Hari Merdeka

To our friends in Malaysia, happy Hari Merdeka.

This is National Day in Malaysia in celebration of independence, August 31, 1957.

[Given time zones, IDL, and all that this post goes up on the evening of August 30 in hopes we might catch at least a part of the 31st in that far away land!]

God's Purpose for the Church (Evangelism)

The second in Pastor Doug's series on God's purpose for the Church is based on several scriptures, references given throughout.
How does Jesus define "evangelism?" Evangelism is seeing people reconciled to God, to know Christ personally. The "how" of evangelism has many answers.

Five "Musts" for the Church in Evangelism.
1. The Church must be dynamic. Matthew 16:18. Christ says "I will build," that is to build a new nation, a nation of believers. Building requires Change. The outward change is the gathering in of new people; the inward change is growth in ones own relationship to Christ.

2. The Church must know the goal. Matthew 22:36 -40. The goal is to Love God in reaching out to others: to let them see Christ's love in us, that they will love the Lord.

3. The Church must feed off the passion of Christ. Matthew 23:37. "How often have I longed--"
Jesus had a passion for people and so must we have.
Choice is the first gift of grace.
Passion will fuel us, even when we are discouraged. We want to serve because we love, not because we are obligated.

4. The Church must know its message. Luke 9:1,2. Its purpose is to drive out demons, to heal; preach the kingdom, to know God and to become like Him.

5. The Church must know its power source. Matthew 28:9 - 20. (The Great Commission)
Go (into the world), Make (disciples), Baptize (new believers), Teach (men to follow in Christ's footsteps). Then, Jesus said, "I will be with you always.

Anything done in human context will have short term effect, or it will fail, without the Holy Spirit.

Our purpose is to allow God to live in us, to reach out to others to reconcile with God.
Where do you need to follow Jesus for this next week? next month?

Joy and Happiness X 300

The degree to which I deserve this award I cannot say.

I only know Andrea has made my day.

Please follow the link and you will find

A special friend, careful, prayerful and kind.

Thank you, Andrea.



Like Andrea, I would like to bestow this award on my readers. When you arrive here you play a role in making me happy! When I go to your sites, you again provide happiness for my day.

Thank you all.

If I have counted correctly, this is the 300th posting on this blogsite. Now how did that happen?
Bits of string, a day at a time, I guess.








[Happy Birthday to Bernardine]
Bernardine and Carl's cottage in the Ozarks.--->

Mother's Birthday

Mom was born on August 28, 1908 in Hartman, Colorado. Or maybe it was August 27. So near to midnight, no one checking the exact minute, that the date was never certain. By the time someone looked at the clock it was the 28th, so that is the day on which she always celebrated her birthday. Today marks the 101st anniversary of her birth, and she was taken from us eighteen years ago.

Mama taught me to read by reading to me. She mopped my fevered brow when I was too sick to move. She taught me the basic principles of right and urged me to shun the wrong. She sometimes switched my little legs when I misbehaved. She patched and laundered and ironed the clothing; she cooked the meals and canned the produce for the winter months. She prayed for her children that they would follow the Lord. She set the example.

She was not only a mom, she was a wife, a preacher, a counselor, a teacher. But there are not enough words in the language to convey to you the strength, the character, the love of this woman I called "Mama," and "Mom," and "Mother."

She is loved and missed.

Vera Lauretta Morrell Lacy 1908 - 1991 RIP

LBJ

The consummate politician, Lyndon Baines Johnson served our country as its 36th president from 1963 to 1969, having assumed the presidency upon the assassination of President Kennedy. He finished Kennedy's term and served one full term to which he was elected in his own right. He chose not to run for reelection.

Mr. Johnson was born August 27, 1908 near Stonewall, Texas. Following graduation from college, Johnson taught school for several years, and meanwhile became active in politics. In 1937 he ran for a House seat and was elected. The rest of his life until his retirement from the presidency was consumed in politics and public office.

Mr. Johnson was a very forceful personality and was known as an arm-twister, someone who got things done. He was the last president who never appointed a chief-of-staff while he was in the White House. He was a hands-on manager, a prime manipulator and he knew where all the bodies were buried.

LBJ's failure to bring the Viet Nam war to a conclusion distressed him, and many of the features of his "Great Society" program distressed conservatives. Some think that Medicare and Medicaid were the capstone of his administration.

The positions he held and the accomplishments of his career are too numerous to mention. Look him up.

Lyndon Baines Johnson 1908 - 1973 RIP

Milkshakes. Mmmmm!

While watching NCIS, rerun we'd already watched, BBBH said, "You know what I'd like? A milkshake.Well, well. I just happen to be uniquely equipped to satisfy such a request. The machine is on top of the cupboard, ice cream is in the freezer and there is milk in the fridge.

A couple of dips, a couple of splashes, a few turns of the crank--

and voila! Milk shakes. (For a couple of dips, BBBH interjects.)

Strorbry. Yum, yum.

Converting a Jay Bird #T

An intruder, a Jay Bird’s unmistakable markings were apparent when Reverend opened his garage door on a bright sunny morning. Ah! There he perches amid rafters maze high overhead while refusing the offer of escape by light. Rev. speaks gently to Jay as follows: “Fly out, Jay, you are free; and you must Be tired and frightened.” Jay speaks haughtily: “Don’t be stupid, I like it here amid these tangled rafters, Leave me alone.” Rev. speaks soothingly: “You must understand, Go for the light and liberty.” Jay scorns Rev. by saying: “I will not Be deceived, I will not.” Rev. pleadingly implores Jay: “You will Perish here alone in the heat without Water and food. Look, an open door.” Jay screams: “More deception, I will not Seek the light.” Rev, manipulating long handled fish net Says: “Leave or face capture.” (fear tactic) It did not work. Jay haughtily says: “Watch my speed, grace, My every quirk. Catch me if you can.” The Chase begins: a true obstacle course For Jay and Rev. Rafters above and garage Trivia below. Heat and humidity for both. Result of chase: A perspiring Rev. and A faltering Jay after half-hour contest. Rev. uses plastic pipe as a SHOO-BRUSH No luck. Jay and Rev. are bone weary, but both determined. Jay determined to stay inside. Rev. determined that Jay go. Jay avoiding light & release flies open Mouthed & hard breathing. Jay falls a little lower by the minute, He is scratching the wall to stay up, But is clearly defeated. Jay continues flight with Rev. in hot Pursuit until Jay falls to the floor. Rev. OODLES Jay toward the door & lite. Jay is subdued, epitome of defeat though Pushed outside, but must rest a bit. Rev. says: “See, I told you there was freedom.” Jay Bird took his freedom flight. A Jay he was, a Jay he will be Caring for neither God nor me. Jay caused a lot of wasted time for Rev. & himself. Jay flies in freedom While Rev. cleans his garage floor, But seems pleased with himself. --D. W. Lacy Note: Sometimes we try with Human Jay Birds. (Not all of my father's writings were theological expositions or evangelistic homilies; although perhaps this is both. He was about 84 when he engaged in this contest of wills with the Jay Bird.) ©2005 David W. Lacy

Whazzit?

What is the object? It is apparent that it is a kitchen device. A couple of years ago, one of our parks had an "Antiques Roadshow" type entertainment in which an auctioneer/antique collector of some note in the state served as the expert, offering to "evaluate" items brought in for the event. I took this thing. The kind gentleman told me pretty much what I already knew (see above) and stated that the workmanship was excellent, even venturing a guess of value "at auction."

I could ideate a use or two for the item, but still I do not know its nomenclature, if indeed it has such. Provenance: old loft. Help me.

The item is constructed of "tin," quite sturdy. The can portion is 5.5 inches tall without the lid, and with lid it stands 7.5 inches to the top of the handle. The diameter at the top is 7 inches and at the bottom, 4.5 inches.

Read a Book Lately?

It was in 1456 that the Mazarin Bible, or Gutenberg Bible, also known as the forty-two line Bible was "off the press." Moveable type would go on to change the world, as every school child is taught. (At least I hope that such essential information is still being taught in the schools?)

Johannes Gutenberg was born about 1398 and died in 1468. He invented a method for mass-production of moveable type, developed oil-based inks for printing by his new method, and adapted the "winepress" concept to printing, thus creating a system for mass production of the printed page. Certainly his work is at least as important to mankind as was the invention of the wheel.

Johannes Gutenberg c.1398 - 1468 RIP

[Happy Birthday to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.]

God's Purpose for the Church (Body Life)

Pastor Doug based the message today on Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 12, verses 12 through 31. Who is the Church? The Greek word for "church" is "ecclesia" meaning "the called out one." The Church is the called out of the world to serve. The Church is made up of those who have accepted the call of God.Church is a group of people, not a place we attend, or go to. You will never experience all God has for you until you understand this concept.In the Church we find our purpose and our life mission. We find WHO WE ARE.

Four Truths about Body Life in the Church of Christ

1. One Body, many parts (v.12) Every part is just as God wants it to be. (v.18) 2. Each part needs the other. There are no "Lone Ranger" Christians. We are created to be part of the group. 3. Equal concern for each other (v. 25), just as there should be no division in the body human (v.26). When one part suffers, all suffer. We need to celebrate our differences. 4. We are the body of Christ. (v.27) Jesus realized there was only one of Him, so He left so there would be millions to do His work. Essentially, Jesus never left, because He lives through us. Not all have the same path, but together as the Body of Christ we see Jesus. We are the Body so that the world may see Christ.

"Christ Carrying the Cross" by El Greco

Historical note, not germane to the sermon: Eighty-three years ago today, Valentino died, sending women everywhere into mourning, and in some cases, even to suicide.

Rudolph Valentino 1895 - 1926 RIP

Recess

All What?

“There’s something about August going into September where everyone in Washington gets all ‘wee-weed’ up,” the president said.

Isn't it interesting that in a time span of less than 24 hours there are so many interwebby postings on this that Google finds over 73,000 sites. The discussion centers around the curious term "wee-weed up."

What about --"something about August going into September"? August going into September? Really? And Bush 43 was an idiot? Okay, they have different strategeries. Hope nothing goes nucular.

"This little piggy went to market ..."

I hope we don't all find ourselves crying "wee-wee wee," and no "home" to go to.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. BTW, what is "wee-weed up?" I did walk into the school restroom one time to find two second-grade boys trying to "hit the urinal" from across the room. They were "wee-weeing up" without doubt.

Want Everything

Want everything
Have everything
Owe for everything.
No time to sing.

Been there
Did this
Did that
No time to pet my cat.

Ate cooked food
Ate raw food
Ate sushi and steak
Ate no fat, ate lots of cake.

Stayed up late
Got up early
No wonder I’m so surly
Then I begin all over again.

Run the treadmill of life
And in the gym
Kept the house
Neat as a pin.

But life slipped by at the speed of light
Never took time to fly my kite
Always busy --never late
Should have taken time to roller skate.

I’ve been young
I’ll be old
I was poor,
Wanted gold.

I have sinned
I have lied
Needed God
By my side.

Now I see what I’ve become
Should have taken time for fun.

Only riches from above
Completely fill the need for love.

©2007 Grace JoAnn Lacy. Used by permission.

No-roaming Calling Plan

A while back, we were staying along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. It was here that we were cautioned about cell phone use. We were told that the oil platforms off-shore would pick up and bounce the signals, for which we would be charged an unreasonable amount.

Sure enough, when we arrived home we had a bill with a roaming charge for just that. BBBH called the service provider and reminded them that she had a no-roaming charge contract. Right, said they, within the United States, but you were in the Gulf of Mexico. Not so, she said, we were firmly ashore in Louisiana, USofA and the signal had bounced off an oil platform at sea. Well, she was told, it is not our fault you received a signal from outside the country. Really, she said. Well it's sure not my fault you let your signals stray all over creation. Finally, after getting a supervisor on the line, Beloved Beautiful told them that if they didn't remove the charge she would cease using their service. This got their attention real quick, and the story ends as I tell you they removed the charge.

©2009

Little Jo #T

She was thin, almost scrawny. The little girl shuffled along 25th Street, scuffing her bare feet in the gravel as she walked. The flour sack dress her Grandmother made for her was the ultimate indignity. “No matter what Mother believed about me and even if she didn‘t love me, at least she always bought me pretty clothes,” the girl muttered to herself. “What is wrong with me, that my own Mother gave me away?”

She moved along a few more steps and as she thought these thoughts, a stone about the size of a duck egg caught her eye. It might have had the face of her Mother etched on it, or it might have been her own face she saw. In either case, the thing made a wonderful target for the kick she aimed at it with her right foot. Contact! Suddenly the pain that she was feeling in her heart was forgotten as all her thoughts were focused on the pain in her toe. Hopping clumsily on her left foot, she grasped the injured member in both hands then crumpled to the ground to examine the damage. Seated on the coarse grass at the roadside she inspected the injury. No blood. That was a good thing because the only thing she hated more than worms was the sight of blood.

“Well,” she thought, “I am a mess. Daddy is right I’m clumsy and useless and in everybody’s way. What did he say? Oh, yeah. ‘I’ll never understand why your mother insisted on naming you Grace. You’re about as graceful as that thing they call elephant.’ Yeah, and then he calls me ‘Gracie Allen‘. I hear her on the radio and she may be an adult and everything, but she sure sounds stupid to me. So he thinks I am clumsy AND stupid. Well, I won’t be ‘Grace’ anymore. From now on I am Jo Ann! After all, when autumn begins this year I will be ten years old! I’ll show everyone.”

She got up from the berm and resumed her walk to Grandmother’s house. There was a bit of a limp in her step now, though, but as she forgot about the pain in her foot, the pain in her heart returned.“Why does Daddy have to marry that stupid old Lola? And those ignorant girls of hers are awful. I can’t live with them. I just can’t. I’ll ask Grandma if I can come live with her. But that won’t help much, since those dopes will all be right next door, anyway.”She walked through the door of Grandma’s house and slammed the door behind her.

Grandmother called from the kitchen, “In here right now, Girl! What is it with you and the door slamming? Oh, dear. You’re limping. What happened?”

“Aw,” Jo Ann whined, “I stobbed my toe on a stupid old rock!”

“The rock was stupid?”

"Don’t start in with me about ‘clumsy’. I get enough of that from Daddy.”

“Now, now. It’s all right. I don’t see any swellin‘. Grab that parin’ knife and start in on those taters, Young’n. Oh, wait. Scrub those hands first.”

Jo Ann went to the zink and lathered her hands with the lye soap , all the while muttering indecipherable noises as though she were experiencing glossalalia.

“That’s enough with the grumbling, Girl. Your life certainly seems to be pizzle-sprung. What is it now?"

"It’s that stupid Lola, and Maria and Lolita. Why can’t they just go to, uh, to Golconda and leave me and Daddy alone?”

“I know you are hurtin‘, but they ain’t no call to get all twisted in a knot. Grownups is gonna do what they gonna do.”

“Yeah, grownups.”After dinner and dishes, Jo Ann read until she was reminded that she needed to get on home to bed. “And turn the latch on that outhouse door when you leave it. I hear your Dad callin’ now.”

As she lay in bed in the dark all the hobgoblins of loneliness, fear of the unknown, and a thousand, maybe a jillion, other bugaboos haunted the girl. But the worst was the ever-nagging question. Why did my Mother throw me away? Hot tears dampened her pillow; but eventually, recalling snippets from her life in Chicago, she became too exhausted to stay awake any longer and sleep stole her consciousness away.

© 2008 David W. Lacy

Jabberwocky

You seem very clever at explaining words, Sir,' said Alice. `Would you kindly tell me the meaning of the poem called "Jabberwocky"?'
`Let's hear it,' said Humpty Dumpty. `I can explain all the poems that ever were invented -- and a good many that haven't been invented just yet.'
This sounded very hopeful, so Alice repeated the first verse:

`'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.'
...

Who's been repeating all that hard stuff to you?'
`I read it in a book,' said Alice. `But I had some poetry repeated to me much easier than that, by -- Tweedledee, I think.' --Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.

The ellipsis represents the explanation that Humpty Dumpty and Alice contrived. Do you remember it?

[and Happy Birthday to daughter Ivanelle (Ivy). It ends in "0"!]

Time Warp

Very funny. Our local jeweler keeps us entertained. Showed you the "engagement truck" sign a while back. This sign takes me back to my days in front of the classroom.

Last period of the day. Eighth grade math class. This group is the "band section." It has been demonstrated that there is a positive correlation between musical ability and math ability, which is to say this was a bright bunch of kids, but disadvantaged by being in a last period class. That is, the kids, and the teacher, had already been through six other class periods.
Keeping their attention a top priority, the teacher is performing brilliantly. In the course of the exposition, he makes a statement that inspires Jack to inquire about an issue that is not germane to the lesson, but related to the topic. Teach understands that this is a valid question and responds, and I quote, "I don't know right off-hand, but I have that information in my drawers. Give me a chance to look for it."

No reaction, except that I note that fourth seat back, far right hand row, Jane has a wicked sparkle in her eye and the formation of the grin on her face tells me she is about to let go. I make eye contact with her, hard stare, glower as if silently to say, If you do, you're dead. She relaxed, I relaxed and proceeded with the lesson.

This has been one of my favorite "teacher" stories over the years. Were I to meet Jane somewhere today, she would be fifty-eight years of age and probably would have absolutely no memory of this incident. And I would not remind her.

God's Plan for Human Sexuality

Pastor Doug treated a delicate subject in a straightforward and honest and scriptural manner.

Unfortunately, there is too often a disconnect between what we say we believe and our behaviors.

There are four areas of life that make up who we are: 1) spiritual, 2) emotional, 3) mental, and 4) physical.

Scripture lesson: Genesis 1:26 - 28 and Genesis 2:18 - 25

To affirm God's good and perfect plan 1) We are created in God's image (both male and female is who God is). We procreate, mimicking God's creation of mankind. 2) Humankind has been blessed by God. (v.28) God blesses sexual union within the framework of marriage.

The devil always wants to get us to devalue what God values --and to get us to value what is not important.

I Corinthians 7:1 - 5 Both marriage and singleness are gifts from God. We are perfect in whatever state we are in within God's plan.

Biblical truth about sex

Sex is to be enjoyed with spouse within the framework of marriage. (v.1)

God wants to fulfill our spouse sexually. (v.3)

There is no place in Christian marriage to deprive our spouse sexually. (v.5)

Pastor used a bottle of Mountain Dew as an illustration of sexual desire and fulfillment. He noted that there was 1) a lot of information about the contents on the outside of the bottle; 2) there is a price to be paid to obtain it (theft might be attempted, but likely would be caught); 3) we desire that the product will have an intact seal. Protect your seal.

Hebrews 13:4 says to give honor to marriage.

Can the past be forgiven? Of course. God forgives and renews. 2 Corinthians 5:17.

You Are Complete!

Morning Glories

"--the young Virginia creepers

are hugging the bejeepers

out of all the morning glories on the fence." (--from "Carousel")

Not really. The morning glories are hugging the bejeepers out of the tomato and pepper plants. And cucumbers.

New Officer

The smiling eye belongs to Grandson David who just this morning graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy! Congratulations, David.


[Never before have we been in a room with so many police officers.]

CAT

CAT
The fat cat on the mat
may seem to dream
of nice mice that suffice
for him, or cream;
but he free, maybe,
walks in thought
unbowed, proud, where loud
roared and fought
his kin, lean and slim,
or deep in den
in the East feasted on beasts
and tender men.

The giant lion with iron
claw in paw,
and huge ruthless tooth
in gory jaw;
the pard dark-starred,
fleet upon feet
that oft soft from aloft
leaps on his meat
where woods loom in gloom--
far now they be,
fierce and free,
and tamed is he;
but fat cat on the mat
kept as a pet,
he does not forget.
--The Tolkien Reader, J.R.R. Tolkien
[--for Hobbes and Grace, and Mickey; and in memory of Condibell and Tigger]

[My essay, Cats]

Les Paul

Lester William Polsfuss. Guitarist, inventor, entertainer. Solid body guitar, multitrack recording, Sel-Sync, Mary Ford, Grammy Hall of Fame, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Les Paul June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009 RIP

Gizmos

I wandered the yard checking the flowers for butterflies. This is the only butterfly I saw.

Then I picked, literally, the hottest afternoon we have had this summer to get the fountain functioning properly again. This involved disassembly, cleaning, reassembly; and it took a lot longer to do than it does to tell. Did I mention that it was Hot? But look at the pretty fountain! See how it does its spurty, droppy, splashy thing? It is so great. And the sound is as good as the look. As you stroll up our front walk, you will hear the running waterfalls, then as you round the corner to head to the front door, you will see this, this -- thing.

Sammy Reshevsky

Samuel Herman Rzeszewski (Sammy Reshevsky) was born in Poland in 1912 and died in New York in 1992. From the time I was 11 or 12 years of age, Reshevsky was my hero. I read about Capablanca, Morphy, Staunton, and all the other "greats," but I credited Sammy with "teaching" me the game. By the time I was sixteen I frequented the public park where the game was played, largely by old timers who had plenty of time on their hands. By the time I was a senior in high school, I had played a one-time state champion to a draw!

In my adult life, I found the game to be a wonderful pastime for many years, until the constraints of the profession withdrew from me the time to engage in it properly. I had the pleasure of teaching a number of children the game. I hope some of them pursued it into adulthood. The best performance I had in tournament play was in a county tournament, where I was runner-up. I had a winning position in the final game, but lost it through haste. Never hurry the game. (I have a doggone second-place trophy to remind me of this in perpetuity.) Never show mercy; never continue play in a clearly lost position, resignation is the more honorable course; and never, ever throw a game.

Samuel Reshevsky 1912 - 1992 RIP

Andrea at "arise 2 write" gave me this award. Thank you so much, Andrea.

"Neno's award is given to those who love blogging, love to encourage friendships through blogging, and who help others seek the reasons why we all love blogging."

Some of the encouragers I know in the blogosphere are Chuck, Mikki, Elizabeth, Crotchety, and Jennymac. All y'all come by and pick up this award y'hear. Because you deserve it.

Alex Haley

Alec came home at midnight. He was weary and worried, but there was no point in looking anymore until daylight. Julie had come to keep Minnie company, and they had cooked a meal for the searchers. When Alec came in, they looked at him hopefully, but he shook his head. They sat him down and fussed over him, and told him to eat, but he coud not, knowing Queen was out there somewhere, hungry and alone.

He fell to his knees and prayed that she was safe. He was not an overly devout man--he believed in God in a general way, not as an active participant in their lives--but he had no one else to turn to. When God did not answer his prayer the next day, he became bitter, and despaired for his wife. He sat in his rocking chair that night and would not go to bed. He hoped, against all common sense, that in a little while he would see her walking along the path toward him, and she would come to him, and sit in her rocking chair, and puff on her empty pipe, and never go away again. As the night wore on, he could not even bring himself to look at the empty chair beside him, for it reminded him too painfully of what he had lost.

As the steel of dawn edged into the sky, he fell asleep in his chair, still waiting fror her to come home. --Alex Haley's Queen, The Story of an American Family

Alex Haley was born on August 11, 1921 in Ithaca, NY. He was a prolific writer. Of his many published works, Roots is no doubt the most well-known. It was produced as a television miniseries which aired in 1977. There would be few people under the age of fifty who did not watch every episode of the heartwrenching story. Queen also became a TV miniseries which was first presented in 1993.

Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation is a prime source for further information about this great American author.

Alex Haley 1921 - 1992 RIP

Folk musician, folklorist Mike Seeger, born August 15, 1933, died August 10, 2009. RIP

Dahlias and Things

I like dahlias very much but I am not so good at growing them. We do have a few this summer, though, thanks to BBBH. The photography may leave something to be desired, but the flowers are perfect!

The impatiens typically do very well, and they have done so this year.

I really hate to include this last picture, because it certainly impugns my gardening abilities. But if one doesn't get the right chemicals in the right places at the right times, this may well be the result. [Screams of outrage from the "organic community."]

These little devils were basically non-existent in our area up until about twelve years ago. They started showing up about then, and now they are a veritable scourge. Rose is "Peace," bugs are nasty, and I am outraged.

Shave, Six Bits!

Carl sent this to me via email: I read the bit about things you 'have to have', and submit this..."Daily chore made justa little nicer." And here is his picture.

So herewith I submit a picture of my own. The ivory brush on top belonged to my grandfather, Sam Morrell. The other brush is mine.

The Return of Christ

Pastor Doug's message this morning deals with the return of our Lord. The scripture lesson is from I Thessalonians 4:13 -18.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

Jesus is coming back. He may come for you individually at any time; He may come for all His followers this very day.

Seven words/phrases that help us understand the Return of Christ.

1. faith --we believe that Jesus died and rose again (v.14) Faith is believing as fact what we cannot see.
2. declaration --according to the Lord's own word, we tell you-- (v.15)

Jesus did not preach a lot about His return, but He told us in parables that He would come again.
parable of talents. The point: the Master returns. Be ready.
parable of the ten virgins. The point: the Bridegroom returns. Be ready.
parable of the sheep and goats. The point: there will be a separation. Be ready.
parable of farmer hiring at different times of day. The point: be ready at end of the day.

3. taken/left Matthew 24:40-41 in Jesus' words. Don't be left.
4. No one knows the time of His return. Be ready (Mt 24:36)
5. As in the days of Noah salvation too late when the door is closed. Be ready. (vv.38,39)
6. Keep watch Stay awake. Be ready. (v. 42)
7. Encourage (v. 18) Jesus is coming. Be ready.
(Pastor did not quote the following scripture, but I include it as a reminder and encouragement. Jesus is coming. Be ready.)
"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

The Thirty-fifth Anniversary

"Good evening.
"This is the 37th time I have spoken to you from this office, where so many decisions have been made that shaped the history of this Nation. Each time I have done so to discuss with you some matter that I believe affected the national interest...

"To continue to fight through the months ahead for my personal vindication would almost totally absorb the time and attention of both the President and the Congress in a period when our entire focus should be on the great issues of peace abroad and prosperity without inflation at home.

"Therefore, I shall resign the Presidency effective at noon tomorrow. Vice President Ford will be sworn in as President at that hour in this office..."

RMN, Thirty-five years ago today.

Richard Milhous Nixon 1913 - 1994 RIP