“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes." - Matthew 24:45-46

"Water cooler" employees eventually lose their jobs. I have seen far too many fellow workers fired because they failed to do their work. They were given a task to fulfill and they stood around and talked the day away. The employer was left with unmet deadlines and twice the work for the next day. Blessed is the person who is found working when the boss comes around.

The Lord knew that there would be a number of "water cooler" people who would attend church and live within the Christian community. There is much work to do for the Kingdom of God, but alas, many people would rather sit by and watch. A true and faithful servant of Jesus is one who walks the walk rather than just talks the talk.

Are you a talker or a doer my friend? Would you appreciate someone working for you that just passed the time of day? Of course not. How do you believe the Lord feels when you talk more than work? Remember the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might..." Blessed is the person who is found working when the boss comes around.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be… For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” – Matthew 24:21, 27

I have lost count of the times someone has spoken about the good old days. They grieve over how much things have changed, as well as the increase of evil in the world. To these prophets of doom the coming days are dismal indeed. Then there are a few others who see the future as a continual high road to bigger and brighter days. Which group is right?

According to this passage and a vast number of other Scriptures I suggest that both groups are spot on. Evil is a moral and spiritual cancer. It will never cease or diminish until the Lord returns. The days will indeed grow worse and worse with the judgment of God Almighty waiting in the wings. But, after the days of great tribulation the Lord Jesus will return with healing in His wings and hope in His voice. A new day will truly dawn for all who know and love His appearing.

As you face the future, it should never be one or the other focus my friend. We need to keep both elements in mind as we prepare. Spiritual evil will grow more prevalent so we should remain steadfast and strong in our faith walk. The Lord is coming again in all His glory and we should live with the ever present thought, "Perhaps today".

"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold." - Matthew 24:12

Do you remember that warm spring day when the sun was suddenly covered by a blanket of clouds? Did you notice how quickly the temperature dropped? When something gets in the way of your sunshine you grow cold fast.

When lawlessness increases, "Son"shine decreases and many grow cold. What is lawlessness?  The question is rightly answered in 1 John 3:4, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." Do you ever consider the clouds of sin that block the "Son"shine in your life?

Have you recently been spiritually cold my friend? Has this coolness come upon you slowly, like the easy movement of clouds across the sky? Is there practiced sin in your life that has slipped in unchecked? Don't look elsewhere for reasons why you've grown cold; just look within and deal with the "lawlessness" that has blocked the "Son"shine in your life.

"And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory." - Mark 13:26

Many personalities of history had very unassuming beginnings only to become impressive leaders. They are like the small acorn that grows into a mighty oak. Never despise the day of small things.

Jesus was born in a rustic manger in a small rural village. He grew up as simple carpenter who was ultimately crucified for being the Son of God. Few people have had such unassuming beginnings, yet He is coming again with great power and glory. Never despise the day of small things.
Do you see Jesus as just the gentle friend that blessed children and fed multitudes? Is there any other future expectation than putting your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee? Or are you waiting for the King of kings to come in power and glory? Be ready my friend and never despise the day of small things.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." - Luke 21:33

In the summer of 2011 our family was busy clearing out my in-law's home for a sale and move. We disposed of more stuff than you can imagine. By the end of the process we had filled two large dumpsters with everything but the kitchen sink. After the dust was settled one box was carefully put aside and saved; the Bibles and study helps... these were priceless and timeless.

The lesson learned was how little value was found in most stuff that we collected. Over time everything will slip into dumpsters, but that which remains is what nurtures the soul and lights the path. God's word will never pass away because it's priceless and timeless.
What do you hold dear my friend? Do you have a special treasure closet or hope chest filled with wonderful memories? This too will pass away and eventually all your world will be simplified. Finally, only that which lifts your spirit, challenges your walk and warms your heart will matter. And that will most certainly be the words of the living God to the hungry soul... priceless and timeless.

"And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." - Luke 21:3-4

In the competitive world of politics every candidate is put under the magnifying glass. Whenever election year rolls around the public suddenly becomes concerned with integrity, morality and charitable generosity. One area of interest is the pattern of church donations made by such wealthy personalities. When their abundance is carefully considered, the size of their gifts often seem to fade.

Jesus gives us a clear lesson on sincere, selfless, spiritual stewardship. The gift is only as significant as the the heart that gives. It's not how much we share as how much we sacrifice. Giving should never be about appeasing our conscience, it should always be about loving the Lord. 

The IRS received an anonymous check some years ago with a note that read: "Enclosed is ten dollars of back taxes I failed to pay; if I still can't sleep, I'll send you the rest". Do you give to the Lord so you can sleep at night my friend? Try giving because you love Him with a heart of gratitude. Yes, your giving will go up till it hurts, but your joy will be even greater and God's blessings will be overwhelming... read Malachi 3:10 

"But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him." - Luke 20:37-38

I have always been amazed at the way some people come to conclusions. Building arguments around straw men is far more common than not. In response to the "If thus and so were to happen, then..." The request of Sergeant Friday from the old TV police drama Dragnet is the best approach... "Just the facts Mam, just the facts".

Jesus answers this theological conundrum with the facts of recorded Scripture rightly interpreted. The words in Biblical passages are written with purpose and precision. If given enough prayerful thought and consideration, answers will be there for any question. "Just the facts" are quite enough.

Do you find yourself confused over "what if" spiritual issues my friend? Rather than seeking a passage to support your viewpoint, study the Scriptures for what they say. It has been well stated, "When the Bible makes sense, don't give it any other sense or you'll have nonsense!" Keep to the "Just the facts" and you never go wrong.