“The RoseBouquet”

Here’s yet another very instructive message from Jesus. It’s not really a parable, but a simile When the Son of Man, that’s Jesus, comes into His glory and sits on His throne, surrounded by angels, all the nations and peoples of the earth will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the sheep from the goats, just like a shepherd does. One kind to the left, and the other to the right.

These people will have no say in which side Jesus sends them to; He will decide that. Those He sees as sheep will go to the right, and those He sees as goats will go to the left.

Then Jesus will invite those on the right to (here His simile changes) enter into their inheritance in the kingdom of the Father, a place prepared for them since the foundation of the world. He explains why they have been chosen. They are the righteous because when He was in need, they fed Him, gave Him to drink, invited Him in as a stranger, clothed Him when needing clothes, looked after Him when sick, and visited Him when in prison. The righteous will be astonished and ask when they ever did these things for Him.

His reply; “whenever you did it for the least of My brothers.”

Those on the left will be sentenced into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. The charge against them is that they did not minister to Him when He was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, needing clothes, sick or in prison. They too will be astonished, sure that they did all these things for Him. Jesus will reply that if they did not do this for His brethren, they denied it to Him.

PRAYER: Lord, there is no mention of faith as a criteria here for entering Heaven. Is it truly wrapped up in how we treat the marginalized and needy in Your name? I do automatically reach out to help those whose needs are in my power to meet, but I confess I have not always seen them as representing You, dear Jesus. What if I’m ignoring some? I want to pay better attention to the needy people around me and which ones I can help - and do it for the love of You, dear Lord!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Got sibling troubles? Do you and your sister fight like cats? Sometimes it’s two against three - never really fair, is it? Ruthe, in Ruthe’s Secret Roses has one jealous sister and one who adores her and is able to keep secrets very well. You’ll find that she understands your dilemma, as you watch her struggle for answers.

This is a longer story Jesus told; I hope you take time to read it first, as I don’t have space on one page to tell it and draw applications too. Note also, at that time a talent was a coin, a unit of money. Today we use that word, talent, as a gift or skill that is unique to an individual. But again, this helps us understand the story on two levels.

Basically, a rich man left on a journey but first entrusted his money to servants and expected them to do business on his behalf, and to increase or make profits for him. As his servants they were to see this as a job that they must fulfill. The master was not cruel or blandly indifferent to their abilities. He entrusted them with funds according to what he knew their abilities were.

I suspect Jesus’ listeners waited with baited breath because such responsibility sounded like a great job to them. If only they could be so fortunate.

Jesus doesn’t go into a long side-story about how they multiplied their talents (which makes it easier for us to apply this lesson to our own situations), except to say that the first and second servants did business and were able to double the funds entrusted to them.

I was about 13 when I heard a sermon on such a passage, probably this one. My reaction was; I had no talents or gifts - unless God would count my imagination. I offered it to Him willingly, if He found it acceptable. God accepted it. As I wrote a novel, planned lessons and outings for my Sunday School class, led a Pioneer Girls club (in London, ON), and taught many crafts, my skills and abilities increased and multiplied.

A decade later I heard such a sermon again. That’s when I realized my imagination had multiplied and become writing, teaching, leadership, administration, intercessory prayer and other skills.

PRAYER: Lord, I better look at the talents, assets and resources You have entrusted to me, to make sure I have not buried or hidden some talent, and am failing to bring You profit. Thank You!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. “God, give ME a Friend!” Is that your heart’s cry? If you feel friendless, you will be thrilled to meet Ruthe and her BEST Friend, whom she loves to share! Get the book; Ruthe’s Secret Roses.

Last week Wednesday evening the place began to swarm with people touring this house. At least it felt like that to me for about an hour and twenty minutes. Our realtor and another one, each brought through some couples to see the place. Almost all of them mentioned the photo stories on my site that I had got up for you, my RoseBouquet subscribers in the morning. George had learned about them in the afternoon and was referring everyone he talked to, to go to that first URL ( http://Ruthes-SecretRoses.com/A/Tour-Dads-house.shtml in case you missed it).

Some of them remarked on the lovely garden we had last summer so I knew my links to those photo stories from last summer had been a smart move!

The next morning George called to tell me we had an offer already. The Executor’s office called too and asked if we’d accept it. She also called each of my siblings to get their okay. But we are not to spread around that amount as George is open to other backup offers in case this first one falls through. And others have come on different days since then to see this house.

The main hold up now is that Dad’s will has to go through probate and to do that they need a value for the total estate, meaning the stuff in the house that is to be sold yet. So I’ve called three auction houses last week, and am waiting for the auctioneers to come see it all and give us their best evaluation figures. Once we have a total value things can move forward again.

I’m still packing nearly every day. I did have some events to do with the mission over the last 5 days, but we had the 66th Anniversary Music and Dessert night last night in the Rock of Ages church in Saskatoon, and so now I’m going to push on the packing and inventory list the rest of this week.

On Friday my brother Ernie comes from Winnipeg to help sort and identify Dad’s tools. I think we’ll also have a little family auction on the weekend so we as a family can buy anything that we really want before the public auction happens.

Business-wise, it looks like I may soon have a paying client for my web design services, but of course, they want a really-really good deal too. Otherwise, everything is revolving these days around my own personal life, and the sale of this house.

If you’re waiting for me to mention my little dream house again… the update on that right now is that Mennonite Trust, the executor of Dad’s will, has hinted that once they know the total value of Dad’s estate, they might consider giving me an advance on my share of the inheritance, and a loan for the rest. I had no intentions of taking out a loan, but if that is offered to me, and the Lord shows me it is okay, then I’m prepared to accept it.

(I might add that I have absolutely NO credit rating because I have refused to borrow any money for over 30 years, so the fact that Mennonite Trust is willing to offer to do this is a minor miracle too).

Ah, but something else has happened that may have a bearing on all this. On Friday evening at the Western Tract Mission’s Annual Meeting, the director, Arnold Stobbe, moved that I be officially made a missionary of the mission. It passed by 100% show of hands!

I have already been donating at least one evening a week, often more, to volunteer for the mission, and have been a Board member and secretary on the Board. My basic duties will remain the same, web designer/maintainer, and desktop editor of the quarterly Reflections newsletter, and of the monthly Praise & Prayer Report. But added to this, once I live in the city, will be to help the office staff with things like computer backups, to re-write the Policy Handbook, and I’ve offered to be available for speaking engagements on Sundays, and to do more public relations work to build up the image of the mission generally.

This means that I am to raise up pledges from friends who are willing to send in regular financial support. If they send that to the WTM office and it passes through their books before I receive it, the donors will get income tax deductible receipts because WTM is a registered non-profit charity. However, I will no longer have voting privileges at the Board meetings when I benefit financially, so we’re on the lookout to find a new Board member to add to the Board. Arnold says he still wants me to be the secretary (they like my Minutes!) and to share my input in the discussions at the meetings. I just don’t get to raise my hand on motions any more.

Since I’m only a part-time missionary, but this is a move to help me get finances to cover my basic living expenses, I’m thinking that if enough people send in pledges totallying $500 I’d be thrilled to pieces! Knowing myself though, and how I tend to get more and more involved once I commit myself to something, it is quite possible that with time I may end up as a full-time missionary.

I’m pleased with this arrangement because it will still allow me to run my online business ventures. In fact, I’m hoping that eventually I will be able to say, “thanks, but I can support myself now, and others besides!” Then I would return to volunteer status with the mission.

Because the other two couples who are missionaries with the mission were present on Friday, we had a quick, impromptu photo op. You can see one taken on my camera if you go to the mission’s site, WesternTractMission.org

I was just reading on the affiliateprograms.com site the comment by a man who was putting up hundreds of pages on his web site but not making any money at all. Not one cent! The advice he got was to hurry up and sign up with Google’s AdSense program, and put the code they provide on all his pages. It’s the fastest way to make money with your site.

I thought to myself, I know that! But I bet not all my subscribers know it. If if you’ve been creating one web page after another and wondering when the money will show up - you really ought to look into this! (Be sure to read all the instructions first. They have tight rules).

Adsense

The great truth in this parable seems to escape many in the churches today. There are those Christians who are convinced of the Rapture and who are sure they are ready to rise at a moment’s notice to meet the Lord in the air. This is when they will go to that seven-year long wedding feast of the Lamb and the Bride.

Those that go to meet Him are in fact, the Bride herself! There are many other passages that describe the true believers, who are saved and sanctified by the precious blood of Jesus, and so part of Christ’s Body, also known as the Church, of which He is Head.

There are those, of course, who believe on Jesus too, who know their names are on their local church membership list. But as Jesus describes, if they do not have oil in their lamps, that is, the Holy Spirit filling them, they will not be going with the first group to meet the Bridegroom, and get into Heaven for that wedding feast.

Jesus says plainly here, that they will bang on the doors of Heaven (figuratively), and cry out, “Open the door for us!” But He will say, “I don’t know you.”

I’ve known this story since I was a child, and have often wondered why both groups would be called virgins and represent the church if Jesus would say one day that He didn’t know half of them. A parable is more like a sketch than a photograph. If we look for precise matches in details we go astray. The ten virgins seem to be representing all who call themselves Christians. (Only Jesus knows for sure which ones are His, in fact). The point is that at the time of the Rapture everyone will know by the panicked people who will be desperate to get into Heaven for that wedding feast. Suddenly they will KNOW they were not really part of the Church.

PRAYER: Oh, Lord, I praise You that I can say I know You, and You know me, and that You have anointed me with Your Holy Spirit. Thus, my lamp has oil! And I know that I can have a fresh infilling whenever I ask You for it. You graciously grant me Your Spirit for power to love and obey You, and to share the gospel. Oh, that I might help some other virgins to get oil!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. If you are fed up with “reality” stories and shows, and would like to see someone in action who lives with integrity, and does good to everyone she meets, and solves problems by prayer and faith in God - then it is time you meet Ruthe in Ruthe’s Secret Roses

The faithful and wise servants that the Master has put in charge of other servants in the Church to give them their spiritual food at the right times, is suppose to be found faithful in that work when He, the Master returns. Jesus promises that Master will put that servant in charge of all his possessions on his return.

However, if that servant is wicked and persuades himself that his Master is a long way from coming, and begins to beat the fellow servants, and waste his time drinking with drunkards - that servant is in for a big surprise.

The Master is going to come unexpectedly, destroy that wicked servant, and send him to the same place as the hypocrites, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I don’t know about you, but I can plainly see that this is a parable of Jesus Himself as the Master, and of us as His servants. We are to be faithful in serving - that is teaching, helping, comforting our fellow servants. Our priority one activity should be sharing the gospel, and teaching those who believe to know and follow Christ better. If we do, we will receive more responsibility on His return.

If we do not do our prescribed duties, Jesus, our Master will come at a time we least expect Him, and will deal thoroughly with us for our failures. In plain words, then we end up in Hell.

This should motivate us to be more faithful and eager to obey Jesus, our Master. He has certainly laid out the consequences of both obedience and ignoring our duties.

PRAEYER: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to get a fresh grip on the work You want me to do here while we wait for Your return. I want to be faithful and passionate about doing Your will, for I know You will make it well worth my while when You return! I do believe You will also be swift and thorough with punishment and a spot in Hell if I don’t. You have every right to be so firm. You deserve my BEST at all times! Oh, that I might be found faithful and wise! Please!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Wish You had One Loyal Friend?

The secret is to BE one first. Discover how by watching Ruthe in this book! (You could gain her BEST Friend too).

I confess, I’m confused at today’s reading in this passage. I always thought it referred to the Rapture of the Church, but in verse 36, Jesus says, “No one knows about THAT day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” THAT must refer to the verses just preceding this passage. Then the chapter is referring to the Second Coming of Christ and not the Rapture. If THAT refers only to the fig tree illustration in verses 32-35, then this is talking about the sign that all these end times are about to begin, because the fig tree portrays that start of a season.

There is a description of people working side by side, and one will be taken (as a ready Believer) and removed, while the other person is left behind, in keeping with the Rapture in I Thessalonians.

It is reiterated that this event will sneak up without being announced because no one but God knows when this will happen. We are, Jesus says, to be alert and ready and waiting for it.

Life is going to continue as we know it until that time, just as in Noah’s day, people continued on their own way until God brought people into the ark, and shut the door. This illustration is a major confirmation that the Rapture will remove those God wants to preserve out of the Tribulation, just as He lifted Noah and his family above the waters that flooded the whole earth back then.

Ah, as I study and re-read this passage a few times I find myself convinced all over again a, that there will be two separate events, a Rapture of believers just prior to the Tribulation lasting seven years, and at the end, the Second Coming of Christ when everyone left on the earth will see Jesus arriving on a cloud!

PRAYER: Oh dear Lord Jesus, to us who believe right now, You are our loving Shepherd and Husband, who cares for us and provides for us. Those who will see You when You return as King Jesus, will see a different side of You. They will finally be in awe of You and fall down in fear and worship! Thank You for bringing me into the Church, which is Your beloved Bride! Help me to be alert and ready and watching for You!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Are you an older sister? The one who is always expected to look after the younger kids? Well, here’s a book where the older sisters shine! Not just Ruthe, the heroine, but a lot of her friends are too. You ought to have a look at the sample chapters.

Read these verses over a few times. It is Jesus Himself describing when and how He is coming again to the earth. He will come at a time great distress on the earth, even the sun, moon and stars will go dark and shaken from their positions in the universe.

When Jesus, the Son of Man, and God, appears in the sky, all the nations of the earth will mourn and be sad. (Why? Because they know judgment is coming).

What will Jesus’ appearing look like? Everyone will see Him coming on the clouds from the sky with great power and glory.

He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, from one end of the earth and Heavens to the other to gather up His elect - that’s those who have elected to trust Him for salvation.

Jesus explained that just as you know summer is very near when you see green leaves bud and come out on a tree, just so, once you see these signs of His second coming, you will know that His coming is very, VERY close! “I tell you the truth,” He says, “This generation (the one alive when that starts to happen) will not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth might pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

What does this mean we should do now?

If we have already accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour from sin, and our sanctifier so we can live holy lives, I think we need only to rejoice in this promise, and to share it with others.

PRAYER: Oh Lord Jesus, I am glad that I won’t have to stay around for that Tribulation period - You will come for Your Church before that and steal us away! But I’m also glad that You will have mercy on those left, and give them a chance to believe and be saved even in the midst of terrible times. One day all the nations of the earth will see You, and the unbelievers will hang their heads in shame! The Victor will vindicate all of us at once! Hallelujah! I worship You, O King Jesus!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Need a Friend? You’ll soon think of Ruthe as your friend, when you read Ruthe’s Secret Roses

This is the end of the Study in Matthew, which seemed to me to be all about the Kingdom of Jesus. He taught the people about the Kingdom of God through His stories, and these carry lessons for us too, as we invite Jesus to be part of our lives, and reign in our hearts as King. I hope that it is your desire to always have Him reign in your life too! May He bless you with His peace.

As I mentioned last Friday, I do have other studies in various books and topics in the Bible, but they are not edited for sharing yet. When my season of transition and move to the city is complete, I’ll buckle down and prepare another one.