Living for the Sonrise

My husband is the baby of seven and in 2015 we started taking a sibling family vacation to the Outer Banks. Rob’s mom and dad, who are in their 90’s, also join the fun week at the beach. So when I heard what sounded like feet scuffling around before sunrise, I jumped up to check.

To my surprise it was just the oldest brother and brother-in-law standing in front of the windows looking out towards the ocean. 

Pink. 

Purple.

Orange.

Blue. 

Yellow.

For fifteen minutes I was mesmerized and took photos from every angle.  I even ventured out to the ocean. I thought the show was over so I decided a cup of coffee was in order. I am not sure what exactly happened to make me turn around and look one more time, but I am glad I did; the sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon of the ocean. 

The colors were breathtaking. So I joined the picture taking posse

The colors were even more stunning as the actual sun made its appearance for the day. 

I then realized that all the prior shades that painted the sky was just the precursor to the sun rising and the beauty it brought. 

This made me think of my walk with the Lord on a daily basis. I love watching the Lord work in my life, but this is just a precursor to what my eternal life will be.  

My prayer is that I never tire of the waiting, turn my back and miss the Sonrise. 

Why do I even bring this up?

My heart has been saddened recently as acquaintances and those who are considered celebrity Chrisitians have walked away from and even denounced their faith. 

Over the years there have been preachers/teachers with pretty big platforms that have taught things like the Bible is not the Word of God. They have taught that Hell is not really real.  And there are denominations that preach that you can live how you wish and still make it to heaven. 

I can’t even imagine how this must break the Fathers heart but Jesus teaches that there is an enemy who is roaming.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

God’s Word also teaches in John 10 that there is a thief whose purpose is to kill, steal and destroy. It also teaches in Matthew 7 that there are wolves who come in sheep’s clothing 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
Matthew 7:15 (NIV)

In Timothy, Paul writes

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)

But before that in 2 Timothy, Paul writes this about people who are false teachers. 

They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.  (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 2Timothy 3:6-7 (NLT)

As a woman who was burdened with guilt of sin and controlled by various desires, I am grateful for a husband who grew up in the church and teaches the truth of scriptures. He in turn has taught me to be discerning because today the world we live in has more wolves disguised as sheep than I ever thought possible and according to the Word… it will only get worse. 

So my prayer is that you will have the stamina to watch the beauty of God working in your life on a daily basis and be eagerly waiting when our Bridegroom returns.