Signs of the Times?

Suddenly we are witnessing the unfolding of disaster after disaster. The islands around Samoa and American Samoa; the Philippines; and once more Indonesia all took their turn in the unwanted disaster spotlight this week. Pray for these stricken nations. Pray for hearts to be turned to the Lord, as well, as a result of these tragedies.

Does this mean something for us? Are these disasters signs of the times? Scoffers may say that all things continue the same since the beginning of time; we just have not heard about it before the modern technology that we have. Maybe, maybe not. Seismic geologists have long ago demonstrated that the earth shakes far more now than ever before. Even historical accounts reveal more earthquakes than before.

But there is more out there than earthquakes. There are newer strains of viruses that turn out to be resistant to our sophisticated drugs. There are more nations poised to strike one another. We worry on every turn about terrorist plots, nuclear plots, and deranged mass murderers.

All this must be so before Jesus steps foot on this earth again. But we should wake up! It may be that time that the Restrainer is taken out of the world. Who is the Restrainer? The Holy Spirit of God is the restrainer, according to what most scholars believe. Just before the end, the Restrainer is removed. It's a sign of an imminent event that some call a heresy, others call it a fallacy, and others call it their hope. That is the rapture of the church. I believe it will happen sooner, not later. And once it does and the Holy Spirit's influence is removed from this world, watch out. Those who remain will find suffering beyond comprehension. It will be the end of life as we know it.

Yes, for me, these events are signs of the times. It motivates me to work hard to bring as many with me as I can once the "end" arrives. Watch. And pray.

Eco-political thoughts about 2008

There have been some phrases and words used in 2008 that have become so cliche, I am sincerely hoping they disappear from our computer screens, mouths, and magazines.

One is the word "change." It was so ravaged by the politicians, that I am sick of hearing it. It's a catch-all word for those guys, that does not really mean what they think you think it means. For the politicians, the only change they want is a change in power; well, they got it, didn't they? We gave it to them. We believed them. But don't expect their use of change to change your quality of life; it probably won't.

Next on my list is "carbon footprint." What a contrived idea. Seriously. Every organic object has a carbon footprint. They all expend energy; it's part of life. Living things expend energy. Yes, "carbon footprint" is mostly used to describe your voracious appetite for, and expenditure of man-made energy. But this is in the mostly-debunked myth that man-made energy is a bad thing for the environment. What? You did not know that all the hooplah over global warming is just that? Sorry to spoil your day. My dog's carbon footprint just temporarily expanded by a natural expulsion of methane. Oops. TMI.

My top two are equally related: "green," and "global warming."

I once owned a green car and a green truck. Those were the colors. Now it takes on another meaning and you have to be very specific as to what you mean. Sorry if this upsets you, but it's an abuse of your good minds to be convinced to use that word in such an anti-human way. Yes, some of the most ardent defenders of the green concept believe that they can reclaim the earth by removing the worst influence: people. It's odd that they mean everyone but themselves.

As for global warming, too many conferences had to be cancelled in 2008; it was too cold to meet. There was one purpose for that phrase: to get bigger-government people in office, so that you would lose more control, pay more taxes, and have less responsibility for your own future. Don't think I am making this up. You have to read the bottom line that these guys have written. It's all about power, no pun intended.

I suppose I should be spiritual, or something, in this last post of 2008. I do, in fact, believe in global warming. It's prophesied in Peter. The earth shall melt with a fervent heat. I just happen to believe it will happen all at once, not gradually. What does that mean for now? Since we do not know when the Day of the Lord will happen, I suggest you forget the carbon footprint and follow the Creator's footprints. Jesus said to take up your cross and follow him. Those are the footprints you need to be focused on.

Has Our Savior Returned?

You may think I have lost my mind. But I have not. There are people out there that have placed their hope in Obama as Messiah. You can read it here. You will see that some see Mr. Obama as the hope for mankind. Beware of such a belief!

Only Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary, crucified for our sins, raised the third day, ascended to the right hand of God, ever living to make intercession for the saints, and returning in the glory of the Father--only he is the hope for mankind. Only Jesus can save you. Only Jesus can change the heart of mankind. Only Jesus offers lasting peace.

Our hope does not rest with any man or woman on this planet. God is not going to share his glory with Mr. Obama, or Mr. McCain. He is a jealous God who demands our loyalty to him.

Our Savior will return. When he does, every eye will see him. Everyone will know it. There won't be any question as to who he is.

Until then, we need to beware of those that would tell us otherwise, of those who are willing to accept the title of Messiah.

Watch how you vote! You may be sustaining a false god when you do.

There Is a Season...

Twenty days is too long without posting my thoughts. I apologize. Time has a way of moving on, regardless of one's intents and purposes. And, for all intents and purposes, I had to be moving with it.

July has been one of those months that holds all kinds of surprises for us. Shortly after my last post, my future son-in-law was out driving; it was late at night. But anytime, almost, is a good time to be riding a bike. One time that is not good for riding a bike is when a deer runs out in front of you. And that is what happened to Tracey. The deer lost, but so did Tracey.

We thought that was going to put everything on hold. But we went on with our plans, knowing Tracey was well cared for.

Our journeys took us to Baltimore for my nephew's wedding. There, Pam and I celebrated 28 years of marriage. My nephew and his bride were married on our anniversary. The entire weekend was one of celebration for us.

We returned to MS to prepare for yet another wedding: my 2nd born's choice for a life partner was the man who met a deer late one night. In spite of his broken ribs and other injuries, the couple, blinded by the prospect of love and marriage, went forward with their plans.

Off we drove to Destin, FL for the big event. Kim always said she would marry on the beach. She had her dream wedding. We stood on the beach, wind blowing, waves crashing, and curious beach-combers standing off, watching the curious scene. There, the happy couple tied the proverbial knot.

Needless to say, she made a lovely bride. But then, I am prejudiced; am her dad.

I am looking forward to another wedding. It's the wedding between Christ and the church. I long for that day when Jesus comes back for his church. Some doubt that day will ever come; I don't. I hunger for it. I want to see Jesus in his glory step out from the clouds and catch us up to be with him. What a glorious day that will be for those who look for his coming. What a frightening day for those who ignore the imminent return of the Lord.

But upward we will be carried; and there, in the presence of the angels, we will celebrate the marriage supper of the Lamb. Saints of all ages will be there. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John will be there. Barnabas and Mark will be there. Paul and Silas will be there. Spurgeon, Moody, and so many others will be there. Men and women from every tribe and nation will be there. The celebration will be beyond our comprehension.

There is a season for everything. This includes the return of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Times and the Seasons

First, it was Myanmar (Burma). Now it's China. Before this is over, I would not be surprised to see a death toll in both places that tops 100,000. That is astounding. Every death brings a deep sadness and lingering questions:

• How many of these who died knew the Lord and are now in his presence?
• Jesus told us to observe the times and the seasons. Is this an indication of his imminent return?

I cannot venture to say how many who died knew the Lord. I do know that each day thousands in China are turning to the Lord Jesus as their one and only Savior. But I do not know about the particular areas that were affected. Far less, however, are responding in Myanmar. That means that the likelihood was slim that many of them were Christ-followers.

Is it a sign of the return of Jesus? Maybe. Maybe not. I believe that will happen sooner, not later. I even hope it happens today. But if the Father chooses to delay Jesus' return, that is fine by me. I will serve him until he sounds that final trumpet.

Pray for Asia, as it recovers from these two massive disasters.