Maranatha!

Nearly two thousand years have passed since Christ ascended to the heavens following His resurrection. Each passing year or generation it has been said this could be the year Christ returns. Still the promise of His return should never diminish from our minds.

Daily we should have an inward cry, "...Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20b).

His soon return should cause us to work with determination in His harvest as if it could be our last day on earth before the trumpet resounds.

Sadly, we have became sand castle building Christians forgetting this is not our home. We are busy with our lives in building our careers, keeping home, raising children, serving in ministry - all which is part of daily life and needful - but we should heed the words of Jesus.

He spoke of His return to an unexpected world. "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark;" (Matthew 24:37-38, NIV).

Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, "While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:4, NIV).

I lived in Florida for many years to know when an afternoon storm was building. The heat got thick like a wool blanket. It was so unbearable as the air got heavier almost taking your breath way. Then it grew strangely quiet when suddenly a crash of thunder rolled across the sky and black clouds seemingly out of nowhere raced across a once clear blue sky. The rains came in a torrent filling the streets into rivers then as fast it appeared, the storm vanishes.

Beloved, I believe those who are discerning will feel the air crackle with a certain tension. The sky may even appear oddly different. On that day or night He returns those who long for His appearance may even sense His presence breaking through the clouds as He enters our atmosphere when every eye will behold Him.

Yes, get ready and be prepared as years past, perhaps 2014 may see His coming.

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12, KJV).