I think at the forefront of our minds today is our country. We are fasting along with many of you in hopes God will have mercy on America. Islam has stated on their website that their time has come. As Christians I wonder if we realize our time is now. I received a Focus on the Family newsletter by e-mail and it recommended a documentary which will be released soon called "Lord, save us from your followers." They have a trailer on you-tube if you care to check it out. It is difficult to come to grips with just how far we have gone as Christians. Our only hope in these days before Christ returns is true Biblical repentance.
We were studying with our group the story of Noah. I think it struck me different than before when God closed the door to the ark. Once the door closed, there was no more time to repent. Time was up. Matthew Henry's commentary makes this statement, "The time of God's patience and forbearance towards provoking sinners is sometimes long, but always limited: reprieves (reprieve: postpone or cancel punishment) are not pardons; though God bear a great while, he will not bear always."
And then Matthew 24 says, 36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. "
The signs could not be more clearer today. We must keep watch. Those of us who claim to know Jesus must repent and begin living it. Remember - in the days of Noah - only ONE family entered the ark. Out of the approximately 120 years it took to build the ark, no one repented or was found faithful except Noah. We are not saved by claiming salvation. We are saved by the God of salvation claiming us. Does our lives reflect true Biblical Christianity? It is a question each of us must ponder...
**As I was finishing this post, I received an e-mail from my mom. She stated my step-sister's sister committed suicide last night in Colorado. Please pray for Shelley's (my step-sister) family. Kelly (the deceased) has three children.