The Narrow Escape Plan ~ Broadcast Transcript from July 18, 2020

Good Morning and God Bless you today – thank you for joining me on today’s ROF Ministries broadcast.  How are you holding up?  Are you all doing okay during these pressing days?  We are crushed on every side, learning to surrender and discovering the beautiful ways of Jesus in the process.  What I mean is, as we welcome Him in to form us with His hands it can feel a bit painful to the desires and comforts of the flesh but yet He is teaching us just how He thought, responded, loved, showed compassion & mercy, forgave while He was on Earth so that we can be those love lights of Him while we reside in this place.  In this season we seem to be having more and more divine set-ups to trust the Father in all things, especially those things which we love the most and/or fear the most.  We don’t have comfort anymore by the World’s standards, do we?  Instead we have a better way – a better comforter, the One Who Jesus sent to us to abide and dwell actually inside us.

If you haven’t known or experienced the Lord’s perfect love yet – then these times can be a little daunting… due to fear.  But once we fully grasp – even if only through faith of the heart and mind – our wills will submit as well to His perfect love casting out all fear.  Generally the last piece of self to die is the fear of losing someone you love, many of us right now are being worked on by the Lord in this area – whether we are afraid one will die or afraid one we love may not get saved in time or whatever the case may be…  The Lord is helping us overcome this fear by knowing Him and the more acquainted we become with Him we start to trust Him with all things we value and fear melts away.  For some of us it is a fear of being alone, being without substance or provision, homeless or even a fear we may never be delivered fully.  Well, regardless of what the what of it is…  Anything that generates fear within us, is cast away by Jesus’s perfect love.  So this is just a piece of the seasonal process we are currently in – it cannot be rushed, nor can it be stopped – so hey, take a breath, relax the pressure is off you – Jesus is authoring and finishing each one of us in His perfectly planned will.

Okay, so last week we talked about Luke 21 – focusing on the seasonal generation of us and how Jesus Alone is our Spiritual escape plan.  The Word tells us that “Jesus always makes a way of escape…”  and He most certainly does – Can you imagine we are actually escaping self – then nothing else really matters, does it?  But I don’t want to get ahead of myself – because we left off right at the good part which says in Luke 21:36 – WATCH YE THEREFORE, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YOU MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS THAT SHALL COME TO PASS AND TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN. (Jesus)

Now…  If you didn’t listen last week, you might want to go back and listen to the archive which set the foundation for today. 

In the PRIOR verse it says…  FOR AS A SNARE SHALL IT COME ON ALL THEM THAT DWELL ON THE FACE OF THE WHOLE EARTH.

What is it?  The Day when Heaven and Earth pass away and we see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  If we watch and pray for Jesus’s return – and are not shaken by all the chaos going on – called cares of this life – His return will not come upon us like a snare, unexpectedly. 

LUKE 21 – Cautions us to WATCH (stay awake) and PRAY ALWAYS so we are accounted worthy to escape all these things which shall come to pass to stand before the Son of Man —- How? By abiding in Him and continually seeking Him – He becomes our escape – even daily from all things which are not appointed to remain in Heaven because we really are Heaven dwellers at the heart of it all.

The phrase “that you may be accounted worthy” actually means – be ready to be judged.  That’s a scary thought if you don’t fully understand spiritually – to keep it simple think of it this way – HIDDEN IN CHRIST as a fully surrendered vessel of His.  This describes our countenance or being of existence right now – or condition.  It is not declared or about the thoughts of the mind – but a state of existence.  It is not willed on our part necessarily, but rather yielded to the Spirit. 

The enemy has really done a number of condemnation upon the children of God by betwitching many into thinking it can be attained by works, without repentance, that Jesus has delayed His coming or even telling some to not watch for His return, thinking they need to remain to work a little longer to earn their way into Heaven which actually is “seeking to save your own life”.  Look at it this way – If we are ready every moment and longing for His appearing, no need to worry if we will be ready when He does appear.  The instruction is so easily understood a child can embrace it and so complex it creates confusion within the majority.

Before we talk more about Jesus – the narrow way, the way of escape – daily and at the end of all time as we know it, let’s go over Luke 21 a little more so we all have this precept down in our hearts and minds.

There are many words in red in this chapter of the Bible, meaning it is Jesus speaking directly to His followers.  He reminds them and us to actually “pray for strength to escape” His judgment upon the Earth and now knowing what we just learned – on that day may we all be able to stand before Him as Judge, not entangled with the World – or…. When Jesus comes may He find light within each of us.  Which is just the opposite of when satan comes he finds himself (darkness) in the vast majority of people on Earth.

Always remember – we as God’s children are not appointed to His wrath, meaning we will not be here on Earth in this body of flesh as He pours out His wrath on the inhabitants which remain.  It is a non-negotiable that at some point and time, which only the Father knows, all who remain on Earth are not of Jesus’s fold, they are gone, escaped what is to come, all of them.

The enemy has the ears of many it seems right now, more than I’ve ever noticed by twisting the Scripture and stirring up pride – which is his go to tactic – sowing confusion in the minds of those who are seeking the Lord to perceive and place guilt and condemnation that any would have a desire to escape all that is coming upon the Earth, creating a defeated and downcast soul that is dazed and hopeless so that we fall asleep in a tired weariness and miss the actual signs of Jesus’s return, the enemy desires to force us into being fleshly ready and spiritually asleep for Jesus’s return – while Jesus desires we be spiritually ready and fleshly asleep, if you will.

As followers of Jesus, it is important we not take our Salvation for granted like an entitlement, but rather as a humbled honor, because it is possible to get our names blotted out of the Book of Life, primarily when we willingly refuse to acknowledge wrong doings, embracing the gift of repentance – rather than running from or ignoring it – If you study a little more you will see “when we wash our robes, making them white” or “trim our wicks” both represent repentance. 

Times when our eyes are on the cares of this life, we stumble, fall away from guarding and judging our own hearts, then we no longer keep watch and pray as we await Jesus’s return…. We get very sleepy, weak and instead of escaping all that is dark upon the Earth, we get entangled with it and guess what creeps in?  FEAR and when fear rules over us our bodies have a natural reaction for us to start… Seeking to save our own lives and honestly we cannot even try to save ourselves, let alone someone else.

And just so we are clear… the word “worthy” in this verse pertaining to standing before Jesus is no biggie thing to fear – it means to “be counted in the fold when He gathers it.”  And just a little trivia here – every Shephard numbers and counts his sheep before they change pastures.  So remember that – being worthy to Jesus does not have anything to do with measuring up like humans think – it just means to be a part of the fold of Jesus’s flock.  Acts 5:41 says – THE DISCIPLES REJOICED IN THAT THEY WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME FOR HIS NAME.  So just like you and me – being in the flock we too may suffer shame because Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  Lastly, “being worthy” is those who belong to Jesus, delivered out of the World into His everlasting arms, not earned but a gift to all who seek Him with their whole hearts – worthiness is because He is worthy and when we belong to Him, so are we, abiding in Jesus, Jesus in us – we are one and when the Father looks upon us – He sees His blessed Son.  It is truly a lovely story.  Right now – we are separated to a degree by this veil of flesh, but one day we won’t be and I cannot wait!  So His Bride expectantly is awaiting His return, longing, watching, desiring intently to see Him appear in those clouds.  Amen?

So with that…  The Lord promised a crown of righteousness to all those who love His appearing.

• Please do not let the enemy working in man steal your crown and joy while waiting with the highest of expectation for His return.  Once you find the one who your soul loves, you will long for His return until the day He arrives – it is purposed and planned by the Father’s design to keep us watching in such a precious way.
• On a side note – anyone who casts shame on those who are doing just as Jesus said while awaiting His return know internally they are not ready for His return and secretly desire He delay His coming.  To them He will return as a thief, sadly.  I often hear people say – I want Jesus to return later so that more people are saved… as if Jesus can’t save one million people in a day should He so desire, which seems presumptuous that it is possible the Lord may forget one of His own by coming too soon.  I just can’t question our Father like that – as if He isn’t able to save His own perfectly prior to Jesus’s return.  We need to just trust and believe more He is Sovereign in all things and get out of the twisted mindset we know when is the best time for Jesus to return to Earth, none of the disciples pleaded that Jesus delay His return, as a matter of fact they too were looking for Him everyday.  The Father is for us, not against us and He certainly isn’t under some calendar beat the clock time game.  Do not fear if Jesus comes too soon a loved one will be lost – that is fear talking.  Jesus will not lose one of His own, so rest in the truth He also will gather all that is His so we can return to where we came from, our first Estate. 
• When Jesus returns, coming in the clouds for those who stand before Him are His, those who love Him, trust Him, believe in Him to accomplish all things unto perfection – especially saving souls.
• The Word says we will be judged one day by our works – what we did on Earth whether it furthered the arise of evil or good – like seeds sown, we are known by our fruit – fruit manifests what is in the heart.
• Remember again – works do not save us they define us.  Meaning we display by what we do who we belong to.  All which is not of the Lord will be consumed by the brightness of His coming – which basically is all Worldly ambitions, they are temporary and not transferable to the Kingdom, as well as all evil – gone.
• On the other hand anything which passes through the fire resembles gold and precious stones, these are works done here and counted up there in Heaven, everlasting treasures where nothing can destroy them…  I hope you already know what these works are, but just in case – they are WHAT WE DO FOR THE LEAST OF THESE.  Who are the least of these?  The widow, fatherless & orphans…. Those the world cast away and counted out and looked down upon.  If you read in the Book of Job it says – he was counted as righteous and spared for doing one thing – taking care of the widows, the orphans and the fatherless.  Many of you right now are smiling with your whole hearts because you personally have assisted me and others countless times and visited prisons with me over and over again which is full of orphans and fatherless.  So you already have a seat and crown.  What is so beautiful about our Father’s way is anyone can care for another in such a most precious way, all it takes is a heart of compassion.  Jesus does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called and everyone is invited to partake in the sharing of His love, one to another.
• So it will be a great or terrible day – depending on if you are for Him or against Him in your now state.

If we read 1 Thessalonians 5 we will see how it compliments Luke 21 giving us a sure confirming word.  I am going to read it, but notice in verse 3, Paul mentions the word “escape.”

I Thessalonians 5

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

³ For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

⁴ But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

⁵ Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (THOSE IN DARKNESS DO NOT ESCAPE, ONLY THE CHILDREN OF LIGHT)

⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

⁷ For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

⁹ For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

¹⁰ Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

¹¹ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

¹² And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.

¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.

¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit.

²⁰ Despise not prophesyings.

²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

²² Abstain from all appearance of evil.

²³ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (DID YOU SEE THAT?  SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY IS PRESERVED AND BLAMELESS)

²⁴ Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

²⁵ Brethren, pray for us.

²⁶ Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

As we can see here – Paul was repeating many of the words Jesus had already spoken, only he used the word birth pains to describe the season in which Jesus would return and what it would be like for those who remained and did not escape.  Here in this chapter is another hopeful promise for us who seek Jesus and counted among the preserved blameless ones.  Those of us who have endured much tribulation our whole lives, yet retain one element which divides and separates His flock from all others – this worthy flock seeks not to save their own lives unto death.  Being dead to self already, we lose our lives in order to be found abiding in HIM, Jesus. And remember, when we do not seek to save our lives – fear vanishes because it has nothing to cling to inside us.

As time draws to a close it is if we can perceive how Jesus is truly at the door, we have a stirring expectancy that His return is eminent and it increases by the day which signals to us the Bride has almost made herself ready.  Do you all know she makes herself ready by being complete – Jesus forms His Bride by drawing His own into union with Him and one another. 

It seems all gray areas are being swallowed up, which resembles the lukewarm mixed being vomited out, forced to choose Him or deny Him and this is situational and unique to each living soul who stands within the valley of decision.  Choices are being made – hot or cold, for or against.

We know this time He is coming to destroy the Earth with fire, the more summer draws near the more kindled His fire is… Are we ready?  Ready for Him?  Not ready for war, pestilence, disasters, confrontation… But ready for Jesus.  We should be asking ourselves daily if sudden destruction would come today – Am I more prepared for it or Him? – The what of a thing coming is way below or preparation to meet Jesus, who is coming or we are going.  If we feel more confidant speaking to others about preparations and wars – then we are more prepared for what is coming, than who is coming and still have some issues which need ironed out.

All those who truly love Jesus fully would never choose to remain and not escape when He comes.  He is Savior of the lost and did not speak to us in anyway saying, it is better to be left behind to assist following His coming.  Don’t you think if that was such an important truth He Himself would have stated it?  We do know there will be a season of ruling and reigning with Him on Earth following His return and establishment of a new heaven and new Earth – but keep in mind for that period there is no evil, only paradise and no works either, not conversion works anyway.  In my humble opinion, it will be similar to the Garden of Eden and we will have some tending to do and replenishing but not assisting others like we do now, because at that point, Jesus will have wiped every tear from every eye, completing us – blotting out all lack within us.

You can read all of I Corinthians 15 yourselves, it is quite long – but in verse 44 it says each soul has a natural body and a spiritual body and further in verses 51-54 he tells us – WE SHALL NOT ALL GO TO SLEEP AS THOSE WHO DIED BEFORE US DO, BUT ALL WILL BE CHANGED – THEM AND US – IN A MOMENT, IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE AT THE LAST TRUMP… Paul said, I show you a great mystery, he revealed what happens, but he never elaborated on why it happens, only to say the incorruptible flesh body will be changed into the incorruptible spiritual body.  So we can only assume why that is… just trusting it is purposed by the Father’s will  and remember we just read – how one day our bodies will be blameless.

We know there is a narrow way which leads to life everlasting, to escape every single Earthly temptation that taints and spots – His Name is Jesus.  On the other hand there is a broad way which leads to destruction, doing what I want to do.  Sadly, the Word tells us few find that narrow way.  But we must never discount all are given a chance to escape eternal fire.  The Lord truly desires that all escape, that all come to the saving knowledge of repentance, that none perish, are lost or even left behind to endure that which is so unnecessary and painful.  But remember, a suffering heart is a heart which cries out to the One Who created it – for some it requires a little more pressing and a little more fire, for others it requires a lot more, but regardless this is the way in which the Father gathers us all under the shadow of His wings in our weakened human condition.

All are given a call to flee from the wrath to come and escape right into our Savior’s arms.  Just consider what He delivered us from even today that may have otherwise destroyed us – we escaped many snares by His hand already.  There is nothing shameful in seeking Jesus in such a precious heartfelt way.  Sure it may bring with it persecution and mocking, but so what?  The heart longs for and wants what the heart wants and for many of us it is Jesus.  In the end, when all is said and done, all that is truly going to matter is on that day we are counted in, looking and beholding the one our soul loves, Jesus.  And as we wait, remember – His return is more near each day or rather our return Home by departing is eminent – one or the other is a guarantee – but whichever way He chooses for us, we will be with Him and that surely is the promise of His coming.

This is no time to hold back on mercy, love, encouragement, peace, forgiveness, compassion, prayers, brotherly & sisterly assistance and comfort – whatever another needs sow it now because these treasures sown here are eternally sealed under your name in Heaven.  Each day I pray we ask the Lord for divine appointments to sow these seeds into others through obedience and love according to His plan, will and ways.

So before I go, if any or all of this teaching today resonates within you – I want to leave you with just a couple Scriptures to cling to with all your might from Revelation 1 and 3.

“BEHOLD HE COMES WITH THE CLOUDS AND EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM.”

“I WILL MAKE THEM (REFERRING TO THOSE WHO MOCK & SCOFF US) TO COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOUR FEET AND TO KNOW I HAVE LOVED YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE KEPT THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE I WILL ALSO KEEP YOU FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION WHICH SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD TO TRY THEM THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH.  BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY, HOLD FAST TO THAT WHICH YOU HAVE THAT NO MAN TAKE YOUR CROWN.”

Some get it, some won’t… some of you are like me, you are not running away trying to escape anything… you are running to something, His Name is Jesus.  Maranantha!  Meaning – come Lord Jesus come!

AL righty then… Thank you all for joining me today!  I pray you were blessed even if just a little and encouraged to just hold on a little longer and cling to Jesus with all your might.  He is surely worth the wait!

As always, I so very appreciate your support for ROF Ministries knowing the Lord will make your reward great in Heaven for coming along beside us here in this ministry as we heal hearts His way.  Don’t forget my email is:  Markedbyheaven7@gmail.com should you need anything at all, please contact me on how I may assist you on your journey.

I pray you all have a blessed day and a blessed week!  I just want to share quickly a beautiful message Littledove shared with me last week which blessed my heart so very much.