The River

            Flowing Down The River
                         of Love


Ezekiel 47:1-12 NKJV

1. Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. 
2.  He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side.
3.  And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. 
4.  Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. 
5.  Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed. 
6.  He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river.
7.  When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other. 
8.  Then he said to me: “This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. 
9.  And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. 
10.  It shall be that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many. 
11.  But its swamps and marshes will not be healed; they will be given over to salt. 
12.  Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

This river that was shown to Ezekiel is the source of all life flow; which is the love that flows from God.  God let Ezekiel see for himself that there is a river that flows from His heavenly threshold. Ezekiel saw that this life giving river could actually be measured. In some places it was ankle deep, some places it was knee deep, and some places it was deep enough to swim in. He also noticed that everywhere that the river flowed there was life.

Even though this river was shown to Ezekiel many years ago for a time that is yet to come - in fact God is revealing to Ezekiel "The Millennial Holy Land" - I believe that we can each measure today how deep the love we have for God and for one another by using this same module that was shown to Ezekiel.


It is evident by the quality of life we have, the quality of life those around us have and the presence of healing love that is present in each. 

Is it ankle deep? 
Is it knee deep?
Or is there enough that you can swim in it?

The river of God’s love flows to us and we are responsible to keep it flowing through our lives, flowing through our homes and finally directed out towards others. When we have anger, jealousy, bitterness and unresolved issues in our life, these issues create a log jam that blocks the flow of the river. Our own personal attitude towards life can be the log jam that blocks the flow so that those around us only receive a trickle of the abundant flow that God pours down to us each day.

Don’t let the sun go down before you deal with issues that affect your heart and effect those that are around you. Every relationship shall thrive and be healed wherever the river of God’s love flows. Get the log jam out and the river will flow freely though your life, into your home and finally out towards others again.

You'll see ....

Memorial Day 2013

Memorial Day

An American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.
 


Early Observances of Memorial Day

The Civil War claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history, requiring the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

It is unclear where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

Decoration Day

On May 5, 1862, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. Many Northern states held similar commemorative events and reprised the tradition in subsequent years; by 1890 each one had made Decoration Day an official state holiday. Many Southern states, on the other hand, continued to honor their dead on separate days until after World War I.



Evolution of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars.

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

Memorial Day Traditions

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. On a less somber note, many people throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because it unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

Indeed; Thank You So Much!


 

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WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?

Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?


God is no respecter of persons, but He does look on the heart of man. He sees past the color of your skin and the texture of your hair. He doesn't care if you speak English or Japanese, or if you're a doctor or a laborer. In fact, God only sees two types of people; the saved and unsaved and His desire is for all come to Him, regardless of race.


Romans 2:10-11
What is the promise in this scripture to both the Jew and the Gentile?


1 Samuel 16:7
What does the Lord look at? 


1 Corinthians 13:4-8
What is love and how is it manifested?



Overcoming Prejudice
Seeing Others Through God's Eyes


"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28


Called To Build Bridges

Prejudice is not a new thing. Since the day Christopher Columbus set foot in the New World and enslaved the natives living on the land all the way to the Holocaust, people of all ethnic backgrounds have faced prejudice and racism over the centuries and still do so today. Prejudice isn't just about denominations and color. There's prejudice in the Church over the clothes we wear, the length of our hair, about what one person considers sin.

Think about prejudice for a moment. Prejudice always divides. Whenever you see division, you can always trace it back to opinion, speculation and prejudice. The end product is always division never unity. That's why God is looking for people who will build bridges instead of burn them.

We need to build bridges that span the chasm of custom, tradition, prejudice and opinions. We are called to reach people: people of different color, people who differ politically, doctrinally and economically. We are called to reach the Jews and the Arabs; to the Buddhists and the Muslims; to the Hare Krishna, and to all the nations.



Overcome With The Power Of Love

First John 5:4 says, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world...." Overcomes what? The weapons that Satan has created to cause all kinds of mischief. Hated is a demonic weapon. Unforgiveness is a demonic weapon, and bitterness is a demonic weapon. In short; if it is negative then it is not from God. However; Love is born of God; and you literally break the power of hell in the world by walking in the public or social demonstration of love.



Dig Into God's Word

To cultivate love, you must dig into God's Word to find out His nature, and then actively employ those facets in your everyday life. When you are walking in God's love, you choose to believe the best about others and refuse to let insecurities keep you in bondage (1 John 4:8, 1 John 5:4, 1 Cor. 13:4-8).



Walk the Talk

By making a conscious effort to walk in love daily, you exhibit God's love, His forgiveness, power and willingness to become involved in our lives toward others. This love will draw them closer to Him, instead of the stereotypes promoted through the media.

It doesn't matter where we're from or what we look like, but that we are to care for each other to show love. And God rewards that. When we show love to another person, no matter what their skin color, speech, or home, God shows
up and He is glorified.



Don't Give Up!

Whatever you do, don't get frustrated and quit the mission God has given you because a few people want to remain ignorant. Focus on the big picture and continue to build yourself up in your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20). God loves every human being so much that He is saving people of all races to go all over the world to tell those who don't yet know the Good News that Jesus loves them all!



Word Study- Dig Deeper


1. Love
 

2. All


3. Prejudice


4. Cultivate


5. Overcome



Thoughts To Ponder On

God the Creator, Who is called Elohim in the Hebrew, likes variety. He made innumerable kinds of plants and animals and rocks and snowflakes and rainbows and clouds. Every sunset is different, and every dawn.

Of course it makes sense that He made people in all kinds of sizes and shapes and colors! We are His most excellent creation, for we are made in His image. And when it comes to the color of our skin, God is color blind.

Take your eyes off of the outward appearances of others and focus on the more pressing issue of building the kingdom of God. Don't allow the enemy to distract you from winning souls because of racial differences. Be about your Father's business. Now is the time for the greatest harvest of souls this world has ever seen. 


Overcoming Scriptures

Mark 16:15
Romans 2:11
1 Samuel 16:7
John 13:34-35
1 John 4:8
1 Corinthians 10:32
Revelation 5:9-10
Acts 10:34-35
1 Corinthians 13:4-8


Further Scriptures

Luke 10:29-31
Philippians 2:1-4
Romans 12:9

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WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?

Bible Word Study

WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?
 

The Bible is not a religious book. it is the copy of a covenant between you and God, and it's sworn in blood. God is inviting you to put Him in remembrance of His Word. He is asking you to lay your case before Him and plead your covenant rights before Him using the legal precedence of His Word.


Genesis 15:10, 17-18
Why did God make this covenant with Abram? How does this relate to us?


Hebrews 9:13-14
How do we apply the blood covenant to our lives?


Ephesians 2:13
How does this verse apply to the blood covenant?



THE BLOOD COVENANT
Our Divine Connection
 

"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises."
Hebrews 8:6
 


JOINED ETERNALLY WITH GOD
 

Throughout the centuries of human history, God has remained committed to lifting His people out of the limits of their own ways and into the limitlessness of His great ability. He joins Himself with His people through covenant. A covenant joins two parties together and brings the strengths and weaknesses of each other into the other's situation.

When, through simple faith, you entered the kingdom of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ, you also embraced the covenant foundation on which this kingdom operates. Through the blood covenant, you have a right to a new beginning; a fresh start in your life. It's time to stand on the promises of God and expect them to come to pass.

You have a right to every blessing because you are a covenant man or woman. You don't have to walk around ignorant of the terms of our covenant. It's about time you read the fine print in God's contract: His Word and understand what it says so that we can live the covenant life. The blood of Jesus has joined us eternally with the Most High God by His wonderful grace. 



Understanding The Blood Covenant:



As the Body of Christ understands the power of covenant life with God, they will step out of weak-ness and defeat and into the victories Jesus obtained for them. Both the Old Covenant and the New were ratified in blood. Both of them are blood-sworn oaths to certain people. But there is a big difference between them.
 


The Old Covenant:



The Old Covenant depended upon the Israelites obedience to the laws and commands of God. The people's faith was in God - Who made those laws. This covenant gave them a hold on Him as the covenant-keeping God. The Old Covenant, first recorded in Genesis, was between Abraham and God, and sworn in the blood of animals. God told Abraham to kill specific animals and lay them out a certain way. It was God walking in the blood and passing between those animals that convinced Abraham that God was serious about fulfilling what He had promised to Abraham and his seed. Later, under Old Testament Law, a priesthood and ministry was set in motion in order to continue to sacrifice animals. Galatians 3 says it was done because of man's transgression; he (man) kept breaking the covenant.



The New Covenant:
 

In relation to that covenant, Jesus came and established the New Covenant. Jesus is called the Lamb of God because He was the final sacrifice under that first covenant. When His sinless blood was shed, that settled sacrificing for sins forever. Under the Old Covenant, the blood of animals could only atone for sins, or cover them up. But the blood of the Lamb of God obliterates them. When you become a believer, the blood of Jesus does not cover up your sins, it completely redeems you. Your sins are no more. His blood washes you clean. After that, when you come before God, He sees you as clean. You don't have to sacrifice an animal to get forgiveness or do anything else, for that matter.



Word Study:


1. Mediator:


2. Covenant:


3. Promises:



Thoughts To Ponder On:
 

Under the old covenant you did what you were supposed to do and just waited for God. Under the new covenant you do what you are supposed to do, take authority yourself by the power of the Living Christ, and stand in faith without wavering.

The old covenant was established on the earth by the blood of bulls and goats. The new covenant was established in heaven and on earth forever by THE Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The power of this covenant is no less than the power of THE Blood by which it was established.

Once you understand the blood covenant, then you will start talking covenant and walking like you have a covenant with God. God will begin to raise up whatever you need and restore to you what the enemy has taken. Then, He will go far beyond that with a new beginning for His covenant people. It will be a break out time of blessings in our life.  Are you in?


The Blood Covenant: Scriptures

Hebrews 9:13-14, 12:22-24
Genesis 15: 10, 17-18
1 Samuel 18:3-4
John 6:51, 53-54
Joshua 6:17,25
Galatians 3:13
Revelation 12:11
Ephesians 2:13



Further Scriptures:

Romans 10:4
Revelation 1:5

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Bath Soak - Tea Type Bags

Tea Bag Bath Soaks

Ingredients:

Empty Tea type bags (or muslin linen bags)- found at any craft or health food store
Epsom Salt
Dried Lavender
Lavender Oil
Oatmeal (NOT the quick cook kind)
Dry Powder Milk (I like to use dry powder goat's milk for this)


Directions:

To make your tea, you will also need a large mixing bowl.

First, measure out two cups of Epsom salt and add it into the bowl.

Next, add 4 tablespoons of lavender.

Then, add 25 drops of pure lavender oil into the bowl.

After that, add one cup of oatmeal. You can leave the oatmeal whole, or give it a few spins in the food processor. I chose to keep mine whole.

Last, add  1  1/2 cups of dry milk.

Stir your ingredients up until they are well combined.

Gather your tea bags, and fill 3/4 of the way full.

Sew the open tops of your tea bags closed. You can either do this by hand or by machine. I choose to do mine by hand to keep with the handcrafted feel. When you stitch to the end, string an identification tag onto the remaining thread and tie into place. I also left a loop of thread at the end so that the tea bag could be hung from a faucet head.


* To give as a gift of your tub tea, an oblong or rectangle box works best. I found a paper recipe holder at my local craft shop for $2 and it worked perfectly! I was able to fit in 8 tea bags.


Tie up your display box with a pretty piece of ribbon, or you can do as I did and use the same embroidery floss that I used to close the bag.


* I included the directions for using the tub tea on the back of a tag. (see below) 


"Drop two tea bags into a hot bath. Let steep. Ease yourself into your tub and relax. For a stronger scent, use three bags".


The best thing about making tub tea is it’s customizable! You can make any mix that you would like. Or even better, mix two scents and create something new! Simply change up the dried flower buds and the oil- everything else remains the same. For example: use dried rose buds and rose oil.


Tip!


As an alternative to using tea type bags- try using small muslin/linen type bags that have a cotton draw string. Simply add the above ingredient and tie closed. After use; empty contents and discard, rinse bags that were used and allow to dry completely. You can then refill each bag- and use again and again - using this same method.

Happy Mother's Day!

You feel the fortune of your years,
I hope. For all your children's love
This day must bring you happy tears
And thoughts that joyful music prove.


I hope, for all your children's love,
There is an island, be it small,
And thoughts that joyful music prove
Beyond what years you may recall.


There is an island, be it small,
Amid the passions of the sea,
Beyond what years you may recall,
Where you in silent grace can be.


Amid the passions of the sea,
This day must bring you happy tears.
Where you in silent grace can be,
You feel the fortune of your years.


Happy Mother's Day!

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Psalm 148

Heaven and earth are full of your glory. . .  Alleluia❣

Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all you his angels;
praise him, all you his hosts.


Heaven and earth are full of your glory. . .  Alleluia❣

Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men too, and maidens,
old men and boys.


Heaven and earth are full of your glory. . .  Alleluia❣

Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.


Heaven and earth are full of your glory. . .  Alleluia❣
He has lifted up the horn of his people;
Be this his praise from all his faithful ones,
from the children of Israel, the people close to him.


                 ♪ Alleluia ♪

 
Heaven and earth are full of your glory. . .  Alleluia❣


†♥†  Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14  †♥†

Wives ... Pray for Your Husband!

31 Days of Praying for Your Husband


“She does him good . . .” (Proverbs 31:12a)
 
Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12).

Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.
 

Day 1

Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

 

Day 2

Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

 

Day 3

Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

 

Day 4

Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

 

Day 5

Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

 

Day 6

Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

 

Day 7

Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

 

Day 8

Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

 

Day 9

Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

 

Day 10

Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

 

Day 11

Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

 

Day 12

Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

 

Day 13

Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

 

Day 14

Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

 

Day 15

Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

 

Day 16

Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

 

Day 17

Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

 

Day 18

Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

 

Day 19

Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

 

Day 20

Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

 

Day 21

Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

 

Day 22

Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

 

Day 23

Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

 

Day 24

Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

 

Day 25

Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

 

Day 26

Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

 

Day 27

Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

 

Day 28

Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

 

Day 29

Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

 

Day 30

Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

 

Day 31

Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)



* Print This Out & Repeat Often!

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Come Quickly; Lord Jesus!

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus Is Coming Soon! Believe It ... or ... Not


"11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the Earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13 before the LORD: for HE COMETH, for He cometh to judge the Earth: He shall judge the world with Righteousness, and the people with His Truth" (Psalm 96:11-13).

What can I say at this stage of turmoil and uncertainty in our country? We certainly know One Positive Thing. Jesus is coming soon! Not just that He is coming-- for that has been known for a long time in the annals of Scripture. "And the LORD shall be seen over them, and His arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the LORD GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south" (Zechariah 9:14). But He is coming soon!


"I come quickly" (Revelation 3:11, 22:7; 22:12; 22:20).


How do we know that "quickly" isn't just another 2000 years? Scripture teaches us to compare current events with the signs of His Coming. "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your Redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).
 
There is no "maybe soon" about it. He is coming very soon!
 
"5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
9 before the LORD; for He cometh to judge the Earth: with Righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with equity" (Psalm 98:5-9).


The theme; in case you missed it, was/is joyfulness!


All the Earth - Listen!


The darkness from sin in this world is so dense! There are evil tidings in every direction of the globe. The Good News is that Jesus is coming soon and will eventually put an end to this sickening downward pull of the Devil. Jesus said "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived" (2Timothy 3:13).
 
In the days of C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), of the Philadelphian Church Age period in which he lived ( the Church of Philadelphia) "thou hast a little strength" [Revelation 3:8]), Pastor Spurgeon said, "Worst of all, the church, so largely apostate as it is..."  And that was more than a hundred years ago! That was Philadelphia, the Church period when the LORD said that the Church still had "a little strength"! Is it really any wonder to us today, that the Professed Church, as a whole, has no strength to it at all?
 
Of course, there are tiny pockets of exceptions. The LORD will have His "remnant." As it was in Elijah's day, "even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of Grace" (Romans 11:5). But, the Professed Church today has been swallowed up by the world. "When the Son Of Man cometh, shall He find Faith on the Earth?" (Luke 18:8).


"I looked for the Church and I found it in the world;
I looked for the world, and alas, I found it in the Church."
--Horatius Bonar


As for the world, listen. "O Earth, Earth, Earth, hear the Word of the LORD... Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a Righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute Judgment and Justice in the Earth" (Jeremiah 22:29, 23:5). And He is coming soon!

"1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the Earth.
2 Sing unto the LORD, bless His Name; show forth His Salvation from day to day.
3 Declare His Glory among the heathen, His Wonders among all people.
4 For the LORD is Great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Honour and Majesty are before Him: Strength and Beauty are in His Sanctuary.
7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD Glory and Strength.
8 Give unto the LORD the Glory due unto His Name: bring an offering, and come into His courts.
9 O worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness: fear before Him, all the Earth.
10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: He shall judge the people righteously.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the Earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13 before the LORD: for HE COMETH, for He cometh to judge the Earth: He shall judge the world with Righteousness, and the people with His Truth"
(Psalm 96:1-13).


Listen, Earth, for the Voice of the LORD encircles the globe.


(Job 37:4-5)
"4 After it a Voice roareth: He thundereth with the Voice of His Excellency; and He will not stay them when His Voice is heard.
5 God thundereth marvelously with His Voice; great things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend."

(Job 40:9) "Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a Voice like Him?"

(Psalm 29:3-5)
 "3 The Voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of Glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
4 The Voice of the LORD is powerful; the Voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The Voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon."

(Psalm 46:6) "The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His Voice, the Earth melted."

The Great Judge has entered His Own Holy Courtroom. "A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him: thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the Judgment was set, and the Books were opened." (Daniel 7:10).


The LORD is about to pass Judgment upon a planet of sinning inhabitants. "The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of Heaven shall He thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the Earth; and He shall give strength unto His King [His Son, Jesus Christ], and exalt the horn of His Anointed" (1Samuel 2:10). "Arise, O God, judge the Earth: for Thou shalt inherit all nations" (Psalm 82:8).

The martyred in Heaven yearn for the Judgment to take place. "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, Holy and True, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the Earth?" (Revelation 6:10).

The poor and the meek, having been trodden down by those who have no mercy, yearn for the Judgment to take place. "With Righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with Equity for the meek of the Earth: and He shall smite the Earth with the Rod of His mouth, and with the Breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked" (Isaiah 11:4).

The oppressed and the orphan, having no power of their own, yearn for the Judgment of the LORD to make haste. "To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the Earth may no more oppress" (Psalm 10:18).

The righteous and even the planet, itself, even "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Romans 8:22). For "then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because He cometh to judge the Earth" (1Chronicles 16:33).

"Lift up Thyself, Thou Judge of the Earth: render a reward to the proud" (Psalm 94:2).

(Genesis 18:25) "That be far from Thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from Thee: Shall not the Judge of all the Earth do right?"

(Psalm 67:4) "O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for Thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon Earth. Selah."



We Have Waited For Him


For those of us who "have waited for Him", the LORD will not let us down. "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His Salvation" (Isaiah 25:9). Many have said things intended to work against our faith, but God's Word sustains us. "Because of His Strength will I wait upon Thee: for God is my Defense" (Psalm 59:9).

"3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 and saying, Where is the Promise of His Coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from The Beginning of the Creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the Earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 but the heavens and the Earth, which are now, by the Same Word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men"
(2Peter 3:3-7).

Those that scoff now, if they continue in their willful ignorance, will perish later. "Evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the Earth" (Psalm 37:9).

As Christians, whether you believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture or in a Pre-Wrath Rapture, as I do, the thing of Supreme Importance is that "it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1Corinthians 4:2).


Do not "strive" with each other whether the Rapture is "pre, mid, or post," or whether it might be a combination of several  for "the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient" (2Timothy 2:24).

(James 5:9) "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door."

(Psalm 98:9) "for He cometh to judge the Earth: with Righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with Equity."

Be ready for the LORD, "holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1Timothy 1:19). And then, when that wonderful day of Homegoing is lighted as a beacon for us, we shall find that our LORD has come to lead us in His Glory. "1 Arise, shine; for thy Light is come, and the Glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the Earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His Glory shall be seen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:1-2).

Our Precious LORD Jesus is given to us by our Great Father in Heaven that we might always stand in confidence. "Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a Chief Corner Stone, Elect, Precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded" (1Peter 2:6).


It is our duty-- even privilege-- to keep "looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith" (Hebrews 12:2). "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that He have Mercy upon us" (Psalm 123:2).


Jesus is The Source of Mercy, Hope, and everything pertaining to life and sustenance. (Jude 21) "Keep yourselves in the Love of God, looking for the Mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life."

(Titus 2:13) "Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the Glorious Appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

(Psalm 145:15) "The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat in due season."

Look to receive from the hand of God. "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are Eternal" (2Corinthians 4:18). We have waited. He has answered-- and will answer. Even the "temporal" things, though they last "even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14), have Eternal Weight and Glory when received by Faith.. "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the Coming of the LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the Earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain" (James 5:7).


As we wait patiently, we should tend our earthly gardens, watching over them so as to protect the "precious fruit". "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our LORD Jesus Christ at His Coming?"
(1Thessalonians 2:19).


Jesus came the first time "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). As we wait for Him, let us work for Him. "Sow to yourselves in Righteousness, reap in Mercy" (Hosea 10:12). For "he that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:6).


What "joy" it will be to meet the LORD with others that we have brought with us. "The fruit of the righteous is a Tree of Life; and he that winneth souls is Wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Brethren, "walk in Wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time" (Colossians 4:5). Be careful to "walk in Love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a Sweet smelling Savour" (Ephesians 5:2).

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the Coming of the LORD draweth nigh" (James 5:8).



Clothed Upon with Our House from Heaven



The LORD has provided for our temporal needs, and has never let us down. "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalm 37:25).


He is ALWAYS there for us. "And God is able to make all Grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good
work"  (2Corinthians 9:8).


And if we have needs-- He fills them. "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). In fact, we can confidently believe that, "no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11).


As the waves roll in, we are not overcome. Our foundation is sure and steadfast. We have God's "Grace" (His help) "abound" to us, "always having all sufficiency in all things." You shall have the "supply" of "your need" if the "earthly house of this tabernacle" (2Corinthians 5:1) were "clothed upon with our House which is from Heaven" (5:2), in the lesser sense of this passage. The fuller meaning of the passage refers to our Home going, either by the death of this body or by the Rapture of this body by Christ's Return in the Pre-Tribulational-- and later, again, by the Pre- Wrath-- Raptures of the Church, the Body of Christ.

"1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a Building of God, an House not made with hands, Eternal in the Heavens.
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our House which is from Heaven:
3 if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of Life"
(2Corinthians 5:1-4).

Therefore, this life, complete with the trials, testings, and sufferings necessary to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29), still is promised by the LORD to be a life that is "perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4). Waiting on the LORD reaps the answers needed. "Wait on the LORD, and He shall save thee"  (Proverbs 20:22). But the Glory "which shall be" cannot be compared to the life "of this present time" (Romans 8:18).

"18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God...
 
22 For we know that the whole Creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the Adoption, to wit, the Redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it"
(Romans 8:18-19, 22-25).

And this Eternal Glory promised becomes real sight to our beings when our LORD Jesus Christ takes us Home with Him.

"1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are Above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things Above, not on things on the Earth.
3 For ye are dead [to the world], and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, Who is our Life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in Glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the Earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 for which things' sake the Wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience"
(Colossians 3:1-6).

Therefore, brethren, "what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (2Peter 3:11).

"12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on Charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the LORD.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the LORD.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
23 and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men;
24 knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
(Colossians 3:12-25).


Come Quickly, LORD Jesus!


Think about it. Every time you pray this plea, His Coming is ever closer. "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, LORD Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).


Pray it!


"7 And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son Of Man cometh, shall He find Faith on the Earth?" (Luke 18:7-8).


Don't listen to the scorners, the mockers, nor even the procrastinators, who want to delay His Coming.


"48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My LORD delayeth His Coming...

50 The LORD of that servant shall come in a Day when he looketh not for Him, and in an Hour that he is not aware of,
51 and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth"
(Matthew 24:48,50-51).


"In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion" (Psalm 71:1).


The LORD does "tarry", but that is fulfilling His Purpose. Only when the moment is in the fulness of His Providence, only then will He come. "For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Hebrews 10:37). The LORD's Plan is perfect. His Timing is perfect. His Coming is perfect.

"For the Vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry"
(Hebrews 2:3).

They shall not be ashamed that wait for Me" (Isaiah 49:23).


That's His Promise! "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under Whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth 2:12).



Don't doubt it! Don't give it up! Don't turn back!


"35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the Will of God, ye might receive the Promise.
37 For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 10:35-39; 11:1).



And, what do we do while we wait?
 

Jesus gave the Command - "Occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13).

"2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the Mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in Wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with Grace, seasoned with Salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:2-6).


Jesus Is Coming Soon!
 
"11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the Earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13 before the LORD: for HE COMETH, for He cometh to judge the Earth: He shall judge the world with Righteousness, and the people with His Truth"
(Psalm 96:11-13).

How to Be Ready for the Rapture


It is the height of conceit that we would ever think that we will make ourself ready to be raptured home to Heaven by the simple force of our will. 'O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps' (Jeremiah 10:23).


If we have learned anything about the LORD Jesus Christ, we have learned that 'not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us' (Titus 3:5). In other words, we must be trusting in His merit and not any so-called worthiness of our own for Salvation, Sanctification, and Eternity...


However, in our attempt to properly emphasize the 'Grace of God that bringeth Salvation' (Titus 2:11), we have a tendency to discount those Scriptures that make us responsible for our own readiness to meet the LORD Jesus Christ, when He returns for us in the Rapture. 'Even so Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone' (James 2:17).


It would be a grave mistake to assume that any action that we have taken in the past, will be sufficient by itself to ensure our readiness to be raptured. 'Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man' (Luke 21:36).


Rather than relying upon any metaphysical formula from men promising that God will grant us the indulgence of our sins that we are committing or will commit-- and, still rapture us home to Heaven-- we ought rather to faithfully declare our absolute necessity of a continuing and practical holiness. 'Follow Peace with all men, and Holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD' (Hebrews 12:14).



More Than One- Look for the Final One

 
The Church's uncertainty of Rapture or no Rapture-- and, if Rapture, then when-- is interesting, considering the fact that there have already been at least two Saints that have been Raptured, ( Enoch and Elijah)  and that, before the New Covenant!


'But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the Mediator of a Better Covenant, which was established upon Better Promises' (Hebrews 8:6)...


The possibility of More Than One Advent for the Messiah has given the Church the Doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and it has also given the Body of Christ the legitimate expectation that More Than One Rapture will yet provide for the Son a worthy inheritance... The examples of Enoch and Elijah only reinforce the concept that the LORD God has wisely seen fit to accomplish More Than One Rapture already, setting the precedent for the future. 'Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come' (1Corinthians 10:11).



A Sober Warning


"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36).

The disciples were not privileged to know, then, what the Spirit has revealed, now, to the Church. 'And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this Book: for the time is at hand' (Revelation 22:10).


We have too many signs that the original disciples did not have to indicate the exact nearness of the soon coming of the LORD Jesus Christ for His Church at the Pre-Tribulational Rapture. 'Can ye not discern the signs of the times?' (Matthew 16:3).


On May 14,1948 Israel was back in the land.


On June 7,1967 Israel recaptured Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.


Both of these events are signs (Matthew 24:15 and Luke 21:24b) that we are in the Last Generation.


'And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for Your Redemption draweth nigh' (Luke 21:28).


In Closing ...


God Does Care About Sin and Righteousness in a Nation. America's churches have lost their pilgrim character. 'Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul' (1Peter 2:11).


At home in the world, is the unfortunate description of the churches of America. 'Woe to them that are at ease in Zion' (Amos 6:1). Without a clear-cut separation from sin and the world, America's churches have lost their distinctive platform to call the nation to repentance. Her ministers and leaders have brought great reproach upon the Name of God in front of the unconverted. 'Her priests have violated My Law, and have profaned Mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from My Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them' (Ezekiel 22:26)."

It is incumbent on our Church leaders today to teach us to live holy lives- to come out of the world and all of those things that it provides that hold a claim on us. To teach us how to live joyfully apart from the World while we wait on that Glorious Appearing that takes us all Home. I don't envy them this task. Yet it is one that they each assumed when they signed on to Lead the Flock. To teach us to live with the sure knowledge that Jesus could arrive at any moment. and we simply must be ready. To live in a state of readiness of His Return; while we also carry on with our day to day lives. And we as the people of the flock need to support them in this endeavor.


At least once a week I will get an email on my "Prayer hotline" that asks the question:

1. How do I live as if Jesus is going to return today and yet still carry on with my daily affairs - affairs which take me out into the World?
 

This question isn't as difficult to answer as many Leaders of the Flock today seem to want to make it. In fact it seems to me as elemental as it comes.
 
You simply live joyfully in all that you do. In the house, out of the house- live joyfully. Live with the knowledge that Jesus could very well come today (which should put a smile on your face) and then get on with your day.


Listen; unless you are fortunate enough to live completely Off of the Grid then you are going to have to come out into the World from time to time. Even if it is just to make a run to the grocery store for a carton of milk. "Living apart from the World" doesn't mean we are all suppose to give up our homes, our lives, in favor of living in a cave. It simply means that we are to steer clear of things that are not godly- not Nice - in the eyes of the Lord.


Examples if you please:


1.  Ok;  how about these movies that deal with the paranormal. Are watching "ghosts" that slingshot people around the house or move furniture from place to place edifying to your spiritual life? Then don't watch them.


2. I remember my Grams had a saying about clothing "If it's above the knees then it doesn't please" (meaning please God). Although it may be the current rage in the fashion world today- is wearing a skirt, dress or shorts cut clear up to your butt cheeks edifying to your (or anyone else) spiritual life? Then why put them on? I personally am a huge fan of capris, a cutesy shirt and sandals year round. Hardly attire that would spin heads or elicit wolf calls as I pass by. But it works for me. I feel good, I am comfortable as I go about my day, modest without looking like a Nun about to enter the convent and it edifies my spiritual life. But; that's just me. You might feel the same way in a jeans and t-shirt or a modest dress. But! for Heaven sake! If you live in a house with anyone other than just your cat - put on a bra and cover them puppies up!


3. If you are a homemaker- tackle your household tasks with JOY in your heart. Take care of your home, your family. These are the things that God has given you stewardship over- wonderful gifts of children (still living at home or grown and on their own), a roof over your head (be it a shack in the back woods or a palace on a hill), food in the pantry (rather that is a case of canned green beans or a freezer full of the best cut steaks). You have a responsibility to take care of those things that God has given you stewardship over to the best of your ability.
 
Look around you. If your domicile is an absolute train wreck (a messy household does not equal good stewardship of the Gifts God has given you), if you are serving your family frozen pizza several times a week because you are too lazy to get in there and rattle a few pots and pans on a nightly basis (this does not equal good stewardship of the resources God has given you) Get your priorities in line! If Jesus arrived on the scene right this very moment- would you be embarrassed for Him to look around? My guess it that many of you would.


4. If you are a working man or woman- out in the public day after day- do your work Joyfully. At the end of the day- leave work at work. Come home to your home and family and take care of your responsibilities there.


5. For years I was not only a career woman but I also had a husband and children. I know! how hard it can be to balance taking care of all of these responsibilities but it can be done. It's a matter of priorities and delegation of responsibilities. There is nothing wrong with asking your spouse to chip in and help out- nothing wrong with teaching your children to do various things around the house and then holding them accountable to do it. Do all things with Joy in your heart and the day will go a lot more smoothly.


* The point is that Jesus expects us to LIVE our lives Joyfully while we Wait on His Return. Those of you that spend the entire day and night reading the Bible, listening to Christian music or completing "How to be a better Christian" booklets day after day - meanwhile your house and household falls in around you - is hardly utilizing the time that God has given you wisely and certainly not using the resources that God has given you wisely. Doing all of these things IS uplifting, edifying, prudent and lovely but if the rest of your life is suffering because of it then maybe you need to take a moment to realign your activities. All of these things can still be done along with your household responsibilities IF you organize your day properly.



6. Get along with your fellow man. You don't have to think like every other Christian thinks, You don't have to live exactly like every other Christian lives, You don't even have to exactly have the same exact beliefs as every other Christian but you do have to get along with them. You have to lift them up, You have to edify them, You have to enjoy the time that you are able to fellowship with them. After all; They are waiting on the same Jesus as you are and doing the best that they can until He gets here. Be nice, Be kind, Be joy filled. When Jesus said "Love One Another" He wasn't just throwing out a suggestion. He fully expects you to follow through with this Command. So; Love Them.


Living your daily life along with expecting the Lord to Return at any moment can not only BE done but it can BE done with a joy filled heart that is expectant that should the Lord not come today then tomorrow we can start all over again. We can keep our eyes on the Sky and still keep our day to day lives running smoothly and joyfully.
 

Any questions?