http://www.missioncentral.us/missioncentral We are excited to bring you these devotionals from Rev. Lyle Kath, who was the senior Pastor at St. Martin Lutheran Church at Winona, Minnesota. Rev. Lyle has dealt with a battle concerning cancer that has taken his voice box. That has not stopped Rev. Lyle from sharing God's Word! Rev. Lyle is one of the many volunteers on staff at Mission Central. He has written a wonderful story of his battle, and it is in book form. The name of his book is "Conquering Cancer Through Faith in Christ!" If you would be interested in getting a copy, please let old Missionary Gary know at Mission Central. http://www.missioncentral.us/missioncentral/devotionals/view/5506 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:14:00 CST http://www.missioncentral.us/missioncentral/devotionals?blogm=view&blogid=5506 PROPER 28-Epistle

TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

TITLE: Surprise!

 

“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.” 1Thessalonians 5:2

 

“Surprise!” True surprises can be either good or bad. For example, a surprise birthday party can be nice. Then again, the surprise that comes when a loved one unexpectedly passes away can be heart-wrenching. The surprise mentioned in our text is ‘the Day of the Lord’ or, His second coming. For those who never believed in Jesus in the first place, then to see He really did and does exist-surprise! That day and time no one knows, not even the ‘earthly‘ Son. Hence, it is a time least expected by all mankind…surprise! ‘

 

Another thing about surprises, if they are known they are no longer surprises. We who are alive at that great day will be caught up to meet our Lord in the air; no surprise! We who believed Jesus words, “I am the Way, Truth and Life and no man comes unto The Father except by Me.” will be separated to the right; no surprise! However, for those who thought, “There are all kinds of ways to heaven besides Jesus” and “I never did anything seriously bad. I’m a basically a good person;” they will be separated to the left-surprise!

Though we shouldn’t be by now yet, when we consider and witness God’s amazing grace

its still; “Surprise!” Again, and again, and again!

 

Father, we thank you for Your blessed daily surprises and look forward to Your surprises awaiting us in heaven, in Jesus Name, Amen.

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