WE WERE NOT READY!

This has been an interesting week -- here in Atlanta, Georgia!  We have been "frozen" in for the past three days.  Inches of snow came Sunday night....then ice ... and more ice.....

Now I'm very familiar with this scenario -- having just spent the past four years in Chicago - this is not strange.  I just don't remember not being able to get out --  the roads in Chicago were quickly opened -- even the side streets.  I know, I know ... this doesn't happen very often in the deep South -- but, it does happen!!

My point -- WE WERE NOT READY!   When I say WE, I'm talking about the vast majority of the people, and especially the Department of Transportation.  They just do NOT have enough plows and salt trucks.  The weather forecasters on every TV station in the city were ALL telling us --- it's coming --- it's going to be BIG!

The biggest complaint the officials are saying now, "it came earlier than expected" --- fact is, the TV people said initially it would start at 10 p.m. Sunday night -- and it started around 8 p.m. (where I live in the suburbs) --- so, two hours early!  So.......

This all reminds me today of the Scriptural warning concerning the second return of our Lord Jesus Christ --- people WILL be taken by surprise  (ever wondered why? -- since we've heard about it coming for almost 2,000 years).  The point is -- people just don't listen anymore!  They don't pay attention anymore!  That's the problem.

The time to get ready is NOT at the last moment!  The time to get ready is when the first warning is given.

Well, if you haven't paid attention -- if you haven't heard --- JESUS IS COMING SOON --- WHEN I SAY SOON -- I MEAN SOON!

Get ready NOW!  Get your house in order NOW!  It's getting late --- I believe 2011 could be the 11th hour warning.

I PROMISE!

We live in a day when talk is cheap!  By that I mean, people say more than they do.  The old adage is still true, "your actions speak so loudly that I can't hear what you are saying".  Call it frustration ... call it concern...call it anything you like.  I think it is high time for ALL of us to revisit our words.....It's time to make a resolution to KEEP YOUR PROMISES in 2011!

Remember when your parents told you -- "Your word is your bond"?  Well, it is!   Zig Ziglar said, "If your word is no good, you are no good!"  Sounds harsh?  Not at all.  I think Zig is right.  And it's not just the politicians who are doing this....in my opinion, the politicians have always done this....promises, promises.....then you vote, and they suddenly have amnesia!  Well, now, it seems to have invaded the church world.  How many of us tell people, "I'll pray for you" -- then we never do?  How many of us tell people, "I'll call you"....then never do?  I even know preachers and pastors who do the same.  Honestly, I repent... when I was a Pastor, I made promises that now I realize I did not fulfill.  Well .... it's a new day.... a new year.  It's time to PUT UP or SHUT UP!



I read a blog from Shannon Pollent, Fargo Women's Relationship Advice Examiner... she said:

"The words, “I promise,” are uttered by us without understanding the magnitude of their significance. A promise is an oath; it is a vow. It is not meant to be given lightly. It is not meant to be broken. To say “I promise” is to state that you will do something, not that you might or that you hope to, but that you will. No excuses. No matter what."

Sounds like the Scriptural admonition found in Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (New Living Translation)

"As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. ² Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few."

I love the way The Message puts Ecclesiastes 5:4-5  "When you tell God you'll do something, do it—now.

God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it"


 
 
The year, let's resolve to keep our word.  Don't promise what you can't do. Keep your word!  Pray for that person .... return that phone call ... actually do what you say.  GOD is watching and is waiting for ALL of us to keep our promises we have made to HIM, as well!

 

GIVE UP & GO OVER!

As we begin another year, it's time for every body to "seek first the Kingdom of God" -- now more than ever before.  Many Christians and entire churches are "fasting" the first 21 days of this year.  I applaud this, and so does God!  Fact is, God has already told us that if we would simply "give up", then we would "go over"

Give up food, or a portion of the food we usually eat -- give up time -- give up TV -- give up......whatever takes the most of your time --- and give God a chance to talk to you -- pray!  YES, God is still talking -- the question is, are we listening?  If we give up -- then we can "go over" --- go over the top in victory in our lives personally this year -- go over the top in finances  (who wouldn't want that?) -- go over the top in our businesses -- go over the top in our relationships (family, friends, church) -- and go over the top in obedience to His perfect plan for our lives.

If you've never been on any type fast before, I encourage you to purchase a copy of Pastor Jentezen Franklin's book (pictured above) - and he practically will lead you into this spiritual discipline.  You will be the beneficiary of multiplied blessings in your life this year --- IF, you will "Give up and then go over"!

Blessings are coming your way in 2011 !!