From the Pastor's DeskPastor Marlene Steenburg
►more info |
|
May 2018
Finally!
Did you ever have to wait for something and it seemed like it took forever to happen? I think many of us have experienced that this year with the refusal of winter to go away. People that I have never heard complain were struggling with all the snow and ice that just wouldn’t stop. BUT as I write this, a miracle has happened. The sun has actually come out and the temperature has risen above the freezing mark. Finally!
Sometimes we experience this with our prayer requests. We pray faithfully every day for a while and yet nothing seems to change. We begin to wonder if it is ever going to happen. Unfortunately, some will give up praying for that particular thing or even worse become so discouraged they turn their back on God when prayers are not answered in our time frame.
The Bible is full of promises, wonderful promises that we can count on. However, sometimes the promises seem to be a long time coming. Take, for example, the promise of Jesus to return. Even in the first century, the believers were sure He would be coming back soon but He didn’t. I suspect that there has not been a generation of believers who wondered if this would be the time of His return. And yet we read in Scripture that we will not know the hour or the time. Therefore, the mere fact that He has not yet returned does not negate His promise. It’s just not the time.
We can be assured this promise will come to pass. However, some believers have fallen into the trap, dwelling in the false belief it will not be today since it hasn’t happened in over 2000 years. This is dangerous thinking because we have no assurance from Scripture that today will not be the day. With this type of thinking, some believers flirt with banking on it NOT happening today. As a result, they dabble in things they should not be doing or become apathetic about the work God has given us to do. Jesus was more than aware that this dangerous thinking could occur. That is why He warned us with his parable about the ten virgins. If you recall, five were ready and five were not when the bridegroom came.
Don’t be caught off guard or disappointed that He has not returned yet. He will! The only important question is, “How will Jesus find us upon His return?” I hope being faithful! See you Sunday. Bring a friend!
Blessings,
Pastor Marlene
Sometimes we experience this with our prayer requests. We pray faithfully every day for a while and yet nothing seems to change. We begin to wonder if it is ever going to happen. Unfortunately, some will give up praying for that particular thing or even worse become so discouraged they turn their back on God when prayers are not answered in our time frame.
The Bible is full of promises, wonderful promises that we can count on. However, sometimes the promises seem to be a long time coming. Take, for example, the promise of Jesus to return. Even in the first century, the believers were sure He would be coming back soon but He didn’t. I suspect that there has not been a generation of believers who wondered if this would be the time of His return. And yet we read in Scripture that we will not know the hour or the time. Therefore, the mere fact that He has not yet returned does not negate His promise. It’s just not the time.
We can be assured this promise will come to pass. However, some believers have fallen into the trap, dwelling in the false belief it will not be today since it hasn’t happened in over 2000 years. This is dangerous thinking because we have no assurance from Scripture that today will not be the day. With this type of thinking, some believers flirt with banking on it NOT happening today. As a result, they dabble in things they should not be doing or become apathetic about the work God has given us to do. Jesus was more than aware that this dangerous thinking could occur. That is why He warned us with his parable about the ten virgins. If you recall, five were ready and five were not when the bridegroom came.
Don’t be caught off guard or disappointed that He has not returned yet. He will! The only important question is, “How will Jesus find us upon His return?” I hope being faithful! See you Sunday. Bring a friend!
Blessings,
Pastor Marlene