I'm going to walk through the book of Esther differently than the way we studied James, verse by verse. We will take it chapter by chapter and study all the main characters from Queen Esther all the way to Haman! We will also look at the historical happenings and apply how Esther's choices affected her people (The chosen people, the Jews). I can't help but think about Barrack Obama's recent call to ask Israel to go back to their 1967 border decision. Wow! This came out of nowhere! Can't believe Obama is doing this right now, maybe to keep peace with the Muslims? Who knows, but either way, we better be very careful as Christians and Americans to pray for our president to make wise decisions, because to me this is a very rocky decision. One that will make Israel very angry.
If you don't agree that the end times aren't near there is just so much happening in the news, in the Middle East, and right here in the U.S. that totally coincide with what the Apostle John spoke about in Revelations. Neat stuff, and very applicable to today.
Okay, enough about Esther, let's focus on the book of James in the New Testament...isn't is awesome to study God's Word? Being able to share it through my blog with you also holds me accountable to reading it each day and studying it, and learning from my Savior. So, thank you for the accountability. I want to read God's word faithfully and make it a priority, not put it on the back burner just because I'm a busy mom.
James 5: 7-12
Patience in Suffering
7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.
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I am constantly reminding myself that this is not my home. I better not get too comfortable here, because "here" is just temporary. As a believer in Jesus, I am waiting for the day to spend eternity with Him. I can't even imagine what heaven will be like. It is too much for my brain to even comprehend. But I do know this I will be with God forever, worshiping Him. That's why I better get used to it now here on earth! We are reminded not to store up treasures here on earth (homes, cars, boats, summer homes, etc) God has given us many blessings to enjoy but we need to constantly remember that we should be patiently waiting for the day for his return.
AND WE won't KNOW when that time will be when he does return. It was always comical that all these people were planning on Christ's return on May 21, 2011 at 6pm. Click on the date to read an article on Campings answers as he explains how he was flabbergasted that the world didn't end.
It says in Matthew that not even Jesus knows the day or the hour, only God the Father knows! It was sad to think that people maxed out their credit cards and spent their retirement funds to support this May 21st cause, especially when 6pm came and went and Jesus DID NOT return. He's coming, my friends, so we do need to be ready, but we won't know exactly when that will be.
It says in Matthew that not even Jesus knows the day or the hour, only God the Father knows! It was sad to think that people maxed out their credit cards and spent their retirement funds to support this May 21st cause, especially when 6pm came and went and Jesus DID NOT return. He's coming, my friends, so we do need to be ready, but we won't know exactly when that will be.
Our daily lives are to be honoring to God, we will make mistakes, of course, but if we aren't willing to give God our lives as acts of worship here on earth, then why would we even want to spend eternity in heaven doing so! I want to learn as much about my creator now, while I am here on earth, and show him I love him with my life. I'm thankful that He even allows us to do so.
What are your thoughts on the end times? Do you think they are near? I sure do! What makes you think so?
I definitely think we are living in the season he is coming quick every time I turn on the news I am reminded that he is near I love this post...and just here waiting for his return like you said this is our temporary home God bless you sister as always
ReplyDeleteLove this post:) We're going to the book of Esther in church right now!
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