Greetings Brethren! Hope you are preparing for another wonderful Sabbath day this evening. 2012 is almost here and I never dreamed we would see this date, in this physical life.
As I start my 47th year in God’s Church, almost to the day, this month, when I began attending regularly in God’s Church, I could not wait to go to Church Services. It was so exciting to know we would hear God’s truths expounded each Sabbath.
God said in James 5:11: “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Little did I realize then how long I would have to wait, in human terms, for Christ to return.
Yet, are we happy to do this and further to see the fruits that are happening now? In fact, I just recently received two e-mails of more people wanting to come regularly. One asked about the overflow parking area in Phoenix. Now, that is a great attitude!
Indeed, encouraging, as you may recall my comment recently at the lectures, that those who really want to grow, will be at Church Services and will “endure” certain challenges or inconvenience to actually attend because it does take effort. It is easy to stay at home. It is easy (also wrong) to sleep away the Sabbath.
The word “endure” in James 5:11 is ??????? hupomeno {hoop-om-en’-o} that in the Greek means “to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee” from our duties or responsibilities. The definition goes on to say that this word includes, preserving “under misfortunes and trials” that willingness to hold fast to one’s faith, bearing up bravely and calmly, even in the face of ill treatments, in patience.
This word is “active and present” — voice and tense, respectively. So as new people begin to think over what was said at the Tomorrow’s World Special Presentations to hopefully respond (in their best interest) beyond any New Year’s resolution, what then is our “active or present” spiritual gage or temperature, going into this world’s “new year” of 2012?
Yes, indeed, we must all get out of bed and “go for the gold” – the best – to learn, grow, change and become like Jesus Christ, now. Still, some may think, Christ will understand if we waste away the time He has given us; but how can He be pleased with that offering?
Especially as this world gets ready for another celebration that is certainly not Christian. This Saturday night, with all its silly “resolutions” to change things in people’s lives, made “under the influence” of worldly libations, God is not impressed!
Yet again, how are we doing? Are we really working as hard as we can to keep our crown secure? “I come quickly [Christ says]: hold fast that which you have, that no one take thy crown.” (Rev 3:11) Is someone ready to take your crown? Satan, for sure, is!
Hopefully we are alert and totally “tuned into” God’s wave length. This latest tension in the Middle East with Iran flexing its political muscle, is just another indicator that we are not on an island unto ourselves, where nothing can affect us; but still, most people in the world today, are just “too comfortable” in their lives, to make real changes.
Are we that comfortable? Because as Dr. Meredith has said so many times, we are in the Laodicea era of time. It then, becomes necessary, for us to stir up any “lukewarm” attitudes.
“Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you. 13 And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle [body or flesh], to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle [body or flesh] cometh swiftly [yes this physical life is indeed short when all is considered], even as our Lord Jesus Christ signified unto me. 15 Yea, I will give diligence that at every time you may be able after my decease to call these things to remembrance. [Indeed we need to call these things into remembrance more now as time grows short.] 16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables [this is the truth and truth does set us free from this world and its ways], when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2Peter 1:12-16 ASV)
The “…kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish………. 10 And while they [the foolish] went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other [foolish] virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore….! (Mat 25:1-13 KJV)
This can’t happen on our own power alone. We can see this in this in the entire passage, that the foolish did not do their job. To sleep soundly was easier than watching or staying awake. Therefore then, as we see these things approach, let’s not forsake “…our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the day drawing near. 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:25-27)
Indeed, we know the end of the story! Those who are faithful, win. We had better prepare; because the future is not bright for those who do not obey! Let’s be in the group of virgins who are with oil, a totally committed group doing their best to be faithful!
Tomorrow, Mr. Nork plans to be in Albuquerque at 11:00 AM & Santa Fe at 2:30 PM. I am at present still talking with our hall management on a possible change to afternoons for Albuquerque. Please continue to pray about this but we have no resolution yet.
In Tucson at 10:30 AM, the Lozanos plan to be with everyone there. In Prescott at 10:30 AM and in Phoenix at 3:00 PM, my wife and I hope to see everyone in those two congregations.
In Phoenix, is our monthly potluck and activity. “Dinner and a movie” will follow Sabbath Services. The popcorn machine will be in use and other goodies served along with a full meal before the movie. So don’t miss a moment of everything!
Please do also remember David Perez and his family, of the Phoenix congregation in David’s on-going health trial, as we continue to pray for God’s intervention! He and His family have great attitudes; and we know God will lead them through it all.
As well, in our Albuquerque congregation, Evalinda Nuanez-Davis’ stepmother is going to have spinal surgery to correct the loss of cartilage between her spinal cords. Please pray for God’s mercy!
Others are also facing serious trials. Please continue to pray for each of other daily.
Finally, many thanks to Mr. Denny Napoleoni for setting up our conference line for live services to those who are unable to attend because of sickness etc. You can read all about it on our web site. Please do check out our web site, at www.swlcg.org — frequently!
Have a peaceful Sabbath evening!
Sincerely,
Rodger Bardo
Area Pastor AZ-NM
