Are we seeing all the signs of the Second Coming of Christ?

Jesus Christ said that the generation that saw the fig tree budding would see all the signs of His return. Every generation has thought they were seeing some, but the generation that sees the rebirth and flourishing of the fig tree--Israel--possibly those born in 1948--will see the Second Coming of Christ.

After 2000 years in the dispersion, the Jewish people returned to Israel in 1948 when the land was restored as their nation. Since that time, the desert has blossomed like the rose. Agriculturally, militarily and otherwise, Israel flourishes.


And if Russia is Gog of Magog, and Cush and Put are Libya and Ethiopia, and Iraq is Persia, it's important to note that all these nations in the news today--in this generation--are in last days' prophecy. Click here to see Ezekiel 37 and 38 for starters.

Some people believe all those prophecies were fulfilled long ago. If so, consider how Tyre and Sidon's destruction was accomplished as prophesied, but in stages--Nebuchadnezzar tore down the city, and generations later, Alexander the Great swept the foundations into the sea and that great metropolis is just a fishing village now.

Also, consider a NY Times story of how a Russian atheist read aloud from Revelation 8 about a star falling into the waters and poisoning them and men dying. The name of the star is Wormwood. The Russian pointed out that in the Ukraine, the word is translated Chernobyl. You'll recall that is the nuclear reactor that had a meltdown and leaked radioactivity into the USSR and Europe. And even now, radioactive waters are washing over from Japan to the California coast.  The article claims by then the radioactivity will be harmless. We can hope.

So, it is not far-fetched to read prophecy about Israel as future, since Israel is back on the world's stage. And  in the world's eyes, Jerusalem is a stumbling-block to peace.  "I will make JERUSALEM a cup of trembling unto all the people round about ... And in that day will I make JERUSALEM a burdensome stone for all people ..." Zechariah 12:2-3

A joke says that when Jesus returns, the Jewish people will send a delegation to Him and they will say, "So. Nu. Is this your first trip to Israel?"

But prophecy says, "they will look upon me (the Messiah) whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as one mourns for his only Son." Zechariah 12:10

My friends do not have to agree with me, a huge number of Christians subscribe to the school of thought that we are seeing Last Days events unfold before our eyes. "Shocking Number of Americans Believe We are Now Living in the End Times as Described in the Bible"

 If so, we will see the Lord face-to-face. Hopefully before a great holocaust on the field of Armageddon.

I sat on the grass above that field and ate lunch with a tour and marveled at the thought of the battle that will happen there. Hopefully, I won't be here for that. One way or another, though, I know I will go to heaven. I hope to see all my friends there. So, please, just humor me, precious friends and neighbors, and scroll down to the big red button that asks, "Ready?" Thanks!

Preparing for Pushin' Up Daisies

The baby licked his lips watching the other grands lick their ice cream. When his mom gave him a taste, he made such a face. So cold! A scoop of Almond Joy in a bowl worked for me. 

The occasion--lunch and ice cream after letting our kids help pick out our gravesite! 

We don't expect to use it for 100 years, so get it out of the way while we're youngish, healthy, and of relatively sound minds.

Cemeteries used to call my house in Florida and try to sell graves and I'd tell them I didn't think I'd need one, and I'd tell them about the Rapture. Some asked questions. Some never called back!

I still hope we won't need this! Come, Lord Jesus!

I just love God.

I used to think God loved us, all right, but sort of in an aloof way.

But I thought about how the Patriarchs raved about His love and His goodness.

And I remembered a NT verse where He tells us to be kind to one another, compassionate/tenderhearted, forgiving one another.

I thought about how Jesus just had to tell the woman who had lost her son at Nain, "Don't cry," before He raised him from the dead. And how He says, "Let the children come to me, don't forbid them. The Kingdom of Heaven is like this."

And I know that He is kind, tenderhearted/compassionate, as He told us to be.

And that He disciplines all those He loves, NT, "so that it will go well with you," OT.

I love God. He *loved* us first.

Waiting!

I remember a sermon that reminded us how Joseph was called to deliver Egypt but first had to grow up, then go to prison; David delivered Israel but first had to grow up, then go to caves; and Jesus delivered us all but first had to grow up, then go to the cross. God had His different plans for each of them, and they all took time!

And all the while, people were dying in their sins. God is never in a hurry but He's always on time.

And He makes all things beautiful in His time--and in His way.

I'm just to rejoice with my writing sisters as they are published and used of the Lord, and I'm to wait on the Lord to use me. He uses us all, one way or another.

I'd love to have a bestseller one day. Maybe I will and maybe I won't. But If I obey, I will get a crown to lay at His feet one day. After I grow up? :)

By the way, are you ready to be delivered by Jesus? Scroll down to the red button that says "READY?"

Two-wheeled terror in my hood!

So, I bought a bicycle today! Pearly light green with wicker basket and saddlebags! Wide-wheels, foot brakes, three gears, the works! I rode it on the sidewalk around my block a few times while I get my balance back. It's been years since I rode.

Off I pedaled, just a little wobbly. Don't let me veer off the walk and get stuck in the edge of the grass! I realized if I went just a little faster, I'd have more control. That worked. I maneuvered a tight little curve and coasted on, then turned and rode down a slight incline. So far, so good.

Braked cautiously, stopped and chatted with a friend gardening. Left her, continued on. My Bible-study teacher stepped outside and I stopped very short and almost went over the handlebars! But we had a nice chat. Then, on and on I rode around the block! Ha ha

I passed my house and my neighbor's ShihTsus came running out to see who--or what I was. We never have bikes on our street. And they are never out without their owner. They just do not obey their owner. He called to them. They ignored him and ran up to me. Off-balance, now, put one foot down and laid shoe rubber for two miles, finally halting up on a lawn, still upright! Yes! The main thing!

The dog's owner jogged over. "Oh, hi, Margo, I didn't recognize you." No? Don't I always sport a pointy white and silver helmet?

He admired my "retro" bicycle, as he called it.

I asked him if he'd had any more nibbles on his house which is for sale. I also wondered if the Lord wanted me to witness to him or just be nice. I had recently told him we hated that they were moving and I hoped we would be neighbors again in heaven. I had asked if he thought he would be there. How would you know?

He had said there are three things required, love, compassion, and good deeds.

I told him that is called a works gospel and that Heaven is a free gift if we give up our own ways and turn to Jesus. He didn't think so. I let it go--for the time being.

So, now, it amused me when he answered my question about his house. "Yes, a woman named Grace is coming back to look for the third time."

"Grace!" Ah ha.

"Yes," he said.

I smiled. "Grace--G-R-A-C-E! God's Righteousness At Christ's Expense!"

He laughed. "Did you just make that up?"

"No," I shook my head. "No, I didn't."

He commented again on my bicycle, we made small talk, and he called the dogs again. "Well, I have to get them home. Come on, (doggies.)  Bye, Margo."

He walked to his house-for-sale and I pedaled away.

Please pray that I watered that earlier seed. Please pray that it is harvested!

If you'd like to know more, scroll down to the red button marked "Ready?"