Resist the Urge...

Resist the urge to be negative!  Resist the urge to gossip!  There is little that is more detrimental to our own health and the health of others than negativity and gossip!  Dwell on the good!  Accentuate the positive!  Eliminate the negative!  That old song has it right...  We harm our relationships and ourselves when we continually talk about what is wrong with people.  It doesn't mean we don't see it; it means we don't say it.  I find that the more I speak negatively about others, the nastier I feel inside.  Negativity breeds more negativity.  

In Philippians 4:8 it says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  (NIV) Look for the good in others and focus on the beauty in God's amazing world.  Let's speak words of hope and affirmation, love and forgiveness.  Let's make this a beautiful, positive weekend and a holy and love filled Christmas!

Dear Lord,   Forgive us when we slip into bad habits.  Help us to focus on the good things in people and in Your world and help us to speak words of hope and kindness always...

Have a Wonderful weekend!

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What Does Jesus Teach?

What does Jesus teach?
He teaches peace instead of strife.
He teaches forgiveness instead of condemnation, Hope instead of hopelessness.
He gives love unconditionally, He provides a way of escape.
Jesus is generous and never stingy.
He teaches truth and cannot lie.
He is trustworthy and kind, never mean or hateful.
He gives wisdom and understanding.  He will guide and shape you.
He gives freely to all who will come.
Jesus calls mankind to Himself.
He teaches a better way; He is a better way.
He is never selfish; He puts others ahead of Himself.  (How amazing is that?)
He is never busy;  He always has time for everyone.
He will never leave you or forsake you. He will always be there for you.
Jesus teaches us how to live and how to live more abundantly.
He teaches us to abide, to stay by His side, to walk with Him.
He brings fellowship into our lives.  We need never be alone again.
He brings us His word and asks us to bring it to others.
He gives us a reason to live that is outside of ourselves.
We become better people because of His touch.
We are more accepting and kind towards all men.
Our differences are now treasured instead of feared because of Him.
Jesus teaches us Kingdom Living, living that is other centered instead of self-centered.
Jesus is the Master of change.  He changes hearts. He changes lives.
He offers a way out from the bottom of the pit, from the baseness of this world.
He gives us a brighter day, a river of life, shelter from all storms.
He loves righteousness, justice, and mercy.
He teaches us to follow and to lead with humility.
Jesus teaches us to count the costs, to serve faithfully, and to suffer for His name's sake.
He began teaching the moment He was born that Christmas morn so long ago.
He taught the shepherds to rejoice, the wisemen to seek, Joseph and Mary to trust.
For  more than 2000 years He has been teaching the world to walk on water, to expect miracles, to cast our cares upon Him.
And He, the Lord of all creation, teaches us to love with His love which is far superior to our own.

Dear Lord,  Let us learn what You have to teach us.  Please let us learn it well.

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Our Affection Set on God

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."  Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

"A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek; I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive. I wonder, 'Will I ever make it—arrive and drink in God's presence?' I'm on a diet of tears—tears for breakfast, tears for supper. All day long people knock at my door, pestering, 'Where is this God of yours?'"  Psalm 42  (The Message)

"You're all I want in heaven! You're all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they'll never be heard from again.  But I'm in the very presence of God—oh, how refreshing it is! I've made Lord God my home. God, I'm telling the world what you do!"   Psalm 73:25  (The Message)

"How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I'm single-minded in pursuit of you; don't let me miss the road signs you've posted. I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you've done it. I relish everything you've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it."  Psalm 119:10  (The Message)

"'If you'll hold on to me for dear life,' says God, 'I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!'"  Psalm 91:14 (The Message)

There are many things that compete for our attentions and affections in this life, especially at this time of year.  There is so much to do and so little time; we are easily distracted from the true goals of our lives and of this particular season.  When I was younger with young children, I worked so hard to make the Christmas season happy for my family that I sometimes felt lonely, empty, and disappointed when the day finally arrived.  Invariably, (and in my own mind), no one else put as much work or thought into making it happy as I did, and I was exhausted and in a constant state of fear that I would not have met the expectations of one of my children.  What I failed to remember was that the atmosphere of joy and peace, the warmth of being together, and the celebration of the birth of our Savior, was what was truly important. Not the trappings of the holiday, but the heart of the holiday was at issue.  The heart of Christmas is and has always been the unbelievable love of God for His children. 

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him."  John 3:16-18 (The Message)

Dear Lord,   Help us keep our affections set on You this Christmas season, not the trappings of the holiday but the Heart of the holiday, the gift of Your precious Son, Jesus...

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Would You Say "Yes"?

Song Of Angels by Bouguereau

I posted Mary's song out of Luke Chaper 1 the week before last and then while I was listening to the song "Gabriel's Message" by Jars of Clay this morning, I found this video from You Tube of the same song also posted here today.  Please listen and watch and then read these lyrics all the while thinking of whether you would be so willing to say "Yes" as Mary did more than 2,000 years ago.

Gabriel's Message  Basque Christmas Carol c.1582

The angel Gabriel from Heaven came
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame
"All hail", said he, "thou lowly maiden Mary
Most highly favored maid"
Gloria

"For known a blessed mother thou shalt be
All generations laud and honor thee
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel by seers foretold
Most highly favored maid"
Gloria

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
"To me be as it pleaseth God", she said
"My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name"
Most highly favored maid
Gloria

Of her Emmanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn
And lowly men throughout the world forever saved
Most highly favored maid
Gloria  

What would have happened had Mary said "No" to God?  Mary's willingness to say "Yes" was the beginning of God's planned salvation for mankind.  Of course, He knew she would say yes, which was probably one of the reasons He chose her.  I've said this before but I think my heart was most touched by the Christmas message the first Christmas after my first child was born.  Mary was asked to give birth to the long awaited Messiah and she said "Yes!" with a willing heart.  I feel fairly certain that she didn't know all that she was saying "Yes" to.  I'm sure at the time, she didn't realize how her Son would suffer and die.  I'm also sure, although she was only human, that she still would have said,  "Yes, Lord.  Be it done to me according to Your will."  When God asks something of you, do you say "Yes" with a willing heart?  Would you still say "Yes" even if you knew that it would be painful and difficult?  Only through surrender and obedience can you get to the place where you would say, "Yes, Lord.  Be it done to me according to Your will."

Dear Lord,  Make us Your  willing servants no matter what You ask of us...

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I Believe - Natalie Grant

Michael W. Smith - The Promise

The Promise

Please be sure to watch and listen to the You Tube video by Michael W. Smith entitled "The Promise" also posted today.


Immanuel, our God is with us!

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD:  though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."  Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)

Isaiah's Commission  - Isaiah 6:1-7

"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'  At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.  'Woe to me!' I cried. "'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.'  Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'"  (NIV)

A Sign - Isaiah 7:14

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."  (KJV)

The Birth and Reign of the Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:2-7

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.  You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.   For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.   Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."  (NIV)

The Righteous Reign of the Branch - Isaiah 11:1-10

"A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse's stump, from his roots a budding Branch. The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, the Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.  Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight.  He won't judge by appearances, won't decide on the basis of hearsay.  He'll judge the needy by what is right,  render decisions on earth's poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention.    A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he'll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.  The wolf will romp with the lamb, the leopard sleep with the kid. Calf and lion will eat from the same trough,and a little child will tend them.  Cow and bear will graze the same pasture, their calves and cubs grow up together, and the lion eat straw like the ox.  The nursing child will crawl over rattlesnake dens, the toddler stick his hand down the hole of a serpent.  Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill on my holy mountain. The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide.  On that day, Jesse's Root will be raised high, posted as a rallying banner for the peoples. The nations will all come to him. His headquarters will be glorious."  (The Message)

Thanksgiving Expressed - Isaiah 12:1-6

"Then you will say on that day, 'I will give thanks to You, O LORD; For although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, And You comfort me. Behold,  God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid;  For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.'  Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. And in that day you will say, 'Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.'  Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth. Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."  (NASB)

Dear Lord,   This Christmas, I won't forget that I am nothing without You...

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Glory

Please don't miss the You Tube video "Glory in the Highest" by Chris Tomlin also posted today.  You could even hit the home button at the top of the page and listen to it while you read Luke Chapter 2:1-20.

Luke Chapter 2 is the Christmas story we have read for years with our children every Christmas morning.  I never tire of hearing it and am always brought to tears when I think of the King of Glory giving up His heavenly crown to come down here to earth for me.  Now I know I'm not special...but He thinks I am!  This is the great dichotomy of the Kingdom of God.  All my righteousness is but filthy rags and yet He, the Lord of all creation, cares about me, so much so that He was willing to suffer and die that I might live.  He has done this for you, too.  He cares about you.  He loves you.  No matter what you've done or where you've been, what you've been through or who you've hurt, He came to give you a new and different life.  He came to seek and save that which was lost.  "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10 (KJV)

 Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus
 ¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register.  ⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

 ⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 ¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
 ¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
 ¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.  Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice."  1 Chronicles 16:8-10 (NIV)

Dear Lord,  Thank you that You love us so much that You were willing to send Your precious Son, Jesus, so that we might have everlasting life.  Let our lives bring You glory.

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O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Selah

My Soul doth Magnify the Lord

Luke 1:26-55 (KJV)

 ²⁶And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
 ²⁷To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
 ²⁸And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
 ²⁹And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
 ³⁰And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
 ³¹And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
 ³²He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
 ³³And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
 ³⁴Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
 ³⁵And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
 ³⁶And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
 ³⁷For with God nothing shall be impossible.
 ³⁸And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
 ³⁹And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
 ⁴⁰And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
 ⁴¹And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
 ⁴²And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
 ⁴³And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
 ⁴⁴For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
 ⁴⁵And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
 ⁴⁶And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
 ⁴⁷And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
 ⁴⁸For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
 ⁴⁹For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
 ⁵⁰And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
 ⁵¹He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
 ⁵²He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
 ⁵³He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
 ⁵⁴He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
 ⁵⁵As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Sanctus by Ana Laura

I love when things are sung beautifully in other languages especially Latin.  This song sung by Ana Laura is one of the most beautiful.  It makes me think of this verse, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

This rendition of Sanctus can be found on the "Come Let Us Adore Him" CD.
The English translation:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Prepare Him Room

"If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward Him."  Job 11:13 (ESV)

This is the time of year that I begin to prepare my heart for the holiest of seasons.  Over the next several months, I will be sharing some of my favorite Christmas music with you,  music that takes me directly to the throne room of the Most High. I pray that you would really listen to them with the intent of preparing your own hearts for His coming, both for His coming this Christmas and for the ulimate culmination of God's amazing plan, His final return when all things will be set right at last....

"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."  John 1:10-13 (NASB)

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."  1 John 2:28 (The Message)

"The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God's Son. His descent from David roots Him in history; His unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting Him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through Him we received both the generous gift of His life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ!"  Romans 1:1-6 (The Message)

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."  1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NIV)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."  James 1:11-12 (NIV)

Dear Lord,  Prepare us for the celebration of Your birth. Touch our hearts with the amazing love that You have for us, love that was willing to sacrifice everything including Your very own Son.  Transform us in the days leading up to Christmas and fill us with wonder.

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While You Were Sleeping by Casting Crowns

Will You be Sleeping?

Please be sure to watch the You Tube video and song entitled "While You were Sleeping" by Casting Crowns also posted today.

Recently, I was thinking and praying and I was struck by the amazing complexity of God's plan of redemption.  I was thinking about the coming Christmas season (which starts October 1st in our house!  We don't do Halloween...) and was thinking about the verses in Micah 5:2-5 which says, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,  though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth.  He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace."  (NIV)

From Ancient times God has had a plan to redeem mankind and He chose to do it in a way that would make the whole world take notice.  He selected a people, from the beginning, and through this people His work would be accomplished.  A savior would come, a ruler of "My people, Israel."  He would be both Son of Man and Son of God and His teaching would be different than any other the world had ever heard.  He would preach a message of unconditional love and forgiveness to every willing heart and then He would die an agonizing death to secure eternal life for the whosoevers of the  whole world.  As it says in John 3:10-21, "'You are Israel's teacher,' said Jesus, 'and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.  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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.  This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (NIV)

A band of disciples would begin to follow Him.  They would have very little faith and as they watched Him die on a wooden cross, they would run and hide and even deny that they had ever known Him. When He appeared to them in the upper room after His resurrection, and then appeared to more than 500 others, their faith began to grow.  The day of Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit would bring them comfort and power that they did not previously know.  They became a group of men on fire who would spread the "good news" of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth so that all mankind could be saved.  And they would almost all die a martyr's death (all except for John) so strong was their faith.  See also http://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/fox101.htm

Unfortunately, not everyone believed.  False religions, counterfeits arose.  Our adversary, the devil, was at work immediately, trying to thwart God's amazing plan.  It was difficult for me to understand when I was a young believer why he would work so hard when he knew in the end he would fail.  Then I realized that he wanted to take down as many as he could and prevent as many as he could from hearing and understanding the truth in the first place.  Again unfortunately, he has been more successful than I would have imagined.

Last night my husband was doing his Bible study for Bible Study Fellowship and asked me when I thought the last days had begun.  I stated that I believed that the last days had been going on for approximately 2000 years now.  Jesus has promised to return and although the time seems long and every age has thought His return imminent, God is incredibly patient as it says in 2 Peter:8-10,  "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."  2 Peter 3:8-10 (ESV)

And now, like a theif in the night He will come again:  "Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.  So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."  1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (ESV)

"Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there's life in you yet. But I wouldn't know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of God's work has been completed. Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn back to God. If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I'll return when you least expect it, break into your life like a thief in the night."  Revelation 3:1-3 (The Message)  Will you be sleeping?  Will you go down in history as a heart that has no room for its Savior?

Dear Lord,   Make us a watchful people.  Help us to be on the lookout for Your return, not asleep and unaware.  Thank you for the precious plan of Your redemption of mankind.  Help us to be ready and to help others to be ready.  Thank you for Your patience with us and that You desire that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.  Open our eyes to Your love.

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