Tags
Call to pray, End Times, Jesus is coming back, Last Days, Philippines 7.1 earthquake, pray for the philippines, redeeming the time, return of Christ, sharing the Gospel
If you’ve not yet already heard, please be aware and in prayer for those in the Philippines. A 7.1 earthquake hit in the northern part on a very populated island of the Philippines early Wednesday morning at around 8:30 am. The Philippines are 80% Catholic and many of them are sycretistic, meaning they mix Catholicism in with pagan practices; and 5% are radical Muslim. Please, pray that this disaster proves to be a powerful opportunity to present the Gospel boldly to those who need the true Jesus of the Bible, and not a powerless, pagan Jesus.
Jesus said that in the time before His return there will be many earthquakes and other natural disasters, and that when we begin to see these things to lift up our heads for our redemption is drawing near (Matthew 24; Luke 21). Jesus indeed is coming very soon, and we as His people must be ready.
Part of being ready is sharing Jesus with others — whether through a smile, a word of encouragement, a full presentation of the Gospel, or via whatever opportunity God opens for you personally. Second Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” We must be ready for those opportunities, and we must not dismiss them when we see that open door to share the Gospel. To be ready “in season” means it’s a good time for us; “out of season” means it’s a bad day for us (we’re not feeling well with a headache but we’re still kind to the slow moving cashier; we’re grieving a great loss but have not lost faith and are able to share that faith with an unbelieving family member; we’re ill, but still communicating patient love with the one caring for us; we’re the patient in the hospital with COVID telling the doctor he must be born again; we’re the one dying while telling the emergency technician about Jesus). We must not waste a second, for Christ could come at any moment. We do not want anyone left behind. We must redeem the time for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).
Right now it is an “out of season” moment for those in the Philippines, and those who have lost the most may be the true Christians. But, no matter what their circumstances, they are called on during this moment of great opportunity and darkness to shine all the more brightly, to speak all the more boldly, and to share with others through word and action that the things in the world do not have a hold on us; that we are at home with Christ even when our home is gone (John 15); that we are secure in Him even when all comforts are gone (Philippians 4:11-13); and that we have true peace that this world cannot give (Philippians 4:6-7). May those without Jesus see this exemplified peace, comfort and home in the Christians of the Philippines.
We must pray for boldness on the part of Christians. Pray for fearlessness, that God’s people will not be afraid. Pray for miracles, that God will provide for their every need, even needs that seem large and unattainable. Pray for God’s people to be filled with great, unwavering faith and an abounding, unquenchable peace.
Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!
In Christ,
Holy Light Ministries
“Powerful 7.1 earthquake strikes Philippines; at least 5 dead,” July 27, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/magnitude-72-earthquake-strikes-luzon-philippines-emsc-2022-07-27/
“Emergency Update Powerful 7.1 earthquake strikes Philippines; at least 5 dead,”July 27, 2022,
HolyLight Ministries 