ISSUE: #33

MEM

Message

I encourage you to read Paul’s short writings to the Thessalonians. It seems the new converts (expecting Yeshua’s return in their lifetime) were seeing some in their midst die. What would happen if they should likewise die before His return? What is going to happen to those that had already died?

Paul answers them; encouraging and re-assuring them of the wonderful promise for those that belong to Him at His coming.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Paul’s encourages them on how to abide until that time:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

It is probably difficult to put ourselves in the place of these Thessalonians nearly 2000 years ago; No TV – No Radio – No mass forms of media – No computers with e-mail or internet. They were hearing rumors; when you are expecting Yeshua’s eminent return it is easy to have questions, some were wondering if He had returned. Paul wanting to settle their concerns wrote a second time to encourage and assure them about the sequence of events before Yeshua’s return.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you…

He goes on to tell about the lawless one coming first and instructs them about righteous living – how to conduct themselves until the blessed event.

Read and be blessed.

Proverbs

Proverbs 1: 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity;

Proverbs 1: 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

Proverbs 1: 33 "But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil."

Proverbs 3:7-8 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.

Sayings

You can only make others better by being good yourself. Hugh R. Hanels

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act but a habit.

Bible Quiz

1. To whom was Yeshua’s coming first announced, and by whom?
2. What is the shortest book of the Bible?
3. Of what country was Hezekiah king?
4. Everything written (in Scriptures) in the past was written for what reason?
5. How old was Moses when he died?
6. Who tried to make Joseph sin?
7. Who said "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you"?

Humility

The life God bestows is imparted not once for all but each moment by the unceasing operation of His mighty power. Humility,(is) the place of entire dependence upon God…And so Pride – the loss of humility – is the root of every sin and evil. Andrew Murray

These words of wisdom were true in Paul’s day as in ours. Because our Adamic nature (which is opposed to the Spirit of God) is ever with us in this life we need the constant reminder to remain humble. Once we slip back into the control of our Adamic nature, we allow our pride to dictate our actions. That is why we need to be continually encouraged and strengthened by one another. One good way to be strengthened is to feed upon Scripture.

Did you know:

Antarctica

*Antarctica is the only land on our planet that is not owned by any country.

* Ninety percent of the world’s ice covers Antarctica. This ice also represents seventy percent of all the fresh water in the world.

* As strange as it sounds, however, Antarctica is essentially a desert. The average yearly total precipitation is about two inches.

* Although covered with ice (all but 0.4% of it, i.e.), Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.

Lighter Side

PERKS OF BEING 50 AND OVER....

1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.

4. People call at 9 pm and ask, " Did I wake you?"

5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

7. Things you buy now won't wear out.

8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.

9. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

10. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

11. You sing along with elevator music.

12. Your eyes won't get much worse.

13. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.

14. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.

15. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

16. You can't remember who sent you this list.

Children’s Story

Leona and Jacque had traversed the Island by walking around the eastern end; looking for Pierre and evidence of the ship as they went. Approaching the Hatah village, on the southern side of the island, they noticed unusual activity. A couple of the Hatah boys recognized Jacque; running up to them, saying, "Come!" (about the only English word they knew) tugging on their arm to hurry them along the beach and up the path to the village.

As they approached they saw the shelter and evidence of a ship’s materials and cargo. In the midst of all the commotion the Hatahs had a sense of calm and tranquility. Hittu, the tribal leader, was sitting cross legged on a grass matt under a lean-to, calmly directing activates. Jacque approached him and bowed. Smiling broadly he tried to convey his thanks for all the Hatahs had done for the ships’ passengers.

When Pierre, Mea, and Rimin arrived with their stretcher full of booty they saw Leona and Jacque. Excitedly they put down the goods and ran up to them. Pierre could hardly contain himself as he hugged his parents and tried to convey all he knew so far. After loving greetings they began to formulate plans to rescue passengers and goods.

Knowing these passengers were business men, going to the Island of Mirada to set up outlets for their corporations, they would have had valuable papers and monies, silver or gold with them. Jacque set about talking with the men introducing himself and asking if their papers and their means of financing were secure. Surprisingly, they had appointed two men to care for all the official papers which were secure in their midst. As far as monies, most were able to carry their own, while the stronger assisted the weaker ones in carrying their financing. The ship’s cargo contained items to begin their trade, so anything that was salvaged would be appreciated. Jacque assured them they were safe with the Hatahs and they would do what the could to salvage the cargo.

By now the sun was setting over the tall vegetation as shadows were growing across the village. Plans were made to stay the night with the villagers. The shelter, now complete on the top and two sides, would be adequate for Jacque and his family to stay with, survivors. Many of the Hatah women were passing around woven baskets of fruit, fish and bread. The young girls were helping with fresh water from the village stream. Glass and china were rare, treasured items among the Hatahs; yet they willing brought what they had to serve their guests.

A larger fire was built near the shelter to provide light into the night. One by one the Hatahs began to filter back to their huts for the night. Leona was finishing up recording the names and information from each of the ship’s passengers. She talked to them about any injuries or sicknesses, recording them carefully. Confident they were in good health, under the circumstances, she was now ready to retire for the night. Three grass mats had been provided for their use, they were placed under the shelter, near the fire, where they could be available to assist during the night if necessary.

Jacque, sensing that peace was settling over the entire village, beckoned for Leona and Pierre to follow him to a spot beyond the shelter where they offered up prayers of thanks and requests for a successful outcome for all concerned.

"Almighty God, You alone know the beginning from the end. We are Your humble creatures. Please have mercy on us because we cannot see into the future. We can only hope, with Your guidance, we will succeed in showing forth the love You have extended to us. Thank You for Your divine providence in securing the peace we have this evening after this days events. We ask for Your continued guidance, for the health and safety of these business men. May they reach their destination and their mission be successful, if it be Your will. Do bless this caring, hospitable tribe of Hatahs. May You grant them continued peace and long life for they exhibit qualities that are in line with Your Divine Word. May we also be granted the opportunity to witness to all of them your grace to us. Blessed be Your Name. We thank You for the Messiah, Yeshua, who has given us access to Your throne of grace, by cleansing us from sin by His shed blood… Amen!"

Quiz Answers

1. To shepherds living in the fields near Bethlehem, by and angel of the Lord. Luke 2:8-12
2. Second John
3. Judah 2 Kings 16:1
4. To teach us - to give us encouragement and hope Romans 15:4
5. 120 Deuteronomy 34:7
6. Potiphar’s wife Genesis 39:5-7
7. Darius Daniel 6:16