Signs of the Times

Tweet On May 16, 2010, a Hail Storm Hits Oklahoma City, a storm unlike anything many of us have ever seen. As you watch the video, consider all the disasters and turmoil, natural and man-made, that this world has experienced recently - earthquakes, volcanos, tornadoes, riots, economic meltdown, lack of compassion, greed, the oil gushing in the Gulf of Mexico, etc. The Bible warns of these types of events in Matthew 24. In Guatemala, at this very moment, a volcano is errupting and fears of impending rain add to the concerns of a disaster on top of a disaster. [UPDATE: On Tuesday, June 1, a massive 300'-deep sinkhole opened up in Guatemala, resultant of the above-mentioned rains]. Can it be any more obvious that we are not in control - that God is? I have NEVER seen anything like what happened in the video linked above.


Family, friends and coworkers have been asking me, "What is going on? Why are all these things happening? It seems like it's just one thing after another." Well, yes, it is one thing after another. Man can't stop the natural disasters any more than he can create them. Many of the MAN-made disasters are even out of man's control. Psalm 56:4 says, "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (NIV) Key point here...in God I trust!

According to Proverbs 4:7, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (KJV) The Bible speaks of getting, choosing and cherishing understanding throughout the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 4:5, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 16:16, Proverbs 19:8, Proverbs 23:23). God repeats Himself for purpose, and one of the reasons He repeatedly stresses the importance of wisdom and understanding is because He deems it important, and He wants and encourages us to ask Him for wisdom.

Going back to the opening lines of this blog about the hail storm that hit Oklahoma City, we should also ask God for DISCERNMENT. Merriam-Webster defines the word discernment as "the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure (not readily understood or clearly expressed)." Judging from all the current events, all one has to do is look to God's word - the Bible - and ask and allow the Lord to reveal the true meaning behind all that is occurring - the return of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus said that no man knows the day nor the hour in which He will return (Matthew 24:36, Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:32, Luke 12:46). What happens if He were to return today? At this very hour? Will you be ready?

I've heard several iterations of a story about a man who asked a Christian, "What if you get all the way through life then die only to find that there is no God? What would all your living for Jesus have benefitted you?" The Christian then replied, "I will have lost nothing. Now then, what if YOU get all the way through life then die only to find out there IS a GOD?"

Some may say, "I’m a good person. God knows my heart." But according to Isaiah 64:6, “…all our righteousnesses [our best deeds of rightness and justice] are as filthy rags…” (NIV) Therefore, we must continually confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness. And as His word says in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (NIV)

Still others may say, "I don't understand the Bible. It doesn't make sense to me." God will give understanding to those who willingly give their hearts to Him. Once we have a relationship with Him, receiving Him into our hearts, He will begin the work that will unlock the mysteries of His word. I know from personal experience! And you can, too!

Whether you belive in God or not, wouldn't you feel more secure knowing that you are covered, that you are saved and set apart as a child of God, rather than going through life HOPING, WONDERING? If you're not sure about the answer to that question, please read the Prayer of Salvation and God's Plan of Salvation. This is the best Life Insurance available. And it's already paid in full! Tweet