Parades

I have seen some pretty spectacular parades in my many years. I used to go to the Rose Parade in Pasadena quite frequently. It is a wonderful display of flowers, marching bands, dignitaries, and civic pride. Many countries have annual parades displaying their military strength. Some places use fireworks or drone lighting to light up the sky in spectacular displays. Despite all these parades, we have never seen the unmatched glory of the Lord as promised in the return of Jesus Christ to gather His people unto Himself at the end of this age.

Psalm 24:7-8 says, “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” God’s glory is unmatched and unsurpassed. He calls us to open our hearts to let Him in and to let His power reign to fight our battles.

Seal of Guarantee

If you have ever bought a house, you are aware of the extensive documentation required. The buyers and sellers use these documents to give certain commitments and warranties. Many of the documents may require a notary to place their seal on the documents to guarantee the authenticity of the signatures.

II Corinthians 1:21-22 says, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” It is God who calls us to Himself. It is He who then works in us to make our faith strong, placing upon us His blessings. He gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us and as a seal of protection and steadfast love. He is God’s guarantee of the hope He faithfully gives.

Body Changes

Now I am in my mid-70s and my body seems to be changing daily. Most of the changes are not welcome as my body is feeling the effects of longevity and inadvertant abuse. I spend a lot of time now just taking care of the body parts that are not working well. Oh, for a new body!

I Corinthians 15:51-53 says, “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.” We have this firm and solid hope that one day we will be changed from the weak mortal bodies we now have into immortal bodies. These imperishable bodies will allow us to stand before a holy God and worship together will all the saints who have believed in Him and trusted Him for salvation.

No Time Like the Present

There have been times that I have thought of doing some good and kind act for somebody. For whatever reason, I fail to do it right away. Later, I feel that the time has passed for me to be able to do this good thing. So, it never gets done. Both the person that I meant to do this kindness for and I lose out on the blessing that would have been ours if I had followed through.

Judges 16:28 says, “Then Samson called to the Lord, and said, ‘O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” After many years of ignoring God’s call upon his life, Samson finally turns back to God. It is never too late to do the right thing. God honored Samson’s request and returned His gift of strength to Samson. Samson had messed up quite a bit up to this point and was now about to die. Yet, God heard his cry for help and gave Samson what He asked for and needed at the time.

Leadership Styles

I am retired now, but I have worked under leaders with many differing styles of leadership. Some were genuinely concerned with my success and led with encouragement and support. The major concern of others was that things be done in their way and in their timing. They tended to be more harsh in interactions with them.

In Hosea 11:4 God says, “I led them with cords of kindness, with bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down and fed them.” God leads us in His kindness, gently urging us to follow Him.