Earthquakes should make us think
"FOR nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in diverse places."
These words, found in the New Testament book of Matthew, teach us what circumstances will precede the second coming of Christ to this earth.
As 2010 years have passed since Christ was on this earth, we might well ask, will there be another two millennia before Christ comes again?
The second coming of the Lord is something that many people dismiss. Even many believers, followers of Christ, Christians, never give it a thought, never speak of it, never really consider it. The second coming is seldom mentioned from our pulpits, never mind anywhere else!
The prophecies of Christ are crystal clear and the Lord's second coming is a reality! It is advancing day by day.
Before the Lord's first coming to this earth, forewarning was given of such a momentous event and that forewarning was proven true.
The Bible tells us, "The path of the just shineth more and more unto the perfect day" while in contrast "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived".
The reference to earthquakes stands out pre-eminently and we should not go on our way without taking heed of it.
The people of Haiti and Chile most recently have experienced the power and devastation of earthquakes.
Although miles away and out of reach of these two mighty earthquakes, we too have been reminded of the strength of the natural world.
These forces, which shake the earth, should also stir our faith and remind us that this earth is temporary and in it we have no continuing city.
Think on this
"In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
The New Normal
The recession has meant that consumer companies have a burden to provide real value and compelling reasons for customers to be loyal.
Companies no longer can talk "at" the consumer but have to engage "with" the consumer. It is not unlike politics!
No company is entitled to success, it has to be fought for and won. That mentality is a good one. It used to be the normal one until it was swallowed up in the boom years.
Now it has returned - it is the new normal. Long may it continue!
Forty years
I am stepping down after 40 years of service as Member of Parliament for North Antrim.
The good people of that constituency did me the honour of electing and then re-electing me every time I stood, and they hold a unique and special place in my heart, and indeed in the affections of my family.
In difficult times and in better times they have been true. There were great social needs to be addressed when I was first elected and I believe that progress has been made over these four decades.
There are of course still great social needs, many of which are new and specific to the times we now live in.
I trust my successor will have a heart for the needy and an appreciation of the truth that the role of an MP is first and foremost the role of a servant.
There is much talk of the ‘special relationship’ the UK and the USA have; well, it is as nothing when compared to the special relationship I have enjoyed with the people of North Antrim!
May God bless and prosper them.
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Weather for Belfast
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
