December 18, 2012
Today's Photograph . . . . Let Us Be Awake and Sober (Tom B) |
Bible Study Verses
I Thessalonians 5:6-11
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But
since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love
as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)
Thoughts
My
dog, Maysie, who is a Golden Retriever/Sheltie mix, has a very keen
sense of hearing. She can be snoozing, when I notice she will go on
alert; her ears snap forward. Sometimes a low, rumbling growl is
emitted. I check outside and nothing is going on.
Other times she goes into big time alert-loud, animated barking.
There's a large black cat that calls home at least 100 yards away from where we live. Every so often that cat exits its backyard and walks down the bank to the lake, check things out, and then goes back. There is no way Maysie could hear the cat, but she gets very animated, barking loudly and continually.
We don't need a home security system. We have a four-legged blond hair model that only requires keeping water and food in her bowls, an occasional walk or run, and lots of love. (Tom B)
Other times she goes into big time alert-loud, animated barking.
There's a large black cat that calls home at least 100 yards away from where we live. Every so often that cat exits its backyard and walks down the bank to the lake, check things out, and then goes back. There is no way Maysie could hear the cat, but she gets very animated, barking loudly and continually.
We don't need a home security system. We have a four-legged blond hair model that only requires keeping water and food in her bowls, an occasional walk or run, and lots of love. (Tom B)
Action Point
Once again we are jolted by the terrible tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut.
Mark 13:33 warns, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come," (NIV). He is referring to the return of Jesus, which may be soon, but I believe he is also cautioning us to be alert to the situations around us, the people around us.
Mark 13:33 warns, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come," (NIV). He is referring to the return of Jesus, which may be soon, but I believe he is also cautioning us to be alert to the situations around us, the people around us.
"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober," I Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV). "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing," I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).
Restrictive gun laws and turning schools or other public buildings into fortified compounds isn't going to make everything safe. It's people recognizing who authored the ultimate program for removing the problems of the world, God. Follow His program; love on the people around you as Jesus instructs. Set the example.
Be alert to what is going on around you and what might be subconsciously happening in your own personal life. Help others who need to be blessed by God.
Our heavenly Father didn't send this tragedy down upon those families, but the actions are the result of people that have lost sight of His directives and love for all mankind.
Remember . . . "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you," I Peter 5:7 (NIV).
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
When
fishing from a boat, stop the outboard motor at least 50 yards, maybe
even 100 yards, before you get to where you want to fish. If the winds
are favorable, let the boat drift into position, or sparingly use the
trolling motor on low speed, not high speed. Have you ever seen fish
scatter when the trolling motor, set on high speed, is flipped on?
They're gone!!!
