Next, we see the message to the church of Philadelphia. This city was built by, and named after, a king with the same name. It was demolished by the same earthquake that hit Sardis, but had vineyards, and probably a wine-making industry to keep it going.
"To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and that shuts and no one opens, says these things: I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name. Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I come quickly. Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies." (Rev 3:7-13)web
Jesus makes them a promise here that blows peoples' minds. He tells them they will be kept out of the hour of testing that is to come! In other words, when the Tribulation begins, these people will be safe from the harsh times that will come upon all who live on the earth! This refers to the coming Rapture. Jesus makes it plain that those who are truly Christian will escape this horrible time.
Notice that Jesus warns them to "Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown." Do not go soft, and assume your work is done!
Be a pillar in God's temple. Wear His name proudly!
And... Keep those ears working!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Revelation churches - part 5
Today, Sardis is gone. A tiny village named Sart is the only remnant.
"And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: These things saith he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die, for I have not found thy works complete before my God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and keep [it] and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come [upon thee] as a thief, and thou shalt not know at what hour I shall come upon thee. But thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy. He that overcomes, *he* shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, and will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies." (Rev 3:1-6)dar
A long time ago, this was considered to be a truly wealthy spot to live. Much gold and silver was coined under king Croesus. Many invaders were attracted by the wealth and came and helped themselves to it. An earthquake flattened it back when Jesus was a young man.
The church here had come to a complete stop. People who professed to be Christians were content to rest on their laurels, and let Jesus do the work. After all, they had their salvation. Why worry about anyone else? Why work to spread the word? Their motto might as well have been; I've got mine. You worry about yours!
Jesus says "You folks are mostly dead! You few who have not defiled yourselves will walk with Me before the Father. The rest will have their names removed from the book of life!"
Complacency is NOT the answer!
Once again, if your ears work... LISTEN!
"And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: These things saith he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die, for I have not found thy works complete before my God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and keep [it] and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come [upon thee] as a thief, and thou shalt not know at what hour I shall come upon thee. But thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy. He that overcomes, *he* shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, and will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies." (Rev 3:1-6)dar
A long time ago, this was considered to be a truly wealthy spot to live. Much gold and silver was coined under king Croesus. Many invaders were attracted by the wealth and came and helped themselves to it. An earthquake flattened it back when Jesus was a young man.
The church here had come to a complete stop. People who professed to be Christians were content to rest on their laurels, and let Jesus do the work. After all, they had their salvation. Why worry about anyone else? Why work to spread the word? Their motto might as well have been; I've got mine. You worry about yours!
Jesus says "You folks are mostly dead! You few who have not defiled yourselves will walk with Me before the Father. The rest will have their names removed from the book of life!"
Complacency is NOT the answer!
Once again, if your ears work... LISTEN!
Revelation churches - part 4
Next, a small town's church gets a fairly long message.
"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev 2:18-29)kjv
Jesus makes it clear that He is fairly happy with Thyatira. They work hard at spreading the Word. They give all they can spare, and more, to help others. They are humble and try to reach out to others without seeming to be haughty.
So far, so good. So, what's the problem?
He tells these people it is past time to stop tolerating the false teachings of those who follow false gods. The reference to "Jezebel" above means they have not been outspoken enough about those who promote, practice and tolerate sexual deviancy.
In other words; We cannot teach God's Word by accepting Satan's practice!
Get yourself in gear, get along God's path and do His will! The alternative will be losing out millions to Satan.
Jesus says it best...
If you have ears, LISTEN!
"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev 2:18-29)kjv
Jesus makes it clear that He is fairly happy with Thyatira. They work hard at spreading the Word. They give all they can spare, and more, to help others. They are humble and try to reach out to others without seeming to be haughty.
So far, so good. So, what's the problem?
He tells these people it is past time to stop tolerating the false teachings of those who follow false gods. The reference to "Jezebel" above means they have not been outspoken enough about those who promote, practice and tolerate sexual deviancy.
In other words; We cannot teach God's Word by accepting Satan's practice!
Get yourself in gear, get along God's path and do His will! The alternative will be losing out millions to Satan.
Jesus says it best...
If you have ears, LISTEN!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Revelation churches - part 3
The church at Pergamum (or Pergamus or Pergamos, depending on your bible version) is going to remind you quite a bit of society today. Lets take a look...
"And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things, saith he, that hath the sharp two edged sword: I know where thou dwellest, where the seat of Satan is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. Even in those days when Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have against thee a few things: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat, and to commit fornication: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaites. In like manner do penance: if not, I will come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He, that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh, I will give the hidden manna, and will give him a white counter, and in the counter, a new name written, which no man knoweth, but he that receiveth it." (Rev 2:12-17)drv
Pergamum was an impressive city, built on top of a hill, so that the citizens were able to look down upon the surrounding countryside. As you'd expect, this led to the locals to become VERY full of themselves. It also seems they'd invented parchment (an early form of paper) and as a result, they had a very extensive library. Not a bad thing, in and of itself, but anything that takes away from God's glory is not beneficial, as we shall see...
The citizens quickly jumped onto the Roman bandwagon when they invaded. Temples to the Roman gods and goddesses were erected soon after.
Note, please the reference to "Balaam" above. He was sent by a local king of an area through which the Israelites were traveling after leaving Egypt. He was supposed to cast curses upon the Israelites, but he got into an argument with his donkey(!). Instead of cursing them, he blessed them several times. Years later, however, he conspired to corrupt the morals of God's people, using Moabite prostitutes. He also led them to worship idols. This was the "stumblingblock" that is mentioned above.
Today, many churches are being led away from God's guidance by those who insist on "acceptance" and "political correctness." Sexual deviations are also becoming common. We are warned that this will never be tolerated by God, but it is seeping into many churches despite His warnings.
Those who resist are promised the blessings that are to come.
Those who accept compromise are promised the sword of His mouth.
Which position will you take?
"And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things, saith he, that hath the sharp two edged sword: I know where thou dwellest, where the seat of Satan is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. Even in those days when Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have against thee a few things: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat, and to commit fornication: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaites. In like manner do penance: if not, I will come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He, that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh, I will give the hidden manna, and will give him a white counter, and in the counter, a new name written, which no man knoweth, but he that receiveth it." (Rev 2:12-17)drv
Pergamum was an impressive city, built on top of a hill, so that the citizens were able to look down upon the surrounding countryside. As you'd expect, this led to the locals to become VERY full of themselves. It also seems they'd invented parchment (an early form of paper) and as a result, they had a very extensive library. Not a bad thing, in and of itself, but anything that takes away from God's glory is not beneficial, as we shall see...
The citizens quickly jumped onto the Roman bandwagon when they invaded. Temples to the Roman gods and goddesses were erected soon after.
Note, please the reference to "Balaam" above. He was sent by a local king of an area through which the Israelites were traveling after leaving Egypt. He was supposed to cast curses upon the Israelites, but he got into an argument with his donkey(!). Instead of cursing them, he blessed them several times. Years later, however, he conspired to corrupt the morals of God's people, using Moabite prostitutes. He also led them to worship idols. This was the "stumblingblock" that is mentioned above.
Today, many churches are being led away from God's guidance by those who insist on "acceptance" and "political correctness." Sexual deviations are also becoming common. We are warned that this will never be tolerated by God, but it is seeping into many churches despite His warnings.
Those who resist are promised the blessings that are to come.
Those who accept compromise are promised the sword of His mouth.
Which position will you take?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Revelation churches - part 2
The next church mentioned in Revelation is the one in Smyrna. This city still exists today, but is now primarily Islamic.
"To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things: I know your oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won't be hurt by the second death."
(Rev 2:8-11)web
The "first and last" here is Jesus, of course.
He lets them know that He is aware of their lack of worldly riches, but He reminds them that their true riches are not of this world. He also warns them that they are to face imprisonment and torture at the hands of Satanists who pretend to be "the way to God." Jesus promises the crown of life for those who are willing to risk death for His sake. This risk is very real, even today. In many countries, around the world, you can be tortured, imprisoned and put to death for being Christian. This risk will only increase greatly after the start of the tribulation.
Believe me, God is very aware of those who pretend to be Christians in order to pervert His Word. The devil has many tools operating for him around the world. They are currently planning Satan's rise to power. Jesus warns us that we should not fear these foul puppets. They have no power, except in this world.
If you overcome evil in this world, and lose your life doing so,
you will not die the second death.
So, what is this "second death?"
It is the eternal death of the soul. Death of the body does not begin to compare. Even the most hideous death in this world will end sooner or later. Eternal damnation will not.
Many are asking if the passage above means that poverty is the only way to honor Christ's death for us. The answer is "of course not." We must simply not set such store for things in this world that we lose sight of what is really important. There is a quote whose source I no longer remember, that says, "Why trade that which you cannot afford to lose, for that which you are unable to keep?"
Few, who call themselves Christians today, are willing to actually place Jesus first in their lives. They will be rewarded. Be one of them, please...
The Crown of Life will look great on you!
"To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things: I know your oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won't be hurt by the second death."
(Rev 2:8-11)web
The "first and last" here is Jesus, of course.
He lets them know that He is aware of their lack of worldly riches, but He reminds them that their true riches are not of this world. He also warns them that they are to face imprisonment and torture at the hands of Satanists who pretend to be "the way to God." Jesus promises the crown of life for those who are willing to risk death for His sake. This risk is very real, even today. In many countries, around the world, you can be tortured, imprisoned and put to death for being Christian. This risk will only increase greatly after the start of the tribulation.
Believe me, God is very aware of those who pretend to be Christians in order to pervert His Word. The devil has many tools operating for him around the world. They are currently planning Satan's rise to power. Jesus warns us that we should not fear these foul puppets. They have no power, except in this world.
If you overcome evil in this world, and lose your life doing so,
you will not die the second death.
So, what is this "second death?"
It is the eternal death of the soul. Death of the body does not begin to compare. Even the most hideous death in this world will end sooner or later. Eternal damnation will not.
Many are asking if the passage above means that poverty is the only way to honor Christ's death for us. The answer is "of course not." We must simply not set such store for things in this world that we lose sight of what is really important. There is a quote whose source I no longer remember, that says, "Why trade that which you cannot afford to lose, for that which you are unable to keep?"
Few, who call themselves Christians today, are willing to actually place Jesus first in their lives. They will be rewarded. Be one of them, please...
The Crown of Life will look great on you!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Revelation churches - part 1
Reading the book of Revelation can be confusing. Not only is it sometimes hard to understand, but also there appears to be parts that seem to have been intended for others. To make things worse, some churches (and some preachers) seem to think it is all fantasy, that we "should know better" than to believe it.
I am going to take a look at the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, one at a time, and show how they compare to each other, and to Christians today. I am not claiming to know the mind of God in these matters, just showing that we can relate to His word.
"To the messenger of the church in Ephesus, write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands, says this: 'I know your works, your toil, and your endurance. I also know that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles, but are not, and have found them to be false. You have endured and suffered because of my name, yet you have not grown weary.
However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Therefore, remember how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. If you don't, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But this is to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Let the person who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give the privilege of eating from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.' "
(Rev 2:1-7)isv
The church in Ephesus worked hard to expose the frauds in the Christian community. In the process they were persecuted for their beliefs. They hated the evil that existed in their society, and they worked tirelessly to promote God's word.
So, what did they do that was wrong? They began to see their own efforts as being the reason that they existed. Today, we might call it a "Holier than thou" attitude.
Jesus is pointing out to them that the goal is bringing others to Him, NOT just being a member of their church! Neither we, nor they, are more important than that! He tells them to repent (to apologize). They are told to listen to His criticism, and get back to their real job. Then they are reminded what success really means.
So, how does this relate to us in our world?
Many churches equate salvation with membership in a particular church. This is incorrect, and extremely misleading. Jesus wants us to keep exposing false theologies and ideologies, but He also wants us to expose others to His word. This is far more important.
Remember, you are always going to make mistakes. Repent! Tell God you're sorry, and with His help you'll do your best to not do it again. Mean it.
If you attend (or are a member of) a church that has lost its focus, try to work to set things right within the church. If you are successful, great! But, don't lose heart if they refuse to see things God's way. There is a lot of satanic influence that is VERY active in churches today. You may not be able to influence anyone there. If this happens, bail out, and find a God-fearing church to attend or join. Staying in a church that is being influenced by Satan will wear you down in no time, and make you completely ineffective in spreading the Word.
Spread the Truth! Do it now, tomorrow might be too late!
I am going to take a look at the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, one at a time, and show how they compare to each other, and to Christians today. I am not claiming to know the mind of God in these matters, just showing that we can relate to His word.
"To the messenger of the church in Ephesus, write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands, says this: 'I know your works, your toil, and your endurance. I also know that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles, but are not, and have found them to be false. You have endured and suffered because of my name, yet you have not grown weary.
However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Therefore, remember how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. If you don't, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But this is to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Let the person who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give the privilege of eating from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.' "
(Rev 2:1-7)isv
The church in Ephesus worked hard to expose the frauds in the Christian community. In the process they were persecuted for their beliefs. They hated the evil that existed in their society, and they worked tirelessly to promote God's word.
So, what did they do that was wrong? They began to see their own efforts as being the reason that they existed. Today, we might call it a "Holier than thou" attitude.
Jesus is pointing out to them that the goal is bringing others to Him, NOT just being a member of their church! Neither we, nor they, are more important than that! He tells them to repent (to apologize). They are told to listen to His criticism, and get back to their real job. Then they are reminded what success really means.
So, how does this relate to us in our world?
Many churches equate salvation with membership in a particular church. This is incorrect, and extremely misleading. Jesus wants us to keep exposing false theologies and ideologies, but He also wants us to expose others to His word. This is far more important.
Remember, you are always going to make mistakes. Repent! Tell God you're sorry, and with His help you'll do your best to not do it again. Mean it.
If you attend (or are a member of) a church that has lost its focus, try to work to set things right within the church. If you are successful, great! But, don't lose heart if they refuse to see things God's way. There is a lot of satanic influence that is VERY active in churches today. You may not be able to influence anyone there. If this happens, bail out, and find a God-fearing church to attend or join. Staying in a church that is being influenced by Satan will wear you down in no time, and make you completely ineffective in spreading the Word.
Spread the Truth! Do it now, tomorrow might be too late!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tomorrow's Headlines - Today!
.
I'm sure you know someone who will never make any move without checking their horoscope first. Do you ever wonder why it is so important to them?
They just want reassurance that tomorrow is not bringing disaster, and that they've made the right choice from all that are available.
God wants us to be sufficiently informed so that we always choose wisely in every situation. The trouble is, most people are not interested in listening to God. They don't see Him as being relevant to "today's world." So, for these folks (and the rest of us, too) He provides little "reminders" that we should start paying more attention. Things like earthquakes, tornados, volcanoes & floods are "minor" nudges to help us remember that He is in charge, and that He loves us enough to want us to escape the coming "Great Terror."
Do most people listen? Sadly, no...
Think about this from a realistic point of view, if you were certain that the price of gas was going up fifty cents a gallon tomorrow, wouldn't you try to fill up every vehicle and spare gas can you have today? Of course you would!
The same holds true, even when it involves planning trips to avoid congested areas and those where traffic accidents are more probable. You'd try to avoid exposing your family to high-crime areas when vacationing, too... right?
Safety first, especially where the family is concerned!
So, why don't we pay as much heed to God's warnings?
He made us. He is our Father in a way that no parent can ever be! So, why don't we pay more attention when He warns us of what's coming?
My dad had an interesting way of dealing with misbehavior. Generally, he'd send the miscreant outside to cut the switch with which you were to be punished. If you came back with one that was too small, he'd send you back out for another, until one that was satisfactory was presented. The rejected switches were used first, then the real switch came into play.
Today, it is considered that spankings are not acceptable, but just look at the dangerous society that this attitude has caused. A parent that truly cares about his child will administer the punishment deserved by the situation. Lack of proper punishment is one of the causes of society's failure! "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." (Prov 3:11-12)nlt -and- "To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child." (Prov 29:15)nlt
Notice that the Bible never says to beat the stuffing out of kids who act up, just correct them enough that they grow up to be good people.
God gives us little "spanks" every now and then. Some listen... a lot don't want to, they act just like little kids who have gotten away with demanding their own way, for their entire lives. Now, they want God to "toe the line" and give them what they want. So, God sends them a slightly bigger switch...
"Spare the rod and spoil the child," who hasn't heard that expression? "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." (Prov 22:15)kjv
God does not want even one of us to turn away from Him. The other choice is to become perpetual "barbecoa" in Satan's pit!
Listen to tomorrow's headlines!
"For this is what the Lord Almighty says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth. I will shake the oceans and the dry land, too. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will come to this temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord Almighty." (Hag 2:6-7) nlt
How many earthquakes have occurred recently?
(By the way, you are the treasures that God wants in His temple.)
Read tomorrow's news.
Act on it! Now, while there is still time!
Till we meet soon, in His Temple, in Paradise!
I'm sure you know someone who will never make any move without checking their horoscope first. Do you ever wonder why it is so important to them?
They just want reassurance that tomorrow is not bringing disaster, and that they've made the right choice from all that are available.
God wants us to be sufficiently informed so that we always choose wisely in every situation. The trouble is, most people are not interested in listening to God. They don't see Him as being relevant to "today's world." So, for these folks (and the rest of us, too) He provides little "reminders" that we should start paying more attention. Things like earthquakes, tornados, volcanoes & floods are "minor" nudges to help us remember that He is in charge, and that He loves us enough to want us to escape the coming "Great Terror."
Do most people listen? Sadly, no...
Think about this from a realistic point of view, if you were certain that the price of gas was going up fifty cents a gallon tomorrow, wouldn't you try to fill up every vehicle and spare gas can you have today? Of course you would!
The same holds true, even when it involves planning trips to avoid congested areas and those where traffic accidents are more probable. You'd try to avoid exposing your family to high-crime areas when vacationing, too... right?
Safety first, especially where the family is concerned!
So, why don't we pay as much heed to God's warnings?
He made us. He is our Father in a way that no parent can ever be! So, why don't we pay more attention when He warns us of what's coming?
My dad had an interesting way of dealing with misbehavior. Generally, he'd send the miscreant outside to cut the switch with which you were to be punished. If you came back with one that was too small, he'd send you back out for another, until one that was satisfactory was presented. The rejected switches were used first, then the real switch came into play.
Today, it is considered that spankings are not acceptable, but just look at the dangerous society that this attitude has caused. A parent that truly cares about his child will administer the punishment deserved by the situation. Lack of proper punishment is one of the causes of society's failure! "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." (Prov 3:11-12)nlt -and- "To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child." (Prov 29:15)nlt
Notice that the Bible never says to beat the stuffing out of kids who act up, just correct them enough that they grow up to be good people.
God gives us little "spanks" every now and then. Some listen... a lot don't want to, they act just like little kids who have gotten away with demanding their own way, for their entire lives. Now, they want God to "toe the line" and give them what they want. So, God sends them a slightly bigger switch...
"Spare the rod and spoil the child," who hasn't heard that expression? "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." (Prov 22:15)kjv
God does not want even one of us to turn away from Him. The other choice is to become perpetual "barbecoa" in Satan's pit!
Listen to tomorrow's headlines!
"For this is what the Lord Almighty says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth. I will shake the oceans and the dry land, too. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will come to this temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord Almighty." (Hag 2:6-7) nlt
How many earthquakes have occurred recently?
(By the way, you are the treasures that God wants in His temple.)
Read tomorrow's news.
Act on it! Now, while there is still time!
Till we meet soon, in His Temple, in Paradise!
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