Like Sonja and me, you may feel you aren’t the type to mastermind a grand vision. That’s okay. There are only two things you need to make your life meaningful:
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A desire to move forward each day in pleasing God.
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Trust in His promise. Jesus said:
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20 (NIV)
Over a lifetime, your “batting average” may fluctuate—you will have successes and setbacks—but Jesus’ faithfulness is perfect. When you move forward in His strength, something good and worthwhile will be achieved.
Encouragement for Today
Let’s step into today with confidence and purpose. Trust God’s guidance, keep moving forward, and remember: His promises are true.
Prayer:
Lord, as we meet to plan and prepare for the year ahead, guide our steps, give wisdom to our decisions, and remind us that You are with us always. Amen.
just keeping going foward
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Just Keeping Going Forward
Scripture References:
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Genesis 19:26 (NKJV): “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
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2 Kings 4:24 (NKJV): “Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, ‘Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.’”
Recently, I read that famed missionary David Livingstone, when asked by the London Missionary Society where he wanted to go, replied: “Anywhere, as long as it is forward.”
This statement struck me deeply that day, especially as it was a “planning day” for me. A few times a year, I take a day or two to be alone in prayer and reflection, seeking God’s guidance on how He wants me to conduct my life and ministry. These moments help clear my mind, refocus my heart, and renew my purpose.
Livingstone’s response brought me great comfort because I have never been one to have a highly detailed vision for what God wanted to accomplish through my life and ministry. For the past 35 years, I’ve simply gotten up each day and moved forward — and God has worked through that obedience.
God’s Guidance Is Often Subtle
Many of us feel pressured to have a clear, concrete vision for our lives, but often that expectation comes more from society than from God. Time and again, Scripture shows that God’s directions are sometimes intentionally broad, allowing us to trust Him as we move forward:
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Abraham: God called him to leave his homeland without providing a detailed roadmap. He said essentially, “I’ll guide you along the way” (Genesis 12:1).
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Moses: God instructed him to deliver the Israelites from slavery, yet He provided little detail about the journey or the promised land (Exodus 3).
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The Disciples: Jesus gave His followers the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), which, like Livingstone’s approach, boils down to daily obedience — simply get up and go forward.
The lesson is clear: God asks us to trust Him, take steps of faith each day, and rely on His guidance as we move ahead.
Prayer and Encouragement
Tonight, as we continue to “Equip People for Life & Eternity” — one of our key PEP values — please pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully on our campus and in the hearts of all who attend.
Let us embrace each day with courage and faith, trusting God’s plan even when it is not fully revealed. Step forward in obedience, and He will work wonders through your efforts.
strange rewards
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Strange Rewards
Scripture Reference:
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Luke 23:26 (NKJV): “Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.”
Sometimes in life, a cross is unexpectedly placed upon us — just as it was for Simon of Cyrene. He was simply passing by when suddenly he was called to bear someone else’s burden: the cross of Jesus Christ.
Life is often filled with unexpected surprises, and not all of them are easy. Some may feel like heavy crosses. But when we bear them with honor and faith, they shape us in ways trophies and accolades never can. Simon’s example reminds us that our greatest spiritual growth often comes through challenges, trials, and burdens we do not anticipate.
Staying close to Jesus has its rewards, yet it also brings its crosses. But when we reflect on them through the eyes of faith, even the heaviest cross becomes a reward — an opportunity to participate in God’s work and to grow deeper in character and devotion.
Prayer and Encouragement
Today, I ask you to lift up our pastors and staff in prayer. Gather your bulletin, review the email listings, and pray through each name. Let us carry one another in faith, just as Simon carried Christ’s cross, trusting that God honors our obedience and faithfulness.
to gain admisssion
Monday, August 11, 2014
To Gain Admission
Scripture Reference:
Acts 4:12 (NKJV): “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
A list of good deeds will not get you into any sporting event or concert on earth.
A 51% success rate of driving without an accident will not earn you a driver’s license anywhere.
Being polite, honest, or well-intentioned will not pay for your meal in a restaurant.
Good intentions alone will not secure you a job anywhere in the world.So why do so many people assume that simply being a good and decent person will guarantee them a place in Heaven?
The truth is clear: salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. No amount of human effort, moral behavior, or good intentions can earn eternal life. Only by accepting His sacrifice and trusting in His name can we gain true admission into God’s Kingdom.
Prayer and Encouragement
As we reflect on this truth, let us also remember the world around us. War clouds are rising, and our hearts must lift in prayer. Pray for Israel and for those on our “active military” prayer list. For guidance on how to pray, see the pray newsletter for suggestions.
Let us place our trust fully in Christ, sharing His love and hope with all we encounter.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
God’s Rules of Engagement
Sunday, May 18, 2014
God’s Rules of Engagement
Scripture: John 11:45–53 (NKJV)
This passage provides a clear example of God’s “rules of engagement” in our lives. Even though God is completely sovereign, He respects human free will. As His creation, we have the choice to believe in the Lord Jesus and follow Him, or to reject Him and diminish His influence in our lives.
The good news is that God, in His sovereignty, accomplishes His purposes regardless of human choices — and even human sin. He works through us, with us, or sometimes in spite of us, to bring about His perfect plan.
What I Want You to Know
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People really do have free will (John 11:45–46). God does not force our hearts; He invites us to choose Him.
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Our free will often gravitates toward our own control (John 11:47–48). We tend to want to rule our own little kingdoms rather than be cherished citizens in God’s eternal kingdom.
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God’s will shall be done, no matter what choices humans make. His plan is unstoppable and perfect, even when we falter.
What I Want You to Do
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Ask yourself: What will it take for me to fully surrender to God?
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Reflect: Am I willing to trust completely in the sovereignty and efficiency of God?
Take a moment today to let these questions guide your heart and align your will with His. When we surrender, we participate in God’s glorious plan, and our lives become a testimony of His faithfulness.
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