3 Feb, 2011
Spring Ahead!
The world-famous weather-reading groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted spring was on its way Wednesday from his home at Gobbler's Knob, near Punxsutawney, Penn.
His prediction offered the US some hope of respite as the country faced one of its largest winter storms since the 1950s. Thirty states were crippled by what the National Weather Service described as "life-threatening" weather conditions that stretched across 2,000 miles from Texas to Maine.
According to American folklore, if the rodent sees his shadow, then the country can expect six more weeks of winter. If he does not, then spring is on the way.
Story and picture courtesy of foxnews.com
Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
The calendar tells us what day spring officially arrives, but just because it’s on paper doesn’t mean the weather will automatically be warm and sunny. Punxsutawney Phil may even predict spring to be here in six weeks, but his shadow isn’t a guarantee of what the weather – or future – holds. Only God the Father knows the future.
How can we connect today’s God’s Story scripture to our lives?
Do I trust a groundhog to give me weather and seasonal advise? No – I know that it doesn’t matter if Phil sees his shadow or not, spring will arrive. I’ll be preparing for it – cleaning the house, putting away the heavy coats, winter boots, and opening the windows to let in the warm sun and gentle breezes.
I must also be alert for my spiritual home to be ready for the physical return of Jesus Christ. I need to ask Him to clean out any unclean parts of my life, throw out things that aren’t pleasing to Him, and be prepared completely for Him. I don’t know when His return will be, but I want my friends to have an opportunity to make an informed decision about making Jesus their Best Friend.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
As you talk to your friends today and in the upcoming weeks, the topic of weather and the season spring is certain to arise.
• Ask them who they trust for their weather information and why
• Let your friends know that you know the Maker of the wind, rains, and snow
• Show them by your actions that you trust Jesus
• Talk about Jesus in normal conversations
• Invite your friend to your YFC events, Campus Life meetings or church – involve them in your life
There’s no time to waste. Just like spring is right around the corner, Jesus IS coming back….any day……
- May 2012 [14]
- April 2012 [19]
- March 2012 [21]
- February 2012 [19]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [20]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
