“Michelle Shock”

There’s nothing like the fellowship that we find with those whose affections are fixed steadfastly upon things above. Those who, whenever we encounter them, instantly take to conversation to heavenly places as the reality of “Christ in us, the hope of glory” outshines all of the worlds institutions, treasures, and so-called promotions. They are not fearful of the events coming to pass upon the earth; rather, they embrace the truth that our salvation is closer now than when we first believed. They look for every opportuinity to share Jesus; the way the truth, and the life. The only name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Over the years, I’ve come to recognize that most saints prefer not to discuss prophetic events or consider the times and seasons. Many have a theological understanding of the times but seem to become disturbed over anything that would suggest a discontinuation of business as usual. For those who love this world this uneasiness may well carry over into discussion about the return of Jesus; even if presented a trial-free, pre-tribulation format. (Let alone a post-tribulation discussion; the view that I believe to be accurate and employ whenever discussing prophetic events) I fear that all of us, to one degree or another, have an attachment to the status quo and expect each day to closely resemble the one previous to it. For several months the importance of loving not this world has been so heavy on my heart that words fail to convey the whole of it.

My wife has noticed a particular facial expression that our pastor makes whenever I unwittingly blindside him with a comment that would suggest an abrupt discontinuation of the commonly expected flow of events. Perhaps occupying the office of a pastor requires that he discuss such issues from an angle of “embracing continuity in the present matrix” as he must address the issues that weigh on the hearts of those in the fellowship. Yet sometimes it appears that there’s an over-adherance by many to the present snapshot of reality. The economy must be stablized, the career path must be maintained, material acquisitions must be secured, America is too big to fail, and “the show must go on.” So whenever I come across a saint who’se been delivered from any alliance with the status quo, it’s a breath of fresh air.  

Michelle has been in department 94 for a long time and her position as a jobsetter usually means that she’s continuously busy. Its a position that’s become more complicated ever since the “engineers” (they’re a comical bunch) incorporated a number of robots into the line which make the whole assembly process “slower and more costly” (It hasn’t gone according to plan but they will never-ever admit this.) Michelle stands about 5’5″ is notably younger than me, and is a relatively quiet person. She always seems to be diligently working to keep the line flowing as smoothly as possible. So last week when we had a chance to talk, I was nearly blown away at the incredible depth of understanding that she has concerning the times and seasons. (I’ve only been in this department since the end of January)

CR, Christine, and I were sitting at the break table when Michelle joined into the conversation. She told how the past couple of years, the Lord has brought her to such a place that she has absolutely no desire for the things of this world. Her heart is truly on the deep things of God and she expressed frustration at the incredible lack of discernment by many. “The antichrist system is rising before our eyes and nobody; not even most christians, seem to understand what’s happening all around them.  We see it coming; we have the very real peace of God that passes understanding, and yet very few seem to grasp it.” I cannot remember her exact words, but this was the primary idea.  Her manner of speech revealed a complete confidence in Jesus; despite an understanding of what these times may entail. 

Over the past several years, I’ve only met a handful of saints who have such a level of understanding and embrace the truth without fear for their lives in this world. Each time it takes place, however, there’s a bearing witness that defies explanation. This initial five minute conversation with Michelle resulted in a joy-spike that lasted for the remainder of the evening.

And yet, such discussion has become routine amongst the saints at work; not only for those who have worked there for years, but also those who have been recently hired. It’s a diverse group of saints who “hunger and thirst” for more of Jesus and desire to draw ever closer to him. They are not fearful of the times and have committed the keeping of their souls unto Jesus as unto a faithful Creator. (I Peter 4:19)  Each month I print off several copies of the Last Trumpet Newsletter to take into the plant. Not only do the saints look forward to this, a number of others who make no such profession also look forward to it. I pray that these cases of “passing interest” will lead to authentic conversions. CR is one who read it routinely; even before he came to Jesus in November of 2007. (Although other more prominant circumstances were in play which the Lord used to bring him into the household of faith. He has an incredible testimony)

Speaking of the Last trumpet Newsletter, the April 2009 issue is posted. Here’s the link:

WHEN OUR ONLY TRUE HOPE IS REJECTED

I know that this current season is a very short one and as such, we must be atuned to what the Lord is doing. To let go of our own agenda and seek him with a sober-minded fervency like never before. There’s simply no more space to be half-hearted or double minded. It’s truly all-or-nothing time and when the shaking reaches its maximum, we’ll either be on the side of the Lord Jesus or will have gone back to save our lives in this world. The Lord is doing an awesome, howbeit short work in the world today and AAM is merely a single piece of an incredibly complex battlefield. Trying to wrap my mind around all that’s taking place is simply not possible, but the Lord is doing a work in the hearts of many in these final moments of the age. I continue to pray that all in my household would be saved and that the stragglers will continue to come into the ark before the Lord shuts the door.

And therein lies the conclusion of the whole matter. Souls; eternal ones for whom Jesus suffered and died, passing through the valley of decision. The enemy is warring against the saints and fighting to hang onto every captive as he sees the final seconds of the age running out. This present snapshot of “life as we know it” is soon to be superceded by a season of unparalleled tribulation that few are even expecting (despite a bible in every room of every home) let alone preparing for. In years past we could speculate on how events might unfold, but today we’re witnessing the antichrist system manifest in every facet of society. The vast majority buy into the flatteries of the hour and they willingly embrace the utensils by which the man of sin will lead them into perdition. Truly the frustration that Michelle shared with me last week over the lack of discernment is shared by all whose eyes the Lord has opened.

Well, I’ll close for now. There’s so much more that could be written, but this post has already exceeded the normal limitations. This weekend, Kimberly and I will be celebrating our 17th anniversary. (March 28) So many times the enemy has sought to dissolve this family but we’re still together. I pray that all of us would seek the Lord with a fervency like never before. This age is quickly running its course and the glorious return of Jesus is truly at hand. Please check out the Last trumpet newsletter. I wish to all a blessed day in Jesus.

Daniel 12:3 “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

I John 3:2-3 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purefieth himself, even as he is pure.”