“A lazy person’s way is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is an open highway.” (Pro. 15:19) This last year has been rough on many people. What is your outlook? Does the future frighten us, or welcome us? There is a reason for our answers to these questions. If you’re a lazy person you have two problems in life – things will not work out well for you, and they you’ll probably be afraid of the future. Attentive persons find life is often smooth and easy, and they rejoice in the opportunities it provides. How many thorns are in our way? You can remove any doubts!
“…if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP (harpazō: to snatch out or away, carry off by force) TOGETHER WITH THEM in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore COMFORT ONE ANOTHER with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:14-18) While we’re still here, “…may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS BLAMELESS IN HOLINESS before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” (1 Thess. 3:12-13)
-Bill Stockham