Get Your Weather Report Here

by

Rev. Richard Fisher

Early in WW II, baseball broadcasters were forbidden to give information about weather conditions over the air, for fear it might be of aid to enemy bombers. On one St. Louis broadcast, Dizzy Dean and his play-by-play partner Johnny O’Hara filled a rain delay with about an hour of aimless talk, never mentioning why there was no action on the field. Finally, Dizzy Dean “ran out of words,” as O’Hara explained it, and said, “If you folks don’t know what’s holdin’ up this game, just stick your heads out the window.”

Sticking your head out the window is one sure way to determine the weather but determining the signs of our time may be a bit harder.

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ’It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ’Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” – Matthew 16:1-3

We need to be spiritually alert to interpret the signs of the times. Jesus told us in John 3:3 that we need to be born again. We ask forgiveness of our sins and invite Christ into our hearts. The Holy Spirit that we receive at our new birth will guide use into truth. (John 14:17 & 16:13) As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit will give us insights into the times we are living in. Seeking God in prayer and living by faith will give us strength and enable us to be watchful in this world. (Matthew 26:41)

One of the areas we need to be spiritually alert to is the various teachers and teachings of today. “ Sadie,' a Labrador retriever belonging to the Charles Thurber family in California, was ordained as a minister of faith by the Hilltop House Church in San Rafael. The dog’s name and $15 were submitted by the Better Business Bureau of San Francisco through a newspaper ad. By return mail Sadie received her 'Certificate of Ordination.' ”

Jesus warned against false teaching. Matt. 16:11-12 “How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Some are teaching salvation by works. We are saved by the grace of God. And no one can be saved by their good works. NO ONE. Not Billy Graham and not Mother Teresa. We’re all dependent on the grace and graciousness of God! (Ephesians 2:8)

There are many other areas we are to be spiritually alert to like what is socially acceptable. The Word of God gives us commandments and principles that we can live by. Eph. 5:15-17 “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

The only way to be alert is to live the faith. Read the Word. Go to church. Be much in prayer.