Tag Archives: God

If You Knew the Hour: Living Ready for Christ’s Return

Posted on by shannonrainwater

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” — Matthew 24:44

Introduction: What Would You Do If You Knew the Hour?

Imagine you had a calendar notification: “Jesus is coming back tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.” How would that change your day? Would your prayers feel different? Would you share your faith with someone you’ve been hesitant to talk to? Would you spend less time scrolling on your phone and more time in Scripture?

Lately, many people are watching closely. In Israel, the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah / Rosh HaShanah) is about to begin, marked by solemn shofar blasts and gatherings of hearts for repentance. Jewish tradition connects this feast with the sounding of the shofar, spiritual awakening, and the coronation of the King. Some are saying this fall feast could herald something more—some believe it might align with the Return of Christ, perhaps even as soon as this next week.

The truth is, Jesus told us plainly that no one knows the day or the hour of His return. But He did give us story after story—parables that reveal how His people should live until He comes again. And now, with the Feast approaching, the symbolism—the blowing of the trumpet, the call to repentance, the tension of expectation—feels especially poignant.

The point is not to calculate when, but to prepare our hearts for whenever. Below we’ll explore the parables Jesus gave us: lessons about oil, servants, sheep, talents, fig trees, thieves, foundations, and wedding feasts. Each paints a picture of what readiness looks like—and invites us to consider how we would live if today were the day.

Keep Your Lamp Burning – The Ten Virgins

In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus described ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Five were wise, carrying extra oil for their lamps. Five were foolish, unprepared when the call came at midnight. When the bridegroom finally arrived, the wise were ready and went in with him to the wedding feast, but the foolish were left outside.

This parable strikes at the heart of spiritual readiness. Oil in Scripture often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, faith, and devotion. To keep your lamp burning is to maintain a living, breathing relationship with Jesus — not a cold, mechanical religion, but an active faith marked by prayer, worship, and obedience.

Many of us assume we’ll “get serious” about God someday. But “someday” is not promised. The foolish virgins thought they’d have time to prepare later, only to find the door shut.

If you knew Jesus was returning at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, how would you prepare? Chances are, you wouldn’t rush to suddenly cram in a prayer or scramble to find “oil.” Instead, you’d realize readiness must be cultivated long before the trumpet sounds.

Application: Live in daily dependence on God’s Spirit. Stay filled with His presence through Scripture and prayer. Don’t wait until crisis comes to start seeking Him.

Stay at Your Post – The Faithful and Wise Servant

In Matthew 24:45–51, Jesus told of a master who left a servant in charge of his household. The faithful servant continued his duty, feeding and caring for others, while the wicked servant assumed the master’s delay, grew lazy, and even abused his fellow servants.

The difference between the two was not knowledge, but character. The faithful servant lived every day as if the master might return, while the wicked servant lived for himself, convinced he had more time.

This parable reminds us that readiness is not just about watching the sky for Christ’s return; it’s about doing the work He’s entrusted to us in the meantime. Faithfulness is seen in the small, daily acts of obedience — serving your family, encouraging a friend, praying for others, showing up in your workplace with integrity.

If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, would you suddenly start serving others with more urgency? Why wait? The faithful servant doesn’t delay love, justice, or care.

Application: Ask yourself — am I faithfully serving where God has placed me? Do I live with diligence and integrity, or do I waste time assuming I have endless tomorrows? Readiness means staying at your post, doing your duty with love until the Master comes.

Love in Action – The Sheep and the Goats

In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus spoke of the final judgment when He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep are welcomed into eternal life, not because of lip-service faith, but because they served Christ by serving “the least of these” — feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned.

This parable teaches us that readiness for Christ’s return is measured in compassion. Our faith is revealed in the way we treat others. The goats, who ignored the needs around them, found themselves unprepared.

If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, wouldn’t you be eager to love people today? You might call someone who’s hurting, bring a meal to a struggling neighbor, or spend your time with those who need encouragement. You’d see every act of kindness as an offering to Jesus Himself.

Application: Ask yourself — how am I loving the “least of these”? Am I too wrapped up in my own comfort to see the hungry, the lonely, the forgotten? Readiness is not passive waiting; it is active compassion. Live as if every encounter with another person is an encounter with Christ.

Steward What You’ve Been Given – The Talents

In Matthew 25:14–30, a master gave three servants different sums of money, or “talents.” Two invested wisely and doubled their master’s wealth. One, however, buried his talent in fear. When the master returned, the first two were praised as “good and faithful,” while the fearful one was cast out.

This parable highlights stewardship. God has entrusted each of us with gifts, opportunities, and resources. The question is not how much we’ve been given, but what we do with it.

If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, would you bury your gifts in the ground — or boldly use them for His Kingdom? Many believers let fear, laziness, or comparison stop them from stepping out. But readiness means courageously investing what God has given.

Application: Take inventory of your talents — spiritual gifts, skills, resources, relationships. How are you using them for God’s glory? Don’t waste your time hiding what God entrusted. Live so that when the Master returns, He’ll say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Read the Signs – The Fig Tree

In Matthew 24:32–35, Jesus pointed to a fig tree. When its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know summer is near. In the same way, when we see signs of the times — wars, false teachers, increasing lawlessness — we know His return is drawing close.

This parable reminds us to live with spiritual discernment. We are not called to set dates, but to recognize that history is moving toward its climax in Christ. The world’s unrest is not random chaos but part of God’s redemptive plan.

If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, you’d live with urgency and clarity, recognizing that today’s struggles are birth pangs of His Kingdom. You’d stop wasting time on trivial pursuits and focus on eternal things.

Application: Ask yourself — do I live with awareness of the times? Or am I lulled into spiritual sleep by the distractions of the world? Stay alert, grounded in Scripture, and hopeful in Christ’s promises.

Stay Vigilant – The Thief in the Night

Jesus said His return would be like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42–44). Thieves don’t announce their arrival; they come suddenly. If the homeowner knew the hour, he would have stayed awake.

This parable highlights vigilance. Christ’s return will come at an unexpected hour. The question is not if, but when. And since we don’t know when, we must live ready at all times.

If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, you’d stay spiritually awake — no procrastination, no half-hearted discipleship, no compromise. But since you don’t know, you’re called to live every day with the same urgency.

Application: Stay spiritually alert. Guard against complacency, temptation, and distraction. Readiness is not about fear, but about consistent faithfulness.

Build on the Rock – Wise and Foolish Builders

In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus told of two builders: one built on rock, the other on sand. When storms came, only the house on the rock stood.

The foundation of your life matters. If your faith is built on convenience, culture, or comfort, it will collapse. Only a life anchored in Christ can withstand the storm.

If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, you’d double-check your foundation. You’d want to be sure your life wasn’t built on shifting sand, but on the solid rock of His Word and obedience.

Application: Ask yourself — what am I building my life on? Do I obey Jesus’ words, or just admire them? The storms of life and the return of Christ will expose the foundation. Make sure yours is rock-solid.

Accept the Invitation – The Wedding Feast

In Matthew 22:1–14, Jesus told of a king’s banquet. Invitations were sent, but many made excuses. One guest entered without proper clothes and was cast out.

This parable teaches us that readiness is not just about showing up — it’s about accepting the invitation and being clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Salvation is offered freely, but it requires a response.

If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, would you finally stop making excuses? Would you accept His invitation with joy? Would you make sure your heart was clothed with Christ, not self-righteousness?

Application: Don’t delay. Accept the invitation today. Put on Christ, not your own efforts. Live as a guest who has been graciously welcomed into the King’s feast.

Living as if Today Is the Hour

All these parables point to one truth: readiness is not about predicting dates, but about living faithfully every day.

  • Keep your lamp burning.
  • Stay faithful at your post.
  • Love others in action.
  • Use your gifts boldly.
  • Read the signs with wisdom.
  • Stay vigilant and alert.
  • Build your life on the Rock.
  • Joyfully accept God’s invitation.

If you knew the hour, your urgency would rise. But since you don’t, the call is clear: live ready, every moment.

Arise and Shine – Isaiah 60:1

Posted on by shannonrainwater

Scripture:
“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.” – Isaiah 60:1 (NLT)

The Call to Rise

There are moments in life when God’s voice is unmistakable—not because it’s loud, but because it cuts straight to the heart. Isaiah 60:1 is one of those moments. It’s not a gentle suggestion; it’s a command: “Arise!”

God isn’t asking you to wait for the perfect time, a better season, or the right resources. He’s telling you the time is now. Why? Because His glory is already upon you. You don’t need to manufacture it, earn it, or prove yourself worthy of it—it’s a gift of His presence.

You Carry His Light

If you belong to Christ, His light lives in you. That means you are a carrier of hope in a world drowning in fear, confusion, and despair. But here’s the truth: the enemy will do everything possible to keep you sitting down—distracted, discouraged, or doubtful.

When we hide our light out of fear or insecurity, darkness wins by default. But when we stand, speak, serve, and love in Jesus’ name, we push back the shadows. Even the smallest light can transform the darkest space.

This Is Your Moment

Arising doesn’t always look like a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s forgiving someone who hurt you. Sometimes it’s starting the project God’s been nudging you toward. Sometimes it’s simply showing up for a friend in need.

No matter what “arise” looks like in your life today, know this: God’s glory will go with you.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where have I been holding back my light instead of letting it shine?
  2. Who in my life needs the hope of Christ today?
  3. What’s one courageous step I can take right now in obedience to God’s call?

Prayer

Lord, I choose to rise today. Let Your glory rest on me and shine through me. Take away fear, hesitation, and distraction. Make my life a reflection of Your goodness so that others see You and give You glory. Amen.

Spiritual Wi-Fi: What Losing Internet Taught Me About God

Posted on by shannonrainwater

I was on a long flight recently—one of those cross-country marathons where you try to stay productive in the air. I connected to the in-flight Wi-Fi, got a few emails out, checked in with my family, tracked our altitude and ETA, and even streamed a quick devotional.

Then—bam. The Wi-Fi cut out.

At first, I thought it was just a lag. I tapped the screen, refreshed the page, fiddled with my settings, but nothing worked. I kept trying, because surely if I clicked enough times it would come back, right?

Nothing.

And that’s when it hit me: I had been completely unaware of just how much I was depending on that connection—until it was gone.

The Invisible Connection We Count On

Let’s be honest: Wi-Fi has become such a part of our everyday lives that we don’t even think about it when it’s working. We just expect it to be there.

It quietly powers our conversations, our navigation, our work, our entertainment.
We stream, scroll, message, and map—all without even thanking the router.

Sound familiar?

That’s how many of us treat our connection with God.

We move through the day with blessings coming in from all sides—peace, strength, breath in our lungs, direction when we ask for it—but we often go unaware. It’s not until something shakes us, distracts us, or disconnects us that we suddenly realize:
We’ve been dependent the whole time.

“In Him we live and move and have our being.” — Acts 17:28

When the Signal Drops

When the Wi-Fi on the plane went out, I felt unproductive, disconnected, and frustrated.
In that moment, I realized how deeply I had relied on that connection to function.

When God seems distant—or when we drift from Him—we feel the same way.
We get anxious. Lost. Restless.

Sometimes the silence or hardship exposes how fragile our spiritual connection has become.

“Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

Reconnecting Requires Intentionality

When Wi-Fi cuts out at home, we don’t just sit around hoping it magically returns.
We take action—we reset the router, check the cables, call tech support.

The same is true in our walk with God.

Reconnecting spiritually means:

  • Pausing and making room for Him
  • Praying honestly and often
  • Opening the Word with a ready heart
  • Letting go of distractions and sin that block the signal

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

The Closer You Are to the Source, the Stronger the Signal

We’ve all had moments where we drift too far from the Wi-Fi router and the signal drops.
The same thing happens when we drift from God—when we stop attending to the relationship.

The good news? He’s never out of range.
We just need to move closer.

Be a Hotspot

Sometimes, in a room without Wi-Fi, we look for someone with a hotspot—someone already connected who can help others get online.

Spiritually speaking, you can be that person.

In your home, your workplace, your church, your command—God can use your strong connection to help reconnect the people around you.

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14

How’s Your Signal?

Maybe today you feel like that airplane moment—tapping the screen, trying to get life to work, not realizing the issue is a lost connection with the Source.

If that’s you, here’s the good news:
God hasn’t moved.
The signal is still broadcasting.
And reconnecting is just a prayer away.

Take a moment today.
Reset.
Reconnect.
And walk in the peace and power of a strong spiritual signal.

What’s your signal strength today? Drop a comment or message if you need prayer or want to talk more about reconnecting with God.

Be a Blessing, Not a Burden

Posted on by shannonrainwater

We all know someone who just makes life lighter. When they walk into the room, the atmosphere shifts. They bring peace, hope, encouragement. They’re the people you want around when life gets hard—people who fill the space with joy and strength.

But if we’re honest, we also know the opposite. People who drain the room, who constantly take but rarely give, who leave you more tired than before they came.

And if we’re really honest—sometimes we’ve been both.

The truth is, every day we choose whether we will be a blessing or a burden to the people around us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be more than just “nice” people. We are called to be life-givers. We are called to be a blessing.

Blessed to Bless

When God called Abraham in Genesis 12, He said something powerful:

“I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

It’s easy to read that and focus only on the part about being blessed. But the second half is just as important. God didn’t bless Abraham just so he could be comfortable—He blessed him so he could become a blessing to others.

The same is true for us. Everything God gives—whether it’s peace, wisdom, finances, spiritual gifts, or opportunities—is meant to flow through us, not just to us. We’re not meant to be reservoirs. We’re meant to be rivers.

So ask yourself:
Am I someone others are thankful for? Am I known more for what I give or what I take?

Carrying Burdens—Not Becoming One

Paul wrote in Galatians 6:2,

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Helping each other in hard times is part of the Christian life. We are called to bear one another’s burdens—to lift the weight when life feels too heavy to carry alone. That’s how we show the love of Christ.

But just a few verses later, Paul also says:

“Each one should carry their own load.” (Galatians 6:5)

At first glance, that feels like a contradiction. But it’s not.

There’s a difference between a burden and a load. In the original Greek, the word for “burden” refers to a crushing weight. Something too heavy to bear alone. The word for “load” refers to a personal backpack—something you’re responsible to carry yourself.

Here’s the point:
It’s okay to need help. But we shouldn’t expect others to carry what God has asked us to carry ourselves. We are called to help others, yes—but we must also do our part.

Being a blessing means lifting burdens, not adding to them.

Consider Others More Than Yourself

The Apostle Paul offers more wisdom in Philippians 2:3–4:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

In a world obsessed with self—self-care, self-promotion, self-focus—Paul’s words hit different. He reminds us that we’re not the center of the universe. Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself—it’s thinking of yourself less.

Being a blessing means showing up with a mindset to serve, not to be served. It means being willing to give your time, attention, and energy to someone else’s need—even when it’s inconvenient.

Look to Jesus

Jesus is the ultimate example.
He didn’t come to earth demanding service. He came to serve. To wash feet. To touch lepers. To carry a cross.

He invites the weary and burdened to come to Him—not to be weighed down further, but to find rest:

“My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

If anyone had the right to make demands, it was Jesus. But instead, He chose to carry the burden we couldn’t bear—our sin—and replace it with a burden of love, purpose, and peace.

We are never more like Jesus than when we serve others with no expectation of return.

So… Which Are You?

Each day, we make a choice.

  • Will I bring peace or chaos?
  • Will I encourage or criticize?
  • Will I give, or will I drain?
  • Will I help lift burdens—or become one myself?

Being a blessing doesn’t require money, power, or a platform. Sometimes it looks like a kind word, a patient response, a prayer, or simply being present when someone is hurting.

So this week, ask yourself a bold question:
“How can I be a blessing today?”

You might be surprised how much it changes—not just someone else’s life, but your own.

The Enemy of evil.

Posted on by shannonrainwater

I have been often asked if God was the creator of evil. The answer is a simple NO. Many people get hung up on this question. Why is there so much evil in this world? Why does a good God let things like 9-11 happen?
Glance at any newspaper and the headlines tell you what’s wrong with the world. Watch television, listen to the radio, talk to friends, and you will find no shortage of opinions as to what is wrong on planet Earth.
When terrorists hijacked passenger planes and slammed into the Pentagon, two NY skyscrapers, the world quickly called it evil. The destructive power of this epic evil event made people feel paralyzed and helpless. And that’s what evil does best; it makes us feel powerless.
But we’re not. Most of us experience evil on a smaller more personal scale. And for us, the apostle Paul outlined the proper response. He said we are to abhor evil (Rom. 12:9), not to repay it with more evil (v.17), and not to be overcome by it (v. 21)
The true victim of evil is goodness– the goodness that God designed as part of creation for everyone to enjoy (Gen. 1:4-31). It is surprising then when Paul concludes that the casualty of evil is also its conqueror (Rom. 12:21).
Evil gets all the headlines, but God’s goodness is stronger, and He wants us to use it on His behalf to overcome His enemy.

See also:
Prov. 20:22, MaTT 5:38-48, 1 Thess 5:15, 1 Peter 3:8-17