We have a coffee table that needs painted. But until we agree on the colour (limegreen versus brown or cream) we’ll cover the worn parts with books & magazines.
We have the Indie coffee guide & coffee map. There’s the Rolling Home inspiring Van life. Lagom sits where Hygge used to be.This Danish book was relegated it to the bottom shelf after a torrential downpour in Copenhagen washed away any hygge I had!
VWt & Star Wars covered Empire magazines are scattered- along with freebies from Tescos & Boots with ideas for Christmas gifts.
But the most thought provoking magazine cover on our coffee table so far in 2018 has to be Insight with its ‘Back Soon’ sign
This edition of our church magazine refers to the fact that Jesus is coming back soon.
‘Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!’
(Acts1:11 NLT)
I don’t think about this truth often enough. These words were spoken by an angel over two thousand years ago.
‘But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.’
(2 Peter 3:8 ESV)
In God’s timescale a long weekend hasn’t even elapsed yet! But:
‘The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.’
(2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
God’s mercy, grace & love are entwined in the perfect timing of Jesus’ return.
‘However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.’
(Matthew 24:36 NLT)
There’s a boulder at the edge of Strangford Lough beside the Portaferry Road. Painted on one side are the words:
‘Prepare to meet thy God’
(from Amos 4:12)
One day we will all meet our Maker (whether we believe in Him or not)
A wall beside Portavogie harbour proclaims:
‘The fool hath said in his heart, “There is no God.”‘
(Psalms 14:1 KJV)
We can fill our homes, our barns & our lives with things- but not consider our God.
‘Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.’
(Luke 12:21 NLT)
‘That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.’
(Luke 12:21 MSG)
Today, if you havent thought about it, prepare to meet your God.
‘If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?’
(Psalms 130:3 ESV)
‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’
(Romans 3:23 ESV)
We can bring our sin to God, asking for forgiveness & receive His grace. Then, living by faith we’ll be ready to meet our Maker.
As He said,”Every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
(Romans 14:11 ESV)
‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’
(John 3:16 ESV)
On the other side of the boulder by the lough, there’s just two words- ‘Eternity where?’
The difference between heaven & hell, being judged or being saved- is in Jesus:
‘God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.’
(John 3:17 NLT)
He’s coming back- not as a newborn baby or as a suffering servant.But as Lord of All & King of kings.
If we’ve trusted Him for forgiveness, then we’re waiting for our Good,Good Father to take us Home.
No-one knows when – but its closer today than yesterday.
When I was in Sunday School we used to sing ‘The countdown’s getting lower everyday’ It’s closer today than yesterday.
In this broken,groaning world where it seems no news is good news, we have hope. We have an anchor for the soul.
And it’s in the One who one day will return:
‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’
(Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
And He’ll be back soon.
*Perhaps today*
Blessings,
Ruth x
*I heard the story of a retired pastor who wore cufflinks. On one was engraved ‘perhaps’ On the other ‘today’ It was a visual reminder of the truth that He’ll be back soon.
What a difference it would make if I lived like I really believed this truth!
Blessed! 