God's Timing Usually Isn't Ours

Joseph Interpreting the Dreams in Prison

 

I doubt this artist got it right. Joseph, the baker, nor the butler would be dressed in medieval clothing. What they did wear would be sparse, perhaps raggedy, and most likely filthy. Unless Egyptian prisons were much better than current ones.

We know how Joseph ended up in prison - sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of attacking his boss' wife. A foreigner imprisoned with no one to speak for him. Chances of release were so slim as to be uncountable. Joseph could not know that his story would be included by the Psalmist:

He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. (Psalms 105:17-19 KJV)

No doubt there would have been fetters for the prisoners. Maybe there were only the three prisoners together at that level of offense, with Joseph serving the newcomers: 

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. (Genesis 40:1-4 KJV)

At least we know they slept, and they both dreamed - dreams they felt important, but bothered them. Joseph heard the butler's dream, told him what would happen, then asked:

But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. (Genesis 40:14-15 KJV)

The baker did not fare as well. Three days after Joseph's interpretation of their dreams, it was Pharaoh's birthday. As the dreams foretold, the butler returned to Pharaoh's presence in service, and the baker was killed. The butler forgot:

Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. (Genesis 40:23 KJV)

Not one bit of this story was a surprise to God. His plan included Joseph being in Egypt during the drought and famine, that's a given. God had the power to place Joseph in Pharaoh's household in any number of ways. God could have released him from the pit in Dothan, from the Pharaoh's prison - just as God released Peter in Acts 12, or Paul and Silas in Acts 15 - but He didn't.

We really do not need an explanation, though many have said was Joseph went through was necessary for him to be the man capable of standing in for Pharaoh. That explanation isn't necessary, because the timing was in God's hands. 

Just as God knows what is coming, in His own time:

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (1 Peter 1:18-20 KJV)

We are confined by time. God is not. We cannot grasp what exists without time, but God is capable of showing to a man who does not even have the words to adequately describe what he sees:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:1-3 KJV)

Yes, the Bible does say the time is at hand for Revelation. Some will point to that last verse as a reason not to believe the Bible because it's been two thousand years and in so many ways, mankind holds the same values as when John wrote those words - war, rumors of war, poverty, drought, floods. What has changed?

It's all in the timing, God's timing. We need reminding through the biblical stories of people's lives that God does not think or act as we do:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV)

Eventually the butler remembered Joseph - and the rest of that story is for another time.When God puts the thought in my mind, as He put the dream in Pharaoh's, and the butler remembered:

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: . . .  And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.  (Genesis 41:9, 12 KJV)

God's timing is always best for us. 

(Please take time with the quoted scriptures to read them in context. Did I misquote, omit? Did you receive a different message? I'd love to hear back.)

"My Dad Will Be King"

 

Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom

"George understands he will one day be king and as a little boy sparred with friends at school, outdoing his peers with the killer line: 'My dad will be king so you better watch out'," wrote royal author Katie Nicholl. According to a report, '...while Prince George was playing and rough-housing with fellow students on a playground when he warned one student 'My dad will be king so you better watch out'". Seems several accounts agree upon the speaker, and the wording - Prince George is aware that at some time in the future, his father will be king of the United Kingdom. Whether he realizes or not that he, himself, will one day rule a nation is another story down the line.

The Bible tells us that a descendant of King David will eventually be King. From David's death until John the Baptist preached:

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2 KJV)

. . . Jews were looking for that king. Jesus began preaching that same message as John was imprisoned:

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17 KJV)

. . . continuing as he moved about the country:

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23 KJV)

I could continue for over 150 verses in the New Testament that mention the Kingdom of God, which also includes mentioned by a thief on a cross, with a plain response:

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.  (Luke 23:42-43 KJV)

Jesus gave example after example of what God's kingdom was like throughout the Gospels. He even had to explain how to get there to a Rabbi, a Pharisee named Nicodemus:

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5 KJV)

Forty days following His resurrection, He spoke to His disciples:

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (Acts 1:3 KJV)

. . . but they still did not understand any more than many people today, still looking for an earthly kingdom run by men:

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. (Acts 1:6-7 KJV)

That's our sibling, our Brother, the child of our Father, with whom He is one - as He explained when He was asked to speak plainly:

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. (John 10:24-30 KJV)

. . . who also inspired Paul:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17 KJV)

Christians are waiting only for the remainder of prophecy to be fulfilled. With one accord, we are not worried about the future - our Father is the King.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:30-33 KJV)

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15 KJV)

Spend time with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in every book of the Bible:

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16 KJV)

Author's Note: If you are like me, you still have the "Hallelujah Chorus" in your mind:

King of kings (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And Lord of lords (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

King of kings (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And Lord of lords (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

King of kings (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And Lord of lords (King of kings and Lord of lords)

And He shall reign

And He shall reign

And He shall reign forever and ever

King of kings (Forever and ever)

And He shall reign (Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And He shall reign forever and ever

King of kings! and Lord of lords!

King of kings! and Lord of lords!

And He shall reign forever and ever

Forever and ever

Forever and ever

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Bible Reading Statistics

 Lifeway Research: Americans Are Fond of the Bible, Don’t Actually Read It

Google's Blogger provides me with statistics on who stops by. It doesn't tell me whether or not they read this page, and few make comments. Those who post awesomely unbelievable financial opportunities are immediately deleted, so we won't be able to compare them to possible readership.

As you can see from the results of a Lifeway survey published back in 2017, only 20% of those responding had completed reading the Bible. Less than the total number who have read none or only a few sentences - and apparently those few sentences may not have been from a Bible, but were quoted elsewhere. Yet, Lifeway wrote:

Almost nine out of 10 households (87 percent) own a Bible, according to the American Bible Society, and the average household has three.

We have a lot more than average:  my grandmother's, both my parents', my aunt's, mine, my husband's, a four-version for studies, my Greek inter-linear translation, and a couple that were gifts, mostly New Testaments. But I fall into the "All of it more than once" category.

So, why do I want people to read a book that was begun thousands of years ago, written by a wide variety of people, widely varying with time and culture, yet tells us a continous story of a deity interested in the world He created? Because that story has a beginning and ending timeline, and an impact on our daily lives.

I desire that readers would go further than a single verse. While I do love:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

I do not want readers to miss:

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18 KJV)

While I firmly believe:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

It takes a Bible to share where that necessary faith is to be placed, and why works do not save but are an intregal result of faith - not a prerequisite. There is a progress made. While salvation is "easy," understanding why it is so and what the results will be takes time and a path that is followed. Jesus described it:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)

Note that "strait" does not equal "straight." It is also not predictable. While the way does lead to eternal life, there may be what appear as roadblocks, sharp turns, even detours, but staying on that way is well worth the time to learn about the whys and wherefores.

Matthew chapters five through seven are awesome in the explanation of what is expected of a follower of Jesus Christ. Nope, not one of us is perfect - we do miss the mark  along the way. That's why we aren't your true examples. We musts be measured against what Jesus taught, and we may be questioned as to where we don't meet standards. However, don't judge us by men's standards - Jesus has some already set. Matthew 7 opens with:

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:1-2 KJV)

The measure we use should be the measure used on us. If I make a judgement call about another person's actions by rebuking them, I should do it biblically. Do you know where to find that criteria? It's not confined to a single verse, nor a small area of verses. Jesus gave God's answer to a lawyer's question:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV)

Whenever we fail to be Christian in our daily lives, the reasoon will be a failure to have done one of these two commandments. You wouldn't know that without reading your Bible. I purpose to increase my Bible reading - will you?

Let's Talk Politics

No graphics this time - it would be distracting to show political crowds, banners, flags, voting - even from different countries. The focus will be on what Jesus said about governments and how to treat them.  Here are all the verses from the four gospels regarding governments, good, bad, or indifferent:

They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (Matthew 22:21 KJV)

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:17 KJV)

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. (Luke 20:25 KJV)

Did you expect more? Jesus came to change the lives of people - not of nations, tribes, races, or any other designation. Yes, He spoke to crowds - of people, individuals. His messages were to offer changes to their lives that brought attention to God and His abilities. The one mentioned most:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)

He was speaking as a Jew to a religiously trained Jew, but no words designated them as being separate from the "whosoever" of the world God loves. The word translated "whosoever" in this verse is Strong's: 

G3956

πᾶς (pas) Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever. (Total KJV occurrences: 1238)

Sounds very inclusive to me. Yet, to a Jew then, and in many ways now, the world was divided into Jews and Gentiles. Everyone not a Jew was a Gentile - but God made it clear throughout the Bible that while the Jews were a special people to show Him to others, Gentiles could be His, too.  In God's eyes there was, and is, no difference - all were "whosoever."

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35 KJV)

There is no mention of directing religious views, requiring force, invoking change, feeling hatred, or instructions to disregard to any specific country - especially during a time when Jews (along with many defeated neighbors) were mistreated under Rome's military rule. In fact, Jesus apostle wrote:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV)

We are to pray for our leaders, for all that are in authority. There is no doubt this meant the Roman emperor who sent troops to neighboring lands were to be included in prayer. Christians would have been praying for Nero as he blamed them for problems Rome encountered, even as he sent them to death.

Remember - the only rulers in Peter's time came on behalf of Rome. Even the Jewish leaders depended on Romans to hold their power. Does that change what Peter wrote:

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV)

Paul also admonished Christians to respect authority:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2 KJV)

The Pulpit Commentary for these verses begins:

From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived.

What can we do, then, when we see corruption in leadership, unlawful activity, or disregard for human lives? Once again the Bible provides instruction:

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6 KJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:15 KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

(1 Peter 3:15 KJV)

When you have a truth, you need to tell it to others, but speak it with love. Especially when it appears they do not know truth. Best to be certain your heart is in the right place, too. As a Christian, your truth may be seen as an outright lie by others. Know why you need to speak out, and look for the glorification of God in your speaking.

Even when an action might be taken, see what can be done with words. David did so with Saul, sparing him while explaining. Saul's death by David's hands was not part of God's solution:

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. (1 Samuel 24:9-11 KJV)

Sometimes, as David, we must accept what is, knowing that what was, is, and will be is in God's hands and His timing. Then, we still have instructions, including the opening verses of this blog and:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-45 KJV)

The ability to disagree strongly is evident among Christians, even with a common goal. It does us all well not to separate in vitriolic anger, but to continue doing our jobs well within God's will:

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. (Acts 15:39-40 KJV)

These scriptures are applicable in every facet of our lives. Please take time to read them in context - and feel free to comment. 

Another Look at Armor

 Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Let's take another look at what is called the "whole armor of God" as written by Paul to the Ephesians:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Here Paul gives us the reason we need defensive armor - and it is not one single individual we call Satan, but it is a list of those who are actively working to prove God is incapable of delivering on His promises made to this world. There are many listed here, some we can see working in this world and some that are unseen, spiritual. Some we see them working, others we can only see their results as they work within people. What we are to do with our defensive armor is to withstand evil, to remain stedfast with our Lord.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, 

To stand stedfastly against the wiles of Satan, we need to know the truth. To search out any lies and discard them. For me, the first comparison for truth is the Bible. That is an important word and has a deepth of meaning. KJV uses "truth" shows 237 times, in 224 verses. One of my favorites is Jesus' answer to Pilate in John 18:37 and Pilate's discard in verse 38. Also, Paul's description of those who turn God's truth into lies, Romans 1.25. Need help with truth? Read John 16:13. Therefore, wrap your body with truth.

and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 41:26 and again in Romans 3:10 that not  one of us is truly righteous in God's eyes. We have sinned. There is no doubt that every single individual has some sin in our loves. You know yours - and probably others know yours, too. So - how do we become righteous? I like the explanation in Romans 4:3-5. The breastplate that protects our heart, our vital organs, is faith in God, who will acceept us as righteous (morally right or justifiable; virtuous.)

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

There are verses in the Old and New Testament that speak of beautiful feet - Isaiah 52:7 and it's quote in Romans 10:15. The gospels speak of feet often, especially sending His disciples in Luke 9:1-10 and  Mark 6:7-13, and sending the 70, two by two in Luke 10:1-24. Every one of these verses speak of people going out specifically to share God's gospel with others. Missionaries. Shod feet is very appropriate!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, 

I'm putting these two items together. They are both protective, and the second does not work without the first. A basic truth is laid out in John 3:16-18. Salvation requires belief in God and Jesus as His son. Without that belief, there is no salvation. Paul says the same in Ephesians 2:8. 

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

That's our only weapon - and it's only words, selected for use through God's inspiration. Every scripture reference/link that got you this far is one I've read, marked, and studied. It was through God's word I discovered I could be righteous through belief in Him and His son, Jesus. I was told this by a large number of people who spoke God's gospel. I do believe they not only have beautiful feet, but beautiful souls.

Because they shared the gospel with me, I discovered what faith could do, and accepted the salvation God offered. Then, lived as many humans have done since Creation - with sin. I've made mistakes along the way and learned how to accept God's forgiveness. That is done through prayer. Paul knew prayer is powerful and included a prayer request - for believers, and for himself.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:10-19 KJV)

Pray with me for all saints, those who have followed directions, sought, and found God. Pray, too, for those who still do what Paul was sent to do - share God's good news of the Christ's salvation for all who believe. Share the faith.

Ninety-Nine Per Cent

 

I ran across this last July. I didn't save the internet address, so good luck finding the page again, but did make a copy of this portion of my screen shot. I found it fascinating how much of the globe would be able to see the sun at a given moment in time. Then, I thought of a scripture:

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7 KJV)

I understand that as spirits, everyone in Heaven and in Hell will be able to view the action taking place, but not realizing the vastness of the Pacific over the Atlantic ocean, I did not realize until this graphic just how much of the world's population have a view of the sun at the same time. Australia and the Pacific Islands, would be in the dark of night. Still, I believe they will see what God provides.

This verse says it will be a time of wailing - I think because everyone has an inkling that the world will end some day. Science says it will most likely when the Sun expands and takes in the closest planets, for nothing can survive the death throes of a star.

And, we've been told for centuries that nothing lasts forever. The Bible tells us in Psalms 90:9 that we spend our days "as a tale that is told." I'm not discounting the science that says millions of years, but I won't be around to see that. And I don't expect the earth as we know it to remain the same, either. Based on previous scientific studies, earth should experience extinction level events on an irregular basis.

Christians are taught in the Bible that one of those will occur prior to Christ's return. He spoke of it following these verses:

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Luke 21:5-6 KJV)

The remainder of the chapter describes what some of the signs will be, and the subject is also addressed in Matthew 24, but we are assured that:

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36 KJV)

However - there will be signs, laid out both in Luke 21 and Matthew 24. More specifics are given by Paul to Timothy:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV)

Now that seems to be headlines of our times, doesn't it? Paul was specific in his second letter to Christians in Thessalonica:

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV)

Let's discuss churches for a moment, for that is what "a falling away" means - people leaving churches. How about "Generation Z and the Future of Faith in America"?

Without robust religious experiences to draw on, Americans feel less connected to the traditions and beliefs of their parents’ faith.

There is little evidence to suggest that Americans who have disaffiliated will ever return. First, the age at which Americans choose to give up their families’ religion—most well before they turn 18—suggests that they have not established a deeply rooted commitment to a set of religious beliefs and practices. Disaffiliated Americans express significant skepticism about the societal benefits of religion, even more than those who have never identified with a religious tradition. They also strongly disagree with the majority of religious Americans, who believe in the importance of raising children in a religious faith. Moreover, having children does not appear to affect religious involvement. Unaffiliated parents are not any more likely to be religiously active than those without children, and most are unconvinced that religion serves as an important source of moral instruction.

Or other articles: "Poll: U.S. church membership falls below 50% for the first time", "U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time," or worldwide, University of Michigan's Center for Political Studies' "Religion’s Sudden Decline, Revisited," where we find:

But since 2007, things have changed with surprising speed. From about 2007 to 2019, the overwhelming majority of the countries we studied—43 out of 49—became less religious. The decline in belief was not confined to high-income countries and appeared across most of the world. Growing numbers of people no longer find religion a necessary source of support and meaning in their lives. Even the United States—long cited as proof that an economically advanced society can be strongly religious—has now joined other wealthy countries in moving away from religion. (Inglehart, “Giving up on God,” pages 110-111).

The most dramatic shift away from religion has taken place among the American public. From 1981 to 2007, the United States ranked as one of the world’s more religious countries, with religiosity levels changing very little. Since then, the United States has shown the largest move away from religion of any country for which we have data.”(Inglehart, “Giving up on God,” page 112)

Does that concern you? If so - why? If not - the same question: Why?

It Is Well, and I Am, Too

 

Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, 
Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? 
And she answered, It is well. 
(2 Kings 4:26 KJV)

Well, it is not as well as I hoped with the photo - it is a t-shirt I bought a couple of years ago. The phrase has a great deal of meaning for me. I've written before about Horatio Spafford and how/why he wrote the song of the same title. In fact, you'll fine somewhere between half to a full dozen of mentions over the years I've written this blog.

Earlier this week, while shopping for groceries, a lady took a few moments to get my attention, then told me how she loved the sentence, and the song. She knew some about Spafford and his family, but did not know about the American Colony in Jerusalem, so I was ablel to share a bit more of his story.

I was speaking to a woman who through our discussion confirmed she was one of my sisters through Jesus Christ. We were brought together with no planning on our part, but thoroughly enjoyed a few moments speaking of how our Lord works through so many lives, across so many years, with words that resonate through millenia. "It is well," translated in the King James Bible, from the mouth of a Shunammite woman who was granted a miracle, and still prayed for another one. You can read of her in 2 Kings' fourth chapter.

Thousands of year later, two aged women spoke her words, too. It is well, in our lives and in our souls no matter how much of a turmoil resides in our world. God has provided for us, as promised:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

We spoke of how God's word provides comfort in difficult times, as promised:

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV)

We shared how people spoke of God's love, sharing His love and desire for mankind:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

And that it is by His mercy we are His through that belief:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

We are not God's slaves, we are His children, joint heirs with Christ:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:15-16 KJV)

The two of us may not meet again. We don't live in the same county, we just happen to shop in one store, meeting for a few short moments. However, we also shared the joy that we will meet again and have eternity to chat with people who brought God's word to us - think how many that would be, including a Shunnamite woman and a man of God who responded to her prayers. 

May God respond to yours as you seek to know more about Him.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)