Friday, July 3, 2015

Is Time Running Out?

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:11-14 NLT
 
This year is half over. You may be asking yourself—where has it gone? Time goes so fast…and faster as we get older. So time is literally running out. What have you got planned for today…for tomorrow? Paul was saying to the church at Rome…wake up. The day of salvation—the day of the Lord—The Day is coming and will be here for us before we’re ready if we don’t plan ahead. All this advice that Paul is giving about not indulging evil desires and wild parties is probably wasted on most of us older folks—but it is a word to the wise to pass on to the younger generation. Oh—lustful thoughts may try to drift intoy our mind—but have a plan. Take those thoughts captive and don’t let them into your head. Remember that Jesus taught that to think a sinful act is to do it (see Matthew 5:28). As Paul advised… live decent lives for all to see. Be holy. Share holy thoughts and scripture passages with your family and the person that you are mentoring. We all should be mentored by someone…and mentor someone. As we look towards the Fourth of July—our nation’s birthday—may we realize how blessed we are. Do something today to share God’s love and draw others to Him.
 
Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, wake me up. Show me what I need to be doing to get ready for the Day of the Lord. May all that I think, do and say be acceptable—even holy—and an example to others for how we should live our lives.
 
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
Fourth of July is usually a big camping day for our family—but we might just be in our backyard this year. How about you? Here’s a fun and easy idea to try with your kids or grandkiddos that we’ve adapted from The Scout’s Outdoor Cookbook. You’ll need a paper milk or juice half-gallon carton for each hot dog. Remove the spout (plastic variety) from the carton, if there is one.
 
Grandpa’s Flaming Dog
One hot dog per person—or more as their appetite requests.
Bun for the hot dog
Sliced cheddar cheese, if desired
Heavy duty aluminum foil
Newspaper
Wax covered paper milk carton
Fire pit
 
Catsup, mustard, chopped onion and relish condiments to add to the finished dog.
 
Slice the hot dog length wise, just creating a little canal.  Fold or tear the cheese and place in the canal of the hot dog. Place it in the bun and wrap in aluminum foil. Then wrap it in a sheet of newspaper, open the top of the empty paper carton, and place it inside. Put the carton upright in a fire pit and set the newspaper on fire. The carton will catch fire and slowly burn. When the carton is ashes, the hot dog will be done. Remove from the fire pit with tongs. Unwrap and enjoy the hot dog with the usual condiments. 
 
© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
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