In Response to the Rapture Prediction

Matthew 24:36

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone."

Yes I have had some laughs about the prediction of the rapture, because no one knows and honestly if it did happen I doubt anyone would be saying "I told you so"; we would all be a bit preoccupied with something else!

More than being a humorous time, (for me) it is a sad time! My heart is heavy for the people who do not know Christ as their Lord and Savior, especially those close to me, but also for those who do know Him (or think they do) who do ridiculous stuff like this (predicting the rapture) and cause people to turn away and mock rather than turn to God. It breaks my heart every time I see Christians causing anything associated with Christianity to leave a foul residue (for some reason that is the description I thought of) in the lives of Non-Christians. For example, standing outside abortion clinics or some "Gay Pride" event condemning people! How is that going to make them turn to God, rather than turn away? What happened to Grace and speaking the truth in love? I strongly believe we cannot expect Non-Christians to live by Christian standards! Oh and the Jesus I know spent time with sinners, and He was not screaming at them or holding up some cruel sign!!

But even more than causing laughter or sadness, it has definitely sparked a much needed time of self reflection, that hopefully leads to action. Yes, I am so looking forward to Christ's return! But I must ask myself, have I been living a life with eternity in mind? Have I been living my life wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord? Is there even a slight chance I may hear these words "Well done my good and faithful servant!"?

Glass 1/2 Full

I totally cried when I read this, but it was sooooo beautiful I had to share!!!

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/3dDfy9/www.globalone.tv/profiles/blogs/shift-your-perspective-in-37

37 Seconds To Read: May Change Your View For A Lifetime

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room’s only window

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.

He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.

‘Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .’