While in a canoe, we have to mainly remember these things: To stay in the center, to work together, and to be alert ...prepared for what lies ahead.

Going downstream, what lies ahead is partially unseen, and necessitates that we negotiate any rough waters. But even on a seemingly peaceful placid day, moving smoothly across known waters of a favorite lake, we must look to the horizon ...and be alert enough to recognize whether a storm may be gathering.

Can we see birds in flight, or merely feel it in the air? Those may be indications of what the weather may be like for today, but on a more serious note ...what really lies ahead?

What lies ahead, determining our future ...let it not be lies!

If the truth cannot be discerned from a lie, then the lie has already gotten a foot in the door ...and developed its stronghold.

A lie can tolerate a little truth, and actually does benefit from it ...but the absolute truth never invites a lie. Any ground given over to doubt, will assuredly soon compromise the truth.

Not all compromise is bad. We should stand ready to compromise our preferences, our pride, and our individual expectations ...but never at the expense of compromising the truth. And our main convictions should never be compromised.

The truth is this: Jesus was born in a manger, and died at the hand of self-seeking government and religious leaders. But the truth is also this: Jesus rose ...above it all!

And the truth is this: Jesus will return to rule the earth. But what is also true is this following statement: "We don't know when Jesus will return."

We can say we can feel it in the air, and look at all the "signs of the time" ...but we can also read that none of us really know the time, only likely that it is near.

Out of deep loving concern for us, God always brings forth events that will reveal His truth, particularly when the truth of His character is compromised ...distorting the correctness of who He is, to the point of not becoming even close at all to who He is.

I don't know how everyone sees it, but I see it happening in wreckless abandon ...traveling in the fast lane.

At times, it is as if we are trapped in rush hour traffic, seemingly going nowhere, caught within the "flow" like everyone else.

My main focus though, is not "how soon" it will be before Jesus returns to earth to rule for that aforementioned thousand years. My thoughts are more about how that thousand year reign will look ...in contrast to how we live today. If Jesus were to say to us, as He did to Zacchaeus, "I'm coming to your house today" ...which day would suffice? How much preparation time would we need? Would we need to vacuum, or what other cleaning would be of primary importance?

Do we live in a vacuum ...a vacuum sometimes defined as a space left empty by the removal of something, in essence, left void? Then do we get to the point of allowing ourselves to be so unaware, that we become overwhelmed by the force, that it sucks us in, virtually with little hope of escaping it? Or are we in rush hour traffic, looking desperately for our exit?

If Jesus came to our home, what would He think of our lifestyle?

Wait a minute!! Don't many of us claim He is within us ...and in our homes? So, is there really supposed to be a difference between what we do amongst different peers, certain authorities, or even within certain recognized days on our calendar? How are we so out-of-touch, that we pretend that He doesn't see ...when we read in His Word, that He even knows our heart?

None of us are near what we should be, but do we at least glorify God, admitting to: Who He is, what His character is, and ...what He says in His Word; the words we all can read?

So more precisely, where are we ...and where are we going? I believe we are definitely going downstream. Of course, it is easier going downstream as we go with the current. But what happens when danger lies ahead? Suddenly, what appeared rather easy, becomes difficult ...and we feel the current getting stronger.

As we go downstream, I like to think of it ...like a canoe ride: Stay in the center, work together, and be alert for what lies ahead.

It's best if we follow an experienced guide, center on Jesus, and work together.

Most canoes don't hold many people. But husbands and wives can set out ahead ...and show the children how to navigate.

And what about the others who are not aware of the dangers downstream, you may ask? We simply ...and compassionately tell them of the danger, and encourage them by telling them of the safe route. We share with them the gospel, in hopes they will be saved.