The Rapture must never become just an academic journey. The revelation in the New Testament of this future event is meant to encourage, challenge, and motivate us. If we really, truly comprehend the reality of the Rapture, it will change the way we go about life in the here and now. Let’s look at four words that describe the Rapture effect – four words that will help you determine if you are rapture ready. Not just ready for the Rapture if it should happen today, but ready even if it does not happen in your lifetime.

The Great Disappearance Ch 13 By Dr. David Jeremiah Read by Andi and Brian Hale "The Reunion" The idea of family reunions is not new, of course. Eternity represents the grandest family reunion on could ever imagine. The idea of family reunions is not new, of course. Bible students know we are all decendants of Adam and Ev and therefore all related. The human race as a whole is truly a worldwide family – a “Global Family”. But there is a difference between the world family and the family of God – those who are related to God by faith in Jesus Christ. For us, eternity represents the grandest family reunion on could ever imagine. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. ‭‭1 THESSALONIANS‬ ‭4:16‭-‬18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Faith Matters with Brian and Andi Hale Killing Comparison by Nona Jones What if we made an intentional effort to include, celebrate, encourage, and affirm people when we’re feeling left out, overlooked, discouraged, and not good enough?

COMPETITION In the Gospels, it appears that Peter and John did a lot of competing with each other. Both came from families whose business was fishing. Both were part of the original twelve disciples, and along with James, both were members of the inner circle of three to whom Jesus would give special time, teachings, and experiences. When people have this much in common, they regularly become competitors. John had already established that he was the fastest one. He might have taken issue with Jesus saying that Simon’s new name would be Peter, which means “rock,” and that the church would be built on his testimony. But Peter, too, may have been annoyed that John was “the beloved one.” Jesus was aware of this “sibling” rivalry. When Peter pointed to John, wondering if he was going to be treated fairly and equally, Jesus said, “I’ll do whatever I want with him. Why do you care?!” All of us have unique challenges and unique blessings in our life. Some of us have a knack for numbers, others with sales. Some of us have great parents, and others have great wives. Some of us are very wealthy, and others are very healthy. We need to accept these God-given differences and make the most of what we have. Competing with other believers is as fruitless as a dog chasing his tail. We need to be satisfied with the life we have and run in the lane God has placed us in, not look at people in different lanes to tell us whether we are winning or not. They have their race and you have yours. PRAYER Lord, I’m thankful for the life You have given me. I’m sorry for allowing the lives of others to rob me of contentment. That won’t happen today. Amen. GET MOVING 1. Identify someone in your life who you tend to compete with or envy. 2. Look for an opportunity today to encourage that person to their face.