Ding, Dong!

DING DONG! παρουσία (Greek word 'Parousia')

There you are at home, just minding your own business. Perhaps you're washing dishes, reading the newspaper, or watching TV. And then in a moment, Ding, Dong! your life suddenly changes. It's the Prize Patrol, and you've won a multi-million dollar jackpot!

Here's another scenario, but this time it's the state police, notifying you that your loved one has been involved in a terrible automobile accident.

In both cases, your entire frame of human reference moves from one state to another, in an instant. You've had no time to prepare for it; you can't avoid it. It just occurs.

Jesus spoke of the same type of event. The Greek word 'parousia' was what Jesus used to describe the "no-notice"; life changing" event, which will occur when He returns.

Matthew 24:27 (CEV) The coming of the Son of Man will be like lightning that can be seen from east to west.

And when Jesus returns, people will exhibit one of two emotions (besides surprise). One will be an overwhelming JOY, and the other will be the deepest sense of DREAD. Which will it be for YOU?

Lord, I thank you for your scriptures and the life of your Son, Jesus Christ. He spent his earthly life here, trying to help us learn and understand that you love us so much, no price is too great to pay for our successful return, even the sacrifice of His only Son. Help us to refocus on you today, and reprioritize our lives in such a manner that, when that inevitable event occurs and your Son returns to claim His church, MY reaction will be one of pure joy.

Amen.

-© 2008 Scotty Ward

Our Little Secret

Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1

At a church event this weekend, we had a typical offering, but this offering changed my way of thinking. At these church events, nearly 'everybody who's somebody' is there, with the bishop presiding. On this day, they asked for a certain amount from each person, and I was pleased to see that I had a mixture of large and small bills that added up to the amount they asked. They then asked everyone to lift their money as a dedication. I automatically put the big bill on the outside, because I was in a crowd, and I didn't want to seem "cheap".

Then I turned to look around me and my eyes caught those of a wise old mother. She just looked at me, but her kind, quiet eyes spoke volumes. I immediately turned the bills inside out, so the $1 bill was on the outside.

She seemed to ever-so-slightly nod her approval.

Lord, I thank you for the wise saints you've sprinkled throughout my life. May I never miss their teaching. And Lord, help me to remember that when I give, I'm giving to you. Please help me to put pride behind me, so that I can truly experience that right relationship with you.

Amen

-© 2008 Scotty Ward