Israel is at war. Over 1300 confirmed dead and an unknown number of hostages.

Many of you are wondering about this signaling the return of Jesus. That may be. But please remember this: Jesus himself, when teaching about His own return, said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)

Since Jesus ascended into heaven following the resurrection, every generation of Jesus Followers has expected Jesus to return in their lifetime! We, too, live with that expectation! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

We are now called to live with the expectation that Jesus might return at any second – before you’re done reading this sentence. But we are also called to plan as if the Father could continue to wait to send Jesus to rescue us.

Please don’t quit your job and go sit on a mountain with binoculars to watch for Jesus in the clouds.

Live. Work. Worship. Don’t panic or get stressed out.

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is in control.

The news about Israel has everyone’s attention. Take advantage of the times when conversations you are in turn to Israel and Gaza, Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, etc. Share the peace, confidence, and contentment you have and let them know that same freedom from fear is available to them as well.

What a perfect opportunity to join the conversation the Holy Spirit is already having with people who do not yet follow Jesus!

1. Pray for Jesus to return!
2. Live as if He could come at any second.
3. Plan as if His return could be delayed.
4. Share your freedom from fear and confidence in Jesus.

Many people are posting on social media today and listing all the things for which they are thankful. It is, after all, Thanksgiving Day.

As I look over the lists that include family, freedom, finances, football, and food, there’s something missing. Some lists include God the Father and Jesus and even the Holy Spirit, but I soon began to search for a list that included the one thing I am most grateful for; the one thing that gives meaning and purpose to life; the one thing that gives us hope.

The Resurrection!

Jesus conquered death.

He was crucified – the most torturous punishment of its time – even though he was innocent of any wrongdoing. The Roman soldiers put spikes through his wrists and feet and watched as he began to suffocate, finally thrusting a spear into his side to make sure he was really dead. They buried him.

But death could not defeat Jesus. He did exactly what he said he would do: He came back to life – a miracle witnessed by his closest friends and 400 of his followers.

Jesus’ resurrection is the number one thing for which I am most grateful. There is no number two or three or four. Only the empty grave.

Without Jesus’ victory over death there would be no hope and certainly nothing to celebrate on Thanksgiving.

Stop. Please, Please Stop!

Before you post anything or say anything at the ballgame or theater or grocery store . . . please read this:

As a church family – a household of Faith – we believe and practice that human life is created by God and is good. Since we are uniquely created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and formed by God (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4; Psalm 139:13–16), we hold to the sanctity of all human life (Genesis 9:6; Matthew 6:26). As best as we understand, human life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:4–5). It also lasts beyond death into eternity (John 5:28–29; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; 2 Corinthians 5:8–10). God gives life and breath to everyone (Acts 17:25), calling us to value equally the dignity of every individual life in its entirety, which compels us to love and have compassion for all peoples of the world (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

EVERYONE matters to God. EVERYONE matters to us.

That includes people on BOTH SIDES of the debates now raging about the ruling on abortion rights from the Supreme Court this morning.

God loves the abortionist and the LGBTQ+ people and the ultra-conservatives and the moderates. And He loves the justices who voted against overturning Roe vs Wade just as much as he loves those who were in the majority. He loves the women who have had abortions and those who are contemplating the decision; those who’ve experienced abuse, trauma, and rape.

As followers of Jesus, we should be slow, very slow to speak. (James 1:19) Let’s be very careful not to alienate anyone who feels like they “lost” today by claiming a “win.”

By every human measure, Jesus lost. On purpose. With a purpose. Let’s humbly join Him by caring deeply for the people who are hurt, disillusioned, and angry.

Let’s avoid gloating, prideful claims of victory, and any words – spoken or written – which might damage the ears and hearts and minds of people who need to see and experience the love of Jesus.

How do we respond? How do we answer the questions from young kids, teenagers, young adults, and especially those who are far from Jesus?

A school shooting in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday, May 24, left dead 19 children and two adults plus the shooter. And there are many wounded.

The “breaking news” is that the world is broken. Evil is alive and well. But our hope is in God who is our fortress and protector in times of trouble. We take refuge in Him. (See Psalm 37)

Bad things happen to good people. Horrific, unspeakable crimes are perpetrated against helpless, defenseless children.

Is God powerful enough to stop tragedies like a teenager slaughtering children in an elementary school? Yes, absolutely! Why doesn’t God stop all these bad things from happening?

I don’t know . . .

But I DO KNOW that God did not abandon those students, teachers or first responders. He was right there with them in those terrifying moments. God is always present – never absent. He joins us in our suffering.

Even as I write this, God is in the surgical suites, hospital rooms, and funeral director’s offices. He is present in the homes where grief threatens to overwhelm because someone is now absent. God steps into our suffering. He does not leave us alone but enters into the pain, confusion, and anguish with us.

Don’t reject God because He doesn’t measure up to your standard. God is trustworthy because He is all-powerful, always present, and knows everything. Even when everything seems to be going wrong, God is still good.

Sissy Goff offers some great words for parents, grandparents – for all of us: www.facebook.com/sissy.goff

Also check out this article on “Talking to Children About Violence.” Note: We don’t endorse everything found on the NASP website!