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Luke 2 | The Nativity | The Bible

Hello December with Annie and Tuesday 4

Hello December!

Hosted by  Annie!

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving and you may be looking forward to Chanukah and Christmas both of which are December 25th.  Chanukah is the day the temple, which had been desecrated was rededicated and the huge light within was restored to earth!  That light represented the presence of God on earth with man.  Also, winter begins in just a couple of weeks....

1,Do you have plans for the coming holidays?  AS a matter of fact, I am today deep in the throes of planning my Christmas Tea Party!  today is baking day..  I will  mix up my scone    dough  and wrap it up  and  pout it in the fridge  to keep til tomorrow when I will roll out 12 sconces and  bake them or my 11:30 tea time party. I cannot tell you how much I have planned so this party will not knock me out..  I have a dear friend who is making the tea sandwiches and her  wonderful fudge recipe.  I will also be making  Christmas Morsels  and a cracker and  cream cheese spread.  I think it will be lovely! 

 Yesterday we went to the  Country Market and purchased two glorious poinsettias and a couple of gifts to take to an Open House we got o next week. Of course, this Saturday we will  dine  with our church  at a catered meal, and  our  musical will be Sunday night.  I am pleased to get things accomplished early as we will be leaving mid month to travel to be with our family!

2.What foods do you look forward to during these upcoming holidays?  Well, I  enjoy  the  sconces and sweets  we will  have for the Tea, but our son in law is an excellent chef and we always look forward to the  delicacies he has planned for  the holidays!!!

3.Are there traditions for the holidays that you look forward to each year?  Well,  yesterday we went to the Country Store to purchase  some  greenery and poinsettias and  Hubs  was  not into  buying the expensive large wreath for over the garage door,  but  remembering that was always our tradition, he decided to go for it and was very happy to see the result!  Also, how do you spend the days ahead of the holidays.. shopping?   Lately,   we do most of our gift shopping online.  We only go out for the  trinkets  that our friends and family might enjoy. Cooking?  Every other year we do travel to our families home so on those years  I am exempt from cooking which suits me fine. I do like to take some  fabulous country ham and sausage that just  isn't found in New England! Listening to Music. We make our travel time last for 2 1/2 days so we always prepare our Apple Play for the car  to enjoy on our way up..  The kids  just use Siri to play their favorites... Hallmark movies?  We are not allowed to watch tv  while with the kids so   we have been enjoying Hallmark   ever since  the Christmas movies started  being  broadcast! Do tell!!!

4. What advice can you give for making the holidays memorable and bright?  I do think traditions are very important. especially for children..  and  it is so important to remember the reason for the season and  spend time with family in reverence and  remembrance of the Nativity and what it all means to us!!

Saturday 9- Michale Buble'

Saturday 9: My Baby Just Cares for Me (2016)

Hosted by Sam!

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Michael Buble sings that his lover doesn't care much about the theater or new clothes. Which have you done more recently -- attended a play or movie or added to your wardrobe? I Have added to my wardrobe.. As I have lost weight, I have  donated all my old clothing and  am gradually adding to my current wardrobe.. I prefer  J Jill which fits perfectly and even though it can be pricy, I wait until  the  big sales  come along which is quite often.  I recently purchased a really adorable red    pull over sweater for the holidays!

2) This song was first performed in 1930, 45 years before Buble was born. What pop song do you love that is far older than you are?  Since it is  the holidays the first that came to mind was White Christmas..  and I never  tire  of watching the movie!!!

3) The video for this song features a spinning vinyl record. Do you still have a turntable?  We have  gone through the whole gambit of  stereophonic  sound  elements..  we recently    donated our   most recent component setup  and  bought an all in one  stereo  unit that looks like an antique radio.  I am so pleased it has a turntable because I love to  listen to our  old lp's  ever so often.

4) Michael is currently appearing on The Voice. Are you watching this season?No.

5) Of all his albums, Michael Buble's Christmas CD is his top seller. Now that we're in the month of November it's time for you to weigh in: When do you think it's appropriate to start playing holiday songs?  I started in mid November..  but I will say not the really Christmassy cd's  but the more  classical and old English  ones that I, also, love so much!!!

6) He unwinds by fishing, and he's very good at it. Fishing is a sport that requires lots of gear. Is there anyone in your life that has a hobby or passion that makes them easy to shop for?  My precious granddaughters age 9 and 11  are getting into hobbies  which  I love to buy for!  Viv  is  into cooking  and  Leila is  getting into sewing! I cannot wait to take her to the  Joanne's and  buy her  items for her new sewing kit!!!  I think she will enjoy going with grandma  and picking them out herself!

7) Michael is a good cook and enjoys whipping up spaghetti bolognese. What's on the menu at your home this weekend?  For Thanksgiving, I am over all the turkey and the  usual  dishes..  we are hungry for a lovely  beef stew made in the crock pot.   and  some  non  thanksgiving  items  like perhaps Mac and cheese..  No pumpkin pie for me..  just a bit of chocolate peanut ice cream  from Breyers, carb smart  style!  Yum!

8) In 2016, when Michael Buble released this song, the United States Postal Service posthumously honored child star Shirley Temple with a postage stamp. Decades after leaving Hollywood, she served as US Ambassador to Ghana. Could you find Ghana on a map or globe?  Absolutely!   I was a teacher, you know!

9) Random question -- You neglected that soft drink and now it's gone flat. Do you drink it anyway or dump it down the drain?  Well,  I don't drink them anymore, but it would definitely go down the drain.. I much prefer  iced water  and  occasionally I will add  the powdered lemonade mix or  tea with lemonade  powder into  the water  .  it is low cal and delicious!!

Tuesday 4 -Personally Speaking

Personally Speaking

Hosted by Annie~

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

We have come to the final week in the lovely month of October. Halloween is days away and November is about to burst onto the scene.

I thought it might be nice for you to have another chance to tell a bit about yourself.   

1  Are you named for anyone? Is there a story behind your name?

  I am Carolyn Jean,  and my mother was Jean Carolyn...  So  I do believe I was named  after my mom,  who apparently couldn't think of  another name.  I need  ever remember hearing of a special reason why  she chose my name.

2. Where were you born ? What town and at home or hospital?  I was born in the Jefferson Hospital  here in my home town .  It was a rather old hospital and was torn  down way back in the 50's.

3.  What were your parents like? What kind of home or apartment did you live in?  My parents were  pretty cool for the early 50's .  I was born 5 years after WW2  and by  that time dad had accomplished  training  in the   life insurance  business and my mom was a stay at home mom  until I started school,  Then she  became a manager of a department   store in our town,  in the  young child's  department.   She purchased  lovely clothing for me.  My friends at school thought I was   rich,    because I wore such cute outfits.  But my mom had, also, grown up on a dairy farm and could sew like a whiz.  She made many of my fine ensembles  as I continued on to Junior and senior High.  I was a very fortunate  young lady!  But we lived in a typical 1950's home  in a neighborhood in the edge of   the  city limits..  on property that had been annexed to the city  to make way for the  young couples moving in after the war.  These homes  went up  quickly and  young couples snatched them up just as quickly.  They were cozy  cottages with  lattice   porches and  roses bushes    growing up the trellises! My parents loved to garden and our home  was  so very sweet and  cute,  while many homes in our neighborhood were plain Jane,  I Loved lying on the glider on the porch reading my Trixie Belden books!   It was a good place to live and   we had  adorable neighbors.  We knew everyone on the street..    Not like that today!! 

4.  Do you have a nickname? How did it come about?  Lynn gave me the name of Schotzy ..  while we were living in Germany the first year of our marriage..  I taught school there while he  was  finishing his tour of duty!

Our Blessed Hope —We are a Hopeful People

Titus 2:12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

It is evident that the above passage was written in particular for the believers of this present age!!

Our blessed hope is joyful assurance that God will extend His marvelous benefits to His Children, that Jesus Christ will return!! (John 14:3; Acts 1:11 Thessalonians 4:13-19) .
So what is the effect of this truth on believers in Jesus Christ? 1John 3:3 says, "all who have this hope in Him purify yourselves just as Jesus is pure! Also, we should live in the power of the en-dwelling Holy Spirit, as we all will stand before Christ and give an account of our lives here on earth!

Jesus' imminent return should motivate each of us to live godly lives in this very ungodly world.. we must be looking...living each moment in continual expectancy, that He could suddenly come.. this expectancy in our heart and spirit will transform us even more into His nature resulting in God becoming more glorified through His people!!. Allowing the light of Christ to radiate from within will also attract the lost to us and aid us in sharing Christ's redeeming gospel! Our blessed hope brings us joy and cheers us daily as we negotiate the trials of this world!!

Just wondered, Are you a prepper?

 

No, I am not typically a prepper, but with less than two weeks til the election, I am hearing more and more about the need for being prepared.. I not getting political, but in the attempt to cover my bases, I have been hearing a lot about the possibility of civil unrest in our nation depending whoever does or does not win the election. I have not prepped because I do believe that Jesus is pretty clear about his loving care for his creation. But with so much going on in the world today, it did seem rational to plan for a week or two to just hang around the house and eat in.  I am curious about what you may be thinking about these days. I am really glad we voted early, I do pray that whatever does, or hopefully does not happen, things will not disrupt holiday plans. Family is so important.  We live several states away from our family and my Christmas shopping is mostly done online. I am sure everyone is praying for a quiet, loving holiday with our dear families and friends, especially this year! I know we are !  God bless you all! 

Occupy until I Come

One of my favorite Bible teachers is Dr. David Jeremiah.  At 83 years, he is still a very  ardent man with the love for Christ, and the hope of  imminence of  His return.   Of course, when Christ does return  he will not actually come down and touch the earth, but will come down to our atmosphere and gather His people from the clouds in a twinkling. Immediately, the dead in Christ will be caught up from the grave and they will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible, then, we Christians who have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and repented of our sin, living for Him will be caught up to join them in the air and we will be changed, in that twinkling, to our incorruptible bodies. We will all be like Him.  How glorious! My mother passed in 2014 and oh, how she longed to see the rapture in her lifetime. I believe most Christians  dream of being raptured in their old age with their frail, bodies.  Also, the allure of never dying is something to dream about. But as I am learning now, a Christian does not die, we sleep .  And when the rapture comes we are quickened and for us all it will have seemed a minute had passed , even if it had actually been 100 years! 

Oh, the Glory of His Presence

Jesus
All Glorious
Prepare in us Your temple
We're called as living stones
Where You're enthroned

And as You rose from death in power
So rise within our worship
Rise upon our praise
And let the hands that saw You raised
Clothe us in Your glory
And draw us by Your grace

Oh the glory
Of Your Presence
We Your temple
Give You reverence

So arise to Your rest
And be blessed by our praise
And as we glory in Your embrace
And as Your presence
Now fills this place

As was described in an earlier posting as Christians await the imminent return of Christ, we are told in the Bible to be ready by keeping our lamps filled with oil and our wicks trimmed!  

I have a couple of oil lamps and I  have purchased new wicks and a storage of oil, but that was mainly in case of a power outage.  An oil lamp emits a nice light.. better than a  burning candle.  But in the light of Jesus’ return to collect His bride what do we actually do in preparation.?  It is helpful to consider a Jewish wedding where the bridegroom has asked for the hand of his bride and then goes off to prepare their dwelling. Usually, he would build an apartment onto his family home. The bride knows not the hour when he will come to gather her up and take her to their dwelling place so she must be ready at all times for his imminent return.

Revelation 19:7-8 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” The fine linen given her to wear represents the righteous acts of the saints!

Of course, it stands to reason that as we await our Lord’s coming we desire to be found living righteously.

But, specifically, what would I be doing. What are you doing? Let’s make a list.

1. I am doing Community Bible Study this year on the book of Matthew.  I love the actual  study.  Learning more about Jesus is so reassuring.  The small group discussion is so wisdom filled. And for me , I am one of the old ladies, it’s wonderful to hear the answers of the younger women with small tots at home.  They share things that I have forgotten.. Being with women across the spectrum discussing our Lord ‘s teaching is really great, as we older folk can become quite isolated in our thinking. I love it!

2 Recently I wrote about joining in prayer groups some among intimate friends where we can share our personal lives, and others that are broad, praying for nations and the world  really broadens my scope of thinking. 

3. Listening to wonderful music, hymns, classics, music from gifted composers who express beauty and depth of feeling.    A good time to just speak to the Lord in conversation!

4 Be creative… Draw for the Lord.  Something from nature or just glorious feelings I have when I think about the glory of heaven.   

5. Read scripture in my journal Bible. Journal what the scripture means to me and draw a poster on the empty page that brings the scripture to life for me .. decorate the page beautifully in vivid color.

I am so glad to be retired and have time to spend being creative with my Lord. 

6. I am the bereavement chairman at church. When a family member passes my committee plans and executes a nice meal for the bereaved family, along with out of town family members and dearest friends right immediately following the service or interment.  We ask for members of the family’s  connect group or class to volunteer to help with the food. And I enjoy creating small lovely table settings by the seasons for each of the tables. It is my way of giving to our beloved church members.. my service to the church.

Hubs and I each bought items for a girl and boy to send to Samaritan’s Purse, we donate food items to the less fortunate of our church and community at Thanksgiving. 

We aid members of our church who are led to go on mission trips by giving substantial monetary funding, since we cannot go due to our age, yet we can help others.  

These are just a few ideas of righteous acts…..ones that glorify the Lord, that grow me in spiritual endeavors, and aid the church and the community!  I would love to hear what you are up to !  We can all use more ideas  as time goes on.  We must stay activated  in doing righteous acts for God!

1 Thessalonians 5:16****pray without ceasing,

 “Pray without ceasing”

This is such an important verse,   God makes it rather important, as He states.  “Pray without ceasing.”  He does not say “maybe”, or “please,” or “if you have time,” of “if it is convenient.”  But it’s actually in the style of a commandment.  It is in the imperative, and  it is just as imperative to our lives that we pray unceasingly. 

Now the reason I bring this up is at my age of 74, I have taken this verse literally. I lead two different prayer groups at this time. One is the Intercessors for America where we pray each week over the needs of our nation, and there are so very many. I am actually filling in for our regular leader whose wife is experiencing a serious health issue. Now I can tell you 20 years ago if someone told me I’d be doing this I’d quake in my shoes. Praying out loud in a mixed group , men and women,  would terrify me. I am so glad I got over that problem years ago. Actually, I love praying out loud in a group. It’s not that I am like hey, look at me I’m praying out loud. But it is dear Father, we need you so badly. It is just a group of needy brothers and sisters who are beseeching our Father to heal our nation.  I have learned that the holy spirit puts a topic in your heart to pray about and I find when I open my mouth, he fills it with just the right words to say.  Moving in His spirit is what makes praying in a group so wonderful.  So I cannot get haughty with pride, because it isn’t me, it is Him all the way. 

You would think that a  city IFA group would have many prayer warriors eager to come together to bring their  requests to God. But no.  Even in this city of over 175, 000  we have never had more than 7 attend our Friday night evenings. 

I have always wondered about that but I learned a thing about that several years ago. Five of my dearest friends and I went on a spiritual retreat to seek God about how He might use us for His kingdom, and Christians United to Pray  was birthed. We were on fire to get the word out to the churches of our valley and start meeting. We had a fabulous song leader start our meetings with a wonderful song and then we would divide into groups of 7 to pray. We started with around 50 people  from all over the valley. We met every month to pray for about 45 minutes after our music. After a year we were down to about 35. The third year it was about 20, the fourth year about 12. At the end of the fourth year , even though we maintained  the 12, we all decided we would  meet every other week.. but even at that the fervor  was gone.   

So after that fifth year, Christians United to Pray , ended and we five took a sabbatical of meeting together for a while. After a year or so, we 5 started meeting in each other’s homes to pray for each other and world events. And this has endured until now.  We are a very close knit group who enjoy each other’s friendship, well, actually sisterhood, and we enjoy praying for each other, so much!And we have learned that there are about 20 very dedicated prayer warriors in our community. They show up at spiritual events. And it is lovely feeling.. this deep affection and connection we share. These days for about the last couple of years a state wide prayer emphasis was started in our state of Virginia. Influential Christian’s (governmental connections)  from northern Virginia with deep concerns about the nation started a monthly prayer group that meets on a Friday here in our city to pray for the nation. There are meetings like these all over our state and even several states up and down the coast. Thus initiative is called America  Pray Now. You might have this group prayer going on in your community. You can look it up online. But the very same folks who were coming to our prayer group come to these events. 

It is wonderful that God has set aside certain people with a deep conviction to pray.  I believe He puts  this in many hearts but some haven’t been quickened yet. If you are feeling a desire to be a prayer partner in your community then activate. Very likely there is an Intercessors for America in your community, or America Pray Now, or more , other corporate prayer meetings going on right where you live. I can tell you for sure… they would be totally delighted if you showed up.  

Pray warriors are needed all across our nation.   The wonderful part is by just being there is enough. You sit  right there and agree in prayer and never say a word except share your friendship . Many people come and never say a word, but by being there in agreement is a great way to become accustomed to being part of a prayer group.  You would know when the Spirit is calling you to speak up. I pray that there would be many who decide to start obeying God’s word in unceasing prayer, even corporate prayer. If you never feel the call to join a prayer group, in the last couple of posts there are many examples given how and what to be praying about each day.  While I am typing this I am  listening to Jonathan Cahn and he just said, time is short..  and it is!  More and more prayer is needed as we negotiate these dark days!  God bless you, and activate!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Eph. 6:10

  The title today  refers to  the strength we  have in Christ Jesus during hard times.  Of course , this scripture is found in the Book of Ephesians.. chapter 6, known for  its  listing of the weapons of our warfare.  I love this chapter, because  it covers  everything we need  when times get   rough..

  I would say  that North Carolina   has experienced  one of the roughest  calamities  they could never imagine!. I am thinking of those families who  lived up in the hollers of the  Appalachians.  I am sure they never imagined  seeing their homes  wash away  beneath their feet.  They never imagined  a small stream that meandered  along  the winding road to  become a raging torrent.  No way could they ever have prepared for such a horrific storm  to  decimate their homes and  whole communities!  I am hearing that hundreds of  families are unaccounted for..  some  found  in trees,    others  washed  up under  lifted  roadways,  or  buried in feet of silt,  mud,  and debris!  Horrible.

Roads all through the mountains were  washed out  making it very difficult to get supplies to the families  or for the families to  come out  seeking  aid!

Now  weeks following the storm,    many good samaritans  are  going  in and  pushing new roads around the   broken  terrain..  and  making new paths  for  cars   and trucks to   get   to  the many country roads  that    lead nowhere  but to  a high mountain   dead ends..  but  where communities  actually had to be  removed  because the mountain, days after the storm,  became a great land slide,    further  destroying  people's properties!       But with no insurance  to  help build back,  the dream of  being able to start over is  very illusive..  but  many of these folks are  very prideful and    do not even  wish to  ask for help  when it is offered.  Many  do not have the means for  rebuilding...and the government is  telling them,"too bad"    we're out of  money!  That is why  it is so  wonderful to hear of  many   volunteers who have not only taken supplies  to  their  porch, if there is one...  otherwise to  their  sad  dwelling... ,and   shared the hope of the gospel with  them.  These folks  do need a jumpstart to their faith..   And  to tell the truth, we, ourselves  have no idea when  we might see ourselves facing  a similar  situation  in these dark days.  

So  what about    Ephesians 6...    that is where we find the Armor of God!

The Armor of God

6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

An Article   from online

Life is a battle.  Stand Firm!

Like it or not, you’re life is a battle ground. There is an enemy who wants to take you down. God has given us everything we need in order to fight the spiritual battles we face. It is important to realize that we need to have ALL these weapons working together in order to be ready for battle. Paul said,

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ” Ephesians 6:11…13

1. The Belt of Truth

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth… Ephesians 6:14a

The belt is the part of the armor that holds everything together, being grounded in truth is what holds our lives together.

2. Body Armor of God’s Righteousness

“…and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14b

The body armor protects the vital organs. God’s body armor is what makes us secure. We can be safe because we rely on God’s righteousness. Also our pursuit of righteousness protect us by helping us avoid sin.

3. Peace That Comes From The Good News

“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ephesians 6:15

Shoes are helpful for two things.

• Shoes are made for standing solidly. When we have an adequate understanding of the good news it will give us great peace knowing we are safe in Christ. We can stand firm in the peace he gives us.
• Shoes are also made for going places. Jesus gave us the command to go make disciples of all nations. It is possible that this verse could also be implying that we should be ready to go out and share the good news!

4. The Shield of Faith

“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Ephesians 6:16

The shield is effective for blocking attacks. Faith helps us block the devil’s attempts to bring us down. Having solid faith keeps us from doubt, worry, and fear. Faith allows us to have a good perspective when the battle is raging around us.

5. The Helmet of Salvation

Put on salvation as your helmet… Ephesians 6:17

The helmet protects the head, and without the head you are dead! The Salvation is our source of life. Understanding and trusting in the security of our salvation will give you great confidence and protection against attacks.

6. The Sword Of The Spirit, God’s Word

…and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

God’s Word is your sword. The more of God’s Word you have in your life the more ready you will be for spiritual battle. The Bible is your only offensive weapon in this list. Jesus used scripture to fight the temptation of the devil in the desert.

Bonus Weapon… PRAYER!

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18

Prayer protects us, because it keeps us connected to God. We should not only pray for ourselves but pray for believers everywhere. Prayer is also one way to pick up these other weapons.

Which of these weapons do you need to pick up today? 

Seven Signs We are in the End Times

 

The Bible  makes  it very clear  about  recognizing  when we have  reached the End Times.  But  I will say,    the people living   during the time of Jesus thought they were living in the end times and probably every generation since has speculated the same!

  But as you  will  see  as I number off the 7 sure signs  we are in the end times, you will realize  we are   much closer than another other generation.    

The book of Matthew, chapter 24 is  very  precise about  these 7 signs;

1.Natural disasters are mentioned in Matthew 24:8

Hurricanes,  earth quakes,  tsunamis...   these    disasters  have been becoming  greater and more horrific disasters..   We all  know  about Hellene,    and earth quakes have risen from  4,5  on the Richter scale to 7.4 this year.. Several are saying we are due  a bad tsunami  in the coming months.   

2.Mathew 24:6-7 mentions wars and rumors of wars...  

We  certainly have been hearing of  the war in Israel, and Ukraine. The threat of  Russia and China    coming against us   is  a very real   possibility.

3.Matthew 24:7, Jesus speaks of “famines and pestilences”. 

 Covid keeps rearing its ugly head  as well as other  newer viruses   and diseases.

4. 2 Timothy 3:1-5, mentions moral decay as a sign of the coming end

With   our WOKE   and  abortion issues   we certainly are in a state of moral decay.  I'd hate to see it get any worse!!

5.Matthew 24, Jesus warns of false prophets who will arise during the last days and deceive many.

I  watch quite a bit of Youtube videos to get my news  lately regarding the  weather  and  political scene..  Sometimes it is very hard to filter what is  true and what isn't! We live in a very deceptive   age!

6. Matthew 24:9-10 that during the last days, believers will be persecuted and hated because of their faith.  

We do not see much of this  here in the US,  but I do believe it is coming.. as it  is occurring across the world !

7.  False Christs

 In Matthew 24:24, Jesus cautions that during the end times, many false messiahs will arise and deceive crowds of followers.  These are beginning to show up  on the internet    and  we must be very vigilant and know  our scriptures  to guard against being taken in  by  this  great deception!

Never before  have all 7 of these signs become  manifest  like they  are in these days..   That is why is so important  to    realize these are in fact and last days  do all we can to  prepare our own hearts and   to share   God's truth  and gospel with many..  our family, our friends, and neighbors!!

Another section of Scripture   regards the parable of the Fig tree ...this gives us  very interesting  information about the end!

The Parable of the Budding Fig Tree Luke 21:29–33.  

29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  (Refers to the 7 signs  which are mentioned  in Matthew 24.

32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The fig tree bloomed when Israel became a nation in1947... and the parable goes on to say  that generation will see the end... I was born in 1950.  I am  74 now. I don't know how long a generation is,  but  surely  it can't go on  much longer.  My dear friends are 83   and they are looking forward to the end..  so   this means it will happen in our lifetime..    and  the 7 signs  surely are  becoming more and more   intense...  

Lately it seems my sin  has become  more pronounced..  or  maybe  the  Lord is allowing me to be more and more aware of it.(Anger)  I get  angry  about the things I cannot control  lately..   So I am reminded   every day to repent and pray.  I believe  this  is true for all believers..  I pray  that each one of us will find   one person to share the gospel with this week.  It is so very important!!!  And God bless us everyone!!!

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Keeping our Lamps Full, Our wicks Trimmed!! Pray Without Ceasing

 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

A lot of folks including myself  were really feeling in our spirit that  God  could be calling us home doing this  fall feast   season of  feast of trumpets..  but  God is not limited to  any code of actions.  He will call us home as He wishes..  We do know that Jesus does  major  things  on   important Jewish days to fulfill Old Testament  prophecies. For example, He was crucified on  Passover,   arose from the dead on First Fruits,   His Spirit came down to enter His  people on Pentecost   and now the fall feasts will be  fulfilled..    Feast of Trumpets being the first one  of  the fall feasts..    Feast of Trumpets end  today,  then   in a bit over a week from now  will be the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, a very solemn time  on October 11-12,  Yom Kippur  is associated with the  terrible Tribulation   which  occurs    following  the Rapture,,  and many say  our  world is ripe for tribulation. Then will be Sukkot, the last  fall feast,  known as  the Feast of Tabernacles.  This  will be  a week of  joyous  festivity.. October 17-23  in accordance with  the 1000 Year reign   following the Tribulation...   So we see a very active October   and  if  God plans  to  come for us..   it very likely could come any time this month.  But again it is not for us to  know the day or hour  but  believers  need to be ready!   Chapter 25 of Matthew  very   well describes  those who  are ready and those  who a re not!!! 

Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

How do we keep  our  lamps  full,  our  wicks trimmed?  

We are told   to   'pray without ceasing'..  but how?

• Praying without ceasing  has everything to do with our  relationship with  our Savior and God.  Especially, in these times,  believers need to be focused more and more on Him ... have our minds always on the things of God, be  constantly communing with him. To 'pray without ceasing' means to be  constantly  connected to our Creator in prayer. 
  
  
  1. Begin with gratitude.

  Psalm 100:4 says “enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” 

   Start by telling God what you’re thankful for.  Counting our blessings  is a wonderful  way to   spend time  with the Lord!!!

  2. Talk to Him as you would a friend.    Have a chat  over your coffee!!! You don't have to be formal with  Him.

  3. Incorporate prayer into everyday chores.  Let your everyday tasks become acts of worship by turning them into times of prayer. As you fold laundry     branch out,  pray for the team's  soccer   teammates..   for the school   and  the teachers, ..  for your  husband  and    the family  budget, ...  his job,  his health, ...your home, and any other issues that may arise!

  4.Practice praying without ceasing, while you  are waiting..  Wow,  we spend  a lot of time  waiting don't we?   Transform that “wasted” time into something meaningful—pray for the people you expect to encounter that day or the tasks you need to accomplish. Give thanks for your day, for the job paying for your favorite caffeinated beverage, for the young man working as a cashier to pay his college tuition, for the extravagant blessing of a giant store stocked with more products than we need. Count your blessings—because they’re everywhere—and make those minutes count.

  5.How  often do you  get stuck in traffic..just idling away time 

   

  “Is anyone among you in trouble Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise”(James 5:13). 

  Did you know that singing can be prayer? Often, we think of prayer as what to do when we need God to fix something or when we’re unhappy. But the Bible encourages us to pray at all times. Offer a song of praise and thanksgiving  to God as your prayer. Nobody is listening but Him, so don’t worry if you’re out of tune.