WHAT ARE YOU IN CHARGE OF?

This morning, John had to go somewhere for a very short time. Johnathan was at a friend's house so it was Ryan, Jonei and Peter in the house. They have no school today due to the heavy rains which left other roads flooded yesterday.

When I got to the kitchen, I asked Jonei if her father has left. She thought he did so she told me "yes". Then she said "Ryan's in charge of me and I'm in charge of Peter. Peter's in charge of the teddy bear."

I thought what she said was cute and funny. But you know what? It made me think. To Jonei's mind, we are all in-charge of someone when the one truly in charge's not around. I think it clearly portrays our role as Christians. We are not only responsible for ourselves. We are responsible for others as well. Each man is our brother and each man should be our friend. That is what Jesus would want us to have for a mindset.

Everything boils down to love. If we love God, it follows that we love others as well, not only our family and friends but especially strangers -- the poor, the sick and the needy. Those were the people closest to Jesus' heart.

If you see someone starving, feed him. If they need clothes, give some of yours. For sure, you have more than enough. If they are in need, help them. If they are in grief, console them. If they need a shoulder to cry on, offer yours. 

There are many more ways that we can show our love to others. I have heard this story from someone, I just couldn't remember when. A man received a message that Jesus was going to visit him and so he was waiting. He was very excited. But it's already been a while and He has not shown up yet.

In the meantime. there was a car that broke down in front of his house. He offered them help in fixing it. Then the neighbor came to borrow his lawn mower since they have not replaced their old one and the grass badly needs cutting.  After he ate supper, his coworker called him if he can go to the hospital to drive him home. It was almost midnight when he was able to come home.

He was so tired and when he was already in bed, he was thinking why Jesus never came. Then as he was asking that, the faces of all those whom he helped earlier flashed in his mind. Then the last one was Jesus'. Now he understood. 

Jesus said "whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me." The doubt has been erased from his mind. Jesus did visit him afterall.

Brothers and sisters, everyday we wake up, we have a choice - to be responsible for others or  go about our own selfish way. What would you choose: to be in-charge of a person or to be in-charge of a teddy bear?

Heavenly Father, take away the evil thoughts in my mind. Replace them with godly ones so I may be able to serve and glorify Your holy name. Amen.

Meditation: Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20

Hear the word of the LORD,
princes of Sodom!
Listen to the instruction of our God,
people of Gomorrah!

Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.

Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!

--that in all things God maybe glorified

OUR HIGHEST GOOD

When Carol and her husband Jim moved to their new place, they had to find a church. It is not practical to travel 2 hours one way just to go to a church. They finally decided on one. The people were very nice, friendly, and they feel very welcome.

One parishioner became over friendly to the couple. He was always there to offer his help to them, even mention their every activity in the congregation whenever praises and prayer requests were asked for.

Carol did not know that he does the same everytime there's a new female member that come in. She was touched by the extra attention. This man does not only represent the physical attributes she was wishing for when she was younger, he also knows how to treat a woman right. And so Carol fell for him. 

Carol told Jim about it. Jim cried but he did not condemn her. He asked her to stay. He talked to her and prayed to God about it. He is not giving up. It truly hurts but he vowed to love her for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. 

Meanwhile, Carol was very determined to be with the man of her dreams. Imagine, he was single and he could have chosen a single woman but he chose her instead. So she started being ugly towards Jim. But Jim's love persevered. He let Carol drive his car even though he knows where she was going.

Jim did n0t give up. He did all he can to save their marriage. God heard Jim's prayers (finally) after 2 months. Carol did not leave him. She stayed with Jim. Jim's love for Carol did not diminish at all.

My friends, it sounds like a good story from a book but this one is true. I've read it somewhere. 

On Wednesday, 13 May 1981, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican City, Pope John Paul II was shot and critically wounded by Mehmet Ali  Ağca while he was entering the square. The Pope was struck four times, and suffered severe blood loss. 

Following his shooting, Pope John Paul II asked people to "pray for my brother (Ağca), whom I have sincerely forgiven." Although Ağca had been quoted as saying that "to me [the Pope] was the incarnation of all that is capitalism", and had attempted to murder him, Ağca developed a friendship with the pontiff. In 1983, he and Ağca met and spoke privately at the prison where Ağca was being held. The Pope was also in touch with Ağca's family over the years, meeting his mother in 1987 and his brother a decade later.

My friends, what separates a true Christian from the others is GRACE. Grace is treating others not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated -- with loving kindness and tender mercy. God is good to the just as well as the unjust. His love embraces sinners and saints alike.  

God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us.

Yes, it is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. But it is very very hard when we can expect nothing in return. Would you lend money to somebody whom you know could not repay you even though they promise you they will? 

Our prayers for those who do us wrong both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.

How was Jim able to forgive Carol and still love her unconditionally? What made Pope John Paul II ask for prayers for Mehmet Agca and call him my brother? How can we possibly love those who cause us harm and ill-will? 

My friends, our highest good is to be able to treat others with love just like Jesus did. With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. 

Most loving Father, we are sinners and there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. Your grace is enough. May we in turn show grace and mercy to others with the help of Your Holy Spirit. In the most precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Meditation: Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”

--that in all things God will be glorified

THE MESSAGE

If you read yesterday's blog, you know who Tim Joyner is. He is the man whose truck fell into the shoulder, jerked his wheels hard to the left and capsized it instead. God kept me awake the whole night because if I were sound asleep, I probably would have valued sleep more than getting up, lighting candles and praying for him even if I didn't know his name or who he was.

I guess God did not want to end my story there. It was not enough that Tim Joyner's injuries were minor, that he was not in a critical condition. He wanted me to do more.

This morning, I was in Peter's bedroom still trying to tidy things up when John reminded me it's Sunday. He knows I could get so engrossed in something that I would be lost in time and space. 

As I was getting ready for church, I heard John say that something about a man picking up things from the accident site. I said "Tim Joyner?" He said yes. 

For once, we were early getting out of the house so I looked at the shed where John's mice were transferred. John saw a lizard and went back to the house to put it in the lizard's tank. On the way to the van, I saw the man (Tim Joyner) was still there so I told Ryan to tell his dad I would talk to the man and just pick me up there. 

John said it's not proper for me to walk there so I got into the van. He stopped in front of Tim so I could talk to him. 

I told Tim what happened, and how God made me pray for him. He said he's thankful that it happened near our place for we might not have heard it if the truck capsized on the other side. I told him how God gave me the sense of peace after I prayed; that I knew everything's going to be alright.

Who would have thought that someone not wearing a seatbelt, whose one foot was outside of the window while the other was in the windshield, who was unconscious the whole time, would be  up and about the next day?

He took his hat off and I saw the bruises around his left eye and the forehead. It was nothing but a miracle. And then I told Tim Joyner the message God wants me to give him. I said "I just want you to know that He wants me to tell you this: JESUS LOVES YOU!"

My dear brothers and sisters, God wanted me to tell Tim Joyner how much Jesus loves him. He said that message is not only for Tim, but for each and everyone of us.

Truth of the matter is, Jesus loves you and me. I am sure you could recall moments when He has saved you or your loved one from something -  a bad decision, accident, injury, hunger, poverty, from near-death experience. 

That speeding ticket you've got and paid for was not to punish you, it's to save you from future accidents by paying attention to the speed limit. That 10-20% artery blockage could have been 90% requiring a by-pass surgery. Your broken heart may be depressing but aren't you glad you're not fighting over custody right now?  You might have lost a son but you still have other children who needs your love and attention.

The list could go on and on. I didn't want a broken home but if I did not, I would not have met John and there would not be Jonei and Peter in my life.

My point is, let us not dwell on our pains and sufferings; on the what might have beens and what ifs. Rather, let's focus on what we have and the many blessings we've been given. They are the expression of God's absolute love.

If we know how much Jesus loves us, we would not keep it to ourselves. We would proclaim to to everyone; shout it out. He loves you -- so much that He sent Jesus to die in your behalf so you might live with Him in heaven. Go tell the world!

"Father, in my distress, it's You I call and You have not failed me. You've delivered me from death brought about by my iniquities. Deliver me from every evil and grant me peace in Your day; may Your light shine through me so others would realize how much You love them. And may your glory be revealed at all times. Amen."

Meditation: John 3:16-18

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

--that in all things God may be glorified

ALL IN A DAY

Last night, I couldn't go to sleep. I've been tossing and turning because my stomach was hurting. I went to bed at 11:30 p.m. but was still wide awake at 12:45 a.m. so I decided to write my blog because sleep was eluding me anyway. I had frequent visits to the bathroom but I did not do anything. I even had a bucket with me in case I throw up. 

About 1:15 a.m., Jonei went to my room saying she puked in her floor. I said it was okay and I would clean it up. I thanked God it was in her bed and not in her floor. And it didn't stink at all. I was glad then that I stayed up. Otherwise, John would have been awaken and not too happy had he been the one to clean her mess. I had to change her sheets and make sure she has a bucket in bed in case she had to do it again. She went back to sleep swiftly. I thanked God and lifted her up in prayer.

At 5:23 a.m., we heard the screeching sound of a break followed by a loud thud. I asked John "is that an accident?" He said it sounds like it. He went out to check it. Part of me wanted to come but I couldn't because of my tummy and partly because I am a coward when it comes to those things. I am afraid of blood. I did not know why my heart was beating so fast and I felt cold inside.

What I did immediately was say a prayer that it was not tragic for whoever and whatever was involved in the accident, that God will protect them; that no one would die. I said prayers over and over again, trusting that the Lord will do something. Then my heart calmed down. I felt a sense of peace.

After I prayed, I looked out the window but couldn't see anything, Then a truck passed by and I saw something like smoke. I was puzzled why the truck did not bother to stop at the scene. I knew John knows what to do in an emergency like that but I did not know if he bothered to bring a phone with him to call 911.I just wished he did. 

The more sleep eluded me and then I decided to light two (2) candles for the intention of the accident. John has not come back so something must have happened.

Several minutes later, I heard our dogs howling. They do that whenever they hear sirens or ambulance passing by. I thanked God that they arrived. When I looked out the window again, there were firetrucks, EMS and police cars.

When John finally came in the door, I asked him what happened. He said a man named Tim Joyner driving a 4-door chevy 4 X 4 truck  decided to pass a vehicle by Paradise Lakes and ended upside down near our neighbor's house. He said the neighbor was there first (he was closest) but it was him who called 911. He said it took 40 minutes for them to pull him out of the truck. Tim was not wearing a seatbelt, one leg was outside the window and the other was in the windshield. He said he did not know if his legs were okay but for sure he had a broken arm. He said he was lucky he did not die.

I thanked God he was  not critical and after some time I finally fell asleep.   I woke up 4 minutes til 11:00 a.m. The boys were getting ready to move Peter's bed, toys and clothes to the extra room which will be his  own bedroom. Johnathan and Ryan will again have the room to themselves. John had given them orders on what to do and did not even tell me. I wanted Peter to upgrade to a twin bed already but John said he will still use his toddler bed. The big lizard tank will stay in the room since it's very heavy to move and it has no place for it yet. There were again battle of the wills and tongues.

Before eating lunch, John said he wanted to watch a movie in the theater. I was opposed to it because I still was unsure if my stomach was okay. Besides, Jonei was sick. She threw up twice last night. The boys were nagging me about going. If you truly know me, you would know I do not like that at all. I felt as if they were deciding for me and that is what I've had enough of in my life. In my desire to keep peace and respect others, I agreed to their bidding even if that was not what I wanted.  So I was irritated and aggravated that resulted in more argument between me and John.

They were ready to go without Jonei and myself when I heard Jonei say "I want to go to the movies." So we all went. On the way there, we stopped at the gas station in Southport. I was talking with my friend Amy on the phone. I saw the kids get out of the van to go to the bathroom. Then John tossed the card on me and we drove away. I was still talking to Amy and at the Lynn Haven bridge, I decided to look back to where Peter was seating. He was not there. The seats were empty! The kids were left at the gas station. We turned around to get them. John was a bit mad but I laughed so hard so he mellowed down. 

I saw Peter, Jonei and Johnathan at the gas station but Ryan was not there. I asked them where Ryan was. He was apparently in the back, sleeping. 

At the mall, we watched "The Rise of the Guardian". It was a very good movie for everybody. We all enjoyed it. It was another "good triumphing over evil" movie but this one's plot was truly spectacular. The scene that had the greatest impact on me was when Pitch tried to eliminate all the light in the earth. The light represents those who believed in any of the guardians. There were 7 left and Pitch was able to extinguish all 6 but 1. 

That one boy (Jamie) made the difference. He believed and when everybody else gave up, he asked for a sign that what he believed in was true. And he got it.

My friends, there are many things that could happen in one (1) day. We relax, may be happy one moment, receive good news, do our devotions, then next thing we know, we face temptations, we argue, we see things we do not want to see, say things we do not want to say, go through things we'd rather not. But at the end of the day, we will realize that it's all been good. Every single day, there are  lessons to be learned.

Today, these are the things that God wanted me to know: 1) He is in control. 2) He kept me awake to tend to Jonei's need and so that I could pray for Tim Joyner. 3) Prayer is very effective. 4) I need to be a better mother 5) I should not lose heart when I fail because even His apostles failed even when Jesus was right beside them 6) just like in majority of the movies we see, good always triumph over evil. We should never ever doubt that.

Last but not the least, faith is important. We should never give up on our faith because God is real. He is our only hope and the one who truly loves us. 

"Father in heaven, thank you for this day. Thank you for telling me that one person can make a difference; that even though we fall short of your expectations, You still look at us with loving eyes and remember only the good things that we do. Help us to remember this seemingly impossible truth and that with you, all things are possible. Amen." 

Meditation: Philippians 3:20-4:1

Brothers and sisters:
Our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

--that in all things God may be glorified

GOD'S PERFECT WAY

When I saw this week's schedule 3 weeks ago, I was not happy. First, I only got 37 hours instead of 40. 2nd, today, I was scheduled for 5 hours only. I even asked Hatch, my ASM, why did you schedule me for 5 hours when you know I live in the boonies? 2 out of those five   hours will just be gas money so it's not worth coming to work at all.

3rd, I work Sunday-Wednesday, Thursday off, work Friday and Sat off again. Why didn't I get 2 days off in a row?

Today, I finally understood why. Yesterday, my stomach was very upset and I had to watch what I eat for 48 hours according to my nurse/cousin Jessica so what I eat did not give me all the energy I needed. My ZMS Dena even asked me if I wanted to stay and work my full 8 hours since nobody was coming to work after 4 p.m. in our area. I said I couldn't as I still was not feeling too good.

Sherry and I were even talking about it. Now I appreciate that I wasn't given the full 8 hours today. I have the weekend (tomorrow and Sunday) off again. And today's word validated God's message to me and to everybody.

The Lord, our God is the God of perfect timing. He knew I would need shorter working hours today. He knew because He is God. He is omniscient. I was just so awed.... and thankful.

My dear brothers and sisters, I am sure you have had similar experience/s wherein you were asking why things happen then later on the reason was revealed to you and then you realize it was for your own good.

This just proves that there is SOMEONE who is truly in control of our life. Nothing happens by accident. Everything has a purpose and a reason. There is a Master Planner who designed everything in the universe and on this earth.

As I have written before, He put people in our life for a purpose. We do not meet them by accident. He alone decides the who, when and where in our life. Like friends and relationships. Our parents, siblings and children. We do not choose them. They were given to us because He deems they are the best suited for His purpose.

He gives and He takes away. Only He has the right to do that. It is indeed very painful to lose a loved one. But there is always a good reason for it, as hard as it may be for our human minds to fathom. The more we dwell on our loss, the more miserable we become. On the other hand, the more we trust God and His ways, the easier for us to bear the pain. The pain subsides and eventually a new hope springs up, the hope that it is all for God's glory.

If you lost a loved one to death, be comforted by the thought that as Jesus rose from the dead, so will all those who believe and follow Him. If your loved one betrayed you for another, they will not be completely happy for they will always have their guilt haunting them. Either way, cheer up! He is our shield, protection and strength. God has plans for you. And remember, His ways are perfect!

"I couldn't help but be amazed by Your love, O God! Who am I but a sinner! Yet, you love me more than anyone ever could. In fact, You love me even more than I love myself. I fall, yet you're always ready to forgive. I do not deserve Your love but You deemed I am worthy. I cannot thank and praise You enough. All praise, honor and glory be to You Almighty Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen."

Meditation: Psalm 18:30-36

God’s way is perfect.
All the Lord’s promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
³¹ For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? ³² God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
³³ He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
³⁵ You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.
³⁶ You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

--that in all things God may be glorified

WHEN GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND

They say you can tell who your real friends are when you are in need......

My stomach's been upset since 12:30 a.m. It was so bad I had to be in the bathroom about 10 times before 6:00 a.m. We had an appointment at 10:00 a.m. in town. We ate at Chow Time for lunch but I had to watch what I eat so I just had a piece of bread, mushrooms, a bit of noodles and a small bowl of soup.

At suppertime, I wanted to eat something better so I could have strength for tomorrow's work. But my stomach was still bothering me so I could not and did not want to cook. I called Divina to ask what they're having for supper. She said she's not cooking anything because they were busy. When she asked why I was asking, I told her I was just wondering if what they're having is something I like and then told her my condition. That was 5:50 p.m. I told her never mind, I'll just see what I can eat.

She asked me if I could wait 'til 6:30 p.m. She cooked rice, vegetables and brought me a can of sprite. This was not the first time she took care of me when I was sick. Another time, she cooked fish for me when I was sick a few months ago.

Last Friday, John was brought to the ER via an ambulance. On the way to the ER, I called Ellen as she lives in Chipley. The first thing she told me was "I can walk to the Chipley Hospital, it's kind of near our house. I chose to pick her up instead so she did not have to walk. John was discharged from the hospital, and Ellen decided to go home with us and let her husband Arthur pick her up later.

At the house, she asked me what can she do to help. She said she will cook food but John did not like anything to eat. I finally convinced him to eat noodles which Ellen wanted to help cook.

My friends, I may not be rich materially but I am rich in friends. True friends are real blessings from God. To me, they are the extension of God's hands.

I saw two Filipina acquaintances at Chow Time earlier. They were telling me about friends who they do not want to be associated with anymore. I understand where they were coming from. I told them to go with their guts.

Sometimes, the people who we think are our friends are really not. Some stick only in good times and disappear in hard times, when we are down. It happened to my father when we were younger. When Daddy was prosperous, we had visitors in the house everyday. My father had good faith in everybody. It is not hard to get in his good graces.

When my father went down because of a bad financial investment, those friends who frequented our house stopped coming. I guess I've observed that some people want to be your friend if they can get anything out of you. And when they couldn't anymore, they stop being your friend.

There are many more true stories of friendship and betrayal. Spouses who their better halves vow to be their soul mates leave their partner for another person. Best friends who stab the other in the back; trusted colleagues selling out for monetary gain.

Brothers and sisters, we humans are weak, fallen beings. We are prone to sin. No one is exempted (Romans 3:23). But you know what is amazing? God knows this. He knows our very nature because He is the one who created us. He sent us His Son Jesus Christ to die a criminal's death to save us from sure death and give us eternal life.

Jesus, in fact, made this statement to His Apostles: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:13-14). Jesus' friends love God and one another. They stick to their friends no matter what.

It is very assuring to know that even if our friends disappoint and betray us, we have a friend in Jesus. He is the only one who truly understands us, how we feel, and loves us even if He knows our weaknesses, all of our darkest thoughts. He will never betray us. He always has ears ready to hear us. All we need to do is call.

Today's reading says ASK.... SEEK... & KNOCK. If you haven't made that decision yet, I urge you to trust the Lord now. You do not know what you're missing!

"O sweet Jesus, no one is a better friend than You. Help me to always remember that. May I always be a true friend to those who trusted me as their own. Amen."

Meditation: Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets.”

--that in all things God may be glorified

HEAVEN IS REAL

Sometimes, I tell Jonei (and Peter also) my life in the Philippines. I tell them stories about my childhood and describe the way of life there.

Our house there is concrete, and tiled white from the terrace to the kitchen. I used to complain every single time I cleaned it. I would say "I couldn't believe Daddy chose the same color all throughout. Why didn't he choose a darker color for the kitchen?" It's a pain to clean an all-white tile. Every minute trace of dirt shows.

We have a coconut tree that did not grow straight. It grew sideways. My brothers used to climb it regularly because it is the easiest to climb. When we want to have coconut juice and buko (young coconut meat), that was the tree we would look into first. When we were young, we hanged rope on it and swing on it as we saw Tarzan do while making his signature yell.

There was a duhat tree and some siniguelas trees in Mamang Eleno's land adjacent to our property which we used to raid when we were small. I tell the kids how my brothers would drop the duhat while we tried to catch them using our shirts which earned us a sermon from Mommy when she sees our purple stained clothes.

I can go on and on. My point is, everything I say to the babies would just remain a story for them. They could not really picture the reality of it until they see it in person, when God finally grants my wish to be able to go home.

My friends, the same principle applies to the way Jesus describes heaven. He says in today's reading that in His Father's house are many mansions. He was describing to us His home. Heaven is a place where there's no pain, tears or fears (Revelation 21:4). Jesus knew heaven as a place of everlasting joy and peace. He often spoke of the rewards stored in heaven for the righteous (Matthew 5:12; 6:20; 19:21).
To those who heard it first hand and to us who reads it, it seems like just another story. We won't fully comprehend the reality of it until we finally get to see it. But it doesn't mean it is not true.

My friends, not everyone will see heaven. Only those who put their trust in the Lord, those who believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord; and those who obey Him. So why not act now if you haven't? Remember that nobody knows the date nor the time when we face our Creator. Only the Father knows.

Tomorrow is not certain. The end could be today, tomorrow, later, or much much later. Do you want to be caught unaware?

Meditation: John 14:1-6

“Do not let your heart be troubled; [a]believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

--that in all things God may be glorified