In recent times there seems to be a heightened interest in television programs that involve watching people squirm as they face possible elimination or embarrassing scrutiny. Perhaps it began with court shows like "Judge Wapner", "Judge Judy", or "Divorce Court". Then there are the game shows like, "The Weakest Link", or the 'reality' shows such as, "Survivor" or "The Apprentice". It seems to me like Donald Trump enjoys (a little too much) sitting in judgment and saying those dreaded words, “You're fired”! Now you can even watch footage of the once-powerful dictator, Saddam Hussein, sitting 'on the hot seat' as he is now on trial for his many and murderous crimes he committed against the Iraqi people.

But all of the above-mentioned scenarios, whether aired for entertainment or for ratings-driven curiosity or "reality", are mere child's play compared to the ultimate judgment that is yet to come, as the Bible teaches that "each of us shall give account of himself before God". (Romans 14:12). "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the Judgment", (Hebrews 9:27).

Yes, Judgment Day is sure to come for all of us. On that day, we will each be examined by God Himself. He will be the judge, jury and executioner. There will be no defense, delays or appeals. His word will be final and irrevocable. For everyone, He will reveal where we will spend eternity, and the degrees of punishment or reward we will receive. Please consider with me 3 things about Judgment Day.

* For some it will be the most HORRIFIC Day imaginable. According to Matthew 7: 21-23, there will be many at their judgment who will claim to know the Lord, to have served Him during their life on earth, and will plead entrance into Heaven based upon their many good works. But because they had never established a genuine relationship with Christ by repenting of their sin and placing personal faith in His finished work on the cross, the Lord will say to them, "I never knew you, depart from me"... More chilling words will never be spoken or heard, as those who's names are not found written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire, where there will be nothing but endless torture, anguish, darkness and despair. (Revelation 20:11-15). According to Jesus, this will be the fate of most of the earth's population. (Matthew 7:13-14).

* For some it will be the most REGRETFUL Day imaginable. This applies to Christians who, though genuinely saved, have lived their life for self rather than the Savior. They squandered their opportunities to serve the Lord. Instead of redeeming the time, they wasted it. Instead of dedicating their life to Christ, they did "their own thing". Instead of walking in the Spirit, they gratified their flesh. Instead of focusing on the Lord, Bible reading, personal holiness, prayer, church ministry, witnessing and discipleship, they pursued worldly passions, fashions, popularity, materialism and pleasure. Even what they did in Christian ministry was more for the purpose of impressing others or keeping up appearances, than a genuine and humble effort to serve Christ and others. According to scripture, at the Judgment, their works will be tested by fire and burned up, to their shame and regret. Their soul is saved (thank God) but they grieve over "what might have been" as they suffer the loss of their rewards. (I Corinthians 3:11-15).

* For some it will be the most WONDERFUL Day imaginable. There are some Christians who have set their affections on things above, on the eternal rather than the temporal. They love God with all their heart and others as themselves. They seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. They redeem the time and are faithful stewards of their time, talents and treasures. They seek to know Christ better, and make Him better known. They delight in the Lord and deny themselves. They witness to the lost, encourage the saints, support their church, live their faith, walk in holiness and look for the imminent return of Christ. They can face the Judgment with confidence because they love Jesus more than life itself, and long to see Him face to face. (II Timothy 4:6-8).

Recently I heard a pastor say that one of his greatest goals was to help people get ready for the most important day of their life, Judgment Day!! Dear reader, that is my desire. I don't want it to be the most Horrific day of your life. Make sure you are a child of God. Don't gamble with your eternal soul! Kneel at the cross and trust in Jesus today.

And I don't want Judgment Day to be the most Regretful day of your life. If you are a Christian, dedicate the rest of your life to Christ. Deny yourself and follow Jesus whatever the cost! He paid much too high a price for you to squander your opportunities to serve Him.

I do want Judgment Day to be the most Wonderful day of your life. I want you to hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". I want you to gratefully receive your crowns and rewards, then be able to humbly lay them down at the Lord's feet in honor of His amazing grace.

May we accept the challenge of the Apostle John who said, "And now little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming". (I John 2:28).

"Jesus is coming to earth again-- What if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign-- What if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride; All the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide-- What if it were today"?....

--Lelia N. Morris

..."Prepare to meet your God"...(Amos 4:12). Are YOU prepared for Judgment Day??