The End!

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 13 (click on the link)


KEY VERSE:
"No one knows about that day or hour. Not even the angels in heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows. Keep watch! Stay awake! You do not know when that time will come." (Mark 13:32-33, NIRV)


THE BIG IDEA:
Early in Chapter 13 (v3-4), four of the disciples are sitting on the Mount of Olives, chatting with Jesus.  (I can imagine in our day, we would be relaxed and probably having a cool beverage as five close friends discuss issues that are important to us.) Peter, James, John and Andrew ask Jesus to tell them WHEN and WHAT signs to expect at the end of the Age. The next few verses (v5-23) are a list of several things that will happen. (Be sure to read them!)   Jesus also states that AFTER those things have happened, the skies will change: “The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”  I don’t think any of us will miss this last sign! Jesus tells them “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will NEVER pass away.”  NO ONE knows the time… so WATCH!  We are not to fall for rumors.  He’s given us the clues to watch for.


REFLECTIONS:
Although it’s more a mild curiosity, I find it very interesting and intriguing that so many things have come to pass through ancient predictions from “wise men of old.” Yet I can totally relax in knowing Jesus’ words and promises to me.  NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR!!!  Period!

As rumors fly about the Mayan calendar and predictions that the world will end this year, the more important thing is to know God’s Word and don’t be fooled as many will be.  If we have placed our life in His hands, we can trust Him and His word.  The end of the earth as we know it may be 12-21-2012, but the more important thing is to study what HE said and WATCH for the signs and clues HE gave us.

2012, a leap year, will no doubt be interesting as leadership around the world changes hands, our own elections, financial chaos worldwide, social uprisings, religious persecution, loose living, freaky solar storms, Mayan calendars, and many other unusual events that will happen around the world.

BUT… we can be grounded in Christ and KNOW He has us in the palm of His hand.

Verse 11 spoke volumes to me: “[On account of Me] Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, DO NOT WORRY BEFOREHAND ABOUT WHAT TO SAY.  Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

My fellow PRF Companions… He has our back!   We don’t have to worry about every detail of what’s ahead. We only need to trust HIM. That doesn’t mean everything will be easy and go our way, but He IS trustworthy. Rest in that and let’s encourage one another.


POINT OF ACTION:
Today’s Challenge:

• There’s PEACE in the midst of world chaos. Stay in your Bible, so you are familiar with what Christ has to say about our situations.
• Choose LIFE!  Choose to live your life so full of Faith in Christ that others want what you have.
• Don’t let the Mayan Calendar scare you.
• As Jesus said to his close friends: “Be on guard, be alert! WATCH!” Don’t be caught snoozing when our Master comes for us.

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for reminding me this week to PRAISE YOU IN ALL THINGS. Thank you for caring for us during our own “storms.” Thank you that you are ALWAYS there when we start to sink… to lift us right back up and walk beside us. I pray for myself and my fellow Companions, that You will show us every step of the way. Your Word is TRUE and will NEVER pass away.  THANK YOU, in Jesus name.


WHO AM I?
I’m Georgia Arms. I’ve been a member of PRF since the late 1980’s. Until recently I was on staff at PRF (10 yrs), and am currently searching for the next place God wants to use my gifts and talents. My dad was a Baptist preacher most of his adult life, and I am one of 10 kids. I enjoy volunteering one weekend a month at Discovery-Austin.org and getting to witness first-hand God’s love and His desire to heal the broken hearted. I also like traveling with my husband, Larry, scrapbooking, genealogy, and hanging out with friends and family.  What fills my tank most is quiet time with God’s Word and genuine conversations with those around me.