Thursday, February 24, 2011

Matthew 24

A few headlines from around the world this morning:

Thousands Protest High Food Costs in India
Libya Brink of Civil War
Death Toll Rises from Christchurch Quake
China Warns Subversives
Dem Rep to Unions: Time to Get Bloody


Without faith and assurance of Salvation, I think the headlines would be frightening. As mentioned in my last post, Jesus covers end time events in Matthew 24, too much Scripture to review in a blog post. Jesus gives us details about the end times, He warns us there will be false messiahs, famines, war, earthquakes, pestilences, etc which we need to know, but the key fact is He is coming again. We must keep our eyes on Him and fear not while we are remaining focused on Him.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Big Al

Big Al the Alligator in Beaumont, TX is eating again which means winter is over in southeast Texas, his record is far more accurate then a cute animal up north as far as predicting these things.

Another thing we look to in southeast Texas before we plant is the Pecan Tree. If it's budding, it's safe, if it's not budding winter is not quite done.

The Lord gives us signs to watch as His return draws nigh. Knowing these signs are of the utmost importance, but if we are not careful we can go off on a tangent and forget to love Him and serve Him with gladness of heart and devote ourselves to the Kingdom work to which we are called.

Jesus words concerning the last days are found in Matthew 24. If you feel you are too familiar with them in your favorite Bible version, study them in another version or two.

We don't know when he is coming, so we must be prepared.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Stay in the Word and continue to do the ministry to which you are called. Jesus is coming! Halelujah!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Context

My memory verse for 02/15/11 is John 10:30 NIV:I and the Father are one.”

Standing alone - I and the Father are one - sounds odd, sounds as if I am saying myself and the Father are one and therefore is not theologically sound. However in context it is theologically sound:
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

We must be careful and keep Scriptures in context. I've heard ministers take 1 verse out of context and preach an entire doctrine on it. I've seen wonderful Christians do the same thing, many times while giving a fellow Christian some truth in love (in their opinion).

God's Word is meant to bless, convict, teach, bring wholeness, build up not tear down, shame and destroy a person. Let's live it out in context.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Least of These

This time of year, we seem to be bombarded by Valentine ads to buy our loved one chocolate, flowers and or jewelry. I am not opposed to receiving these items as gifts. I am not opposed to romantic love, but we need to remember God's love for all people, we need to remember to walk in love, we need to remember the least of these.

I took a spiritual inventory today. It seems being caught up in a long term crisis situation in my life has caused me to pay less attention the least of these. I have not donated to a couple of ministries I love to support in months, I have not donated new/gently owned clothing to a local help center, nor have I dropped off food at the same help center.

As the world focuses on romantic love Monday, I want to focus on the least of these and remember them through out the year.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Snow Day

Those of us in the Houston area waited with great anticipation for a snow day earlier this week. Sadly, we had freezing rain instead and a hard freeze for a couple of days. (Maybe we'll have a snow day next year.)

My husband and a couple of his friends spent the weekend making deer sausage. (I can't wait for all deer related activities to be finished until November. I am sure he has a thing or 2 he wishes were finished on my end too.)

I went to Deer Sausage Central tonight to eat dinner with my husband and a few of our friends. I was amazed at how many people were complaining about being stuck at home from Thursday night through this morning.

What does that say about American society? Being stuck at home...we had rolling blackouts, but didn't lose power for long as many people across the country did. My husband and I spent the time talking, resting, I read, we watched a little TV. Our marriage is not perfect because we are not perfect, but we certainly didn't feel as if we were stuck with one another.

I welcome the extra time with my husband and with the Lord. As for my friends, who are great people, I hope they realize the value of time with the family.

It's OK to be still and know He is God...

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

February 1st

Seriously, how can it be 02/01/2011 already and time for another Siesta verse? January was an eventful month, one of my dad's closest friends died on the anniversary of dad's death, my great-nephew arrived the same day (mom and baby are doing well), 2 of my clients who laid off employees last year received new contracts and are hiring again beginning next month (praise God!), deer season ended and Bible Study began. I miss my home girls on Monday nights but certainly love Beth Moore's James Study!

My new verse is: My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

My 2011 verses so far:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

I was impressed to sow the words of Jesus in my heart. Ang and I are keeping each other accountable this year as we commit God's Word into our hearts, minds and spirits. I can't wait to read the various verses posted on the Lproof blog.

To my northern siestas - stay warm and safe, to my southern siestas - stay warm and use lots of hairspray!