That Day
Matthew 24:36 || These words of Jesus, though often ignored, are a great source of comfort. It is NOT for us to try to discover the day or the hour. We are NOT supposed to know! Why? Because even Jesus Himself has submitted to the Father to NOT know the time.
Matthew 24:44 || What ARE we called to do? “Be ready.” This call however is often misinterpreted as we should “be good,” for goodness sake! But there is no naughty list here. Jesus died on the cross for YOU! So, what does Be Ready mean?
(1) GATHER: Don’t let your plan be “dying and going to heaven.” Christianity is not an escape plan. (See Hebrews 10:19-25)
(2) GROW: Fix your eyes on Jesus! He saves you, restores you, grows you and gives you power! (See Hebrews 12:2-3)
(3) ENCOURAGE: We participate in the renewal of our world! “This little light of mine…” (See 2 Corinthians 4:7-15)
(4) SHARE: Join Jesus on His mission! We take the gifts we have been given and SHARE them! (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
Joy in Hope
Romans 5:2 || Where do you stand with God? IN GRACE because of PEACE given to us through Jesus. You are FREE! What does He then produce in you through the Holy Spirit? JOY. Dig Deeper: Galatians 5
Joy, not Happiness
Romans 5:3-4 || Joy in Jesus is possible in all circumstances, while happiness is a subjective feeling. Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit in us and through us. We are able to have JOY IN OUR SUFFERINGS.
Dig Deeper: John 15:18-21, Acts 4:1-13, 5:25-32, 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Philippians 3:7-11, Revelation 2:10-11