How’s everyone’s Tuesday going?

Me? I’m just gearing up to play the “This is not a joke” drinking game with El Beardo as we tune into the Oration de la Somnambulist later this evening. Calm down. It will be mostly ginger beer.

Predictions:

We will hear how well the va{{ines are working as we come off the seasonal spike of cold and flu season. You did it, America!

We’ll be told how we’re really hurting Putin by dumping all our vodka down the drain, even though we’re definitely still going to buy oil from Russia. It’s much greener when you have to ship it across an ocean. Jokes on you, Biden! I don’t drink vodka! Although, if we ever go to war with Kentucky, I’m screwed.

Some sort of climate change emergency looming in the not-too-distant future.

I would say I’m not cynical, but I love not having my pants on fire.

Again…and again…and again: Leaders who fight for people to be able to kill their own children are not trustworthy! I can’t say it enough.

Watching the invasion of Ukraine and worrying about both the people there and global implications , I have been at a serious loss for words these past few days. You’re welcome.

As I watch the theatre being played out on the world screen, it is obvious that “normal” isn’t coming back.

And it drives me to this truth:

This world is not our home.

Reflecting on all the dictatory gobbledegook rising up all around us, I took comfort in these words this morning:

The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. -Proverbs 12:7

And these ones:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. -2 Timothy 1:7

And these:

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

This world is not our home.

For now, all we can do is press into God as closely as we can; through his Word, through prayer, and through the local church. And when the world demands we choose between Jesus and comfort? C’mon man! You know the thing!

For those that know Christ, one day soon all this suffering will come to an end. We will look our Creator in the face and know true joy.

Soon and very soon, the words in the Bible will take form and substance as every prophecy is fulfilled in front of our eyes. It’s already happening.

For those that don’t, the pain and madness all around us are only a glimpse of the eternal sorrow and desolation that is to come. As the great deceiver Joel Osteen says, you are truly living your best life now. Scary.

This is not to say that we, in particular, will be alive when Christ returns. No one knows the day or the hour. But every morning you open your eyes you are one day closer to standing in front of the Great Judge.

Are you ready?

It’s not too late to cry out to God and ask him to save you, but do it today!

You dang sure can’t save yourself.

Angela

Daniel 7:2-14 NLT
In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction. Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others. The first beast was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And it was given a human mind. Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, “Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!” Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird’s wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast. Then in my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast-terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns. As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer. As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal— it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. …