Smoke and Fire, the Signs of the Times

“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.  Joel 2:30

Each year we see a day in August that reminds us of autumn's imminent arrival. This year it procrastinated until the final day of the month, but it has come here at last. My thermometer outside even has a '4' at the start where there was a '9' just yesterday evening. There is also that smoke in the air still. Signs! Search the scriptures! While it is good to search the scriptures at every opportunity, I must admit that at times I am guilty of chasing sign phantoms. So much do I want the return of our Lord Jesus that almost any sign-ish thing will do for a hopeful search of the prophecies. However, our Lord did warn us that a number of significant seeming events would occur prior to the Tribulation period. Heat and smoke in August here usually just tells of summer and wildfires to the west of us; normal August activities without eternal significance. 

Normal daily or seasonal activities do not disappoint us though as each day winding its way by brings us one day closer to our reunion with the Lord Jesus. Whether we are in that group that Paul says have gone to sleep in Christ, or in that group that remains to be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds, we will go at the proper time. And each day, wonders and pillars of smoke or the usual blue skies, goes by as we wait on the Lord. 

Have patience Saints, the Lord has not gone off schedule,

Bucky