TGIF
I have a co -worker who greets me every day with all of the latest news from the Middle East along with whatever hysteria he picked up from Fox News the night before.
He can’t wait to unload about Israel, Assad, the Muslim Brotherhood, etc, and how all of them want to kill us and our government sucks and I really need to lay in some survival supplies.
He’s upset and angry and he wants me to share in his upset and anger and he’s starting to get upset and angry with me because I wont join him in his angst.
He’s beginning to doubt my spiritual integrity if not my salvation.
I’ve decided that I’m going to speak back to him today and this is what I’m going to tell him.
Jesus isn’t coming back today.
Deal with it.
When He does come back, He’s not coming to deal with the enemies of Fox News.
He’s coming back to judge the quick and the dead and to bring heaven and earth together as one.
When He does come back He expects to find us about His work, not smirking at what is about to befall the heathen.
When He does come back He expects to find us sharing what He’s given us, not hoarding supplies from others.
When He does come back, He expects to find us walking in faith, not spreading fear.
A couple thousand years ago angels sang of the the birth of a baby…glad tidings of great joy.
Somewhere today a baby will be born who needs to hear the same song.
We’re the choir.
Stop complaining and start singing.
Make your own application.
Jesus *could* come back today. Other than that, great article!
Jesus is coming back today (in a sense), even this moment, for many. Lots of folks breathing their last in this existence today.
Good article, good reminders.
I have lots of “Prep’ers” that are friends etc. I’m semi-prepared, just by the nature of the biz’s I have.
The way I look at it is this: I bet Katrina and Sandy victims wish they had a generator, fuel storage, food storage, a gun, proper sleeping gear (it got really cold overnight back East), fresh water storage, etc etc etc.
It’s the difference between choosing to be a victim and choosing to be prepared.
Natural disaster is the most likely thing that will happen to necessitate “prepping”…however, there is always a minute (pronounced my-nute) chance that we could see social/political upheaval, as history tends to rhyme.
I don’t “worry”…i just acknowledge some simple facts, calculate some simple odds…and have a “Plan B” just in case something happens. I view it as a Stewardship issue, especially since i have a wife and kids.
I don’t want to be that Dad in hurricane Sandy that watches his kids scared, cold and hungry and yelling at FEMA and the Gubmint b/c the power is still off and they ran out of water…and I don’t want to be that Dad that has to succumb to a criminal thug who wants to rob us and then ‘hope’ he doesn’t rape my wife or hurt my kids.
I choose to “not” be a victim and to prepare and to go down swinging, in the possibility something happens.
“Jesus is coming back today (in a sense), even this moment, for many. Lots of folks breathing their last in this existence today.”
Bingo.
I trust the Lord. I trust Him to give me wisdom and to bless my preparedness. I trust Him to give me courage in the face of adversity and I trust Him to make my aim true.
Noah was the ultimate Prepper.
That Ark was one hell of a bunker! 🙂
“He’s upset and angry and he wants me to share in his upset and anger and he’s starting to get upset and angry with me because I wont join him in his angst.”
I’ve had the same experience with several end-time conspiracy people. I guess they feel that those who are not with them are against them. They feel personally insulted that you would not trust their spin on current events and biblical prophecy. They are frustrated people who’s only tune is to dish out more frustration and fear to those who will listen.
Perhaps one facit of end time delusion is conspiracy thinking. And of course, one aspect of delusional thinking is strong convictions that one is right and complete denial of information that would be contrary to their point of view.
lxtlan said, “Perhaps one facit of end time delusion is conspiracy thinking. And of course, one aspect of delusional thinking is strong convictions that one is right and complete denial of information that would be contrary to their point of view.”
Ironically, the Global Warming crowd has tons of Scientific Evidence and data to support their claim and their Conclusions are environmental/weather disaster at alarming levels…similar to descriptions in Revelation.
It is often the “Christian” crowd that calls the Global Warming crowd “delusional” despite the data and science and facts behind it.
I see a lot of irony on all sides of the equation.
What is funny is that the End Times crowd is actually in much agreement with the Global Warming crowd’s predictions.
What is also quite funny is that the Christian “Non” End Times crowd points to the End Times crowd and says they are delusional…when in fact there is much evidence to support a Revelation scenario (in the not so distant future) regarding the environmental/weather extremes that are described in Revelation.
So much missing the Forest from the Trees on all sides.
I tend to see the stuff in aggregate…and it’s quite amazing…
1. Why slap at Fox news?
2. Kids were shot while at school again today. How much more evil does the world have to become before He finally says “That’s it!”?
i guess i’d tell the fella that he could be right, but what is he so upset about? and Alex has a point regarding being prepared for emergencies as best one can – but that is human prudence and has nothing to do with faith in God – is there anything in Job about storing up supplies in case there’s a move of God in our future?
Michael,
So glad to hear that you did not give him a prophesy update. 🙂
Scientists are predicting a huge shift in the biosphere…a “tipping point” they call it in 2025, and they support the claim with much data and evidence etc.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/trending/2012/06/07/earth_could_reach_devastating_ecological_tipping_point_by_2025.html
It reads like an End Times Prophecy update…ironically.
Now, Scientists have facts, data and evidence etc…so which Group is “delusional”?
Read the article, it’s quite fascinating.
People like that and those that keep bombarding me with all whats wrong really drains me..I’ve even told some to STOP with the how bad calif the country and world are.I know the lord is coming again probably sooner than later……ok so what…….But mike my man you will not fair well in the /calvary chapels with your thoughts…….but again I guess you already know that:)
MIT predicts the “collapse” of the World Economy by 2030.
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-04/new-research-tracks-40-year-old-prediction-world-economy-will-collapse-2030
It is so ironic. Science/Reason seems to postulate an “End Times” scenario both Ecologically and Economically…at around the same time frame.
The Science Crowd has tons of data and evidence etc to support their Theses.
I simply observe the stuff. I see the predictions made in prophecy…and I observe the predictions made by Scientists and Geniuses like MIT etc who analyze the data and information and facts and then draw Conclusions.
Now, one could certainly say they’re all “DELUSIONAL!”…both the End Times crowd and large Groups of Scientists and Geniuses….but then that would be kind of delusional in and of itself…
I need to do a Prophecy Update regularly. At least much of my predictions will come true and will be based on Science/Reason and sound cause/effect analysis.
i’ll tell you why i think the end is near … i can’t sell my house and there’s no logical reason that i can see – for 3 months it has averaged a showing a week – it’s priced competitively, lower than the comparables actually – so? i’m convinced that it’s God saying don’t bother to move as you’re out of here PDQ now … course that could just be me 🙄
@ #8 – Fox news is wretched.
On a totally unrelated note, though, this school shooting is about all I can take. Oh God, save us.
the desperation and hostility that is infesting the thinking of these shooters has got to be demonic and surely is a “sign of the times”
this unspeakable horror today just may be the tipping point on gun control, but eliminating private gun ownership will be as effective in stopping this terrible epidemic as was stopping out of wedlock births with condoms – IMV
Lord Jesus, have mercy on these poor families in Connecticut
Em said, “this unspeakable horror today just may be the tipping point on gun control”
In the opposite direction.
It is clear that “Gun Free Zone” means Open Season for nutcases to go on a shooting spree. Let the teachers and adults be armed at school.
I’m not concerned at gun control, but more guns would have helped no one at that School.
The unfathomable – an adult cutting down young children @ school. Still trying to wrap my head around local shooting at mall. 2 dead, one critically injured – amazing considering the mall was filled with 10,000 people. Shooter’s gun jammed. Many here count that as divine intervention. Probably not any of the victims families. Where was the divine intervention this morning???!!! 20 dead, so far, mostly little kids. A whole classroom still unaccounted for. Lord, have mercy?!!???
Some days are just too hard.
i am in agreement with both Alex and Josh, but the emotions stirred by this unspeakable horror may give the gun control advocates the “ammunition” to get this cowardly government of ours to find a way to by-pass our 2nd amendment … and, of course, it will take our focus off of the budget woes …
Just a by the way, I’d be fine with no guns in the world.
I live near Columbine. You can feel the silence in public places.
i’m okay with no guns, too, if we can eliminate ALL the rest of weapons as well … although anyone who lives rural with or without livestock would take exception to that idea, i think …
I’m kind of stuck here at the computer right now and that’s why i’m posting these odd remarks … and praying for these folk, BTW
Your remarks are good, Em. They are keeping me company right now. I do live in the country, with pigs, chickens, and goats. I don’t have a gun. We have coyotes nearby, but have found different ways to keep them away.
i’m listening to the feed from the BBC – training and arming teachers has come up as an option – i recall when my children were in school there was a quiet “arming” of teachers in hand to hand martial arts training and, in one instance at the local high school they were able to thwart a kidnap (rapist) attempt on the far side of the athletic field, bringing down and holding the fella for the police … i vote for arming the teachers
Our culture is turning into a Mad Max movie.
It’s awful, and I have gone too far. I don’t want my hunter friends to lose their guns. They would never hurt a person. Just so hopeless, we grasp for anything that might help. Even if it wouldn’t help.
The appeals court just struck down Illinois’ ban on concealed carry. I don’t see guns going anywhere anytime soon–quite the opposite actually.
Oh Lord Jesus, I am helpless, confused, grieving, angry. My questions are heavier than any lightness from Your texts, so I wait for impossible comfort in the face of unspeakable evil, that a father would kill his and other’s children.
Lord, have mercy,
Jesus, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
a very strange coinciding of Michael’s observation on an apocalyptic mindset today and this horror in Connecticut – praying for clear headed, healing responses in the aftermath
pray for the priests and pastors who are now ministering in the chaos
What G said.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Our culture has become much more vulgarized and coarse in the last 40 years. I think we Christians should try and be peacemakers as much as possible. Conflict breeds conflict.
Gibbon said Xnity’s pacifism undermined the Roman Empire and its militarism.
When He does come back He expects to find us about His work”
Talking about end times is part of His work. A significant portion of the Word of God is about end times.
“not smirking at what is about to befall the heathen.”
That’s an unfair caricature that I haven’t actually seen anyone do. Sad and tragic that what happened today in Connecticut shows how the love of many will grow cold, another sign of the end times. Better to use all the Bible, than just a few parts.
Learning more, that the murderer wasn’t a dad of one of the kids, rather it was the son of one if the teachers.
Going on a media fast for self preservation.
May all here find grace & strength
Why is it that the End Times becomes a circus sideshow with some groups of fundagelicals?
Eschatology should be integrated with other parts of the Church’s life — Advent and the Incarnation, the Easter passion (cross/resurrection), and the day-to-day life of the Christian.
You won’t get that POV from reading dispies and Dallas. Try a guy named Jurgen Moltmann.
“Sad and tragic that what happened today in Connecticut shows how the love of many will grow cold, another sign of the end times.”
This is really upsetting me.
It’s got absolutely NOTHING to do with “end times”, or “the love of many growing cold”, it’s about some unstable young man murdering his mom and the kids she taught with easily obtainable weapons.
Here is the application…. John Hagee is a troublemaker… and all his kin. They all think God will favor them because of their fervor…
My heart goes out to all who have been traumatized by this horrific event in CT.
These horrible events are just senseless and inexplicable.
Is this kind of tragedy really something that should be used to argue or philosophize about one’s view of the end times?
Give it a rest.
Simple fact remains. If you want to put a dent in “mass shootings”…then you must eliminate “Gun Free Zones”. Protecting kids is important. Psychos and criminals are less likely to shoot up schools if adults are conceal carrying and proficient in the use of firearms.
Even if the psycho tries to shoot up a school anyway, the teachers, coaches, adults would mitigate the carnage by shooting the perp and stopping the threat.
The safest place for a psycho and criminal intent on killing a lot of folks…is a “Gun Free Zone”
You’re safer at my gun stores than you are in most schools, unfortunately.
Alex
One mistake by a conceal carry person would restore what we have now immediately
I just discovered that Phoenix Preacher has risen once again. Welcome back Michael, I have missed this place…
Concerning Michael’s post:
The “Fox Newsers” in my life do the same to me.
Michael your voice is the voice of reason and sanity to me.
I agree…Jesus is coming back today!
I would like to humbly add some scripture, that Fox News seemingly knows nothing of, to what Michael said that started this thread:
Luke quotes Jesus in Luke Chapter 12:
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
I am in my own personal last days. My cardiologist not Fox News has made that clear enough. But so far according to him I could drop dead any moment, but the first time he told me that was Jan. 1st 2008
We all should have the attitude that we don’t own tomorrow. I try to keep an attitude that makes each day count as if it was my last day.
I do have enough supplies and a generator and gas for 1 month. This is earthquake country and I have a sick wife and everything I drink or eat comes from the other side of a very big fault.. And there are places in the Bible where we are told to lay up for lean seasons …. But how anyone can possibly store up enough toilet paper to last for 7 years is beyond me..
So I guess I would say don’t hoard, but within reason be prepared for things that really do happen.. And I have lots of stuff stored just for kids,canned fruit and treats just to make them feel a little better just in case a disaster does hit here. and a lot of rice to give away to any who ask..
Being a shut in, and totally dependent on electricity for my wife’s medical equipment has change my outlook… Don’t try to be prepared for doomsday, but ready to take care of yourself for a few weeks and its not that hard to store up enough for your neighbors too. Don’t shoot em feed em and hoard a little toilet paper..
23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
I always hate reading stuff like that while I am eating a big holiday cookie.
DMW, what life must have been like before TP is too terrible to contemplate … that and hot and cold running water … 🙂
DMW, thank God for the days he’s given you since your doctor said that. I hope you have many more.
When I struggled to get back up from a coma, I began to see life in the present. It was a gift.
So, the AP is reporting the killer’s brother in CT “… told authorities that his brother was believed to suffer from a personality disorder and be “somewhat autistic”…
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONNECTICUT_SCHOOL_SHOOTING_SUSPECT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-12-14-18-40-31
I guess according to that responsible news reporting agency, Autism lead to mass murders? How’s that for irresponsible reporting?
Sad.
DMW said, “But how anyone can possibly store up enough toilet paper to last for 7 years is beyond me..”
LOL. You’d be surprised 🙂
Love that whole post BTW.
On a day like today words escape me so I’ll share someone else’s…
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151198633853105&l=3770c6b6e8
i think – i may be wrong – that if today’s tragedy (the unthinkable assault on the surviving children also) is allowed to consume our hearts and minds that the end result will be not good – when one is going through a personal tragedy the rest of the world going on business as usual seems surreal … but how can the rest of us grieve, yet remain stable and responsible to keep the ship on course? – as it were
God keep
“When He does come back, He’s not coming to deal with the enemies of Fox News” He’s not?!?! 🙂
He may not come back today but he could. That has been my prophecy update for years. And like you, rather than look at the news paper and the bible and dicipher events, may he find us working, when he does come
Steve,
At least I was right about Friday… 🙂
@52 can’t argue with you there!