I read in one of my books this morning about Jesus' returning to call His saints 'home'. The book is a new book, "Preparing to Meet Jesus" by Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel Ruth.... I signed up for this 28 day study, but it hasn't started yet, and I didn't want to wait, so actually started yesterday. Today I read day 2 and it really gave me something to think about. And it should you, as well.
If Jesus returned today, what would He find you doing? Would you be found yelling at your spouse or child? Would you be found cheating at a game; your job? Would He find you having road rage? Would He find you in adultery? Would He find you stealing? How would Jesus find you if He should return today?
As I have reflected on my life, I sadly find many times I wouldn't want Jesus to find me doing some things. I believe I've shared before that my sister and I often joke that we hope that when Jesus comes it is on a 'good day' when we aren't mad at our spouses! But what if Jesus found us WORSHIPPING Him? Wouldn't that be totally awesome? How much of your day is spent alone with Him, just sitting and worshipping?
Don't have time during the day? Can't focus on Him that early in the morning? Why not pause before going to bed, grab that Bible that is gathering dust off the bookcase, and start reading (start with one o fthe Gospels - i.e., Matthew, Mark, Luke, John - and learn about Jesus. 'Read the Red' is how it is often put. Read Jesus' words - you can't go wrong. Reflect on what He is saying.... and how to apply that to your life. You will never regret taking that time to spend with Him. Just sit and talk with Him like you are having a conversation with a friend. He knows you aren't perfect - no one is but Jesus. Tell Him how you feel. Listen with your heart; knowing His Word helps you to know what is true and that it is Jesus speaking to you. The joy of it all. Pause. Or as the Bible does it in the Psalms.... 'Selah'.
I cleared out my inbox for work yesterday - had over 300 emails. I responded to a few, and got my hand smacked from a couple of friends to 'get off the computer - you're on PTO!'. LOL It actually took me a few hours to get through everything. But it felt good to clear them out. I may have over a 100 by tonight, but as of right now, I'm not checking for emails - this is my last day of work vacation and I want to enjoy it.
After clearing messages yesterday, and white castles again for lunch, I headed out to do some shopping. I went to Michaels to pick up yarn, but they didn't have what I NEEDED. From there I went to Burlington.... hubby had given me a gift card for my birthday so I wandered around there for awhile. Stopped at TJ Maxx which is just down from it... then headed on to Barnes and Noble as I heard they were having a 50% sale... actually it is buy one get one for 50% off... they are getting desperate for customers I think as I overheard a new program they got that spend so much get so much off your next purchase... anyway, nothing there caught my eye (imagine that!). I need to go to the one at Metro, assuming they still have the rows of marked down books.... this one up here doesn't... and I don't like it as much.
After Barnes and Noble I found my way to Hobby Lobby, thinking I just might find something there. Nope. I talked myself out of getting any material, since I haven't been sewing, and their yarn area has been so reduced that I didn't see the color I needed, and I don't know enough about patterns (other than just my usual granny stitch baby blanket) to buy up yarn to make something. I really do want to learn and I even looked at crochet/knitting books, but found nothing, especially since I know I can go to Pinterest or You Tube and find whatever I want - free.
After Hobby Lobby I was tired, and I was getting hungry. Decided to stop at a place I had never been to before. Leo's Island BBQ. I didn't know what to get so bought two of their combo plates so that we could try different things - so I got one with panko coated shrimp, bbq chicken, a huge scoop of macoroni salad and two big scoops of white rice - the shrimp and the chicken sat on top of cooked cabbage with carrots and broccoli. The other had bbq chicken and bbq short ribs (they were flattened)... with the cooked cabbage and broccoli and rice and macaroni salad. All the meat was pounded flat - but I tell you what - it was all very good! For the two combos (one would have been plenty for hubby and I, but I wasn't sure) cost around $30, I think. Their regular plates are $13.89 or something like that - and they look good too. We have leftovers for lunch today. I would order it again, it was that good. But not on a regular basis. They had a real good katsu sauce (sweet) and a teriyaki sauce that we could dip the meat in. It's all cut up in small strips. At least the chicken was. Very little BBQ that I could tell, but it was good.
I came home tired from all my shopping and all I bought was a book I found at Hobby Lobby on the clearance table. I showed it to hubby when I got home and he goes 'thank you'. I looked at him and told him I didn't buy it for him.... I bought it to be read by both of us. See, I buy him too many things when I'm out - he assumes whatever I bring home is for him!
I told him last night - that today I will be heading out again - this time to JoAnns as I expect to find the yarn color I need to finish a project. I'll also look around and see if there is anything I want or need there. Probably not. Many times I've gone in and turnedd around and walked back out with nothing. I may go to Macy's, I've gotten several notices they are having a sale - some 70% off. If you recall, I did find some clothes a couple months ago on their clearance rack... I may need to check it out.
Hubby has gone to his Bible study this morning and I've enjoyed my time alone. We didn't even wake up until 6AM this morning - but we did go to bed at 10PM last night. It felt good to 'wake up' on my own without knowing I HAD to get up for work. Enjoying the quiet of the morning. LOL speaking of Macy's, I just got another notification of 'fantastic sales' they are having. I can walk in, walk around, and walk out with nothing and have done it many times. But I may go 'check it out' today - just to have alone time. Also need to do a run to Fry's or Sam's Club and buy some groceries. Maybe. As long as I can be creative and make something to feed him, hubby is happy. I'd like to go to the gym or the rec center too.... maybe I can talk hubby in to the rec center versus the gym today. It's closer, anyway. Maybe I'll get dressed now and head over to Sam's Club before it gets busy today - after all, today is Friday. Don't need much, but need to pick up a few things.
I guess I have rambled enough this morning - so will close this off. But back to the start of this blog and the question...
"If Jesus returned today, what would He find you doing?"
What are your responsibilities for today? What is your attitude towards them? Are we complaining about things or are we grateful for what we have to serve, to give, to share? King Solomon, the wisest man who has ever lived other than Jesus, challenges us with "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Commit that Jesus will find you faithfully doing what He has called you to do with all your heart... as we prepare to see Him face to face when He returns....
Blessings!
