Are We in "The Good 'Ol Days"?

     I can't get it out of my head---I believe soon we will look back on these days as the good 'ol days!   That is those who survive will remember these pre-horror days as great.  Children will find it difficult to imagine such a time of peace, plenty and freedom.  They will dream of those "once upon a time" days like we once dreamed of castles and knights in shining armour or other such wonderful fantasies.  They will wonder how we ever let such a wonderful  world slip from our grasp.  "Didn't you see all the signs of disaster that history showed us?" they will ask.   Will  we they wonder why we dozed while the world was overcome by God's enemies?   Will they determine in their hearts to cling to faith in Jesus no matter the cost, while being disappointed in us for failing?  Or, as we are already seeing, will they be so overrun by evil that they cannot or will not believe?  We are in a time of evil now but soon it will increase beyond belief.  The nightmare of the next few years will make this time seem like a dream, indeed.
      I believe there will always be a remnant of believers.  God loves us enough to keep His light shining in the darkness----even gross darkness.  I believe He will use the trials and persecutions to purify His people, making His bride without spot or wrinkle. 
     These days, we stumble along in a fog, nonchalantly complaining about trivial matters.  These days, while watchmen are crying out the wake-up call, while churches are still open to any who will come, while there are bibles available everywhere (at least in this country) we are unaware!
     In the gross darkness that is engulfing the earth, God is ever faithful.   He will overcome and we will too if we trust, obey and abide in Him.   Jesus is the answer.
     Then, oh then. when the tribulation days are past, the wrath has punished the evildoers, when  Jesus sets up His kingdom, the children will ask how we stood the evil days?  This slice of time in which we are now living will only be a short interlude in the six thousand years past.  During the last thousand year day they will enjoy the presence of God among His people.  Come, Lord Jesus!

Forty-one Years!

     Oops----today is the 19th of October and I just realized our forty-first anniversary was on the 17th.  Seems we both forgot it this year.  Last year it seemed so significant.  Forty years is quite an achievement these days.  Nowadays, we kinda shuffle through each day.  The days all run together.   Where did the years go?   Mickey and I have been to mountain peaks and oh-so-low valleys in our marriage.  We have much to be thankful for---my husband came to the Lord 19 years ago after my praying for him for almost 20 years.  He survived colon cancer by the grace of God.  We have a wonderful son together, plus five more from our previous marriages. We are blessed with many grandchildren, great grandchildren.
       So, besides telling Mickey a belated "happy anniversary", I want to thank Father God for our marriage and all He has done in our lives.  May our remaining days or years bless God and all those around us and please, God, keep Your hand upon each and every one of them, convicting them of sin and their need for Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Do whatever it takes that they are saved.  Thank-You, Father.   amen

Corners and Cubbyholes

     I spent a few hours this last week cleaning.  Most of my labor was in out of sight places in our house.  Under the sink,  corners and cubbyholes were screaming for a cleaning.   Now I am exhausted but satisfied that they are scrubbed and sparkling even though, if I don't tell them, no one would ever know.   I'm not even finished with all the work.  Seems that the more I do, the more I notice that needs to be done! 
     I got to thinking----the Lord might feel the same way about us and our inside places.   I know that He's done a lot of heavy duty scouring on me but He's far from finished.  Sometimes it seems as though nothing has changed, that I'm still the same mess I always was.  There are times when the old deceiver whispers in my ear, calling me trashy names and working to drag me down.  I know there are other folks who only see the wrong, count my mistakes, hold a grudge for some stupid thing I said or did in the past.  Its hard to overcome the desire for other's approval.   What can I say?  I am guilty but, thank God, I am His child bought with the blood of Jesus.   He'll keep working in me to draw me nearer to Him and to rid me of all that is not of Him. 
      Philippians l:6 says: "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." 

FIRST CHURCH OF WALLY WORLD

                                                      First Church of Wally World

 

The old devil, knowing

 his time was ‘bout to end,

 Desperate to increase sin,

 Came up with an evil plan

To corrupt every man

So all would worship him,

He planted his “churches”

Everywhere you look

Every city, town and nook

Crafty, sneaky and smart

He calls them

First Church of Wal-Mart

Appealing to our greed

Meeting every need

Idols galore

Fill every store

Flat screen  TVs

I-Pods and DVDs

Computers, gadgets and more

For every little whim

Toys to warp and bend

Every little kid’s mind

  Themes of the occult

Thinly veiled in good supply

Parents so eager to buy

And food!---too, too much

Full of chemicals and such

Buy beer and wine

Most any ol’ time

Anyone ill?

The pharmacy provides

Every little pill

The law will allow

Hear the choir sing?

The cash registers ring

Merrily the cards scan

Someday soon a hand?

Every race, color and creed

Bow to the god of greed

Satan’s church’s got ‘em

The door’s always open

C’mon in!