Did You See The Storm Warnings Posted?

This week numerous storm warnings have been posted for those traveling for Thanksgiving. It doesn't appear as if any are for the St. Louis area, but other parts of the US could see some snow and or rain. Which got me to thinking about how often warnings get ignored.

Tornado warnings come to mind. How many times do we hear of a "warning" but give no thought to taking any action unless we might see the storm heading right for our home. Sometimes we get a heads up on a "warning" regarding finances and we might move our money around in order to protect it. There are warning labels on various products that get totally ignored (tobacco products come to mind). There are warning stickers on bags, sheets on our bed, lawn mowers. I heard of a warning label on a child's stroller that said, "Warning! Remove child before folding!' Like wow!

Paul was writing to his friends and wanting to give them a "heads up", or a "warning" about what to expect in the last days. In 1 Thessalonians 4 & 5 he spoke to them about the rapture of the church and the coming destruction to those without Jesus. A Storm is coming he said. The coming Day of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:2) will be a time of intense pain and heartache. But people can be prepared.

He concludes by saying saying "Encourage one another and Build Each Other Up".

How? Here's one thing to keep in mind. Following Jesus is our guarantee of a safe passage through the storm. Verse 9 says God has not destined His people to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Sunday we're going to be thankful for Jesus our rescuer. As we watch the news and see the chaos, our Hope in Jesus is our security we are going to make it through the storm.

See You Sunday Friend!

Pastor Mike

PS- As you're praying about what God may have you do with our Shine Your Light campaign, know that we now have over $28,100 pledged towards our goal of $32,500. Bring your pledge cards on Sunday if you're ready!

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