~ "Here comes the rain again..."

And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. (Rev 8:6)

The power of God is mightier than any other force imaginable. His truths are not to be taken lightly and his judgement will be swift and powerful! He will come and take back what is his in all his righteousness! On that day, we will wake to the sound of trumpets. Will we be counted in the numbers of the many or the few?

When I read the Book of Revelation, I marvel at what John records. If you can imagine this man, some 2000 years ago, walking into the future earth, what is a natural observance to us would be down right incomprehensible to John. The modern conveniences of today would surely cause him to be mildly concerned. The homes, the cars, the planes, the ships, the clothing (or lack of it), the weapons - none of which would look remotely familiar to him, and would be difficult to explain.

The time is coming for us to leave this place and go on to the promised land. Unlike Moses, who was under the "law" - we have the privilege of being under "grace". We have but one decision to make - we have become the "chosen" through the blood of Christ! Do we acknowledge and accept the gift of salvation with the same attitude by which it was given? Do we see through the eyes of love that gave us that gift? Do we want to be the continued vessel of Christ's unselfishness for us or do we just want the reassurance that in the end we'll be included?

I don't want to be a part of the madness that will most assuredly ensue when the trumpets sound. I want to be safe in the presence of Jesus! I fear for those who will be left behind - family and friends who do not know the Lord as I do. Those who want the best of both worlds, will not have it. To believe means to make the changes (or at least attempt to make them) that we are told about in the Bible. It means to lead a Christian life in all aspects (work, home, church, recreation) and those changes need to be genuine. You can't fool God! He knows what's in your heart!

Make the decision to follow Christ and you choose life. Make the decision to choose what is worldly and you will surely die. The joys and the sorrows of this life cannot compare to what we are promised. Lead by example, love without hesitation and praise without embarrassment. Don't be the one left standing alone. Stand out, be noticed ~ be noticed as a follower of Christ! Know that where you are going is a much better place than any of the joys the trappings of this world could give you. Don't be jealous of those who steal your thunder, pray for them, that they may see, as you have seen, what is truly a "Godly" work! There are more storms coming; be smart enough to come in out of the rain if you don't have an umbrella!