END OF TIMES

END OF TIMES

   We have been hearing about the end of the world for decades.  There was a cult in California in 1997 who believed the Earth was going to be wiped clean and they had to kill themselves to get on to a spaceship that would keep them from the calamity.  In 1999, we were all concerned about the computers and what might happen when the new millennium was ushered in (Y2K).  Then we have the Mayans who were interpreted to say that the world was going to end in 2012.   There have been countless theories about the "end of times", including a meteor striking Earth, turning it upside down.

   That said, we know that Israel is God's timepiece.  God sends us "signs in the Heavens", such as the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the wise men to find Jesus.  Jesus tells us in Luke 21 9 - 11:  "But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately." Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven."

   In Joel, we read, "I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire, and billows of smoke (2:30).  In Zechariah 14:6, we read about the end times, "On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost."  In Acts 2"19, we read, "I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.  Acts 2:20 says, "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

   There are many references of the moon turning to blood and the sun turning to darkness before the coming of the Lord.  With the unrest in the Middle East recently, and news of Israel trying to protect themselves; knowing Israel is God's timepiece, I have discovered something interesting.  I first heard this from Pastor John Hagee from Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas.  Then I googled it.
   I discovered that a string of four blood red moons coinciding with the Jewish Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles is rare.  Other times when this has occurred has been associated with major events in Israel/the Jewish People's history.  God has told us Israel is His timepiece and that He will send signs in the heavens.
   What does it all mean?  The only time I was a little shaky about current events was during the Y2K possibilities.  I thought the computers might interfere with our normal daily lives.  I never thought the possible computer glitch would be the end of the world.  I took all the other news about a possible end of the world with a grain of salt, since I have read The Bible.  The news about the four blood red moons, however, may actually be something with some credibility. 
   Regardless, I am getting my house in order.  I am also being a little more aggressive with my family and friends in professing Jesus Christ.  I want Him to find me working when He returns.

What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com.
 

FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER

FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER

   It was just another day.  I texted several people to inform them of a birthday and left the phone number in case they did not have the updated number.  Then, my phone went crazy with replies that no one cared about the person who was having the birthday due to some offense committed forty years ago.  Forty years, one hundred years, last year, 1994.  Let the past stay in the past, right?  Well, sometimes it is not so easy.

   In my life, I have lied.  I have stolen.  I have hurt people who were close to me and some who wanted to be.  Some of my offenses I remember, but frankly, at my age, I don't remember them all.  I cannot change THE PAST, but if you tell me that I have hurt you, I will apologize and try to do better.  If you don't forgive me, you are hurting yourself and my God.

   My God forgave me of my sins a long time ago.  I am not perfect, but I am forgiven.  If Moses can commit murder; if King David can commit adultery, lie, commit murder, steal, etc., and be forgiven, do you think my God cannot forgive ALL those who offend Him and us?  Who are we to hang on to it as if we are perfect?  We want justice!  I don't.  God gives me mercy and grace, which is forgiveness of my sins and blessings.  Justice is what I deserve, and we all know what that is.....death.  The wages of sin is death.

   One thing I know, I am not perfect and neither are you.  If you are perfect, please feel free to keep my sins forever in front of me.  If you are a forgiven sinner, such as I, then you have a RESPONSIBILITY from God to forgive "as He has forgiven you".

   A topic for another time, though, is bitterness.  I thought I had dealt with bitterness until I received a message today from the grave.  Adrian Rogers told me that I am harboring bitterness.  If this is why you can't forgive the sins of others, please ask God to show you what the root of your bitterness is so you can deal with the pain and rejection that led to it.  I love you and so does my Jesus.

   John 13: 34-35 states:  "A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  (NIV)  Forgiveness goes hand in hand with love.  Just as you forgive your child who offends you and you pour out your love for them, so we must forgive others and pray for them.   Forgiveness is a gift from God.  People are creations of God.

   If you have not been forgiven of your sins, please visit our "path to salvation" page (click here:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html).  God loves you and wants to have a wonderful relationship with you.  He is the best friend you can imagine, one who sticks closer than a brother.

You are welcomed to leave your comments.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and @kit_allen007 on Twitter.